Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
"Apotheosis" of George Washington Creamware Jug- Large Size
Located in Downingtown, PA
Ascending to Glory: A Monumental Liverpool Creamware Jug Celebrating Washington's Apotheosis Historical Context: From Man to Myth George Washington's...
Creamware, Pottery
American-Market "Peace, Plenty and Independence" Liverpool Creamware Jug
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Peace, Plenty and Independence" - An Exceptional American Market Creamware Jug, Circa 1800 A profound piece of early American history and decorative art, this large Liverpool Creamware jug was specifically produced for the burgeoning United States market around 1800. This spectacular jug perfectly encapsulates the patriotic zeal and domestic aspirations of the post-Revolutionary era. Its historical...
Creamware, Pottery
Boston State House Staffordshire Blue & White Pottery Pair of Plates
Located in Downingtown, PA
Boston State House Staffordshirepair of pottery plates John Rogers & Son, 1825 This Rogers underglaze blue printed plate of the Boston State Ho...
Pearlware, Pottery
Ceramic Glazed ‘Mobach Utrecht’ Jug, Signed
By Mobach
Located in Voorburg, NL
Very sophisticated ceramic jug designed and made by Klaas Mobach for ‘Mobach Utrecht’ in the 1940s with black and blue reduced fired glaze. Execution Mo...
Ceramic
$556Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6 in W 3 in D 2 in
Pair of Diminutive Red Staffordshire Spaniels, circa 1860
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of diminutive red Staffordshire Spaniels, circa 1860, Each one exceptionally painted with expressive faces.
Pottery
$586
H 2.66 in W 2.56 in D 2.76 in
Stephen Green Lambeth Salt Glazed Stoneware Miniature Napoleon Cream Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A scarce antique early stoneware salt glazed cream jug modelled as a bust of Napoleon by Stephen Green, Lambeth and dating from around 1840. This delight...
Stoneware
Cantagalli Italian Large Impressive Crested Maiolica Pottery Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very large and impressive Italian Maiolica pottery handled jug by renowned potter Ulisse Cantagalli (Italian, 1839-1901) and dating from around 1860. The jug stands on a narrow flat round unglazed base with a large round bulbous shaped body and with a large shaped raised pouring spout with a wide strap shaped loop handle. The jug is hand painted with a framed crest to the front of the jug with floral painted panels...
Pottery
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Plates- Set of 8
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous set of 8 gorgeous dinner and salad plates. Super chic hand made studio pottery in thr most beautiful shade of green. Four dinner plates and four salad plates. Acquired fro...
Pottery
Pair of Bennington Toby Jugs
Located in Buchanan, MI
One pair of Bennington Toby jugs.
Pottery
Turquoise Blue Pottery Vase
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Modern turquoise blue Amphora pottery vase, circa early-20th century, USA. Very good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Dimension...
Clay
Mid-century Handmade Burgio Ceramic Jug 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-century handmade Burgio ceramic jug 1930s Intact, small "craquelure". Good conditions. We guarantee adequate packaging and will ship via DHL, insuring the contents against any b...
Ceramic
Early 19th Century Creamware Liverpool Jug
Located in High Point, NC
Early 19th century creamware Liverpool jug of the American ship Caroline, circa 1800, with polychromed decorated image of the sea and the American flag ...
Creamware
Staffordshire Marble Slipware Glazed Pottery Pig Moneybox
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful antique English Staffordshire pottery pig moneybox decorated in marble effect slipware glazes and dating from around 1840. The moneybox shaped as...
Pottery
English Rare Creamware Pottery Initialled Fox Head Stirrup Cup
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A charming and rare antique English creamware pottery fox head stirrup cup probably dating from around 1800. The lightly potted large cup is ...
Pottery
$1,200
H 13 in W 9 in D 9 in
Antique American Primitive Stoneware Salt Glazed Jug Cobalt Flower By Eaton NJ
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Rare Antique American Primitive Stoneware Salt Glazed Jug with Cobalt Flower By Jacob Eaton of South River, NJ. Circa Mid 19th Century. Measurements: 13" H x 9" W x 9" D.
Ceramic
Sold
H 11 in W 10.75 in D 8.75 in
18th Century Large Liverpool Cream Ware Jug for the American Market, circa 1780s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Late 18th Century Large Liverpool Cream Ware Jug Made for the American Market, circa 1780s, an extremely large soft paste pottery pitcher made by the English Liverpool potteries for ...
Pottery
Liverpool Creamware Desk Plaque of George Washington
Located in Downingtown, PA
Liverpool Creamware Plaque of George Washington, Herculaneum Pottery, Circa 1800 The Liverpool creamware plaque depicts the Gilbert Stuart ima...
Creamware, Pottery
Sold
H 6.5 in W 7 in D 5 in
English Creamware Jug with "Success to the Crooked but interesting Town of Bosto
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Creamware Jug with "Success to the Crooked but interesting Town of Boston" Inscription, Reference to Boston, MA, Probably Liverpool, 1800 The English creamware jug in red has the inscription referring to Boston, MA on one side within a wreath and on the reverse twenty-one lines of red transfer printed verse, by Thomas Moore, also within a wreath. The top and bottom of the jug with a narrow red band and with an applied handle with small spot of red enamel at the top. The inscription is a reference to the winding streets of Boston. Dimensions: 6 1/2 inches high x 7 inches wide x 5 inches; (16.51cm high x 17.78cm wide) Provenance: Warren M. Little Collection, one of the sons of the famous Americana Collector Nina Little. Sold in Fall 1991 for $5,500.00. A clipping from the Maine Antique...
Creamware
Pottery Creamware Plate of an American Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
English pottery creamware plate of an American ship, circa 1785-1800. The circular creamware plate with a slight well is decorated with a black and w...
Creamware, Pottery