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Empire Serving Pieces

EMPIRE STYLE

From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in ​​Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.

Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.

Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.

Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.

Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Empire
Large Estate Christofle Empire Style Four Piece Caviar Serving Set
Large Estate Christofle Empire Style Four Piece Caviar Serving Set

Large Estate Christofle Empire Style Four Piece Caviar Serving Set

By Christofle

Located in New York, NY

Fine large and impressive estate Christofle Empire style caviar serving set Pattern: 4224590 Classic French elegance, this superb scarce four piece caviar set epitomizes luxury and refinement. Composed of an outer two handled presentation dish for ice, a crystal bowl for caviar, a cross bar stand for the caviar bowl and a lid. The handles with attractive stylized sea shell motifs, ideal for serving caviar. This fine Christofle caviar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Small French Floral Painted Toleware Metal Vanity Tray
Small French Floral Painted Toleware Metal Vanity Tray

Small French Floral Painted Toleware Metal Vanity Tray

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Small French decorated butterfly shaped tray featuring hand colored flowers. We see this versatile piece on a cocktail table or used on a vanity holding you're favorite jewelry or tr...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Dagoty Manufacture of Empress Joséphine Wife of Napoleon 1st Swan Cup
Dagoty Manufacture of Empress Joséphine Wife of Napoleon 1st Swan Cup

Dagoty Manufacture of Empress Joséphine Wife of Napoleon 1st Swan Cup

By Dagoty

Located in Paris, FR

This very rare set of 12 delicate cups swan shape with their saucers is signed by Dagoty, one of the favorite manufacturers of Empress Joséphine's first Napoleon wife well known for ...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Four Elegant French Silver Open Salt Cellars
Set of Four Elegant French Silver Open Salt Cellars

Set of Four Elegant French Silver Open Salt Cellars

Located in Montreal, QC

Set of four 800 French silver oval open slat cellars decorated with eagle heads, Provincial hallmarks, 1798-1809.

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Set of Four Cut Crystal and Brass Salt & Pepper Cellars, Early 20th Century
Set of Four Cut Crystal and Brass Salt & Pepper Cellars, Early 20th Century

Set of Four Cut Crystal and Brass Salt & Pepper Cellars, Early 20th Century

Located in Knivsta, SE

Set of Four Empire Style Cut Crystal and Brass Salt & Pepper Cellars, Early 20th Century A refined set of four open salt and pepper cellars, executed in faceted crystal and mounted ...

Category

Early 20th Century Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Haviland, Antique Extremely Rare Platinum "Thistle" Service (70 pieces), 1900s
Haviland, Antique Extremely Rare Platinum "Thistle" Service (70 pieces), 1900s

Haviland, Antique Extremely Rare Platinum "Thistle" Service (70 pieces), 1900s

By Haviland & Co.

Located in PARIS, FR

An exceptional 70-piece Haviland "Thistle" service in platinum inlay, dating from the early 1900s as confirmed by the red seal mark on every piece. Each item is signed on the reverse...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Platinum

French Empire Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Blue Glass Liners Return from Egypt
French Empire Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Blue Glass Liners Return from Egypt

French Empire Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Blue Glass Liners Return from Egypt

French Napoleonic Empire table set "return from Egypt" Made of sterling silver and cobalt blue liners Collectible for it's beauty and hallmarks that were only used during Napoleons E...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Egg Box in Lacquered Sheet Metal with Chinese Decor, French Work, 19th Century
Egg Box in Lacquered Sheet Metal with Chinese Decor, French Work, 19th Century

Egg Box in Lacquered Sheet Metal with Chinese Decor, French Work, 19th Century

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This beautiful and rare Egg box is made of lacquered sheet metal with Chinese decor. This is a French work. Executive period - 19th century.

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Sheet Metal

Neoclassical Green and Gilt Faux Marble Samovar Coffee Urn
Neoclassical Green and Gilt Faux Marble Samovar Coffee Urn

Neoclassical Green and Gilt Faux Marble Samovar Coffee Urn

Located in New York, NY

Neoclassical green and gilt faux marble samovar coffee urn. Gilt and green faux marble painted samovar with Greco Roman mask issuing spout on pedestal abov...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

French Empire Paris Porcelain Octagonal Sauce Tureen with Flower Garland Sprig
French Empire Paris Porcelain Octagonal Sauce Tureen with Flower Garland Sprig

French Empire Paris Porcelain Octagonal Sauce Tureen with Flower Garland Sprig

Located in Litchfield, CT

Antique early 19th century Paris porcelain octagonal sauce tureen with flower garland sprig decoration on the lid and bowl. The under tray is attached to the bowl. Measures 8 1/4" x ...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Related Items
Set of Four Salt Cellars Royal Copenhagen ‘Flora Danica’ Porcelain
Set of Four Salt Cellars Royal Copenhagen ‘Flora Danica’ Porcelain

Set of Four Salt Cellars Royal Copenhagen ‘Flora Danica’ Porcelain

By Royal Copenhagen

Located in London, GB

Set of Four Salt Cellars Royal Copenhagen ‘Flora Danica’ Porcelain Denmark, Late 20th Century Model no. 20/3557 Height 5 cm, Width 11 cm, Depth 8.5 cm Produced by Royal Copenhagen...

Category

20th Century Danish Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware
Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware

Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware

$876Sale Price|25% Off

H 11.82 in W 19.69 in D 11.82 in

Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware

By Christofle

Located in Paris, FR

Part of flatware Christofle collection "Marly" in silver metal. This set of cutlery with rich decoration of plants in the Louis XV style is composed of ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal, Silver

Christofle - Flatware Cutlery Set Talisman Plated Silver & Black Lacquer 39 Pcs
Christofle - Flatware Cutlery Set Talisman Plated Silver & Black Lacquer 39 Pcs

Christofle - Flatware Cutlery Set Talisman Plated Silver & Black Lacquer 39 Pcs

By Christofle

Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR

Flatware cutlery set "Talisman" made in plated silver metal and black Chinese lacquer by Christofle. Each piece is signed and stamped. New cutlery, still in its blister packagin...

Category

20th Century French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Liqueur Set, Bohemian Glass, Early 20th Century
Vintage Liqueur Set, Bohemian Glass, Early 20th Century

Vintage Liqueur Set, Bohemian Glass, Early 20th Century

Located in Roma, IT

Liqueur set is an original decorative object realized in the 1930s in Bohemian glass. This wonderful liqueur set consisting of a carafe and six goblets, clear glass bordeaux...

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Art Glass

Suite of 9 Porcelain Plates by Theodore Haviland
Suite of 9 Porcelain Plates by Theodore Haviland

Suite of 9 Porcelain Plates by Theodore Haviland

By Theodore Haviland

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Suite of 9 porcelain dessert plates by Theodore Haviland, Limoges, France. 20th century Measures: H: 1 cm, D: 19 cm. Contact us before orderin...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s
Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s

Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1960s Italian giltwood serving tray. Minor patina and paint lost gives this piece a classy statement. A nice addition to any table or room.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray
Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray

Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray

By Christofle

Located in Miami, FL

French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...

Category

20th Century French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s
Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s

Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1960s Italian giltwood serving tray. Minor patina and paint lost gives this piece a classy statement. A nice addition to any table or room.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Bernardaud Limoges Porcelain Table Service, 75 Pieces, Gold Inlay
Bernardaud Limoges Porcelain Table Service, 75 Pieces, Gold Inlay

Bernardaud Limoges Porcelain Table Service, 75 Pieces, Gold Inlay

$14,271Sale Price / set|45% Off

H 0.79 in Dm 9.85 in

Bernardaud Limoges Porcelain Table Service, 75 Pieces, Gold Inlay

By Bernardaud

Located in London, England

Take a seat at the table of kings and greats of this world, with this table service from L'Anciene Manufacture Royale de Limoges, currently Bernardaud, immerse yourself in the histor...

Category

1980s French Vintage Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Agate, Gold, Gold Leaf

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Monkey

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Monkey

$159 / item

H 1.19 in W 11.82 in D 16.93 in

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Monkey

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this hand-painted iron tray. Set against a sleek black background with gold accents, the design features a tropical palm tree and a m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Flamingo

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Flamingo

$159 / item

H 1.19 in W 11.82 in D 16.93 in

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Flamingo

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this hand-painted iron tray. Set against a sleek black background with gold accents, the design features a tropical palm tree and a f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Previously Available Items
MATCH Pewter Rectangular Crudité Bar Serving Tray, Italy
MATCH Pewter Rectangular Crudité Bar Serving Tray, Italy

MATCH Pewter Rectangular Crudité Bar Serving Tray, Italy

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

This charming and versatile Italian pewter tray is perfect as an elegant presentation for crudité, sweets or a valet tray for garnishes in a home bar. The 3 hand-crafted glass insert...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal, Pewter

Small Solid 19th Century Brass Trinket Vanity Bar Tray
Small Solid 19th Century Brass Trinket Vanity Bar Tray

Small Solid 19th Century Brass Trinket Vanity Bar Tray

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Charming antiques brass tray for trinkets or keys in a foyer area or stand alone piece on a coffee or side table. Also functions on a vanity or bar area tray.

Category

Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

19th Century Empire Silver Sauceboat
19th Century Empire Silver Sauceboat

19th Century Empire Silver Sauceboat

Sold

H 6.89 in W 7.68 in D 4.73 in

19th Century Empire Silver Sauceboat

Located in Stockholm, SE

A very elegant and fine silver sauceboat or gravy boat by Paul Duhamel, Stamped by Paul Duhamel, active in Paris 1832-45. The detailed upturned handle is made in the shape of an eagl...

Category

1830s French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Circa 1900-1920 Miniature Roll Top Breakfast Tureen
Circa 1900-1920 Miniature Roll Top Breakfast Tureen

Circa 1900-1920 Miniature Roll Top Breakfast Tureen

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1900-1920 miniature roll top breakfast or hunt tureen. Charming and complete. For appetizers, etc. Paw feet. Empire taste. Measures: 8 1/4" x 5 1/8" x 4 3/4" H.  

Category

Early 20th Century Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate
A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate

A large painted Empire, 19th Century serving tray in tin plate

Located in Knivsta, SE

A large and beautiful painted serving tray. Empire, early 19th Century. Made in painted tin plate. Some minor color loss and wear damages, but overall in good condition in relation...

Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Tin

Red And Gold Limoges Porcelain Coffee Service Empire Style Early 20th Century
Red And Gold Limoges Porcelain Coffee Service Empire Style Early 20th Century

Red And Gold Limoges Porcelain Coffee Service Empire Style Early 20th Century

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Elegant coffee service of empire style of the beginning of the 19th century. Made of Limoges porcelain, the service is composed of 10 cups, 10 saucers, a coffee pot, a milk jug and a...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

French Early 19th Century Empire Round Gilt Bronze Centerpiece or Tray
French Early 19th Century Empire Round Gilt Bronze Centerpiece or Tray

French Early 19th Century Empire Round Gilt Bronze Centerpiece or Tray

Located in Berlin, DE

Fine French 19th century Empire gilt bronze centrepiece or tray Round gilt bronze profiled and pearl frieze frame standing on three finely cast acanthus leaf ornament feet holding...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Bronze

Silver Plated Decanter with Claw Feet, Needs a few Restorations, French, 1900
Silver Plated Decanter with Claw Feet, Needs a few Restorations, French, 1900

Silver Plated Decanter with Claw Feet, Needs a few Restorations, French, 1900

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This very nice decanter is made of silver plated bronze and brass with claw feet. It needs a few Restorations. French, circa 1900.

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Serving Pieces

Materials

Bronze

Empire serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage serving pieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire serving pieces made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original serving pieces, popular names associated with this style include Christofle, Koch & Bergfeld, and Meissen Porcelain. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $336 and tops out at $7,551 while the average work can sell for $1,597.