Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
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.
to
39
273
5
2
8
181
84
7
22
24
32
3
1
2
1
2
3
9
14
11
4
13,722
5,436
5,425
3,265
2,905
2,813
1,731
1,083
588
585
574
551
509
384
280
258
138
72
157
115
110
84
40
151
120
260
142
43
22
19
280
280
280
26
15
9
7
7
Style: Empire
Empire B&G 10 p. Coffee Service, Bing and Grondahl, B&G No. 102
Located in København, Copenhagen
Empire B&G 10 p. Coffee service.
Bing and Grondahl, B&G No. 102.
Contents: 1.25 dl. Measures: 7.8 cm. x 6.2 cm
Old No. 102. New No. 305.
1st. factory quality., in...
Category
20th Century Danish Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
$320 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Large Antique B&G Bing & Grondahl Vase in Purple with Handles in Gold
Located in København, Copenhagen
Large antique B&G Bing & Grondahl vase in purple with handles in gold with faun-face.
Early stamp. Dated 1888, with monogram.
1st. factory quality. In perfect condition...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
$512 Sale Price
20% Off
Royal Copenhagen Figure H.C. Andersen
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen figure H.C. Andersen
Measures: 19 cm.
In perfect condition.
Designed by Hanne Warming.
2. Factory quality.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
$384 Sale Price
20% Off
Meißen Manufactory, Espresso Set with Silhouette Portrait Richard Wagner
Located in Epfach, DE
Richard Wagner lived in 1872 at the Hotel Fantaisie in Bayreuth for half a year until he was able to move into his later domicile with his family. As interior designer, Brigitte Mart...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Sensational B&G 'Bing & Grondahl' Large Egg Shaped Vase in Empire Style
Located in København, Copenhagen
Sensational B&G (Bing & Grondahl) large egg shaped vase in Empire style on stand. Lid with mythological figures in biscuit. Decorated with the Stock Ex...
Category
20th Century Danish Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Sugar Box Russia
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous box made of blue glass beautifully decorated with white details. Frame of brass. original lock and key. Made during 19th Century Russian Empire period. Small lockable boxes...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Brass
$3,400
21th Century Italian Sterling Silver Empire Style Centerpiece Dish on Feet
Located in VALENZA, IT
Large round centerpiece in sterling silver.
The centerpiece plate was made in the Empire style, without using borders but embossing and chisel...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Sterling Silver
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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
19th Century (Early) French Empire Gilt Bronze Center Piece
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Early) French Empire Gilt Bronze Center Piece
Unique piece purchased in France.
See detailed photos.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Bronze
Pair French 19th C. Blue & 2-Tone Gold Ground Porcelain Vases w/ Gold Handles
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful Pair of French 19th Century Empire Blue and Two-Tone Gold Ground Porcelain vases with White Medallion Gold Handles. Each piece is beautifully hand-painted with gorgeous l...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Set of Glasses, Octagonal Cut, Empire, Biedermeier
Located in Praha, CZ
Glass without damage.
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Worcester Barr Flight Barr Porcelain Saucers with Bat-Printed Shells
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A pair of early transferware English porcelain saucers, made by the Worcester Porcelain Factory during the Barr, Flight & Barr period, 1807-1813.
The late 18th and early 19th cent...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Empire style Coffee Set Porcelain Darte Frères
By Darte Frères
Located in Paris, FR
Very rare coffee set composed of 5 pièces : 4 cups with their saucer, and 1 sugar bowl. Whole set in porcelain with stripes patterns made of gold. Handles are painted in red, with an Egyptian-style gilt figure on it. Inner part half gilt.
Work from the early 19th century period, in the style of Empire or made during it.
Signed with red letters stamped "DARTE / FRERES / A PARIS" on the saucer.
Darte Frères was a Parisian porcelain...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
$4,660 / set
Vintage Russian Soviet Classic Large Crystal and Silver Circular Bowl, ca. 1945
Located in New York, NY
A Russian Classic, silver and hand-cut crystal circular serving bowl of unusually large dimensions, manufactured in Moscow, circa 1945. Silver rim features repeating oak leaf design,...
Category
1940s Russian Vintage Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Crystal, Silver
Late 19th Century Koch & Bergfeld Silver Salad Cutlery Set German
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Fine German salad cutlery set in 800 silver with rich decorated handles in empire style. All hallmarks for 800 silver and makers hallmark. The spoons are...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
Set of Five 19th Century Glasses with Gold Leaf Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very nice set of five German glasses with gold motives. Gilding very nicely preserved.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
$630 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Pair of Tazzas, France Empire Period
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Tazzas from the late part of the Empire period. Made in Red French Marble with a bowl in dark patinated bronze. Base decorated with gilt bronze.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$3,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
French Empire Paris Porcelain Vase Converted into a Lamp
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French Empire period porcelain vase. The vase is totally gilt with matte and burnished highlights. The twin handles each show a modeled classical female head and on the front of the vase is a painted classical scene. The scene depicts a Roman/Greek seated young warrior...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Coffee Pot Silver European 19th Century Empire Blackened Handle, Austria
Located in New York, NY
Coffee pot silver European 19th century blackened handle Austria. An exquisite example of a empire coffee pot made during the 19th century in Austria. Ov...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
Silver Augsburg Empire Huilière Spice Set Master Johann Matthias Lang Made, 1802
Located in Vienna, AT
Gorgeous as well as rarest silver Augsburg Empire Huilière or spice Set
Period: Empire
Dating: 1802
Material: solid silver 800 and opal glass
Manufactory:
Johann Matthias Lang (Master Since 1782), died after 1806 or this master created for example a gilded Torah Shield...
Category
Early 1800s German Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
Silver Pair of Candlesticks Period of Classizism Augsburg Germany Haller
Located in Vienna, AT
Gorgeous pair of candlesticks / period of classizism.
Made in Augsburg (circa 1800)
Master: Johann Rudolf Haller (1757 - 1844)
The silversmith received licence of manufacturing...
Category
Early 1800s German Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Pair of Italian Empire Silver Candlesticks, Milan, circa 1810
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of elegant Empire candleholders on an unfilled base, conical structure, offset olive-shaped grommets with a flat, plate-shaped drip edge, smoo...
Category
1810s Italian Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
Gilded and Painted Paris Porcelain Vase, France circa 1815
Located in CH
A large gilded and painted Paris Porcelain Vase, France circa 1815
The picture in the front reproduces a painting by the French artist Louis Ducis (14 July 1775, Versailles - 2 March 1847, Paris) of Torquato Tasso...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of French Empire Period Gilt Ground Porcelain Vases
Located in London, GB
These excellent gilt ground vases are high quality antique pieces, dating from the Empire period in France at the start of the 19th century. Each vase is set on a square base, is mounted with twin scrolling handles inset with neoclassical masks, and has a flared gilt ground neck. Both vases are also decorated to the front with depictions of winged putti on gilt ground; one vase shows the putti playing musical instruments, while the other shows them holding writing tablets and laurel wreaths. The reverse of each vase is Neo-Gothic in character, showing medieval church arches...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Silver and Cut Crystal Candy Dish
Located in Paris, FR
A candy dush in silver and blown crystal cut in oves and cut known as "diamond point". The candy dish is decorated with antique motifs representing deities: on one side, Poseidon emerging from the wave trident by hand, on the other side Hermes god...
Category
1830s European Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Crystal, Silver
Large Pair of Sevres Style Napoleonic Painted Porcelain Chargers
Located in London, GB
A large pair of Sevres style Napoleonic painted porcelain chargers
French, 19th century
Measures: 2cm high x 45cm in diameter, frames 51cm diameter
Excellently painted and finely crafted, these unusually grand Sevres style painted porcelain chargers are adorned with scenes of French military victories. The first charger, marked 'Bataille de Wagram, 7 Juillet 1809' is after a painting by Horace Vernet of Napoleon at the Battle of Wagram, a decisive yet costly victory for the French allied forced over the Austrian army, and the second, after a painting by Francois Bouchot, depicts the Battle of Zurich (the charger is marked 'Bataille de Zurich 25 Septembre 1799') an earlier battle in which the Republican French army led by André Masséna triumphed over an Austrian and Russian force in Switzerland in 1799.
The works are each clasped with a gilt tooled border, and larger pink rose pompadour...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ormolu
Paris Porcelain Floral Ewer and Basin
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Paris porcelain ewer; (finial repaired) and matching basin, having brightly painted flowers to both; some rubbing to the ewer.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
$760 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair Of Viennese Imperial Porcelain Glass Coolers, Cobalt And Gold, Dating 1811
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pair of elegant oval porcelain vessels on offset, fluted feet, with bulging, raised walls, fluted, indented straight opening rim with ten crenellated-like cut-out small segments...
Category
1810s Austrian Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Empire Rare Beverage Dispensers with Monochrome Decoration
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of beverage dispensers in caramel-colored lacquered tin. They are decorated with monochrome village scenes and landscapes dotted with ruins. Th...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Tin
Silver Candy Dish, Egyptian Style, First Empire
Located in Paris, FR
Early 19th century silver drageoir or candy dish adorned with Egyptian head and on the collar with openwork palmette motifs. On the two spiral handles are suspended two twisted rings. The base is decorated with curving tubular patterns. The removable lid features floral finial. The interior of the candy dish is entirely lined with vermeil. The candy dish is characteristic of the Egyptian style that developed after the return of the Egyptian campaigns of Napoleon the first. With the «Description of Egypt...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
Pair of French 19th C.Empire Period Old Paris Porcelain Swan Handle Vases
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of French 19th century Empire Period Old Paris porcelain swan handle vases. Each is beautifully hand-painted with a green colored ground and further adorned with 24K gold-painted accents around the neck, handles, and bases. The vases are of a slender amphora form with git swan handles and two-tone matte and shiny 24K gold decoration throughout. Each vases body is hand-painted with landscape decoration which depicts a beautiful outdoor gazebo...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Vienna Empire Silver Sugar Urn, Budapest, Hungary, Circa 1805
Located in Vienna, AT
Empire silver sugar vase, pressed bulbous body on a high, offset round stand with a fluted rim, the upper half of the vessel chased with flowers and feathered...
Category
Early 1800s Hungarian Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
French, Early 19th Century, Empire Style, Pierced Porcelain Basket
Located in Lantau, HK
French Empire Paris porcelain gilt reticulated centerpiece basket.
Ideal decorative centerpiece to hold flowers or fruits on a dinning table
Ref AACPO18
Shipping included
Free and...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
$3,900 Sale Price
40% Off
Meißen Manufactory, Vide Poche with Silhouette Portrait Richard Wagner
Located in Epfach, DE
Richard Wagner lived in 1872 at the Hotel Fantaisie in Bayreuth for half a year until he was able to move into his later domicile with his family. As in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Empire Style Marble and Bronze Antique Centrepiece by Robbe
Located in London, GB
In an ornamental style, with rouge griotte marble and burnished bronze depicting the three Graces, signed 'A. ROBBE. Paris.'
This stunning French centrepiece...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Empire Plate by Stone, Coquerel and Legros in Paris
By Athanase Marie Martin Coquerel, François Antoine Legros
Located in Paris, FR
Earthenware plate from the Creil factory, decorated with a mythological scene in a landscape. In this scene, a young man and Cupid are hunting together, accompanied by a Nymph who is...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Earthenware
19th Century Sevres Style Porcelain Pedestal
Located in Southall, GB
This outstanding pedestal beautifully exhibits the style and grace of the famed Sèvres porcelain manufactory. This exceptional piece features a lustrous light blue base, which provid...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
$3,756 Sale Price
20% Off
Sterling Silver Set of 6 bar spoons, long handle for cocktail mixing
Located in Milano, IT
Sterling Silver Set of 6 bar spoons, long handle for cocktail mix.
The perfect gift for Cocktail and Bar Admirers. Elegant Empire Style spoons, very well hand re...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Sterling Silver
Swedish Gilt Heavy Silver Mustard or Sauce Cup Antique Empire Mug 1827
Located in Sweden, SE
Fine and solid creation by unidentified Swedish silver works presumably in Stockholm, date mark is 1827. Stylish and authentic creature of classical geometry would accomplish your Em...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver
Important Empire Period Paris Porcelain & Ormolu-Mounted Casket/Box/Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
An Important and very rare Empire period Paris porcelain ormolu-mounted Empire rectangular shaped two-handled casket decorated and assembled by ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Bronze
Empire serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage serveware, ceramics, silver and glass created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire serveware, ceramics, silver and glass made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, popular names associated with this style include Baccarat, Giorgio Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni, and Christofle. 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $56 and tops out at $126,260 while the average work can sell for $2,396.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Utensil Holders
Warming Pan
Wicker Wine Bottle
Antique American Glass Bottles
Antique German Silver Basket
Antique Hand Pump
Antique Limoges Bowl
Antique Mustard Jar
Antique Warming Pan
Antique Water Cooler
Chinese Salt Pepper
Controlled Bubble Ashtray
Cut Glass Fruit Bowl
Gin Bottle
Gold Round Tray
Green Italian Decanter
Hand Painted Cameo
Jewish Glass