Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.
The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.
When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.
The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.
Gorham Candlesticks for Metropolitan Museum
By Gorham
Located in Braintree, GB
Metropolitan Museum Reproduction Rococo-Style Silver plated Candlesticks by Gorham, Based on 1759 Design by Myer Myers. Maker: These ...
Silver Plate
Stunning Large & Ornate Sterling Silver Condiment Set, Boxed, Elkington 1929
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1929 by Elkington & Co., this large and ornate, Sterling Silver Condiment Set, comprises a sugar caster, 2 pepper pots 2 salt cellars and a mustard pot wi...
Sterling Silver
Gaetano BATTAGLIA (Naples-Italy-Active 1850 and 1885) Pair of Large Plates
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Large Plates Gaetano Battaglia 19th century made of earthenware decorated with mythological scenes Italy (Naples) Diameter 35 cm good cond...
Majolica
Meissen Porcelain Group Four Gardener Children Playing Music, J.J. Kaendler 1850
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen piece from the time the model was created: Four children in festive rural rococo dress on a high, stepped round pedestal, decorated with a leaf wreath and bow festo...
Porcelain
Silver spice dish or bowl. DE LUQUE Y LEYVA, Juan. Cordoba, 18th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Spice rack. Silver. DE LUQUE Y LEYVA, Juan. Cordoba, 18th century. With contrast markings. Silver spice rack in its color with a frustoconical body, a sinuous lower edge that rests...
Silver
Meissen Group Bacchanal With Wine Barrel, by Kaendler & Meyer, Germany Ca 1870
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare, excellent porcelain group of the 19th century: Youthful Bacchus with nymph and putti grouped around a large wine cask: The Bacchant, covered with a leopard skin, sitting sideways on the barrel, holding up grapes in his left hand and a wine glass with lid...
Porcelain
Meissen Figurines Cherubs with Swing Model G 32 by Acier Made circa 1920
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen gorgeous figurine group: Cherubs with Swing The details are stunningly sculptured = finest modelling! Design: Michel Victor Acier (1736-1799) / model G 32 created 1780 ...
Porcelain
Meissen Gorgeous Figurine Group Four Gardener Children by Kaendler, circa 1870
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen gorgeous figurine group of stunning appearance: There are four gardener children of most lovely appearance visible. Manufactory: Meissen. Dating: Third quarter of 19th century / made circa 1870. Blue Meissen sword mark with pommels on hilts. First quality. Material: white porcelain, glossy finish, finest painting. Technique: Handmade porcelain. Designer: Johann Joachim Kaendler / designed and modelled circa 1767 / he was chief sculptor at Meissen manufactory from 1742 - 1775. He is the most famous modeller Meissen manufactory ever had and created famous series such as Shepherd Figurines, Comedian's Children, Gardener Children (with Acier), Paris Town Criers (with Reinicke and Meyer), Gallant Figurines, etc. Specifications: Subject: Gardener children figurines...
Porcelain
Two Cut Glass and Silver Claret Jugs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
These exquisite jugs have been expertly crafted in glass and are mounted with sterling silver necks, spouts, handles and lids. The broadest part of the glass base, just above the...
Silver
Meissen Figurines Ancient Love Legacy Hunter Model A 46 Kaendler made circa 1870
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen very interesting figurines' group: The Legacy Hunter or Ancient Love The details are stunningly scupltured = finest modelling Manufactory: Meissen Dating: made circa 18...
Porcelain
Meissen Scent Bottle Rocaille En Miniature Watteau Pictures Painted Made
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen nicest rare scent bottle en miniature Please note: Abundantly painted with Watteau scenes! Manufactory: Meissen Dating: made during first half of 19th century (circa 18...
Porcelain
Italian Castelli Majolica Bases, circa 1800
By Castelli
Located in CH
Pair of Italian Castelli Majolica Bases Circa 1800 A fine pair of Italian Castelli majolica bases for large vases, dating to around 1800, exemplifyi...
Ceramic
Meissen Winter Season's Figurine C 83 Kaendler Kändler Johann Joachim Made 1880
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen most remarkable figurine: Winter Measures / dimensions: height 8.07 inches / 20.5 cm diameter of base 2.36 inches / 6.0 cm Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue Meissen Sword Mark (glazed bottom) First quality Dating: 19th century / made circa 1880 Material: porcelain, glossy finish, multicolored painted Technique: handmade porcelain Style: Rococo Modelled by: Johann Joachim Kaendler (born in 1706 near Dresden / Germany-died 1775 in Meissen). Model C 83 created in period 1768-1770. Kaendler was chief sculptor at Meissen manufactory as from 1742 until the year 1775. He is the most famous modeller Meissen manufactory ever had and created well-known series such as Shepherd Figurines, Comedian's Children, Gardener Children (with Acier), Paris Town Criers (with Reinicke and Meyer), Gallant Figurines, Asian Figurines etc. Additionally, Kaendler made, too, excellent models of animal figurines as well as of stunningly decorated vases. Detailed description: The Winter is of very interesting appearance / it is a long-bearded nude old man...
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century French Silver Écuelle by Delaire
By Emile Delaire
Located in London, GB
Pair of 19th century French silver écuelle by Delaire French, c. 1890 Height 13cm, width 31cm, depth 18cm This superb pair of écuelles is crafted in the playful Rococo style popula...
Silver
Italian Venetian Murano Glass Centerpiece
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian murano (1890) clear glass round centerpiece with fluted bottom raised on a low pedestal base.
Glass
Early Meissen Round Group of Gardener Children, by J.J. Kaendler, 1763-1774
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen porcelain group from the time of origin: Four children in festive, rural rococo clothing on a three-part rocaille base: on the central raised pedestal a girl with a basket o...
Porcelain
Meissen Deal with Goose Model 720 Johann Joachim Kaendler Made circa 1850-1860
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen stunning figurine group: The Deal with Goose Model 720 Measures: height 6.69 inches (17.0 cm) width 6.69 inches (17.0 cm) depth 4.72 inches (12.0 cm) Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue Meissen Sword Mark (glazed bottom) model number 720 / former's number 6 / painter's number 71 First quality Dating: 19th century / made circa 1850-1860 Material: porcelain, glossy finish, multicolored painted Technique: handmade porcelain Style: Rococo Modelled by: Johann Joachim Kaendler...
Porcelain
Meissen Tall Motto Child Je Les Mets a Calme G 29 Acier Marcolini Period
Located in Vienna, AT
MEISSEN VERY LOVELY FIGURINE: MOTTO CHILD BY M.V.ACIER / JE LES METS A CALME ( = I'M CONCILIATING AND I'M SOOTHING ) Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue Meissen Sword Mark (...
Porcelain
Meissen Cherubs Four Seasons Figurines Model 1068 Kaendler Made, circa 1870
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen Gorgeous Cherubs (= Seasons' Figurines): Spring, Summer, Autumn (Fall) And Winter. The Details Are Stunningly Scupltured = Finest Modelling Manufactory: Meissen Dating:...
Porcelain
Pair of Mid-Twentieth Century Silver Plate Rococo Style Wine Coasters
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pair of large Size wine bottle / decanter coasters in the Rococo taste with shaped and pierced silver plate galleries and turned wood bases with central silver plate disks, the botto...
Silver Plate
Meissen Seasons Figurines Cupids Allegory of Spring Model 2502 Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen lovely figurines of stunning appearance: Cherubs presented as allegory of spring (= seasons' group of figurines) Model 2502 Measures: height 6.89 inches (17.5 cm) widt...
Porcelain
18th Century Frankenthal Group of Playing Children by Johann Peter Melchior
By Frankenthal Porcelain Factory
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A very amusing figure group modelled by Johann Peter Melchior (1742-1825) in hard-paste porcelain painted in various colours. Composed of five pl...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Frankenthal Figurine 'Guitar Player', Germany, 1923
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare figurine from the former manufacturer Frankenthal. The young man, dressed in Rococo style: black knee breeches, white stockings, fitted, white, striped jacket with puffed ...
Porcelain
German KPM Porcelain Plaque of an Interior Bedroom Scene
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in London, GB
German KPM porcelain plaque of an interior bedroom scene German, late 19th century Dimensions: Frame height 38cm, width 44cm, plaque height 26.5cm, width 31cm This fine porcelai...
Giltwood, Porcelain
Meissen Two Children Seasons Figurines The Fall Model F 24 Acier c.1870
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen Lovely Pair of Children Season's Rococo Figurines - The Fall: Girl and Boy with Wine Grapes, both supporting themselves on marble column MA...
Porcelain
Rococo Style Gilt Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Clock Garniture
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in London, GB
This large and impressive clock garniture set consists of a central clock and a pair of flanking vases. The three pieces are extremely finely decorated with painted cartouches of fly...
Ormolu
Commedia dell´Arte Collector´s Edition Book
Located in München, Bavaria
This collector´s edition book is a pictoral history of the Commedia dellÁrte figures by the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory made in porcelain.
Paper
Meissen Figurines Cherubs Wine Growers Model C 60 by Acier Made circa 1870
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen gorgeous figurine group: Cherubs as Wine Growers The details are stunningly sculptured = finest modelling! Design: Michel Victor Acier (1736-1799) / model C 60 created 1...
Porcelain
Meissen Wife of Tailor Riding on Goat by Johann Eberlein Model 155
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen stunning item of very interesting appearance: Wife of tailor riding on goat Model 155 Measures: Height 7.28 inches (18.5 cm) Width 6.29 inches (16.0 cm) Depth 2.75 inches (7.0 cm) Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue Meissen Sword Mark (glazed bottom) model number 155 / former's number 144 / painter's number 56 First quality Dating: 19th century / made circa 1860-1870 Material: porcelain, glossy finish, multicolored painted Technique: handmade porcelain Style: Rococo Modelled by: Johann Friedrich Eberlein (1695 - 1749) He was sculptor at Meissen manufactory as from the year 1735. Eberlein worked together with Johann Joachim Kändler (1706 - 1775) who has been active on behalf of Meissen manufactory since the year 1731: Both sculptors created together with Johann Gottlieb Ehder the most famous Swan Service, consisting of more than 2200 pieces (1737 - 1742). Most of Eberlein's own models show antique gods...
Porcelain
Meissen Figurines The German Bacchus Model D 13 Johann C. Schoenheit, circa 1880
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen quite rare figurine group: the so-said German Bacchus Excellently painted & modelled (the details are stunningly sculptured = finest modelling) Design: -- Johann Carl Sc...
Porcelain
Unusual 19th Century Meissen Figure of a Camel after a Model by J. J. Kandler
Located in New York, NY
A unusual 19th century Meissen figure of a camel with blue under-glaze double crossed swords mark, after J.J. Kandler. Naturalistically modeled above a rocky outcrop on a scroll-mol...
Porcelain
Meissen Motto Child by Acier Vintage Je Les Ramène, circa 1880
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen very lovely figurine: Motto Child By M.V.acier / Je Les Ramène (= I'll Get Them Back). Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue Meissen Sword Mark (underglazed). First qua...
Porcelain
A pair of George II Cast Sifter Spoons, London, 1754/55 by William Cripps.
Located in London, GB
AFTER PAUL DE LAMERIE A VERY RARE PAIR OF GEORGE II GRADUATED CAST SIFTER SPOONS UNUSUALLY MODELLED IN A SERVING SPOON SIZE MADE IN LONDON IN 1754/55 BY WILLIAM CRIPPS The cast Sift...
Sterling Silver
$2,500
Rococo Faience Cream Jug
By Rörstrand
Located in Ljungby, SE
A Rococo cream jug made of faience, crafted at the Swedish Rörstrand faience factory. The jug is painted in polychrome colors, featuring beautifully ...
Faience
Meissen Two Children Seasons Figurines The Fall Model F 24 Acier, circa 1870
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen lovely pair of children season's rococo figurines - The Fall: Girl and boy with wine grapes, both supporting themselves on marble column Ma...
Porcelain