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Napoleon III Ceramics

NAPOLEON III STYLE

Under Napoleon III’s rule, Paris underwent a great rebuilding overseen by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, which created grand avenues and lavish landmarks like the Paris Opera. Antique Napoleon III–style furniture was flamboyant and eclectic. It was also known as Second Empire style since it followed and referenced the Empire style of his uncle Napoleon I.

Developing from 1852–70, Napoleon III furniture was plush and ornate, matching the fashion for masked balls and socializing in salons. It borrowed freely from earlier French styles including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as aesthetics from around the world, from antiquity to Asian art. As writer Gustave Claudin remarked in 1867, the country’s architects worked in “a style which one would be tempted to call neo-Greco-Gothico-Pompadour-Pompeian.”

Napoleon III chairs were completely covered with velvet and lined with tassels; pouf footstools invited people to put up their feet. Sofas were upholstered with tapestries, and beds were adorned with gilt bronze and theatrical canopies. The addition of conservatories to homes led to new indoor-outdoor furniture, while the spirit of hygiene promoted by Baron Haussmann inspired bright, floral motifs.

Although the most ostentatious designs were for the elite, as seen in the Napoleon III apartments preserved in the Louvre, where red velvet, gilding and chandeliers create a cacophony of luxury, these trends influenced homes across classes as manufacturing made design increasingly accessible. Papier-mâché furniture allowed for elaborate shapes that would have been difficult to carve in wood. The malleable material was painted with chinoiserie patterns and decorative designs. It was mass-produced by factories such as Jennens and Bettridge with varnishing and mother-of-pearl inlays creating an effect reminiscent of Asian lacquer. (Surfaces that had been “japanned” — a specialty of Jennens and Bettridge — were intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia.)

Find a collection of antique Napoleon III decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Napoleon III
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Duck
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Duck
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Duck

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Duck

$225
Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase. Very Rare & Excellent Condition. Purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photo or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase
Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase

Late 19th Century French Majolica Vase

$325
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions. 
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rabbit

$225
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig. Unique piece purchased from France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig

$225
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

$275
Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

$225
C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel
C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel

C1900 French Ceramic Red Squirrel

$175
Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napolean III. Late 19th Century Majolica. Beautiful condition. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster
Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

Napolean III Late 19th Century Majolica Rooster

$225
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig

$225
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Napoleon Iii ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III ceramics for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $225 while the average work can sell for $225.

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