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.
German 18th Century Rococo Mirror, Bavaria, White Painted
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Very charming German 18th century period Rococo mirror. Beautifully carved with c-scrolls and flower buds, white and polychrome painted. Antique mirror plate and orginal back.
Wood
18th Century Rococo Mirror with Lenses, Faceted Mercury Glass & Gilded Frame
Located in Ljungby, SE
An exquisite high-class Rococo mirror made in Stockholm in the 1760s. The frame is intricately carved and adorned with 30 faceted lenses, set in a gilded frame. The gilding is made w...
Gold Leaf
Pair of Italian Roccoco Style Gilt and Carved Wood Mirrors, Late 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of Rococo style carved wood and gilt wall mirrors. Carved with connecting C scrolls and acanthus leaves. Italian, late 19th century.
Mirror, Wood
Rococo Style Italian Gilt Wood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Large Italian rococo style gilt wood wall mirror, frame with foliate scroll and shell motifs, two candle shelves. Three shaped mirror panels.
Giltwood
19th Century Giltwood Frame with New Mirror
Located in Buchanan, MI
19th century giltwood frame with new mirror great size.
Giltwood, Mirror
Danish 18th Century Giltwood Rococo Mirror
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The rectangular plate within a moulded frame carved with flower heads, surmounted by an elaborate pierced C-scroll cresting.
Wood