Rococo Historical Memorabilia
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.
1970s French Vintage Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Ceramic
1790s English Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas, Wood
Late 18th Century European Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Tortoise Shell
18th Century Unknown Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas
20th Century French Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Porcelain
19th Century British Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Metal, Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Bronze, Enamel
20th Century Swiss Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Brass
1790s French Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Other
20th Century American Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Canvas, Wood, Paint
1970s German Vintage Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Aluminum
1970s Italian Vintage Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century European Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Wood, Paint, Canvas
Mid-20th Century French Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Paper
20th Century French Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Cut Glass
Early 19th Century French Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Enamel
1760s English Antique Rococo Historical Memorabilia
Stoneware