Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
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.
1930s Austrian Vintage Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century French Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
2010s Italian Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold Leaf
1970s English Vintage Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Chrome, Bronze, Steel
1880s French Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze, Enamel
Mid-20th Century French Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century English Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
1970s English Vintage Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze, Steel, Chrome
Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Early 20th Century Austrian Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
19th Century Italian Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble, Bronze
Mid-19th Century Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze