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.
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Ceramic, Faience, Delft
18th Century European Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Pewter
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Paste, Silk
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
17th Century Italian Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble
Early 1900s English Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 18th Century Spanish Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver
18th Century Dutch Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Delft, Oak
18th Century Dutch Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Delft, Faience
18th Century Dutch Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Delft
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Horn, Glass
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Ceramic, Faience
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Rock Crystal, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Mid-18th Century Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Delft
1790s German Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
18th Century Dutch Antique Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities
Earthenware, Delft