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.
Italian Rococo Style Serpentine Front Walnut Two-Drawer Commode
Located in Troy, NY
Small Italian (Venice area) Rococo style Serpentine shaped commode, Walnut with thick Radica Veneer and inlay with deep, rich color. Two drawers with ornate, heavy cast brass pulls. ...
Walnut
19th Century Frederickian Rococo Showcase Massive Walnut Wood with Warm Patina
Located in Berlin, DE
Massive walnut, finely carved and framed. High-rectangular, one-door, curved and three-glazed corpus on high slanting volute-like curled feet connected with crossed richly carved mid...
Walnut