Classical Greek Tapestries

CLASSICAL GREEK STYLE

There is rare surviving furniture from ancient Greece, yet this classical style has informed design for centuries. Interiors of houses in antiquity were minimal, with much of a room’s color coming from frescoes on the walls and mosaics on the floors. Classical Greek furniture was sparing but finely crafted and influenced by Egyptian furniture design through Mediterranean trade.

Furnishings of the period were usually made from local wood like cypress, cedar, oak and willow from ancient Greece’s plentiful forests, although some pieces were carved from marble, such as a 300–200 B.C. throne with lion legs and a curved back now at the Getty Villa. Comfort and clean lines characterized designs during the Classical era, the symmetry and thoughtful proportions reflecting the architecture of Greek temples.

Some pieces of ancient Greek furniture were simple, rectangular platforms like the klinē, a multipurpose ancestor of today’s couches or daybeds that held cushions stuffed with wool, dry grass or down. These structures were used for both sleeping and dining, which wealthy Greeks did while reclining. At night, oil lamps illuminated rooms that frequently surrounded a garden courtyard.

Most of what scholars have learned about Greek furniture design owes to its representations in art like vases and stelae. The portable diphros stool, with its backless design and four turned legs, was one of the more common types of seating in daily Greek life — it appears as such for the gods on the Parthenon frieze. Stools without backs have been found in early Roman tombs, while benches were also common Greek seating furniture created for use in theaters. In houses of the Hellenistic period, benches seemingly functioned as tables, too.

Some designs evolved through adaptations by the Romans, including the klismos chair. After prominent archaeological excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum, the klismos chair — with its four saber legs and the elegant curves that define its back — was a source of inspiration for aesthetics in eras ranging from 18th-century neoclassicism to 20th-century Art Deco.

Find a collection of Classical Greek decorative objects, wall decorations and building and garden elements on 1stDibs.

Style: Classical Greek

17th Century Flemish Tapestry - The Rape Of The Sabine Women - 200lx185h - 1580

$7,031

17th Century Flemish Tapestry - The Rape Of The Sabine Women - 200lx185h - 1580

By flandre

Located in Paris, FR

17th Century Flanders Tapestry - The Rape Of The Sabine Women - 200lx185h - No. 1580 Period: 17th century Style: Rome and Antic Greece Condition: Good condition Material: Wool & Sil...

Category

17th Century French Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Silk

Circa 1680 Belgian Mythological Scene & Armorial Tapestry

$7,500

Circa 1680 Belgian Mythological Scene & Armorial Tapestry

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1680 Belgian mythological scene & armorial tapestry. Design, form, workmanship & colors inform date & origin. Elegant scene of Apollo, the sun god, and archery. He has loosed a...

Category

Late 17th Century Belgian Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Tapestry

Rare 18th Century Wool and Silk Tapestry by Leyniers

$34,479

Rare 18th Century Wool and Silk Tapestry by Leyniers

By Leyniers Family

Located in London, GB

Rare 18th century wool and silk tapestry by Leyniers Belgian, 18th Century Length 247cm, width 283cm Beautifully executed and vibrantly coloured, this large tapestry was made in 18th century Brussels by Urbanus (1674-1747) and Daniel III Leyniers (1705-1770). The tapestry depicts ‘Eumenes’ wrestling match’ or ‘Eumene’s Struggle’ (‘La Lutte d'Eumenes') inspired by the Greek philosopher and historian, Plutarch’s ‘Parallel Lives’ written around second century A.D. King Phillip...

Category

18th Century Belgian Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Textile

18th Century Monumental Antique Tapestry - "The Wedding of Psyché"- Brussels

$140,000

18th Century Monumental Antique Tapestry - "The Wedding of Psyché"- Brussels

By Brussels Manufactory

Located in New York, NY

-Belgium Origin -18th century -handwoven wool & silk tapestry -W 236.22 in, H 118.11 in / W 600 cm, H 300 cm -Provenance: private collection, France This tapestry from the eighteent...

Category

18th Century Belgian Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Silk, Wool

Artistic Long And Narrow Size Antique Greek Embroidery Textile 1'8" x 10'9"

$5,600

Artistic Long And Narrow Size Antique Greek Embroidery Textile 1'8" x 10'9"

Located in New York, NY

Gorgeous 17th Century Antique Italian Silk Embroidery Textile, Country of Origin: Italy, Circa Date: 17th Century

Category

19th Century Greek Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Rare Long And Narrow Antique Geek Embroidered Textile 2'2" x 9'7"

$3,400

Rare Long And Narrow Antique Geek Embroidered Textile 2'2" x 9'7"

Located in New York, NY

A Rare Long And Narrow Antique Geek Embroidered Textile, Circa: 19th Century, Origin: Anafi, Cyclades- Greece

Category

20th Century Greek Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool

18th Century Hand-Embroidered Silk Textile Panel, Gilt Threads, Europe

$1,500

H 90 in W 10.5 in D 0.25 in

18th Century Hand-Embroidered Silk Textile Panel, Gilt Threads, Europe

Located in Barrington, IL

Discover a rare and exquisite piece of European artistry with this Exceptional 18th Century Hand-Embroidered Silk and Gilt Thread Textile Panel. This magnificent piece was artistically crafted by repurposing fragments of what was once a grand hand-embroidered robe or a sacred vestment shawl, giving it a unique history and renewed purpose as a stunning decorative panel. Created in the 18th century, this textile marvel, even after three centuries, retains its remarkable beauty. The beautiful and brilliant colors of the silk threads endure, showcasing the enduring quality of 18th-century dyes and embroidery. The delicate gilt threads woven throughout the design continue to shine exquisitely under the right light, adding a luminous and regal dimension to the piece. Display it as a magnificent tapestry wall art to celebrate its intricate details and historical narrative, or utilize it as a luxurious table runner to imbue your dining or console space with unparalleled elegance and historical charm. Dimensions: 10.5" x 90" Date of Manufacture: Early 1700s Place of Origin: Europe Material: Silk embroidery with gilt threads Condition: Wear consistent with age and use The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU: 1374 Vintage Handwoven Tapestries, French Aubusson Tapestry, Aubusson Tapestry Pillows, French Tapestry Pillows, Antique Rug Pillows, European Embroidery,18th Century Antique French Tapestry...

Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Gold

Vintage Embroidered Suzani Textile

$2,400

H 102 in W 55 in D 0.13 in

Vintage Embroidered Suzani Textile

Located in Chicago, IL

This vintage late 20th-century Suzani textile bursts with color, symbolism, and intricate craftsmanship. Hand-embroidered medallions depict baskets brimming with large-scale flowers ...

Category

Late 20th Century Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Cotton

Bobyrug’s Rare Antique Ottoman Silk and Metal Embroidery

$1,430

H 27.56 in W 44.1 in D 0.4 in

Bobyrug’s Rare Antique Ottoman Silk and Metal Embroidery

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Beautiful late 19th century Turkish ottoman embroidery with nice design and green field color, entirely hand embroidered with golden metal on silk foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the ep...

Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Silk

17th Century French Aubusson Mythological Tapestry

$25,995Sale Price|42% Off

H 132 in W 96 in D 0.05 in

17th Century French Aubusson Mythological Tapestry

Located in New York, NY

A French Aubusson mythological tapestry from the 17th century, depicting the Spartan king, Menelaus, seated at left, sending his brother...

Category

17th Century French Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Early 19th C. Belgian Brussels “Chasse à Courre” Tapestry with Hunting Scene

$23,400

H 100 in W 127.5 in D 0.5 in

Early 19th C. Belgian Brussels “Chasse à Courre” Tapestry with Hunting Scene

Located in Dallas, TX

Hang this exceptional and important handwoven tapestry in a living room, library, or grand staircase. Crafted in Belgium circa 1820, this colorful “Chasse à Courre” (hunting with hou...

Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Tapestry

Fine and Rare Pastoral Aubusson Tapestry, France 18th Century

$8,090

H 83.47 in W 83.47 in D 0.79 in

Fine and Rare Pastoral Aubusson Tapestry, France 18th Century

By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This exquisite rare 18th-century Aubusson tapestry beautifully captures the refined elegance and pastoral charm associated with the Louis XV period. Masterfully woven, it depicts a r...

Category

18th Century French Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Silk

Monumental 18th Century Aubusson Verdure Tapestry, Baroque, Wool Silk

$32,000

H 108 in W 160 in D 0.25 in

Monumental 18th Century Aubusson Verdure Tapestry, Baroque, Wool Silk

By Aubusson Manufacture

Located in Miami, FL

Monumental 18th Century Aubusson Verdure Tapestry From the historical residence Chateau de Nernier, situated on the French side of Lake Geneva: A magnificent French verdure tapestry, woven in wool and silk at the renowned Aubusson workshops in the early 18th century. This richly detailed piece features a lush woodland landscape with delicate architectural elements and meandering waterways inhabited by elegant wading birds. The composition is framed by an intricately woven floral border that enhances the tapestry’s pastoral...

Category

18th Century French Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Silk

A Flemish Verdure Tapestry, 18th Century

$14,785

H 106.3 in W 86.62 in D 0.4 in

A Flemish Verdure Tapestry, 18th Century

Located in ARMADALE, VIC

A Flemish Verdure Tapestry, 18th Century Depicting a woodland scene, with a large tree in the foreground and a city in the far background. Provenance: Private Australian Collection...

Category

18th Century Belgian Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Contemporary French Hand-Embroidered Pierre Frey Textile Panel

$1,430

H 35.44 in W 47.25 in D 1.58 in

Contemporary French Hand-Embroidered Pierre Frey Textile Panel

By La Maison Pierre Frey

Located in LEGNY, FR

Elegant and refined, this fabric by the renowned French house Pierre Frey showcases the excellence of French craftsmanship. Entitled "Farrah", it features entirely handmade embroider...

Category

2010s French Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Fabric, Canvas

A Fragmentary 17th Century Flemish Tapestry

Sold|~~$4,137~~

H 103 in W 95 in D 0.25 in

A Fragmentary 17th Century Flemish Tapestry

Located in Tetbury, England

A large Flemish Tapestry fragment of Alexander the Great on horseback. Faded and clearly showing wear, historic repairs and roughly cut from a much larger tapestry, this rare sectio...

Category

Late 17th Century Belgian Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Silk

French 18th Century Tapestry Fragment

$1,200

H 51.5 in W 27 in D 0.25 in

French 18th Century Tapestry Fragment

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This vibrant botanical theme tapestry fragment comes from 18th century France, at the peak of the Verdure tradition. Two narrow panels were hand-stitched together as one hanging, wit...

Category

18th Century French Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Tapestry, Wool

CYBERDEAL, Antique Aubusson Verdure Bird Tapestry Wool & Silk 2x6 18Th Century

$5,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 64.97 in W 24.02 in D 0.1 in

CYBERDEAL, Antique Aubusson Verdure Bird Tapestry Wool & Silk 2x6 18Th Century

Located in New York, NY

This 18th-century French Aubusson tapestry depicts a serene verdure landscape animated by birds, foliage, and pastoral scenery. Woven in wool and silk, the composition reflects the r...

Category

18th Century Belgian Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Silk

Previously Available Items

18th Century Tapestry from Belgium

Sold

H 90.75 in W 48.25 in D 0.25 in

18th Century Tapestry from Belgium

Located in Dallas, TX

This stunning tapestry from Belgium dates to the 1700s. The details of this tapestry, including the chateau, trees and shrubbery are well execute...

Category

18th Century Belgian Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Silk

Vintage French Aesopian Tapestry

Sold

W 36 in L 91 in

Vintage French Aesopian Tapestry

Located in New York, NY

A vintage French tapestry from the mid-20th century. This tells the story of Aesop's fable, “The Fox and the Stork,” both of which are depicted along with a tall, narrow vase. Only the stork can drink from it and the fox leaves in defeat. The creatures inhabit a dense wood with leafy trees, and foreground ferns and mushrooms. The colors are restrained with light browns and greens predominating. This listing is solely for "The Fox and the Stork" tapestry. Please contact us for its pair, "The Wolf and the...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Vintage French Aesopian Tapestry

Sold

W 36 in L 90 in

Vintage French Aesopian Tapestry

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Fresh tapestry from the mid-20th century. A lamb is greedily eyed by a hungry wolf and we know what will happen next. This panel depicts an Aesopian fable, “The Wolf and the Lamb...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Rare 17th Century French Scenic Silk Tapestry with Needlepoint Border Chair Back

Sold

H 30 in W 28 in D 0.25 in

Rare 17th Century French Scenic Silk Tapestry with Needlepoint Border Chair Back

Located in Dallas, TX

This magnificent 17th century French tapestry chair back panel with needlepoint border has most likely outlived the original wooden frame it was...

Category

17th Century French Antique Classical Greek Tapestries

Materials

Wool, Silk

Classical Greek tapestries for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Greek tapestries for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 18th Century and Earlier, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tapestries created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, textile and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Greek tapestries made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Belgium pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tapestries, popular names associated with this style include Aubusson Manufacture, and Leyniers Family. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for tapestries differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $19,408 and tops out at $31,953 while the average work can sell for $25,680.