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Neoclassical Ceramics

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
Ancient Pair Coffee Pots, Pasquale Rubati Manufacture Milan, 1770 circa
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of small coffee pots. Manufacture of Pasquale Rubati Milan, 1770 Circa Maiolica polychrome decorated “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire). a) height 7.87 x 5.51 x 3.93 in (20 x 14 x ...
Category

1760s Italian Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Maiolica

Three Wedgwood Bone China Nautilus Collection Shells
Located in Doraville, GA
Three beautiful bone china gloss white glazed shells by Wedgwood. The shell designs were part of the "Nautilus Collection" and the pieces were made in England. The half shell measure...
Category

Late 20th Century English Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-20th Century Wedgwood Basalt Fruit Bowl
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Wedgwood basalt fruit bowl, mid-20th century. Surrounded by applied Greco-Roman figures with tributes of fruits & flowers. Marked Made in England, Wedgwood, K864. 7 5/8" dia., 3 3/4"...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Circa 1860 English Prattware Compote
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Prattware compote, circa 1860, English. Marked No. 123. Prattware is lead-glazed earthenware produced in English from the 1790s thru much of the 19th century. Creamware body decorate...
Category

1860s English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Set 3 wall plaques plates of opera music Faust from Creil Montereau
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
A very nice set of 3 earthenware plates from Creil-Montereau Terre de Feu, from the series of Musical Subjects, representing 3 famous operas with various characters illustrating the ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Wedgwood Yellow Dip Jasperware & Black Basalt Sugar & Creamer, C 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wedgwood Yellow Dip Jasperware & Black Basalt Sugar & Creamer, C 1900 England, Stamped WEDGWOOD Made in England A charming set of Wedgwood Yellow Dip Jasperware Sugar & Creamer. Th...
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vallauris Pair of Candlesticks, 1940s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Pair of candlesticks made at Vallauris, France, 1940s. Ceramic. Representation of braided candlesticks, Classic design from this period of the 40s. Very close to the work of Jérome M...
Category

1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Wedgwood Jasperware Green and White Vase English Neoclassical
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful 'sage' green and white English Wedgwood Jasperware matte stoneware vase in the Neoclassical style, England, 1973. Vase has Renaissance/Neoc...
Category

Late 20th Century English Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Wedgwood Pale Blue Jasperware Coffee Cup and Saucer
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperware so prized by collectors and connoi...
Category

18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Antique English Jasperware Pale Green Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware covered jewelry or trinket box in “Wedgwood Green” features a repeating motif of white, high relief acanthus leaves alternating with floral spri...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Wedgwood Jasperware Blue and White Jewelry Dish Neoclassical Style, Late 19th c
Located in New York, NY
An antique Wedgwood Jasperware blue and white oblong jewelry dish in the Neoclassical Style, circa late-19th century, England. Piece has a ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Sevres Creamware Figures Emblematic of Four Seasons, Modeled after/by Bachelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sevres Creamware Figures Emblematic of Four Seasons, Modeled after/by Bachelier  France, 19th Century  Three are marked with the interlaced L mark, one is numbered 260, and two have ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Jean Baptist Stahl Pate-sur-pate / Phanolith Neoclassical Court Scene Charger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jean Baptist Stahl Pate-sur-Pate/ Phanolith neoclassical court scene charger Germany, circa 1899 An exceptional large pâte-sur-pâte/ phanol...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Early 19th Century Wedgwood Tricolor Jasperware Jardiniere
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A Wedgwood jardiniere with lilac and sage details on a white jasperware ground. Jasperware is perhaps the quintessential Wedgwood clay body and is even considered by some to be a ceramic development on par with porcelain. Originally developed in the 1770s as dyed stoneware bodies (the most ubiquitous of which is pale blue) with applied white figurative decoration in imitation of cameos from the Ancient World, jasperware quickly expanded to a plethora of colorways as per Wedgwood innovation standards. This jardiniere, with lilac and sage decoration on white jasperware ground, is part of Wedgwood’s tricolor jasperware...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Antique Floral Encrusted Ewer, Italian, Decorative, Wine Pouring Jug, Circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique floral encrusted ewer. An Italian, ceramic decorative pouring jug, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Striking Italian ewer...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Wedgwood Pale Blue Jasperware Coffee Cup and Saucer Set
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by Wedgwood, this exquisite and rare assembled coffee cup and saucer set are comprised of the firm’s famous pale “Wedgwood blue” jasperwar...
Category

18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Royal Copenhagen, Biscuit Sculpture After Berthel Thorvaldsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Royal Copenhagen, biscuit sculpture after Berthel Thorvaldsen. Portrait of Berthel Thorvaldsen. Approx. 1870s. Marked. First factory quality. In excellent condition, burning cra...
Category

1870s Danish Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

White Ceramic Butterfly Motif Napkin Rings, Set of 4
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of four ceramic butterfly motif napkin rings. Fabulous for a spring table setting. Unsigned. Measures: 2.75" tall 2" wide 1" deep.
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

White Ceramic Saucer in White with Blue Trim by Michaud for American Airlines
By American Airlines
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small ceramic tea or coffee saucer in white with blue trim by Michaud for American Airlines. Dimensions: 5.5" Diameter .75" Tall
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Early Wedgwood Neoclassical Creamware Dessert Dishes Made circa 1780
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A set of four early Wedgwood creamware Neoclassical dessert dishes made circa 1780. Sir William Hamilton’s Collection of Etruscan, Greek and Roman an...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Creamware

Veterans Administration 1930 Ceramic Restaurantware Gravy Boat in Blue and White
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A crisp white ceramic gravy boat with Veterans Administration 1930 in blue marked on the front. This piece is by Shenango China and is a well-known make...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Encaustic Painted Cup and Saucer in Black Basalt, Wedgwood C1790
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Black basalt, with rope handle and encaustic decoration of lines & anthemion, in imitation of early Greek pottery. Early encaustic examples are rar...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Jean Baptist Stahl Pate-sur-pate/ Phanolith Neoclassical Charger of the Argo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jean Baptist Stahl Pate-sur-Pate/ Phanolith neoclassical charger of the argo Germany, circa 1899 An exceptional large pâte-sur-pâte/ phanolith Neoclassical charger/plaque depicting...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Triton Candlesticks. Palmer C1780.
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An exceptionally rare pair of Triton candlesticks, in black basalt with gold lustre. The design is copied from Wedgwood, who took it from Sir Willi...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Faience Blue and White Water Cistern, Rouen or Lille, French Work, 18th Century
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Water cistern, table fountain on earthenware pedestal decorated with lambrequins and lions in blue camaieu. Lateral grip in the shape of a lion's head. Earthenware from Rouen or Lill...
Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Bing and Grøndahl after Thorvaldsen, Antique Biscuit Wall Plaque, 1870s / 80s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bing and Grøndahl after Thorvaldsen. Antique biscuit wall plaque. 1870s / 80s. Measures: 17.5 x 11.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 1st f...
Category

1870s Danish Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Limoges France, Biscuit Child Bust, Stand with Dark Blue Glaze, Classic Style
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Limoges France. Biscuit child bust. Stand with dark blue glaze. Classic style. Early 20th century. Measures: 13.5 x 7 cm. In excellent condition. Stam...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Large Collectible English Wedgwood Jasperware Pale Green Chariot Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware bowl in “Wedgwood Green” features a repeating motif of white, high relief acanthus leaves alternating with floral...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Bing and Grøndahl after Thorvaldsen, Antique Biscuit Wall Plaque with Putti
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bing and Grøndahl after Thorvaldsen. Antique biscuit wall plaque with putti and swan in relief. 1870s / 80s. Measures: 15.5 x 12 cm. In excel...
Category

1870s Danish Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

State of Georgia Jasperware Collectible Plate in Blue and Cream by Wedgwood
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful collectible plate by Wedgwood. This is the perfect piece for the true southerner. This decorative plate or vide poche would make a fantastic catchall. The motif is dedicated to the state of Georgia. The center bears the State Seal in an applied cream and says State of Georgia 1776. Around the rim, are applied cream stars. A well designed room is all in the details. And this small decorative...
Category

20th Century English Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Neo-Classical Grand Tour Style Ram’s Head Stirrup Cup
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an Italian neo-classical Grand Tour ram’s head form stirrup cup. The composition is pottery with an almost bisque-like finish.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Antique 3 Pc Roseville Pottery Donatello Jardiniere Vase Dish Flower Frog Bowl
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 1910s set of three ceramic pieces by Roseville Pottery in the green and orange Putti cherub, Donatello pattern – flower frog, jardiniere / vase, and a shallow bowl. Measur...
Category

1910s Vintage Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Horse of Roberto Rigon Made in Italy - Art
Located in Foggia, FG
Horse of Roberto Rigon Made in Italy - Art - Year: 1950 Materials: Signed and glazed ceramic, Green Conditions: Perfect Measurements: Cm 30 x cm 20.
Category

1950s European Vintage Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Spongeware Slop Bucket with Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 19th C Spongeware Slop Bucket with Handle
Category

19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Light Blue and Gray Ceramic Majolica Amphora Hand Painted Francois Boucher Italy
Located in Recanati, IT
Large ceramic amphora with handles, made and painted entirely by hand, central Italy production, year 2009. The decoration on the vase is a reproduction of a painting by Francois Bou...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Encaustic Painted Teapot in Black Basalt, Wedgwood C1780
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A rare and stunning example of neo-classical decoration on an ordinary househuld object: a teapot. The decoration is restrained yet lively, and makes excellent use of classical figur...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Theodore Haviland Gotham Ceramic Saucers in White and Gold, Set of 10
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of 10 ceramic plates by Gotham by Theodore Haviland. Each saucer is in a light cream white hue, and features a thick gold painted band around the center as well as on the inter...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Gold

19th Century English Spongeware Blue and Cream Crock with Lid - 1800s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous antique ceramic crock in blue and cream with a lid. This rare serving dish features a wide-body and the original lid. The side of the ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Horse of Roberto Rigon Made in Italy - Art
Located in Foggia, FG
Horse of Roberto Rigon Made in Italy - Art - Year: 1950s Materials: Signed and glazed ceramic, Green Conditions: Perfect Measurements: Cm 30 x cm 20.
Category

1950s European Vintage Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Folk Ceramic Butter Churn, Crock or Vase with Blue Stripe Decoration
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This fine ceramic butter churn or crock is in fine condition for its age. Its body is cream, with a fluted top. Two blue stripes decorate the body, all in a shiny beautiful glaze. We...
Category

20th Century American Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Ironstone

Bing & Grøndahl after Thorvaldsen, Antique Biscuit Wall Plaque with Putti
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bing & Grøndahl after Thorvaldsen. Antique biscuit wall plaque with putti in relief, 1870s-1880s. Measure: Diameter 32.5 cm. In excellent conditi...
Category

1870s Danish Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Jasperware Pitcher with Blue and White Applications, Neoclassical Motif
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Neoclassical pitcher in blue Jasperware. Decorated with sprig molded accents and cherub scenes. The interior is glazed. There is wear to the handle with some loss of color. The pewte...
Category

1870s English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Basket-Weave Teapot in Black Basalt, Wedgwood C1790
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A most attractive and unusual teapot in black basalt, moulded with basket-weave decoration and interlocking arches. Exhibited: Wedgwood, Master Potter to the Universe, Roche Foundat...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Louis Guarnieri Buffalo NY Advertising Wine Jug, circa 1880-1920
Located in San Diego, CA
Late 19th century, modeled in stoneware (wine jug), flanked by double handles, the top glazed deep brown, stamped "Louis Guarnieri 389 Swan Street, Buffalo, N.Y"., circa 1880-1920. This is a very nice early Stoneware Advertising Jug...
Category

19th Century North American Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Neoclassical White Glazed Ceramic Urn, Large Scale
Located in Stamford, CT
This classic Tuscan vase is a refined decorative complement to both traditional and contemporary interiors. Handcrafted of ceramic and glazed white it feat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Black Basalt Cream Pail with Ladle, Turner, C1800
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A delightful cream pail in black basalt, decorated with Poor Maria and Charlotte at the Tomb of Werther. The associated makes it very special indeed.
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Black Basalt Hot Milk Jug with Engine-Turned Decoration, Mayer, C1790
By Elijah Mayer Pottery
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Baluster-shaped jug, with sparrow-beak spout and cover, for hot milk or hot water. The engine-turned decoration is particularly fine. Marked.
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Ceramic Basalt Relief Urns Attributed to Wedgwood
Located in Stockton, NJ
A pair of black basalt relief urns on on bases.
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Early 20th C Terra Cotta Neoclassical Ewer
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1920s red clay ewer with classical figures etched and painted in black. Found in England. Unknown maker. No cracks, chips or repairs found. White blurs...
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Terracotta

Rosso Antico Vase with Black Decoration, Wedgwood, C1790
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A most attractive vase in Rosso Antico, decorated in black basalt with Arabesque on a dimpled ground. The colour of early Rosso is quite different to the 19th century orange body.
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Serving Platters by Versace for Rosenthal
Located in Atlanta, GA
Designed by Gianni Versace for Rosenthal Studio Line, these "Le Voyage De Marco Polo" service platters or charger plates features beautiful and detaile...
Category

20th Century German Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Portuguese Majolica Cream Majolica Plates by Secla, Set of 6
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of six ceramic cream color divided plates by Secla. This wonderful set of Portuguese plates will be a fabulous touch at your next dinner party. Eac...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Wedgood Rare Copper Dipped Jasperware Jug with Classical Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare Wedgwood copper dipped jasperware jug with classical figures dating from the early to mid-19th century. The ceramic jug has a copper coating over...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Limoges Tharaud “Cameo” Blue Plaque Stand
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a Limoges Camille Tharaud pate sur pate blue ceramic plaque depicting a mythological figure-Sphinx who is sitting over a lion. She is holding with one hand a large cornucopia...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Black Basalt Teapot with Enamel Decoration, Probably Spode C1800
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Globular teapot in black basalt, painted with matt white, red and ice blue. Judging by the shape and general appearance, probably by Spode, in imitation of Wedgwood designs of the pe...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Wedgwood Crimson Covered Jug
Located in New Orleans, LA
A lovely crimson jasperware jug by Wedgwood, featuring an applied white jasper neoclassical decoration of acanthus leaves and grapes bordering the rim. ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Round Commemorative Plate of President Nixon 37th President
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A circular cream round commemorative plate of President Nixon. Reads Richard M. Nixon 37th President. Gold detail around the edges, with the image of P...
Category

20th Century North American Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Black Basalt Tea Canister with Applied Decoration, Mayer, C1790
By Elijah Mayer Pottery
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Cyclicrical tea canister in engine-turned black basalt, with raised decoration. Unmarked, but the quality and finial clinch the attribution.
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Neoclassical ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical ceramics 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 ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Spain pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,945 and tops out at $2,973 while the average work can sell for $2,459.

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