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Grand Tour Tableware

GRAND TOUR STYLE

For 18th-century young British noblemen, no education was complete without a year on the Grand Tour. Although it had no official route, the Grand Tour focused on places foundational to European art, literature and architecture, including sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and, most importantly, Italy. It was an opportunity not just to witness the roots of the classics they had studied but also to take some of it home. Grand Tour furniture was among the souvenirs.

Grand Tour furniture ranged from marble architectural models replicating ancient wonders to actual antiquities often taken illicitly, leaving a legacy of looting still being unraveled today. Other items reflected the artistic richness of the Renaissance cities and other destinations. In Italy, this included scagliola tables and pedestals mimicking marble as well as tabletops and wall panels embedded with pietra dura hard stone mosaics.

Furniture was also developed to display Grand Tour purchases in the owner’s home, presenting them as a cultivated and well-traveled person. Mahogany collector’s cabinets held objects like intaglio moldings of coins and seals while others had specialized drawers that framed pietra dura panels.

Many objects were specifically produced for Grand Tour collectors. Often accompanied by retinues on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers, the wealthiest of whom extended their trips to Egypt and the Holy Land, required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. For example, Grand Tour micromosaicssmall artworks, most not more than two inches wide — arose from the entrepreneurial impulses of artisans who had trained in the Vatican’s workshops.

Grand Tour journeys would help inform a range of decorative styles such as neoclassical, Rococo and Adam style. (Architect and designer Robert Adam toured Italy and France for five years.) The Grand Tour flourished at a time of economic prosperity and political stability, but the French Revolution in 1789 brought it to an end. Yet as the tradition faded in popularity in England, the rising wealth of the United States led to an increase in tourism across the Atlantic and a similar passion for collecting to show one’s worldliness.

Find a collection of Grand Tour decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Grand Tour
Large Pair Of Antique Drinking Cups, Italian Bronze Grand Tour Goblet, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large pair of antique drinking cups. An Italian, bronze over marble decorative goblet in Grand Tour taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850. Fine example of reli...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Hand Painted Persian Small Iron Tray Blue
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magic of the Persian world reproduced by hand on this tray The details of the colors will enlighten your table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

Hand Painted Persian Small Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magic of the Persian world reproduced by hand on this tray The details of the colors will enlighten your table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

Handpainted Persian Iron Tray Flowers
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magic of the Persian world reproduced by hand on this tray The details of the flowers will enlighten your table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

Handpainted Ikat Red Flames Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magic of the Ikat world reproduced by hand on this tray The details of the colors will enlighten your table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

Handpainted Ikat Black Flower Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magic of the Ikat world reproduced by hand on this tray The details of the colors will enlighten your table. Each piece is unique and created by talented artisans.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

Hand Painted Ikat Turquoise Flower Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magic of the Ikat world reproduced by hand on this tray The details of the colors will enlighten your table. Each piece is unique and created by talented artisans.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

Hand Painted Ikat Red Flower Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magic of the Ikat world reproduced by hand on this tray The details of the colors will enlighten your table. Each piece is unique and created by talented artisans.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

19th Century Grand Tour Antique Handmade Bronze Mortar with Pestle
Located in Roma, IT
19th-century grand tour antique handmade bronze mortar with pestle. This fantastic piece has an original patina. The pestle is 9.05 inc high wit...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina Italian bronze mortar and pestle Measures: Pestle height 7.5 in.
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Bronze

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“Marblelous Ring Tray” White Carrara Marble Minimalist Tray by Aparentment
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Hand Painted Pink and Blue Heart Napkin Rings - Set of 4
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A set of four round hand-painted napkin rings with blue and pink heart motif. Dimensions: 2" Diameter 1" Deep
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Contemporary Tray
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Contemporary Tray
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H 10.83 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
New Modern Tray in Black Marquina Marble, Creator Colominas Stock
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An essential, Minimalist tray that easily lends itself to multiple uses. At the table, in the kitchen, in the dining room. In simlicity is beauty. Size: 40 x 2.2 cm, smooth finishin...
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Pair of Meissen Porcelain Coffee Cups with Saucers
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of Meissen Porcelain coffee cups with saucers richly decorated with gold. Measures: Cup: h 5 x7.5 x 9 cm Saucer: 12 cm .
Category

Mid-20th Century German Grand Tour Tableware

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Try-Tray Medium Square Tray in Blue, Clear Fuchsia by Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Try tray square - Blue, clear fuchsia Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Additional info: Material: Hard ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

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Resin

Try-Tray Small Round Tray in Clear Light Blue, Clear Orange by Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Try tray round - Clear light blue, clear orange Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Additional info: Material: Hard resin Colours...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Resin

New Modern Tray in Black Marquina Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
An essential, Minimalist tray that easily lends itself to multiple uses. At the table, in the kitchen, in the dining room. In simlicity is beauty. Size: 40 x 2.2 cm, smooth finishing, stain treatment compatible with food. Commercial name: Nysiros, Materia e Tavola Collection by Ivan Colominas, Spanish Designer. Also available in White Michelangelo Marble. Made in Italy, hand finished. Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food and entertaining...
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Try-Tray Small Round Tray in Clear Purple, Matt Orange by Gaetano Pesce
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

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Resin

Try-Tray Small Rectangular Tray in Clear Dark Green, Matt Red by Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Try tray rectangular - Clear dark green, matt red Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Additional info: Material: Hard resin Colou...
Category

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Resin

Try-Tray Small Rectangular Tray in Blue, Amber by Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Try tray rectangular - Blue, amber Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Additional info: Material: Hard res...
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Previously Available Items
Handpainted Persian Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magic of the Persian world reproduced by hand on this tray The details of the colors will enlighten your table.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

Handpainted Persian Iron Tray
Handpainted Persian Iron Tray
H 19.3 in W 13 in L 19.3 in
Grand Tour Middle 19th Century Handmade Bronze Pharmaceutic Mortar with Pestle
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and antique handmade bronze mortar with its own pestle. Pharmacists used this scientific instrument to blend herbs and ingredients together during the 19th century. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Italy, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Roma, IT
Antique bronze mortar. Handmade with pestle. Original patina. Mortar from pharmacy or herbalist Italian bronze mortar and pestle Measures: Pestl...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Grand Tour tableware for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Grand Tour tableware for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tableware created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Grand Tour tableware made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tableware, popular names associated with this style include and Bertrando Di Renzo. 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 tableware differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $108 and tops out at $615 while the average work can sell for $138.

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