From Rococo to Neoclassicism: European Decorative Arts in the 18th Century

From Rococo to Neoclassicism: European Decorative Arts in the 18th Century

58 products
58 products

Decorative Arts in 18th-Century Europe

The 18th century marked a pinnacle of artistic innovation across Europe. Decorative arts flourished as new styles emerged, celebrating craftsmanship, elegance, and experimentation. From the playful curves of Rococo to the structured grandeur of Neoclassicism, the era was defined by beauty, cultural exchange, and refined taste.

🌸 Rococo Furniture: Comfort with Elegance

Rococo designs brought a lightness and charm to interiors.

  • Features: Asymmetry, gilded ornamentation, and soft pastel palettes
  • Furnishings: Mirrors, cabriole-legged chairs, consoles, and bombe commodes
  • Focus: Emphasis on comfort and luxury, with masterful carving and upholstery

🏺 Porcelain: The Pinnacle of Refinement

Porcelain production reached new heights, showcasing artistry and innovation.

  • Meissen (Germany): First European hard-paste porcelain, famed for figurines and intricate detailing
  • Sèvres (France): Renowned for exquisite hand-painted vases and tableware
  • Common Themes: Nature, mythology, chinoiserie, and courtly scenes

🧵 Tapestry: Stories in Silk and Wool

Tapestries were more than decoration—they were immersive storytelling media.

  • Imagery: Historical epics, mythological subjects, and pastoral idylls
  • Techniques: Rich coloration, elaborate borders, and woven depth
  • Makers: France’s Gobelins and Beauvais ateliers led the way

🐉 Chinoiserie: Europe’s Exotic Fascination

Chinoiserie reflected European imaginings of Asian art and culture.

  • Influences: Ming and Qing dynasty motifs, pagodas, dragons, and florals
  • Applied To: Furniture, ceramics, lacquerware, and wallpaper
  • Style: Whimsical, vibrant, and often playful in execution

🍵 Silverware: Art in Metal

Silversmiths crafted elegant yet functional pieces that symbolised wealth.

  • Iconic Objects: Tea sets, candelabras, trays, and cutlery
  • Techniques: Chasing, repoussé, engraving, and ormolu mounts
  • Use: Social rituals (tea drinking, dining) elevated with ornate craftsmanship

🌺 Wallpaper: The Rise of Decorative Surfaces

Wallpaper transformed walls into artistic canvases.

  • Designs: Floral repeats, chinoiserie scenes, and scenic panoramas
  • Purpose: Added texture, pattern, and narrative to interior spaces
  • Producers: English firms such as Cole & Son pioneered printed designs

🇬🇧 18th-Century Decorative Arts in England

During the Georgian era, English design blended European influences with domestic innovation. Patronage, industry, and artistry converged to create a vibrant decorative arts culture.

🪑 Thomas Chippendale

  • Style: Merged Rococo fluidity with Neoclassical order
  • Legacy: His Director pattern book guided cabinetmakers across Europe
  • Significance: Furniture design became modular, marketable, and highly collectible

🏛️ Robert Adam

  • Role: Architect and interior designer of Neoclassical England
  • Signature: Classical motifs, painted panels, integrated decorative schemes
  • Impact: Helped shape aristocratic tastes in both public and private spaces

⚙️ Matthew Boulton

  • Innovation: Combined craftsmanship with early industrial techniques
  • Products: Silverware, ormolu, and decorative accessories from his Soho Manufactory
  • Contribution: Made fine design more widely accessible

Image: Kedleston Hall
DECCANI MUGHAL DAGGER
Collection ON20
£POA
A group of three early 18th century scagliola trompe l'oeil panels
Collection TH10
South China Sea Storage Jar
Collection EE10
Pair of Portuguese Carved Pedestals
Collection NE10
£POA
Pair of 18th Century Rococo Parcel Gilt Italian Wall Brackets
Collection CK10
George III Sheraton Satinwood Pole Screen
Nicholas Wells Antiques
18th Century Bronze Prow Of A South Indian ‘Luang’ River Ship
Collection EE20
Chinese Export Famille Rose Porcelain Mug
Collection TH10
Ottoman Hardstone And Gilt Tombak Casket
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Bohemian Gilt Beakers
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Thomas Wright
Nicholas Wells Antiques
£POA
18 Inch Pair Of Voneche Cut Glass Fruit Coolers
Collection TH20
Pair of Large 18th Century Italian Walnut Stools
Collection CK20
Early 18th Century George II Walnut Stool
Collection CK20
Pair of Neo Classical Canapés
Collection CK20
Spanish walnut Vargueno on stand | 17th Century
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Imposing French Directoire Commode
Collection EE40
Important Louis XV Bombe Commode Stamped I B Hedouin
Collection CK20
Henry Hill of Marlborough | George III Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Collection CK20
George III Sheraton Cabinet Bookcase
Collection CK20
Ince and Mayhew George III Secretaire Breakfront Bookcase mahogany antique with glazed doors and multiple drawers
Ince and Mayhew George III Secretaire Breakfront Bookcase detailed marquetry corner on mahogany wood panel.
Ince and Mayhew George III Secretaire Breakfront Bookcase
Nicholas Wells Antiques
George III Chippendale period mahogany breakfront bookcase with glazed doors and carved detailing circa 1780.
George III Chippendale period mahogany breakfront bookcase with glazed doors and carved details, circa 1780.
George III Chippendale period mahogany breakfront bookcase
Collection TH20
George III Chippendale Mahogany Serpentine Commode with four drawers and carved fruiting vine pilasters, circa 1760.
George III Chippendale Mahogany Serpentine Commode with four oak drawers and carved fruiting vine pilasters.
George III Chippendale Mahogany Serpentine Commode
Collection CK30
George III Cellarette Attributed To Gillows, oval mahogany cabinet with reeded legs and brass lion handles, circa 1800.
George III Cellarette Attributed To Gillows in mahogany with brass lion handles and reeded legs on casters.
George III Cellarette Attributed To Gillows
Collection CK30
GEORGE II MAHOGANY CHEST OF DRAWERS, mid 18th century with patina, four drawers, oxidised handles, bracket feet, England circa 1740-1750.
Close-up of ornate keyhole on GEORGE II MAHOGANY CHEST OF DRAWERS showing rich mahogany grain and patina.
GEORGE II MAHOGANY CHEST OF DRAWERS
Nicholas Wells Antiques
George I Japanned Bow Front Hanging Corner Cupboard with polychrome floral japanning, original paint, lock, and key.
George I Japanned Bow Front Hanging Corner Cupboard with floral tulip and rose decoration on aged paint.
George I Japanned Bow Front Hanging Corner Cupboard
Collection NE10
GEORGE I BURR WALNUT BUREAU CHEST early 18th century fall front desk with four drawers and brass handles.
GEORGE I BURR WALNUT BUREAU CHEST with fall front, brass handles, secret compartments, and figured walnut finish.
GEORGE I BURR WALNUT BUREAU CHEST
Collection PK10
French Directoire Satinwood Secretaire Abattant with brass fluting and rosewood accents, early 19th century design.
French Directoire Satinwood Secretaire Abattant with brass details and multiple drawers, early 19th century antique furniture.
French Directoire Satinwood Secretaire Abattant
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Early Georgian Oak Sideboard with brass handles, cabriole legs, flat oak top, circa 1720, elegant 18th-century design.
Early Georgian Oak Sideboard with four drawers, brass handles, cabriole legs, and polished oak finish circa 1720.
Early Georgian Oak Sideboard
Collection CK30
Sheraton Mahogany Drum Table with tooled leather top, crossbanded mahogany, boxwood stringing, and pedestal base with brass castors.
Sheraton Mahogany Drum Table with tooled leather top, crossbanded mahogany border, and pedestal base with outswept legs.
Sheraton Mahogany Drum Table
Collection PK10
Pair of George III Sheraton Knife Urns on Stands, late 18th century British antique wooden decorative urns.
Pair of George III Sheraton Knife Urns on Stands, late 18th century English wooden urns with decorative brass handles.
Pair of George III Sheraton Knife Urns on Stands
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Pair Of George III Hepplewhite Mahogany Card Tables Attributed To Gillows with satinwood banding and fluted legs.
Pair Of George III Hepplewhite Mahogany Card Tables Attributed To Gillows with satinwood banding and fluted legs.
Pair Of George III Hepplewhite Mahogany Card Tables Attributed To Gillows
Collection CK30
George III Sheraton Satinwood Occasional Table with D-end drop panels and boxwood ebony stringing circa 1790 England
George III Sheraton Satinwood Occasional Table leg detail with caster and polished wood finish circa 1790 England.
George III Sheraton Satinwood Occasional Table
Collection CK30
GEORGE III MAHOGANY RECTANGULAR TRIPOD TABLE with carved edges, fluted column, cabriole legs, and birdcage tilt mechanism circa 1770.
GEORGE III MAHOGANY RECTANGULAR TRIPOD TABLE with carved edges, birdcage tilt, fluted column, and cabriole legs circa 1770.
GEORGE III MAHOGANY RECTANGULAR TRIPOD TABLE
Collection CK30
George II Mahogany Revolving Dumbwaiter with three tiers and hairy paw feet in Chippendale style circa 1750.
George II Mahogany Revolving Dumbwaiter detailed hairy paw foot carved in mid-18th century Chippendale style wood.
George II Mahogany Revolving Dumbwaiter
Nicholas Wells Antiques
A George III mahogany silver table with cluster column legs and double-column x frame stretcher, circa 1765.
A George III mahogany silver table with cluster column legs and double-column x frame stretcher, England circa 1765.
A George III mahogany silver table
Collection TH30
Blue and White Delft Vases Mounted as Table Lamps with intricate floral 18th-century design from the Netherlands circa 1750.
Blue and White Delft Vases Mounted as Table Lamps, 18th Century Dutch porcelain with floral blue decoration, pair of lamps.
Blue and White Delft Vases Mounted as Table Lamps
Collection EE20
Irish George II mahogany oval drop leaf table with cabriole legs and Irish fluted pad foot, circa 1740.
Irish George II mahogany oval drop leaf table with cabriole legs and Irish fluted pad feet circa 1740
Irish George II mahogany oval drop leaf table
Colection TH30
Pair of Venetian mid 18th Century wall mirrors with original engraved plates and giltwood frames, circa 1750 Venice.
Pair of Venetian mid 18th Century wall mirrors
Collection EE20
£POA
Pair of George III Giltwood Oval Mirrors with neoclassical eagles, tassels, and palm leaf decorations, circa 1770 England.
Pair of George III Giltwood Oval Mirrors with neo-classical eagle and harebell details and gilt tassels, circa 1770.
Pair of George III Giltwood Oval Mirrors
Collection CK40
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