Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
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.
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Style: Classical Greek
Ancient Greek Erotic Kylix Drinking Cup
Located in London, GB
Erotic Drinking Cup
Archaic Greece, c.530 BC
Black-figure pottery
29 cm wide
A rare, erotic cup exemplifying the revelry and humour of ancient Greek culture, particularly within the...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Pottery
Vintage Ceramic Vase with Brown Bulls and Bands
Located in Grythyttan, SE
With inspiration from ancient greek pictorial style vases, this beige vase is decorated with bulls and bands in brown paint. The band ornamentations with two bands, twisted bands and...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic
Ancient Greek Style Hand Painted Kantharos, Drinking Cup With High Handles
Located in Stamford, CT
Ancient Greek style "kantharos", a drinking cup with handles. In the Apulian style of southern Italy. Quite elegant with a fine painting of a seated, robed sculptor on the front, and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Greek Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Copper
A Pair of Wedgwood Jasper Tricolour Dip Vases, Circa 18th Century
By Wedgwood
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A pair of Wedgwood Jasper Tricolour Dip Vases, Circa 18th Century. Each sprigged with a continuous band of classical figures between bands of upright vine alternate with flower-head...
Category
18th Century English Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Pottery
Genuine Crystal Ball On A Bronze Tripod About 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Genuine Crystal Ball On A Bronze Tripod About 1880
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Wood
Small Patinated Bronze Greek Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
Well detailed small patinated bronze Greek motif vase, circa 1970s. The vase is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.25"D x 3.25"H. #4071
Category
Mid-20th Century Greek Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Gilded Wood Carving, Draped Angel, Austria About 1800
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Gilded Wood Carving, Draped Angel, Austria About 1800
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Wood
Ancient Greek Black Glaze Kantharos Wine Cup
Located in London, GB
Greek Black Glaze Kantharos
Circa Early 4th Century B.C.
Terracotta
With old label reading ‘No. 133’
Height: 8.8 cm
This 4th Century B.C. kan...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic
Drunken Silenus, Bronze From Antique Mounted As A Lamp, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Drunken Silenus, Bronze From Antique Mounted As A Lamp, 19th Century
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Classical Italian Grey Marble Vases After the Famous Medici Vase
Located in London, GB
Pair of classical Italian grey marble vases after the famous Medici vase
Italian, 19th Century
Measures: Height 51cm, width 26cm, depth 25cm
These exceptional vases are carved from dark greenish marble in a classical style. Each vase is modelled as an ancient Greek bell krater...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Large Antique Carved White Marble Medici Vase Garden Urn
Located in London, GB
Large antique carved white marble Medici vase garden urn
Continental, 20th Century
Height 73cm, diameter 55cm
Crafted in the 20th century, this ra...
Category
20th Century European Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Ancient Greek Perfume Bottle
Located in London, GB
Athenian Black-glaze perfume pot with inscription
Athens, c. 425-400 B.C.
Terracotta
Measures: Height: 9cm; diameter across lip: 7.5cm; width including handle: 9cm
This 5th Cen...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Pottery
Ancient Greek Attic Pyxis Cosmetics Box
Located in London, GB
A rare Colonial Greek or Etruscan Attic black-figure Pyxis
Circa 6th century B.C.
Terracotta
Finely moulded, the cover with rounded knob and reserved dec...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of 19th Century, Classical Style Urns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grand pair of late 19th century, terracotta urns featuring reliefs of Neptune / Poseidon amidst the waves flanked by a hippocampus and a sea serpent. Stamped “Galloway Pottery, Phila...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Terracotta
Wedgwood Tri-Colored Jasper Vase
By Wedgwood
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional and rare Wedgwood tri-colored jasper vase exemplifies that renowned firm’s classical artistry. Crafted of jasper, perhaps the greatest of Josiah Wedgwood’s porcelain innovations, in the shape of an ancient Greek calyx krater...
Category
Early 20th Century English Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic
Large Greek Olive Jar with Metal Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful large 1940s Greek Olive Jar with metal stand. The height of 46 inches includes the metal stand.
Category
Mid-20th Century Greek Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Terracotta
Pair Green Gold 19th Century Crystal Vases, Greek Key Design Attributed Moser
By Moser
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rich green blown crystal vases featuring 24 karat gold decoration throughout with the central portion having a Greek key design. This pair dates to the last half of the 19th century ...
Category
1880s Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Crystal, Gold
Pair of Large Cast Iron Garden Urns, Garden Planters
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Pair of Large Cast Iron Garden Urns, Garden Planters
This is a superb and unusually large pair of cast iron urns
The urns are in...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Iron
Mid 20th Century Italian Scavo Glass Roman Style Vase
Located in Elkhart, IN
A mid 20th century Roman style pink Scavo glass vase. Scavo glass was created in the mid 20th century by using a technique involving the application, to the surface of an object, of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Glass
Vintage Ornamental Baluster Urn, English, Golden Pearl Marble, Decorative, Vase
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage ornamental baluster urn. An English, golden pearl marble decorative vase, dating to the late 20th century.
Classical appeal with golden hues
Displays a desirable aged patina
Shapely baluster urn with marble...
Category
20th Century English Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Danish 19th Century Ancient Greek Style Cast Iron Vase
Located in Kastrup, DK
Cast iron vase in the ancient style. Black, red and burnt orange decorations.
In original and untouched condition with beautiful patina consistent with age and use.
Very decorative...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Metal
Pair Of Alabaster Vases, Italy About 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Pair Of Alabaster Vases, Italy About 1880
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Small Antique Green Marble Mortar, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Small Antique Green Marble Mortar, 19th Century
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Venus Callipyge, Black Patina Bronze Sculpture, Grand Tour, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Venus Callipyge, Black Patina Bronze Sculpture, Grand Tour, 19th Century
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Heron Tripod Oil Lamp Holder, Grand Tour Object, Bronze, Italy 19th century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Heron Tripod Oil Lamp Holder, Grand Tour Object, Bronze, Italy 19th century
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Brutalist Travertine Table Lamp Circa 1980
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Brutalist Travertine Table Lamp Circa 1980
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Il Porcelino after Pietro Tacca, Green Serpentine Marble Sculpture, Italy 19th
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Il Porcelino after Pietro Tacca, Green Serpentine Marble Sculpture, Italy 19th Century
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th Century Greek Style Green Ewer Pitcher
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Elegant Verdi green glazed Grecian style terra cotta ewer, circa 1920s measuring 27 inches tall, 11 inches diameter. The green and black glaze with a stippled effect in a jade green color.
Category
1920s American Vintage Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Terracotta
Antique German Royal Bonn Porcelain Tapestry Vase, Classical Genre Scene, C1900
By Royal Bonn
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique German vase by Royal Bonn offers hand painted Classical genre scene with women dancing in a courtyard, maker mark on base as photographe...
Category
Early 20th Century German Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Porcelain
Jacques Louis KESSLER, Pair of Vases Engraved Using the Kessler Process
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This pair of vases, crafted in the 19th century, was made using a technique developed by engineer Jacques Louis Kessler in 1855 and patented in 1858.
The decoration of these two vases, made of double-layered crystal (blue on the outside and transparent on the inside), was achieved using Kessler’s engraving process. This innovative method utilized alkaline fluorides mixed with acids and a system of stencils, allowing for an immediate contrast between a bright, colored design and a matt background. The Baccarat crystal manufacturer later acquired exclusive rights to this patented process, which brought them widespread acclaim during the 1867 Paris Exhibition.
These baluster-shaped vases feature neo-Greek ornamentation, alternating between blue-toned designs and matt crystal. Their clean, elegant lines are accented by several ornamental blue crystal bands. The decoration is composed of three primary scenes: the first depicts two combatants. The second portrays a winged Victory holding a palm in one hand while crowning a resting warrior with laurel in the other; the warrior stands before her. The third depicts three figures: a woman playing the lyre for a king holding a long scepter, with a young ephebe standing behind him. The scenes are separated by depictions of weapon trophies. The iconography draws inspiration from scenes commonly found on ancient Greek vases, while emphasizing the fluidity of the figures’ movements and features. Each vase rests on a circular mount supported by four spheres, with one vase bearing the number “2” engraved under its base.
When Baccarat acquired the rights to Kessler’s technique, the company used it to create similar pieces, incorporating this innovative method into its repertoire. At the 1867 Paris Exhibition, Baccarat showcased a celestial blue crystal punch bowl and matching glasses engraved using this process; this set is now housed at the Corning Museum of Glass. The Galerie Marc Maison...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Glass
Pair Of Black Patina Bronze Vases, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Pair Of Black Patina Bronze Vases, 19th Century
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Highly Decorative, Great Crater with Greek Mythological Decoration, Italy, 1850
Located in Walkertshofen, BY
Unusually large crater with extensive depictions of Greek mythology. Light ceramic in terracotta color with ebonized paint. Two protruding volute handles adorn the sides. The huge si...
Category
1850s Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic
Vases Art Deco Period in Grecian Style in Painted Spelter on Marble Bases, Pair
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Grecian Art Deco spelter vases on marble bases recall the glory days of the ancient Greeks before the roman conquest, and feature embossed patterns...
Category
1920s French Vintage Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble, Spelter
Classical 19th Century French Majolica porcelain and ormolu urn.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French cobalt and turquoise blue majolica porcelain urn, with wonderful gilded ormolu mouldings and mounts of putti holding garlands of flowers, amon...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ormolu
Porcelain & Ceramic Sculptural Vase Italy Contemporary, 21st Century
Located in London, GB
"TuttiTappi (Venus doppelgänger)", 2016, glazed earthenware and porcelain, measures: H 27 x 15 x 15cm
Andrea Salvatori (Italy, 1975) is an internationally renowned visual artist w...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Ancient Greek 350BC South Italy Campanian Black Terracotta Handled Kylix Vase
Located in Miami, FL
A Ancient Greek Kylix vase.
Campanian ancient Greek red terracotta stemless kylix (drinking cup) with two handles. from the Magna Grecia period. Made between the 350-300 BC in the G...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Earthenware, Terracotta
Goddess Artemis. Stamno. From the series Gynaeceum
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Goddess Artemis. Stamno, 2023 Paloma Castello
From the series Gynaeceum
Hand painted ceramic
Height : 40 cm
Width : 30 cm
Opening Width: 26.2 cm
Base Width: : 20 cm
Gineco (Gyn...
Category
2010s Colombian Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Majestic Antique Majolica Vase/ Urn ca 1900
Located in Doha, QA
This is an absolutely beautiful Majolica porcelain Vase.
It is 42 cm hight and has as its main theme the face of Dionysus -God of Wine in greek mythology. The handles are decorated ...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Porcelain
Maitland Smith Bronze Ram's Head Vase Cornucopia, 1980's USA
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Maitland Smith Bronze Ram's Head Vase Cornucopia, 1980's USA
Maitland-Smith bronze cornucopia vase, late 20th c., in a verdigris finish, with twisted cornucopia mounted to horned ra...
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
French Greek Revival Porcelain Apothecary Jar
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Greek Revival Porcelain Apothecary jar, decorated front and back with two different vignettes, with Greek Key and medallion surrounds, ...
Category
20th Century French Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Porcelain
20th Century Porcelain Lamp Pair by Mottahedeh
By Mottahedeh
Located in Savannah, GA
This handsome pair of Mottahedeh cobalt and white porcelain urn lamps feature central floral medallions surrounded by raised bellflower swags, hand-painted and parcel gilt, and are mounted on 5.5 inch square brass bases. Porcelain artichoke...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Brass
Tall Mediterranean Contemporary Ceramic Vase, Cyprus
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Tall contemporary minimalist ceramic vase handmade in Cyprus. Unglazed exterior with handcarved incised relief stylized organic decor with caramel br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Cypriot Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Vintage Decorative Vase, English, Platinum Striata Marble, Baluster Urn
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative vase. An English, platinum striata marble baluster urn, dating to the late 20th century.
Stunning marble vase, to enha...
Category
20th Century English Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Antique 19th century Italian Rare Greek Mythology Majolica Vase/Urn
Located in Doha, QA
A very rare and very decorative Italian Majolica Vase. Hight 41 cm. The vase is decorated with four faces of God Ammon-epithet of Zeus, and two of Neptun...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Porcelain
Late 18th Century, Greek Classic Enameled Terracotta Vase Ceramiche di Este
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Greek Classic enameled terracotta vase by Ceramiche di Este, circa 1780-1820 attributtable ex Manifattura Franchini
About Ceramica di Este
The porcelain of Este is a porcelain pr...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Classical Greek Cameo Art Pottery Lamp Base Attr. Weller, c1930
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique lamp base offers urn form cameo art pottery vase attributed to Weller with dancing Grecian figures and garden elements in relief and raise...
Category
20th Century American Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Metal
Young Boy, Green Patina Plaster Bust, About 1900
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Young Boy, Green Patina Plaster Bust, About 1900
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Plaster
Urbano Zaccagnini Etruscan Compote Metropolitan Museum
Located in Sharon, CT
A Zaccagnini ceramic reproduction of the museum's Etruscan compote. Fully signed on bottom.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne Low Handled Bronze Borghese Urns
Located in Hastings, GB
Glorious and incredibly rare pair of 19th century gilt bronze low handled urns modelled after the original Borghese vase by Giovanni Zoffoli (c1785-1845) cast by Barbedienne in the ...
Category
1870s French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Large Studio Plaster, Young Nude Woman, Signature on Base
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Large Studio Plaster, Young Nude Woman, Signature on Base
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
Onyx And Bronze Bead Deep Cut About 1900
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Onyx And Bronze Bead Deep Cut About 1900
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Marble
English engraved glass vase with Socrates, the Greek philosopher, circa 1920
Located in Central England, GB
This superb English wheel engraved clear glass vase is most likely from one of the Stourbridge factories and dates to circa 1920.
The vase is made from heavy thick glass and is of a...
Category
Early 20th Century British Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Glass
circa 1930s Bronze Urn / Jardinere with a Sculptural Hermaphrodite Handle
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a wonderful bronze jardinere or urn.
Has a sculptural hermaphrodite handle, that starts with a cherub holding a goose, then with the...
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Male Bust, ‘pseudo Seneque’ Green patina From Antique, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Bronze Male Bust, ‘pseudo Seneque’ Green patina From Antique, 19th Century
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Alfiero Mangani Granite Finish Ceramic Vases
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of Italian Mangani ceramic vases; mimics a fine appearance of fine Granite. The vases come with an opaque finish, signed to bottom.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century French Neo-Greek Classical Bronze Lamp by Henry Cahieux
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
A 19th century French Neo-Greek Classical bronze lamp by Henry Cahieux probably cast by the Barbedienne foundry, Paris and inscribed Hy Cahieux, 21.5cm...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Bronze
Classical French 19th century fine opaque glass vase circa 1890
Located in Central England, GB
Classical French 19th Century Vase
A stylish mid 19th century French vase with a classical design in fine opaque glass with boarders of "duck...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Glass
Alfiero Mangani Granite Finish Ceramic Flared Vase
Located in North Miami, FL
An Italian Mangani ceramic vase; mimics a fine appearance of fine granite. The vase come with an opaque finish, signed to bottom.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Greek Vases and Vessels
Materials
Ceramic
Classical Greek vases and vessels for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Greek vases and vessels 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 vases and vessels created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Greek vases and vessels made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original vases and vessels, popular names associated with this style include Mangani Firenze, Andrea Salvatori, Galloway Pottery, and Henry Cahieux and Ferdinand Barbedienne. 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 vases and vessels differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $200 and tops out at $153,375 while the average work can sell for $2,142.