The style of 18th-century French furniture was guided by the court. When Louis XV, who reigned from 1715–74, focused royal life on the smaller salons of Versailles rather than its grand chambers, it transformed the aesthetics away from the imposing and angular furniture that characterized the style of Louis XIV. A broader focus on comfort and more delicate forms define antique Louis XV furniture, with nature-inspired carvings, wood inlays, curved cabriole legs, asymmetrical shapes and rounded oval seat backs. The furnishings changed throughout the king’s life, as he ascended to the throne as a child and then grew to establish his own tastes.
Pieces like the bergère, an upholstered armchair with a wide cushion that fit the flowing dresses in fashion at the time, reflected this more informal court. Introduced at the start of Louis XV’s reign, bergère chairs in this style were deeper and broader than other chairs of the period.
Louis XV tapestries and carpets tended to be floral and colorful, and design elements were borrowed from Asia. Dutch-born cabinetmaker Bernard van Risenburgh brought lacquer techniques influenced by Japan and China into his luxuriously made furniture. Along with its fine details, the furniture of the era also featured new innovations including mechanical devices. Jean François Oeben, a royal cabinetmaker, created such intricate pieces as a mechanical table for Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV’s mistress. It involved a sliding top and a writing surface that extended from its marquetry panels.
During the later years of Louis XV’s reign, there was a shift from the ostentatious rocaille style, part of the exuberantly decorative Rococo movement in Europe for which designers such as Nicolas Pineau and Juste-Aurèle Meissonier are known. The style under Louis XVI would return to boxier forms, but with a neoclassical touch inspired by the ancient world.
Find antique Louis XV bedroom furniture, seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Japanned or Chinoiserie Decorated Louis XV Style Lacquer Inkwell
Located in Nashville, TN
The lacquer ground with a strong burgundy undertone. Well carved , colored and other wise decorated . The porcelain well in good Antique condition . Minor wear due to age and use .
Lacquer
Antique French Gilt Bronze Encrier Inkwell Desk Stand, Signed JF
Located in Forney, TX
A most impressive fine quality antique Louis XV style French ormolu encrier / inkstand. Born in France in the 19th century, almost certainly Parisian work, exquisitely chased, chis...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Louis XV Style Bronze Ormolu Inkwell Signed Van De Voorde
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 6 1/2 in Width: 15 3/4 in Depth: 9 in This antique French Louis XV style bronze ormolu inkwell is truly a sight to be seen! If we take a look at the photos prov...
Bronze, Ormolu
French Early 19th Century Louis XV St. Sèvres Porcelain and Ormolu Inkwell
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and exceptionally high quality French early 19th century Louis XV st. Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu inkwell, signed Sèvres. The inkwell is raised by striking pierced scrolled foliate ormolu movements in a most decorative satin and burnished finished. At the center is the finely detailed Sèvres Porcelain tray...
Ormolu
Period French Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Japanese Lacquer Chinoiserie Inkwell Tray
By Vernis Martin
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce nearly 300 year old Louis XV (1715-1774) period French gilt bronze ormolu mounted Japanned encrier (inkwell or inkstand) Paris, France, circa 1750, exceptionally executed in Louis 14th exotic far-east Japanesque / Chinoiserie oriental styling, popular at the time due to the rise in trade with China and Japan throughout the 18th century, Parisian Vernis Martin lacquer work, decorated with lavish Rocaille elements, having three inkwells fitted with glass jar inserts and ornate fiolated acorn finial covers, on a black lacquer cartouche shaped tray with roster...
Bronze, Ormolu
Shipping Free, 19th Century Silvered Bronze Inkstand Signed Boin Taburet, Paris
By Boin-Taburet
Located in Lisse, NL
Louis XV style inkstand with chinoiserie design, lacquered top. This rare and stylish inkstand is a work of the house Boin-Taburet, goldsmith in Paris. This impressive size inkstand...
Silver Plate
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
Louis XV Style Bronze and Glass Figural Inkwell
Located in Germantown, MD
Louis XV Style Bronze and Glass Figural Inkwell Dimensions: 7" in width, 4" in depth and 6.5 inches in height.
Bronze
$2,096Sale Price|30% Off
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Black Marble Standish Double Inkwell
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Black Marble Standish Inkwell with Cherub playing music.
Marble, Metal, Brass
19th Century Belgian Louis XV Style Repoussé Brass Inkwell with Letter Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a gentleman’s desk or study with this elegant antique inkwell and letter holder from Belgium, circa 1880. Designed in the Louis XV Rococo taste, the desk accessory stands on...
Brass, Metal
French Louis XV Silver and Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19/20th Century) silver plate on bronze oval shaped inkwell with handles and acorn finial.
Silver, Bronze
19th Century French Louis XV Miniature Secretary Inkwell Stand
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19th Century) inkwell stand in the form of a miniature secretary with roll top and etched glass doors. Roll top is stiff and hard to open.
Glass
19th Century French Patinated and Gilt Spelter Rooster Inkwell Desk Set
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your desk or study with this elegant antique French figural inkwell, crafted circa 1870. The composition features a finely cast rooster perched atop a rustic fence, flanked ...
Spelter
French Louis XV Miniature Secretary
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19th Century) vitrine in the form of a miniature secretary with roll top and clear glass panels.
Glass, Walnut
19th Century French Brass Antique Engraved and Signed Inkwell Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th Century small French antique engraved brass Inkwell in Louis XV style signed in the bottom in very good authentic condition.
Brass
19th Century French Louis XV Bronze Dore Double Inkwell with Candles
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19th Century) bronze dore filigree double inkwell with candleholder sides and griffins.
Bronze
$6,450Sale Price|56% Off
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Encrier Inkwell by Boin Taburet
By Boin-Taburet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style gilt-bronze, mahogany and porcelain Encrier (Inkwell). The oval mahogany base surmounted with an ormolu mounted trim, dual-trays and fi...
Bronze, Ormolu
French Louis XV Style Bronze Double Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19th Century) bronze double inkwell with trophy caps and cupid playing the cello on a white onyx base.
Onyx, Bronze
Art Deco, Inkwell Desk Set, Pen Holder, Marble, Bronze Panthers, 1920s
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco, Inkwell Desk Set, Pen Holder, Marble, Bronze, 1920s Perched upon a portoro black and brown with gold veined marble base having a pen and pencil cut out sit a male and fema...
Onyx, Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Gilt Spelter Inkwell with Rooster Sculpture Signed A. Bossu
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique inkwell in a man’s office or study. Created in France, circa 1880, and built of spelter, the desk accessory sits on five small d...
Spelter
Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Encrier by Paul Sormani, French c 1870
By Paul Sormani
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Rare Louis XV Style gilt bronze Encrier, By Paul Sormani. French, circa 1870. Signed 'P. Sormani, Paris' to the underside of the cover. Thi...
Bronze
French Louis XV Miniature Secretary Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19th Century) inkwell stand in the form of a miniature secretary with roll top and etched glass doors.
Glass, Walnut
19th C. French Faience Blue and White Hand Painted Inkwell with Harbor Scene
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of classic French charm to your writing desk with this elegant ceramic inkwell. Crafted in France circa 1880, the cartouche-shaped faience piece features intricate hand p...
Ceramic, Faience
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century French accessories Inkwell in bronze Louis XV style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis XV style bronze inkwell ,in the middle you have a marble plaque in the shape of a heart ,the bronze are finely executed,original condition Extremly rare this inkwell have its...
Bronze
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble. Antique signed 19th large bronze ...
Bronze
$145
H 4.75 in W 3.25 in D 3 in
Petite English Electroplated Nickel on Silver Lidded Container with Flame Finial
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petite English electroplated nickel on silver lidded container from the 20th century, with flaming finial and bead-and-reel motifs. Created in England during the 20th century, this...
Silver Plate, Nickel
$880Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.38 in W 7.5 in D 9.5 in
Fine Antique French Neoclassical Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Picture Frame
Located in Miami, FL
A fine ornate antique French Louis XV style gilt bronze photo frame with back easel stand, Napoleon III era, circa 1880. Richly decorated with neoclassical style motifs such as faces...
Bronze
$17,406
H 9.45 in W 16.54 in D 13.39 in
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Inkstand, baroque revival
Located in VALENZA, IT
Faithful copy of the writing service by the silversmith Pietro Rubini, Milan c.1775 The inkstand is composed of a shaped tray supported by 4 rocailles feet, modeled along the entire profile by finely embossed and chiselled volutes, leaves and shells. Above the tray are two ink holders and two pen holders with spiral workmanship and highly embossed vegetable decorations. A bell in the center of the object rests on a FASTIGIO pierced with flowering vines. By Fiorentini, Argenterie di Milano - Italy for ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA Italian silverware...
Sterling Silver
19th Century French Christofle Silver Plated Repoussé Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate a bar, dining table, or coffee service with this elegant antique French silver plated serving tray by Christofle, crafted circa 1870. Of generous rectangular form with softly...
Silver Plate
$1,795
H 6 in W 15 in D 7.5 in
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...
Malachite, Bronze
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century French Crystal and Bronze Mounumental Inkwell. Signed. Escalier de Cristal Paris.
Crystal, Bronze
$465Sale Price|55% Off
H 7.88 in W 1.19 in D 0.79 in
Soviet Union Russian Silver Plated, Melchior 1970s, Marked, Free Shipping
Located in Sofia, BG
Vintage Russian German silver Melchior set of: 12 forks (six x two different ornaments) Six (Two dessert or cake and four tea ) spoons Three knives Four soup spoons ( one is differen...
Silver Plate
$3,950 / set
H 8 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in
1900s English Crystal and Silver Plated Sheffield Inkwell on Tray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1900s English crystal and silver plated Sheffield inkwell on handled tray. The tray measurement is: Depth: 10 inches. Height: 2.75 inches. Width: 14 inches. The measurement below...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Small Silver Plated Canister with Hinged Lid
Located in Sheffield, MA
The small vintage silver plated canister or storage box has a fully hinged lid.
Silver Plate
$12,850Sale Price|31% Off
H 34.75 in W 14.5 in D 12.5 in
A French 19th Century Napoleon III Sévres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Mounted Urn
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th Century Napoleon III Sévres Style Porcelain and Ormolu Mounted Covered Urn, the 360 degree painted urn centered with an 18th century scene of a young Princess...
Ormolu
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Inkwell from France, C. 1840
Located in Dallas, TX
This piece of nineteenth-century French elegance is sure to be the envy of any collector. The Napoleon III gilt bronze inkwell is a prized find, crafted in circa 1840 France with int...
Metal, Bronze
19th Century French Pewter Lion Inkwell Signed A. Bossu
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a distinguished touch of antique French character to a desk, library, or study with this elegant pewter inkwell signed A. Bossu, crafted in France circa 1880. Rich in sculptural ...
Pewter
Sold
H 4 in W 12 in D 10 in
Antique French Figural Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Double Inkwell Inkstand wit
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Figural Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Double Inkwell Inkstand with Pen Holder 19th Century French Louis XV style figural cast bronze d...
Bronze
Louis XV Style Pewter Mounted Double Inkwell Stand
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis XV Style Pewter Mounted Double Inkwell Stand, 19th century, with finial handle opening inkwell covers to porcelain liners marked "CE" and ebonized composition pen rest. 5.25" ...
Pewter
Sold
H 7.5 in W 22.25 in D 13.25 in
A Louis XV-Style Lacquer, Porcelain and Gilt Bronze-Mounted Encrier
Located in Dallas, TX
a Louis XV-style lacquer, porcelain and gilt bronze-mounted encrier (inkwell / inkstand), Chinese Kangxi porcelain, French lacquer and gilt bronze mounts, France, 19th century
Bronze
Sold
H 9 in W 10.5 in D 10 in
19th Century French Bronze Inkwell with Horse Sculpture Signed P.J. Mêne
By P.J. Mêne
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique signed inkwell in a man’s office. Created in France, circa 1870, the bronze desk accessory sits on four small curved feet, and f...
Bronze
Sold
H 6.3 in W 16.93 in D 11.03 in
19th Century French Inkwell and Ink Stand with Letter Holder in Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century inkwell and ink stand made of brass with double letter holder in the back. Made in France in Louis XV Style. There is one small top decoration of the left inkwell that ...
Brass
Gilt Bronze and Patina Inkwell, Late 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilt bronze and patina inkwell, late 19th century. Inkwell in double patina bronze, gilt and brown patina. Representing a sculpture of a winged nude woman (model by Moreau). ...
Bronze
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Inkwell, Late 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Louis XV style gilt bronze inkwell, late 19th century. Large Louis XV style gilt bronze inkwell, end of the 19th century, beginning of the 20th century, missing the inner glass re...
Bronze
Antique Italian Louis XV Rocaille Desk Stand with Double Inkwell
Located in Forney, TX
A late 19th century Italian gilded solid brass desk ornament. The elaborately decorated, highly detailed, Louis XV style, Rocaille form encrier, with a raised back single slot letter holder decorated with ornate scrollwork, floral, foliate and putti motif (two mythical nymphs and three cherub winged angels), in front a depressed central pen tray with shell-form decoration in relief, flanked by scalloped hinged lid double inkwells, rising on figural cherub-form front feet. In wonderful, original, antique condition. Presents splendidly. Lacking glass ink tub inserts. Handcrafted, exceptionally excuted, brilliant gilt gold solid cast brass, this antique desk stand...
Brass
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Style Bronze Inkwell
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Louis XV style bronze inkwell features intricate asymmetrical scrolling, shell, and floral motifs. The inkwell has two lids that lift up to insert...
Bronze
Sold
H 5 in W 15.5 in D 9.5 in
19th Century French Louis XV Rococo Bronze Doré Inkwell with Cherub Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a man's desk or study with this elegant antique inkwell; crafted in France, circa 1860, and built of bronze, the desk accessory features intricate scrolled decor including s...
Bronze
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and Lacquer Inkstand
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of cartouche form, fitted with three vessels raised on a scrolling foliate bronze base. This charming inkstand is very much in keeping with period pieces from the mid-18th century...
Bronze