Federal Bowls and Baskets
Following the Revolutionary War, the American republic referenced the Roman Republic in its designs to celebrate its independence and declare itself a powerful new country. Imbued with neoclassical elements like those being promoted by architect Robert Adam in Great Britain, antique Federal-style furniture was the first distinctly American style in its melding of ancient influences, European aesthetics and national pride.
Dating roughly from 1790 to 1830, the style featured angular furniture with saber legs and smooth surfaces that contrasted with the curvy Rococo style that was previously in fashion. Eagles were common ornamental motifs on Federal-period furniture, as were cornucopia, lyres, garlands and scrolls, adding subtle flair to pieces characterized by clean lines, geometric symmetry, balanced shapes and a sense of grandeur.
Instead of sculptural carvings, authentic Federal-style furniture was adorned with inlays and patterned veneers that showcased the rich character of different grains and types of wood. As social life tended to be informal in the young country, furniture was often lightweight, so it could be easily rearranged in a drawing room or bedroom. Pieces like dining tables with drop leaves and sideboards became popular, replacing larger chests of drawers.
The Federal style varied by region: Artisans in Charleston, South Carolina, decorated chairs with carved backs, for instance, while those in Baltimore, Maryland, preferred painted details. Its major proponents included father-and-son cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour in Boston, Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier in New York and Samuel McIntire in Salem, Massachusetts.
Find antique Federal tables, mirrors, storage cabinets and other Federal furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
20th Century American Federal Bowls and Baskets
Silver
1790s Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Maple, Wood
Late 19th Century Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Alabaster
19th Century English Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Sterling Silver
19th Century Indian Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Silver
19th Century French Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Marble
18th Century Spanish Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Wood
Late 19th Century American Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Reed
19th Century American Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Wicker
19th Century Chinese Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Porcelain
19th Century American Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Oak
19th Century American Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Walnut
1860s North American Antique Federal Bowls and Baskets
Gold, Sterling Silver
20th Century Japanese Federal Bowls and Baskets
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century French Federal Bowls and Baskets
Porcelain
