Kutani Cobalt Blue Vase
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases
Porcelain
Antique Early 1900s Meiji Vases
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Floor Lamps
Ormolu, Bronze
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2010s British Louis XVI Sofas
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Porcelain
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Jars
Bronze, Enamel
Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Fabric, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Japanese Table Lamps
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Earthenware, Pottery
2010s Neo-Expressionist Animal Paintings
Oil, Wood Panel
Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines
Glass, Mahogany
20th Century American Art Nouveau Glass
Glass
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Velvet, Walnut
20th Century Japanese Ceramics
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Gold
20th Century French Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Tea Sets
Gold
Antique 19th Century Ceramics
Finding the Right vases for You
Whether it’s a Chinese Han dynasty glazed ceramic wine vessel, a work of Murano glass or a hand-painted Scandinavian modern stoneware piece, a fine vase brings a piece of history into your space as much as it adds a sophisticated dynamic.
Like sculptures or paintings, antique and vintage vases are considered works of fine art. Once offered as tributes to ancient rulers, vases continue to be gifted to heads of state today. Over time, decorative porcelain vases have become family heirlooms to be displayed prominently in our homes — loved pieces treasured from generation to generation.
The functional value of vases is well known. They were traditionally utilized as vessels for carrying dry goods or liquids, so some have handles and feature an opening at the top (where they flare back out). While artists have explored wildly sculptural alternatives over time, the most conventional vase shape is characterized by a bulbous base and a body with shoulders where the form curves inward.
Owing to their intrinsic functionality, vases are quite possibly versatile in ways few other art forms can match. They’re typically taller than they are wide. Some have a neck that offers height and is ideal for the stems of cut flowers. To pair with your mid-century modern decor, the right vase will be an elegant receptacle for leafy snake plants on your teak dining table, or, in the case of welcoming guests on your doorstep, a large ceramic floor vase for long tree branches or sticks — perhaps one crafted in the Art Nouveau style — works wonders.
Interior designers include vases of every type, size and style in their projects — be the canvas indoors or outdoors — often introducing a splash of color and a range of textures to an entryway or merely calling attention to nature’s asymmetries by bringing more organically shaped decorative objects into a home.
On 1stDibs, you can browse our collection of vases by material, including ceramic, glass, porcelain and more. Sizes range from tiny bud vases to massive statement pieces and every size in between.
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