Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT
In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
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Style: Aesthetic Movement
French Faience Tureen Creil et Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience Saint Cloud Tureen signed Creil et Montereau Circa 1890.
Painted roses and wild roses , shell handle.
Saint-Cloud is a commune in the western suburbs of Paris, France,...
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Faience
French Faience Sunflower Tureen Creil et Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant and Rare French Faience sunflower Tureen Creil et Montereau Circa 1890.
Signed C&M Le Soleil.
Lemon handle.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Faience
Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza originates from the United States, Circa 1895. Featuring a scalloped profile achieved with ornate organic designs and...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Parcel Gilt Serving Spoon - J.E. Caldwell
Located in New York, NY
Large, beautiful, Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver, parcel gilt serving spoon (great for vegetables, cake/pie, desserts, potatoes, etc.), J.E. Caldwell, Philadelphia, Ca. 1880's. ...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver
Pair of Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Compotes/Tazza
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming pair of Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Compotes/Tazza originate from the United States, Circa 1895. Featuring a scalloped profile achieved with ornate org...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Set of 3 Graduating Scottish Aesthetic 'Views' Ironstone Pitchers, Circa 1875
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of 3 Graduating Scottish Aesthetic 'Views' Ironstone Pitchers, Circa 1875
By D. Methven & Sons
A captivating set of three graduating Scottish aesthetic 'Views' ironstone pitcher...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Ironstone
1930s Rosenthal Selb Hand Painted Floral Cherry Blossoms Serving Platter
By Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Eye-catching, romantic Rosenthal Selb hand-painted serving plate or platter with cherry blossoms outlined in gold, set on a background of the loveliest greenish-blue. This is not you...
Category
1930s German Vintage Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Porcelain
Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Fish Platter
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This fish platter is a true work of art! Classic Aesthetic Movement whimsical decoration with fish in motion and in conversation with the viewer, it has a three-dimensional feel. Rea...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Porcelain
Walker Hall Dr C Dresser style. An Aesthetic Movement silver plated spoon warmer
Located in London, GB
Walker Hall Sheffield after a design by Dr C Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement silver-plated ostrich egg shape spoon warmer with a circular handle, a mouth-shaped opening, and subtle ha...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
An Aesthetic Movement heavy cast brass peacock trivet with fine detailing
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement heavy cast brass peacock trivet with fine detailing throughout.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass
Russian, Hammered Brass & Copper Serving Tray
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A RUSSIAN HAMMERED BRASS SERVING TRAY
Late 19th century.
Rectangular hammered brass rimmed serving tray.
Handles attached with co...
Category
Late 19th Century Russian Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass, Copper
George Jones English Majolica Albino Strawberry Spoon
By George Jones
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A George Jones Majolica Strawberry spoon, England, circa 1870.
In the Aesthetic taste and glazed on the white ground known as ‘Albino.’ The green l...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
George Jones English Majolica Albino Strawberry Spoon
By George Jones
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A George Jones Majolica Strawberry spoon, England, circa 1870.
In the Aesthetic taste and glazed in the white ground known as 'Albino.' The green l...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
William Brownfield Aesthetic Movement Plate by Christopher Dresser
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Aesthetic Movement William Brownfield plate with a stylised panel and floral design by Christopher Dresser (British, 1834-1904) dating from around 1876.
Christopher Dr...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Aesthetic movement brass spirit kettle Circa 1890
Located in Central England, GB
A 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Spirit Kettle
A late 19th century Aesthetic movement Spirit Kettle. This opulent and beautifully made piece is made from brass with gold plated surfaces which is in excellent condition. It is of a wonderful design, very reminiscent of a piece of Christopher Dresser's work. It is made in five pieces; stand, burner and cover, kettle and lid. The kettle has a woven wicker handle and the lid and burner have an ebonised wooden knob and handle...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass
Copeland Aesthetic Movement Stag Hunting Scene Plate, 1879
By Copeland
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual antique Copeland Aesthetic Movement cabinet plate decorated with a titled stag hunting scene dated 1879. The large ceramic plate is of round sh...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Adams & Bromley Majolica Branching Yellow Pears on Brown Bark Round Bread Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A brightly glazed English majolica bread tray showing a graphic pattern of pears on a brown bark-like ground, Adams & Bromley - circa 1875-1885.
Four groups of bright, branching yel...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Grapes Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with bunches of grapes, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1920.
A grape vine branch forms the top handle, grape b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
Linthorpe Aestehtic Movement Floral Painted Art Pottery Plate
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine Aesthetic Movement floral painted side or dessert pottery plate by Linthorpe and dating from around 1885.
Linthorpe Pottery was found...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta
Majolica Oyster Plates by Minton, 1876
By Minton
Located in Paris, FR
These Minton majolica oyster plates were produced in different colors. Delicate turquoise color with iridescent green tones on the middle of the plate. Decorated with refined shells,...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Majolica
Vienna Austrian Hand-Painted Porcelain Chocolate Pot & Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional antique Austian hand-painted porcelain chocolate pot and stand by the renowned Vienna factory and dating from the 19th century. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Porcelain
George Jones Palissy English Majolica Lobster Pâté Basketweave Covered Tureen
By George Jones
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica Lobster covered pâté tureen by George Jones, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1870.
A scarce and highly desirable piece with collectors, a Palissy style oval basketweave ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
John Round Sheffield Aesthetic Movement Silver Plate Fan Shaped Toast Rack
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual large English Aesthetic Movement silver plate toast or muffin rack by John Round & Son of Sheffield and dated 1887. The rack stands on four square cut corner feet adjoined...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century Whiting Sterling Olive Fork
Located in Riverdale, NY
Late 19th century whiting sterling olive fork in the Aesthetic/Japanese taste. Extremely attractive pattern of graduated and dotted lobes taper upwards alon...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century Bread Tray
Located in High Point, NC
19th century English bread tray with wonderful molded design and brown transfer with polychromed and luster hand painted accents in the central decoration.
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Pottery
Mid-Century Italian Hippo and Frog Tureen Signed AG with a Coronet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is so fun for the holidays! It is a signed Italian hippo tureen with a small frog perched on it. It is on very good condition. The markings are an AG plus a coronet.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Pottery
Tiffany Sterling Silver "Vine" Pattern with Pea Pod Motif Cold Meat Fork
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tiffany's "Vine" pattern is not just one pattern, but thirteen different motifs of flowers, grains, vegetables and fruits. Produced between 1872-1904 this weighty sterling silver cold meat fork has the wraparound pea pod motif. Tiffany produced this pattern during the Aesthetic movement...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sarreguemines French Barbotine Majolica Trompe l'Oeil Melon Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the shape of a trompe l’oeil melon by Sarreguemines, circa 1900.
Molded in the form of a large yellow melon with green vines and leaves. The li...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
Wedgwood Palissy Majolica Snail Shell and Coral Open Salt Cellar, Dated 1872
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very rarely seen Wedgwood Majolica glazed shell and coral open salt cellar molded in the Palissy style – date marked 1872.
The globose snail shel...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
Lg. Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Engraved Flowers & Birds
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very large and substantial silver plated serving tray is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in the United States in approximately 1900 in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The tray has a very ornate stylized floral border with ornate handles with applied figural birds. The serving tray surface is very detailed with geometrically partitioned panels...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Metal
Wonderful Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Tricot Cup and Saucer Set with Lid Mint
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful royal Copenhagen Flora Danica tricot cup and saucer set with matching lid in mint condition.
Category
20th Century Danish Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Porcelain
George Jones English Palissy Majolica Glazed Three-Piece Sardine Serving Box
By George Jones
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Stoke-On-Trent pottery works of George Jones, a spectacular three-piece Majolica sardine box, Staffordshire, England, dated 1870.
In a lovely soft color palette of lilac ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
Sarreguemines French Faïence Majolica Barbotine Corn on the Cob Lidded Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen formed as an ear of corn, the handle and footing molded as corn husks. Sarreguemines, circa 1940s.
Realistically molded and charming on the table...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
Luneville Faïence Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Oil & Vinegar Cruets in Stand
By Luneville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Luneville faïence earthenware five-piece set decorated freely in the aesthetic taste with a Japonisme theme, oil and vinegar cruets in a pierce-work s...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Pansies Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with colorful pansies, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1910.
Two pansy heads form the top handle, pansy blossom...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
Wedgwood Aesthetic Majolica Tortoise Shell Glazed Char Fish Dish, circa 1878
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarely seen wedgwood char dish, an Aesthetic Movement mold showing a pair of fish in a deep dish glazed to resemble tortoise shell. Char is a fresh-water m...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Earthenware
Christopher Dresser Aesthetic Movement Claret, Hukin and Heath, 1880s
Located in Sharon, CT
A rare silver plate and glass claret from the English Aesthetic Movement designed by Christopher Dresser for Hukin and Heath. Signed, bears engraving as...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Roberts & Belk Dr C Dresser style off. A Silver Plated Double-Well Preserve Dish
Located in London, GB
Roberts and Belk, lamp trademark. After a design by Dr Christopher Dresser. An English silver-plated double-well preserve dish, with a hand-woven wicke...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Restored Tiger Tortoise Bamboo Serving Dining Tray
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Also known as "Tortoise Shell" or "English Rattan" this serving meal tray is perfect for breakfast in bed or dining on your sofa in style. Featuring a d...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Aesthetic Movement Serving Pieces
Materials
Rattan
Aesthetic Movement serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage serving pieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, earthenware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement serving pieces made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original serving pieces, popular names associated with this style include George Jones, Sarreguemines, Minton, and Tiffany & Co.. 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 serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $6,800 while the average work can sell for $665.
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