Aesthetic Movement Furniture
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
Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category
2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 12 Chinese Export Silver Spider Web Form Place Card Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Export, early 20th century.
A set of 12 Chinese Export silverplate and sterling silver spider web model place card holders. Each piece has delicat...
Category
20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
19th Century European Black Lacquered Chinoserie Painted Tea/Tobacco Caddy Jar
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A large English lacquered papier-mâché container from the Aesthetic Movement period, featuring a decorative chinoserie painting of stylized Asian figures, pagodas, and a garden bridg...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Papercord
Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Griffin Specimen Top Chess Table
By Herter Brothers, Gustave Herter
Located in Garnerville, NY
Outstanding ebonized specimen top chess table. This one of a kind find has all the bells and whistles of the ultimate luxury game table. Featuring the spectacular marble and semi-pre...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Griotte Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Marble, Quartz, Mala...
A 19th Century Antique French Pink Opaline Glass and Enamel Vase
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Antique French Pink Opaline cased glass hand decorated floral motif vase. The flared neck at the top flanked buy two handles with hand decorated enamel all over. The floral and butt...
Category
1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
Antique KARABAGH Runner
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
nr. 104 - A carpet that I love: it has elegance and personality. It deserves to be set in a situation where it can also be admired. Now with this good price because i'm closing acti...
Category
Early 20th Century Caucasian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
C1880 Mahogany Cane & Umbrella Stand with Copper Drip Tray
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and a unique form umbrella and cane holder in mahogany with it's original copper pan. Pan lifts out. Carved flowers on upper portion with turned posts. In very good original...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Copper
Boar and Stag Majolica Tureens
Located in Savannah, GA
A pair of Italian majolica boar and stag head tureens, mid 20th century.
16 ½ inches wide by 11 inches deep by 10 inches tall
Category
Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Large Scale Meiji Japanese Bronze Table Lamp W/ Floral Candelabra Mounts
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese, circa 1900.
A pair of antique Japanese bronze table lamps. The lamps feature a detailed body showcasing applied lotus blossom and bird motifs to center, traditional Japanese motifs throughout and good quality guardian handles to each.
These have a very unusual blossom floral and vine...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Thai Burmese Kalaga Embroidery, Framed, Set of 2 Pcs
Located in Plainview, NY
A harmonious pair of vintage Thai Burmese Kalaga embroideries, each a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and rich tradition of Southeast Asian textile...
Category
20th Century Thai Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Silk, Glass, Wood
Kate Rogers Doulton Lambeth Pair Impasto Daisy Painted Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and fine pair Doulton Lambeth Impasto daisy painted vases by renowned Faience artist Kate Rogers and dated 1885.
The stoneware vases are of tall bulbous shape standing r...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
A Victorian Continental Silver Pepperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Continental Silver Pepper Peperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes.
A lovely 19th century (Victorian era) German silver pepperette or pounce pot (used to contain fine sand ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
19th c. Minton Aesthetic Movement "Aquarium" Fish Plate
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This Minton "Aquarium" plate was part of a fish service which is a rare and sought after pattern. The celadon green ground contrasts beautifully with the vibrant polychrome decoratio...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Hand Painted Antique Large Screen
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
M/781 - Interesting large hand painted on wood high screen : from France, mid '800.
It can be the background of an entire wall: an imaginary garden with flowers' triumph; on the o...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paint
Aesthetic Movement Verdigris Gilt Bronze Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement verdigris gilt bronze mirror, the frame with geometric and beaded design surmounted by a scrolling foliate motif pediment, circa 1920s, apparently unsigned.
Deale...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th Century Set of Six "Kings" Pattern Sterling Silver Knives by Wallace
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 "Kings" pattern sterling silver hollow handle luncheon knives by Wallace, early 20th century. Original wide steel blades. Never engraved.
8 7/8" x 3/4".
Whitehall Antiques ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Belgium Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Belgium Majolica oyster plate with pink flowers and green leaves Wasmuel, circa 1890.
Category
1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Doulton Lambeth Faience Floral Painted Jug Signed
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and impressive Doulton Lambeth Faience floral painted jug or pitcher by a listed but unidentified artist and dating from around 1880. The tall and ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
English Aesthetic Tortoise Bamboo Hall Shelf Magazine Rack
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English aesthetic movement bookstand with a display shelf and a large magazine rack or canterbury. Beautifully crafted from tortoise shell bamboo poles. The stand has a smal...
Category
20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category
2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair, Royal Crown Derby "Exotic Birds" Jewel Encrusted Moon Flask Vases C. 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
Royal Crown Derby (England, founded 1756) Circa 1877-1890 made in the Osmaston Road Factory.
Introducing a truly remarkable pair of Royal Crown Derby "Exotic Birds" Jewel Encrusted...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots
By Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots
France, Circa 1870s Attributed to Baccarat
A captivating pair of 19th-century French Opaline & Gilt B...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning brass baroque empire chandelier reminiscent of the classic style of the empire era. This is a new reproduction and there are several available to ensure you ca...
Category
2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Majolica Insect Wall Pocket Fives Lille, circa 1890
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica insect wall pocket Fives Lille signed, circa 1890.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
19th-C. English Sea Ship Captain W/ Child Watercolor on Paper In Burl Frame
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this! It is a framed English sea captain with his child dating to approximately 1850. It is a watercolor on paper. The frame is burl walnut, and both painting and frame show w...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Burl, Paper
Early 20th Century Marquetry Panel of a Terrace Scene by Pierre Rosenau
By Pierre Rosenau
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th century marquetry panel by Pierre Rosenau portrays a captivating classical scene of a terrace and garden set against the backdrop of an ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Majolica Insect Wall Pocket Fives Lille, circa 1890
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica insect wall pocket Fives Lille signed, circa 1890.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Early 20th Century "Kings" Pattern Sterling Silver Butter Spreaders by Wallace
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 8 "Kings" sterling silver butter spreaders by Wallace, early 20th century. Solid silver. Monogram "JLT". Crisp & well defined. ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
American Aesthetic Movement Birds Eye Maple Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Chinese and Japanese bamboo style furniture reached the height of popularity after the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. As the Aesthetic...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Piano Stool, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Piano Stool, ATTR: Herter Brothers
*Please View Other Listings - Matching Chair and Ottoman*
Presenting an exceptional piece of 19...
Category
20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Faux Bamboo
Gillows of Lancaster Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Burr Walnut Occasional Table
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare, fully restored, super quality Gillows of Lancaster & London Amboyna wood & burr walnut eboni...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Aesthetic Movement Mixed Metal Desk Organizer C1870
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Aesthetic Movement desk organizer offers mixed metal construction with two boxes on footed tray and having embossed bird and flower design, c1870
Measures- 2.5''H x 10.25...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Tapestry Signed Aubusson 2m10 By 1m80 Called Verdure
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful tapestry signed Aubusson from the 19th century
Very beautiful verdure composed of numerous trees, animals and a house in the background
Beautiful perspective and dimen...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Doulton Lambeth Art Union of London Floral Vase by Emily E Stormer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth floral design Vase made for the Art Union of London by renowned artist Emily E Stormer and dating from around 1885. The stoneware va...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Small Colonial Chest - 18th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little colonial chest from the 18th century
Very beautiful little chest with very interesting dimensions since it's smaller than the usual chests
in perfect condition and with...
Category
18th Century Indian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Chestnut
Portuguese Pedestal Table -19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Portuguese oak pedestal table from the 19th century
Very beautiful center table which with its rustic side stands out from the usual pedestal tables
Very beautiful one-piece...
Category
19th Century Portuguese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
c. 1900 Set of 12 Sterling Silver Seafood Forks by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 sterling silver seafood forks "King" pattern by Dominick & Haff, circa 1900. Retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle. Pattern patent c.1880. Monogram "W". Crisp condition. 5.95 ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Schumacher Pattee & Luna 20" Pillow
By Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
This pillow features Pattee on the front with Luna on the back by Molly Mahon for Schumacher with a knife edge finish. Fabric is hand-block printed in Indi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Linen
Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair
By Otto Wagner
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Otto Wagner for Jacob and Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair, with Pierced Vase Splat & Branded Stamp to Chair Underside Made in Vienna Austria
Jacob & Josef Ko...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bentwood, Velvet
Set of 12 Wedgwood Green Majolica Aesthetic Movement Sunflower Plates
By Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 12 green majolica glazed dinner plates in the ‘Sunflower’ pattern by Wedgwood, made circa 1880.
The sunflower, alongside the calla lily and peacock feather, became an emblem ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery
Pair of porcelain “swallow” vases , L'Escalier de Cristal, France, 1890
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of Chinese porcelain vases. On a blue background of stylized clouds, two cartouches display a design of pairs of swallows flying among flowering branches. The reverse ...
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Pear Fruit Plate
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood and in the color way known as Argenta, a fruit plate, England, circa 1875.
Showing a central red and orange pear and leaves along with a branch of purple plums and red...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
George Jones Aesthetic Majolica Cat & Bird Figural Dish, England, 1876
By George Jones
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Jones Aesthetic Majolica Cat & Bird Figural Dish, England, 1876
Registry Date marked for January 22, 1876
A truly exceptional piece of antique majolica pottery: the George Jo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Majolica
Small Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in Fullerton, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category
2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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 Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
Aesthetic Movement Tiger Bamboo Bat Wing Bar
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early 20th century Aesthetic Movement tiger bamboo small 2 person bat wing bar with a unique batwing bar top and small 2 shelf cabinet along the back.
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair, ATTR: Herter Brothers
*Please View Other Listings - Matching Ottoman and Piano Stool*
Presenting an exceptional piece o...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo
19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Category
1880s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century set of 4 Large Scale Four Seasons Paintings
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century set of 4 Large Scale Four Seasons Paintings were designed for a French bakery, and beautifully and colorfully represent the Four Seasons, with the seasons' names painted ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paint
Medium Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in Fullerton, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category
2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
A Champlevé Repeating Carriage Clock be E.Maurice & Cie Paris
Located in Amersham, GB
A charming repeating carriage clock in champleve enamel case by one of the great Parisian makers. This eight day two train movement with an English lever platform escapement striking...
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Mantel Clock Attributed to Lewis Foreman Day
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Aesthetic Movement mantel clock, with an ebonised mahogany case and an exquisitely painted dial. The case embodies the style of the Aesthetic Movement, with an arched a...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock
Located in Amersham, GB
A charming enamel and brass mantel clock with champlevé enamel decoration, corinthian columns and foliate finials to the case. Housing an eight day movement, with original platform e...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Doulton Lambeth Rare Marked Trailing Vine Jug by Mark V Marshall
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unusual Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery jug carved and decorated in relief with trailing fruiting vines by renowned and gifted modeler, designer and decorator Mark V Marshall ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Unusual 19th Century Large Eel Form Majolica Pottery Pitcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
European, 19th century.
An incredibly unusual and interesting majolica pitcher. The water pitcher features a finely detailed Eel, with scales, eyes and a wonderful tail.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
RAIN- Gray throw pillow in imported fabrics that resemble rain by Mar de Doce
By Mar de Doce
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing our exclusive "Rain" pillow, a masterpiece that brings the beauty of rainfall into your home with unparalleled sophistication. Meticulously crafted using fabrics designed...
Category
2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Polyester
Jaeger LeCoultre Vendome Atmos Clock
Located in Mérida, YU
A beautiful Jaeger LeCoultre mid century Vendome Atmos clock. This piece looks wonderful on a desk in a study, or on a mantelpiece or table. Very elegant. ...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate
Large Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in Fullerton, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category
2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Minton, Doulton Lambeth, Christopher Dresser, and Wedgwood. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $86,402 while the average work can sell for $1,820.
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