Skip to main content

Art Nouveau Fish

to
23
133
83
167
89
54
49
33
25
16
15
14
14
12
9
9
8
6
5
5
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
26
10
8
7
3
Sort By
Maison Gripoix French Art Nouveau Fish Buckle
Maison Gripoix French Art Nouveau Fish Buckle

Maison Gripoix French Art Nouveau Fish Buckle

By Maison Gripoix

Located in New York, NY

Unusual and large Maison Gripoix French Art Nouveau Fish Buckle in silverplated bronze with ruby

Category

Early 1900s French Belts

Giant german Art Nouveau fish fork
Giant german Art Nouveau fish fork

Giant german Art Nouveau fish fork

By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Located in Vienna, AT

This havy and large piece was made in the early 20th century in the style of Art Nouveau with some

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Materials

Brass

Danish Art Nouveau Fish Ash Tray / Bowl by Axel Sorensen for P. Ipsens Enke
Danish Art Nouveau Fish Ash Tray / Bowl by Axel Sorensen for P. Ipsens Enke

Danish Art Nouveau Fish Ash Tray / Bowl by Axel Sorensen for P. Ipsens Enke

By P. Ipsens Enke

Located in Knebel, DK

Danish Art Nouveau fish ash tray / bowl designed by Axel Sørensen in 1927 for P. Ipsens Enke. The

Category

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Art Nouveau Fish Vase by Matheus Pettersson & Nils Emil Lundström for Rörstrand
Art Nouveau Fish Vase by Matheus Pettersson & Nils Emil Lundström for Rörstrand

Art Nouveau Fish Vase by Matheus Pettersson & Nils Emil Lundström for Rörstrand

By Nils Emil Lundström, Rörstrand

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Swedish Rörstrand porcelain factory created some of the most beautiful decorative objects of the Art

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Blackinton & Co Nouveau Fish & Water Repousse Sterling Silver Matchsafe
Antique Blackinton & Co Nouveau Fish & Water Repousse Sterling Silver Matchsafe

Antique Blackinton & Co Nouveau Fish & Water Repousse Sterling Silver Matchsafe

By R. Blackinton & Co., Whiting Manufacturing Company, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Tiffany & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique signed silver Art Nouveau fish-themed matchsafe. By R. Blackinton & Co. In

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Vase Decorated with Fish
Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Vase Decorated with Fish

Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Vase Decorated with Fish

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau vase decorated with fish. Measures 22 cm. Marked. 1st factory

Category

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Porcelain

Pisces-The Fish
Pisces-The Fish

Pisces-The Fish

By Eugène Grasset

Located in Fairlawn, OH

, proof (as here) or calendar page The first and only edition of Grasset's lovely Art Nouveau Calendar

Category

1880s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

Art Nouveau Scorpion Fish Repoussé Box by Alfred Daguet
Art Nouveau Scorpion Fish Repoussé Box by Alfred Daguet

Art Nouveau Scorpion Fish Repoussé Box by Alfred Daguet

By Alfred Daguet

Located in Palm Beach, FL

was located at 22 rue de Provence, just above Siegfried Bing’s influential L’Art Nouveau boutique. It

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Art Nouveau German Sterling Fantasy Fish Motif Oil Lamp/Cigar Lighter
Art Nouveau German Sterling Fantasy Fish Motif Oil Lamp/Cigar Lighter

Art Nouveau German Sterling Fantasy Fish Motif Oil Lamp/Cigar Lighter

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Art Nouveau German Sterling Fantasy Fish Motif Oil Lamp/Cigar Lighter German, Late 19th Century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Circular Repoussé Box with Scorpion Fish by Alfred Daguet
Art Nouveau Circular Repoussé Box with Scorpion Fish by Alfred Daguet

Art Nouveau Circular Repoussé Box with Scorpion Fish by Alfred Daguet

By Alfred Daguet

Located in Palm Beach, FL

was located at 22 rue de Provence, just above Siegfried Bing’s influential L’Art Nouveau boutique. It

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Dolphin Fish Metal Bronze Door Stop, Art Nouveau Vintage European 1920s
Dolphin Fish Metal Bronze Door Stop, Art Nouveau Vintage European 1920s

Dolphin Fish Metal Bronze Door Stop, Art Nouveau Vintage European 1920s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

the mythological Gods to mind. Fish itself is approx. 16.5" high. Perfect for a beachfront or coastal

Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Antique Art Nouveau Mythical Fish Chainmail Purse 1900s
Antique Art Nouveau Mythical Fish Chainmail Purse 1900s

Antique Art Nouveau Mythical Fish Chainmail Purse 1900s

Located in Wilmslow, GB

An antique Chainmail Purse from the Art Nouveau era. Chainmail purses were de rigueur during this

Category

Early 1900s Evening Bags and Minaudières

Antique German Art Nouveau .800 Silver 12 Piece Fish Flatware Serving Set
Antique German Art Nouveau .800 Silver 12 Piece Fish Flatware Serving Set

Antique German Art Nouveau .800 Silver 12 Piece Fish Flatware Serving Set

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Germany and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Art Nouveau style. The pieces are comosed of

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Silver

An Exceptional Set of Twelve Art Nouveau Silver Gilt Fish Knives, circa 1900
An Exceptional Set of Twelve Art Nouveau Silver Gilt Fish Knives, circa 1900

An Exceptional Set of Twelve Art Nouveau Silver Gilt Fish Knives, circa 1900

By Koch & Bergfeld

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

An exceptionally fine set of twelve Art Nouveau Period silver-gilt fish knives, all having richly

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Silver

1960 Vintage Art Nouveau Tapestry Abstract Fish Handwoven 2x4
1960 Vintage Art Nouveau Tapestry Abstract Fish Handwoven 2x4

1960 Vintage Art Nouveau Tapestry Abstract Fish Handwoven 2x4

Located in New York, NY

1960 Vintage Art Nouveau Tapestry Abstract Fish Handwoven 2x4 About Us~ Welcome to Antique Rug

Category

Vintage 1950s French Baroque Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Art Nouveau Vase with Exotic Fish by Eduard Stellmacher for RStK Amphora
Art Nouveau Vase with Exotic Fish by Eduard Stellmacher for RStK Amphora

Art Nouveau Vase with Exotic Fish by Eduard Stellmacher for RStK Amphora

By Eduard Stellmacher, Reissner Stellmacher & Kessel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Model #4598. Hard Earthenware. Riessner, Stellmacher and Kessel (RSt&K), consistently marked pieces with the tradename “Amphora” by the late 1890s and became known by that name. The ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Earthenware

1960 Vintage Art Nouveau Tapestry Abstract Fish Handwoven 2x4
1960 Vintage Art Nouveau Tapestry Abstract Fish Handwoven 2x4

1960 Vintage Art Nouveau Tapestry Abstract Fish Handwoven 2x4

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Tapestry Kelim Flatwoven Handwoven 2x4 1'10" x 4'3" 56cm x 130cm About Us~ Welcome to Antique Rug Collection. Your #1 Source for handmade Antique Rugs & Tapestries at g...

Category

Vintage 1950s Spanish Baroque Tapestries

Materials

Wool

French Art Nouveau Gold Gargoyle Pendant
French Art Nouveau Gold Gargoyle Pendant

French Art Nouveau Gold Gargoyle Pendant

Located in New York, NY

Wonderful French Art Nouveau Gold Gargoyle or Dragon-Fish Pendant in 18k gold circa 1900. Marked

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

"Nude with Fish", Rare, Art Nouveau Porcelain Sculpture for Crown Prince Wilhelm
"Nude with Fish", Rare, Art Nouveau Porcelain Sculpture for Crown Prince Wilhelm

"Nude with Fish", Rare, Art Nouveau Porcelain Sculpture for Crown Prince Wilhelm

By KPM Porcelain

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Rare and striking, this porcelain sculpture depicting a nude Japanese male figure carrying a fish

Category

Vintage 1940s German Belle Époque Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Daum Art Glass Fishes Vase Multicolor, Violet Orange, France
Daum Art Glass Fishes Vase Multicolor, Violet Orange, France

Daum Art Glass Fishes Vase Multicolor, Violet Orange, France

By Daum

Located in Rijssen, NL

. The vase - made out of art glass - has violet, blue and orange glass on the bottom. In the glass are

Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Art Glass

William Leonard Baron Art Pottery Sgraffito Glazed Fish Vase
William Leonard Baron Art Pottery Sgraffito Glazed Fish Vase

William Leonard Baron Art Pottery Sgraffito Glazed Fish Vase

By William Baron

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A stylish and decorative Devon art pottery vase decorated in sgraffito with a fish swimming amidst

Category

Antique 1890s English Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery Vase with Fish by Maud Bowden
Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery Vase with Fish by Maud Bowden

Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery Vase with Fish by Maud Bowden

By Doulton Lambeth

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A stylish Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery vase decorated with fish by highly renowned artist Maud

Category

20th Century English Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Georg Jensen Lily of the Valley Silver, Fish Knife and Fish Fork
Georg Jensen Lily of the Valley Silver, Fish Knife and Fish Fork

Georg Jensen Lily of the Valley Silver, Fish Knife and Fish Fork

Located in København, Copenhagen

Georg Jensen Lily of the valley silver, fish knife and fish fork. Measures: Fish knife 21 cm. In

Category

Vintage 1910s Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Antique Venetian Murano Red Gold Flecks Fish Stem Italian Art Glass Vase
Antique Venetian Murano Red Gold Flecks Fish Stem Italian Art Glass Vase

Antique Venetian Murano Red Gold Flecks Fish Stem Italian Art Glass Vase

By Fratelli Toso, Salviati

Located in Kissimmee, FL

to showcase it as a decorative piece in any room. Art Nouveau, Art Deco era. Measures 6 1/2" tall x 3

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Gold Leaf

French Majolica Fish Pitcher, 1930s
French Majolica Fish Pitcher, 1930s

French Majolica Fish Pitcher, 1930s

Located in ASNIÈRES-SUR-SEINE, FR

This small fish pitcher will bring a touch of personality and originality to all tables. Highly

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Nouveau Pitchers

Materials

Majolica

VERLYS France - Centerpiece / Fish Planter, XXth century
VERLYS France - Centerpiece / Fish Planter, XXth century

VERLYS France - Centerpiece / Fish Planter, XXth century

By Verlys Glass

Located in Beaune, FR

center and inside the bowl. Print entitled "Fish" in molded-pressed glass dating from the 1930s/1940s

Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Glass

Materials

Art Glass

Danish Frigast Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set
Danish Frigast Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set

Danish Frigast Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set

By Frigast

Located in Hellerup, DK

the serving parts. Additional Information: Material: Sterling Silver Style: Art Nouveau Hallmarks

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Majolica Fish Pitcher, circa 1920
French Majolica Fish Pitcher, circa 1920

French Majolica Fish Pitcher, circa 1920

Located in Austin, TX

French Majolica pitcher with large fish, aquatic plants, fish handle, circa 1920.

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Georg Jensen Beaded Sterling Silver Fish Knife 062
Georg Jensen Beaded Sterling Silver Fish Knife 062

Georg Jensen Beaded Sterling Silver Fish Knife 062

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

. Additional information: Material: Sterling silver Styles: Art Nouveau Hallmarks: Georg Jensen sterling

Category

20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Fish Slice 533

Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Fish Slice 533

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

#84 by Georg Jensen from 1919. Additional Information: Material: Sterling Silver Style: Art Nouveau

Category

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Akkeleje Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set 231
Georg Jensen Akkeleje Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set 231

Georg Jensen Akkeleje Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set 231

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

chased fish decoration. Additional information: Material: Sterling silver Style: Art Nouveau Hallmarks

Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

New Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Fish Fork 061
New Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Fish Fork 061

New Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Fish Fork 061

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

: Sterling silver Styles: Art Nouveau Hallmarks: Marked with Georg Jensen hallmark, “Sterling Denmark”. This

Category

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

New Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Fish Knife 062
New Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Fish Knife 062

New Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Fish Knife 062

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

: Sterling silver Styles: Art Nouveau Hallmarks: Marked with Georg Jensen hallmark, “Sterling Denmark”. This

Category

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Silver Continental Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set 231
Georg Jensen Silver Continental Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set 231

Georg Jensen Silver Continental Sterling Silver Fish Serving Set 231

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

information: Material: Sterling silver Style: Art Nouveau Hallmarks: Both pieces with matching Georg Jensen

Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen & Wendel Denmark Acorn Sterling 2pc Fish Serving Set #14715
Georg Jensen & Wendel Denmark Acorn Sterling 2pc Fish Serving Set #14715

Georg Jensen & Wendel Denmark Acorn Sterling 2pc Fish Serving Set #14715

By Georg Jensen

Located in Washington Depot, CT

combines Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, has become a timeless classic. The hallmark on this piece was

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Nouveau Chain Bracelets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Amalric Walter Nancy, Fish In Glass Paste, Early 20th Century
Amalric Walter Nancy, Fish In Glass Paste, Early 20th Century

Amalric Walter Nancy, Fish In Glass Paste, Early 20th Century

By Amalric Walter

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

, small chip at the mouth of the fish and below the tail Art Nouveau Amalric Walter, born in 1870

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Vintage Ceramic Fish Tureen for Marinated Herring or Trout Dinnerware
Vintage Ceramic Fish Tureen for Marinated Herring or Trout Dinnerware

Vintage Ceramic Fish Tureen for Marinated Herring or Trout Dinnerware

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Beautiful vintage ceramic fish tureen made in Germany. Nice addition to any table.   

Category

Vintage 1960s German Art Nouveau Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood Powder Blue Fish Bowl
Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood Powder Blue Fish Bowl

Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood Powder Blue Fish Bowl

By Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre, Daisy Makeig-Jones, Wedgwood

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

decorated with a school of swimming fish. This stunning powder blue fish bowl is an homage to Daisy Makeig

Category

Vintage 1910s English Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Lily of the Valley Fish Fork 061
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Lily of the Valley Fish Fork 061

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Lily of the Valley Fish Fork 061

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

Georg Jensen from 1913. Additional information: Material: Sterling silver Styles: Art Nouveau Hallmarks

Category

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Fish Platter and Mazarine #206
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Fish Platter and Mazarine #206

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Fish Platter and Mazarine #206

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

An exceptionally early and rare Georg Jensen silver fish platter along with mazarine #206, designed

Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Lily of the Valley Fish Knife 062
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Lily of the Valley Fish Knife 062

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Lily of the Valley Fish Knife 062

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

by Georg Jensen from 1913. Additional information: Material: Sterling silver Styles: Art Nouveau

Category

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Crown Trifari 1950s Ruby Vivid Baby Tropical Fish Red Gold Crystal Eye Brooch
Crown Trifari 1950s Ruby Vivid Baby Tropical Fish Red Gold Crystal Eye Brooch

Crown Trifari 1950s Ruby Vivid Baby Tropical Fish Red Gold Crystal Eye Brooch

By Alfred Philippe for Trifari

Located in Wokingham, England

Crown Trifari 1950s Vintage Vivid Baby Tropical Fish Red Ruby Crystal Eye Brooch, Gold Tone Very

Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood Blue Lustre Fish Bowl
Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood Blue Lustre Fish Bowl

Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood Blue Lustre Fish Bowl

By Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre, Daisy Makeig-Jones, Wedgwood

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

retreat to an underwater world of swimming fish, lobsters, a gilded coral reef, and plenty of tiny bubbles

Category

Vintage 1910s English Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain

Ipsens, Copenhagen, Number Two, Ceramic Dish, Fish in Relief
Ipsens, Copenhagen, Number Two, Ceramic Dish, Fish in Relief

Ipsens, Copenhagen, Number Two, Ceramic Dish, Fish in Relief

Located in København, Copenhagen

Ipsens, copenhagen, number two, ceramic dish, fish in relief Beautiful dark blue glaze. Measures

Category

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Fish Platter and Cover, Design #335
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Fish Platter and Cover, Design #335

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Fish Platter and Cover, Design #335

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

A large and important Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Fish Platter and Cover, Design #335C, Designed

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Nouveau Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Sterling Silver

Auguste Jean Blue Glass Vase with Fishes, 1860
Auguste Jean Blue Glass Vase with Fishes, 1860

Auguste Jean Blue Glass Vase with Fishes, 1860

Located in Paris, FR

Auguste Jean (1830–1890) Vase from 1860-1870 not signed French artist, born in Paris in 1830 He received a bronze medal for his technical glass pieces at "l’Exposition univers...

Category

Antique 1860s French Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Glass

Alexandre / Belgium Vase green glazed terracotta decorated with Fish in relief
Alexandre / Belgium Vase green glazed terracotta decorated with Fish in relief

Alexandre / Belgium Vase green glazed terracotta decorated with Fish in relief

Located in Verviers, BE

. Made in Belgium Art Nouveau period 1930 fine quality. The piece is in Good condition and a real beauty

Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Nouveau Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Ceramic

Stunning German Solid Bronze Mermaids Chandelier with Fish Motif, 1920s
Stunning German Solid Bronze Mermaids Chandelier with Fish Motif, 1920s

Stunning German Solid Bronze Mermaids Chandelier with Fish Motif, 1920s

Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen

light fixture is made of solid bronze with torch-holding mermaids and fish motif. Socket: 12 x e14 or

Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Alabaster Fish Lamp Night Light & Mood Table Lamp
Mid Century Alabaster Fish Lamp Night Light & Mood Table Lamp

Mid Century Alabaster Fish Lamp Night Light & Mood Table Lamp

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous fish night light table lamp. Carved from alabaster in two pieces. Fish sits in a carved

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Alabaster

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Art Nouveau Fish", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Art Nouveau Fish For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of art nouveau fish is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct art nouveau fish — often made from metal, silver and sterling silver — can elevate any home. Find 380 antique and vintage art nouveau fish at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 19 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of art nouveau fish available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of art nouveau fish to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and mid-century modern art nouveau fish are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made art nouveau fish over the years, but those made by Georg Jensen, Johan Rohde and Emile Puiforcat are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Art Nouveau Fish?

Prices for art nouveau fish can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, art nouveau fish begin at $40 and can go as high as $350,000, while the average can fetch as much as $1,982.

A Close Look at Art-nouveau Furniture

In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.

ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Sinuous, organic and flowing lines
  • Forms that mimic flowers and plant life
  • Decorative inlays and ornate carvings of natural-world motifs such as insects and animals 
  • Use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood

ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.

The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking, and Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau. 

The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own variants.

In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers. 

The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.

Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass. 

Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).

Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.

There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.

Questions About Art Nouveau Fish
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    Art Nouveau jewelry generally featured three main themes: flora, fauna and women. The Art Nouveau movement lasted 15 years and it reached its pinnacle in the year 1900. Art Nouveau jewelers used every “canvas” imaginable, looking beyond brooches and necklaces to belt buckles, fans, tiaras, dog collars (a type of choker necklace), pocket watches, corsages and hair combs. Multicolored gems and enamel could complete this vision better than diamonds. Enameling is most often associated with Art Nouveau jewelry, specifically plique-à-jour. Known as backless enamel, plique-à-jour allows light to come through the rear of the enamel because there is no metal backing. It creates an effect of translucence and lightness. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Art Nouveau jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Art Nouveau originated in France and Great Britain, but variants materialized elsewhere. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature as portrayed in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking and other modes of art and design in the East Asian country. The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own versions. Explore a selection of Art Nouveau furniture, jewelry and art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Art Nouveau was influenced by a few things. The soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese woodblock prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s, were a major source of inspiration. Also, Pre-Raphaelite art and the Arts and Crafts and Rococo styles had an influence on Art Nouveau designers. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Nouveau furniture was a style of furniture that emerged at the end of the 19th century and was characterized by its complex curved lines. The curved details in the furniture were typically carved by hand and finished with lacquer. The unmistakable gloss that is associated with Art Nouveau comes from the thick coat of varnish applied to the furniture as the final step of the production process.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Art Nouveau ended primarily due to world events. When World War I broke out in 1914, artistic production was largely halted in order to free up materials for manufacturing equipment for the war effort. By the time the 1919 Treaty of Versailles brought about the end of the war, interest in Art Nouveau had waned. Designers and artists became interested in new forms and styles, such as Art Deco. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture, decorative objects, jewelry and art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    The main difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that the former is detailed and ornate, and the latter is sharp and geometrical. When the movement started at the end of the 19th century, Art Nouveau was heavily influenced by nature and the curved lines of flowers. Art Deco, which became popular in the beginning of the 20th century, was inspired by the geometric abstraction of cubism.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    No one person created the Art Nouveau movement. However, the term debuted in an 1884 article in the L'Art Moderne journal, describing the work of a collective of artists known as Les XX. As a result, some people credit the group and its founding members, James Ensor and Théo van Rysselberghe, as helping to define the movement. However, Art Nouveau was heavily informed by work that came before, including Rococo design, Pre-Raphaelite art, Japanese art and the Arts and Crafts movement. Beyond Les XX, a number of creators helped to propel the movement. Among them were Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Majorelle, Émile Gallé, Antoni Gaudí and Tiffany Studios. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    The Art Nouveau design movement used such materials as cast iron and steel, ceramic and glass. This style of architecture, design, art and jewelry was characterized by its use of long, sinuous lines that are reflected in nature.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, some stained glass is Art Nouveau. It was during this period that Louis Comfort Tiffany produced his famed stained glass windows and decorative objects. However, the tradition of producing stained glass traces all the way back to the Gothic period. You'll find a selection of stained glass on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Alphonse Mucha was a Czech painter who is one of the originators of the Art Nouveau style. His style of painting and design rose in popularity in 1895 and he produced many works, including illustrations, posters and jewelry designs. Find a variety of Alphonso Mucha art and prints on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To identify Art Nouveau jewelry, first consider its overall shape and themes. Flora, fauna and female figures were the three main themes in Art Nouveau jewelry. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also popular subjects. Next, examine the materials and techniques. Art Nouveau jewelers distinguished themselves from their predecessors through the use of their unorthodox materials and methods. Prior to the 20th century, artisans working with jewelry prioritized precious metals and diamonds. This was not true for Art Nouveau creators. Enameling is most often associated with Art Nouveau jewelry, specifically plique-à-jour. Known as backless enamel, plique-à-jour allows light to come through the rear of the enamel because there is no metal backing. It creates an effect of translucence and lightness. Art Nouveau jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone, and Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold. If you need more help identifying your jewelry, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Nouveau jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify Art Nouveau furniture, first try to locate a maker's mark on the piece. You can then use it to research the maker with the help of information published in trusted online resources. Some makers, such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Majorelle and Émile Gallé, are well-known for their Art Nouveau furnishings. If you determine that a maker identified with Art Nouveau produced your piece, it likely reflects the movement's characteristics, especially if it was made during the late 19th or early 20th centuries. You can also look for common features of Art Nouveau furniture, such as sinuous, organic and flowing lines; forms that mimic flowers and plant life; decorative inlays and ornate carvings of natural-world motifs such as insects and animals and the use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can aid you with the identification process. Shop a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs.