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Partly hammered jugendstil copper (nickel - plated) chandelier around 1908
Partly hammered jugendstil copper (nickel - plated) chandelier around 1908

Partly hammered jugendstil copper (nickel - plated) chandelier around 1908

Located in Wien, AT

Partly hammered jugendstil copper (nickel - plated) chandelier around 1908 Original antique glass

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Copper, Nickel

Jugendstil Copper and Brass Teapot by Atelier Mayer for WMF, Germany, 1905-1910
Jugendstil Copper and Brass Teapot by Atelier Mayer for WMF, Germany, 1905-1910

Jugendstil Copper and Brass Teapot by Atelier Mayer for WMF, Germany, 1905-1910

By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Located in Chicago, IL

Jugendstil copper and brass teapot set by Atelier Mayer for WMF, Germany, 1905-1910 Dims are of

Category

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Tea Sets

Materials

Metal

WMF Ignatius Taschner Jugendstil Copper and Brass Goat & Sleigh Candleholder
WMF Ignatius Taschner Jugendstil Copper and Brass Goat & Sleigh Candleholder

WMF Ignatius Taschner Jugendstil Copper and Brass Goat & Sleigh Candleholder

By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A rare and unusual German Jugendstil copper and brass smokers companion or candleholder formed as a

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Jugendstil Decorative Bowls

Materials

Brass, Copper

WMF Jugendstil Copper & Brass Friar and Cat Chamberstick, C.1905
WMF Jugendstil Copper & Brass Friar and Cat Chamberstick, C.1905

WMF Jugendstil Copper & Brass Friar and Cat Chamberstick, C.1905

By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A very stylish Jugendstil German copper and brass novelty chamberstick by renowned makers WMF

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Jugendstil Candlesticks

Materials

Brass, Copper

WMF, A Pair of German Jugendstil Copper and Wood Challises, circa 1910
WMF, A Pair of German Jugendstil Copper and Wood Challises, circa 1910

WMF, A Pair of German Jugendstil Copper and Wood Challises, circa 1910

By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Located in New York, NY

This pair of challises is a rare example of the famous WMF early Jugendstil objects, famous among

Category

Vintage 1910s German Jugendstil More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Copper

Carl Deffner, Esslingen A three-piece Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass  circa 1900
Carl Deffner, Esslingen A three-piece Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass  circa 1900

Carl Deffner, Esslingen A three-piece Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass circa 1900

By Carl Deffner

Located in Verviers, BE

Superb Jugendstil copper and brass by the famous C.D.E Works of Carl Deffner of Esslingen, Germany

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Arts and Crafts Candlesticks

Materials

Brass

Copper jugendstil table lamp
Copper jugendstil table lamp

Copper jugendstil table lamp

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Copper jugendstil table lamp with glass crystals. Professionally stained and repolished.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Copper

Ignatius Taschner Jugendstil Brass and Copper Monkey Cheroot Cutter, circa 1900
Ignatius Taschner Jugendstil Brass and Copper Monkey Cheroot Cutter, circa 1900

Ignatius Taschner Jugendstil Brass and Copper Monkey Cheroot Cutter, circa 1900

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A rare and unusual German Jugendstil brass, copper and steel cheroot cutter modeled as a monkey sat

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Jugendstil Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal

Fireplace Doors Fire Screen Guard, Metal Copper Brass, Austria, Jugendstil, 1900
Fireplace Doors Fire Screen Guard, Metal Copper Brass, Austria, Jugendstil, 1900

Fireplace Doors Fire Screen Guard, Metal Copper Brass, Austria, Jugendstil, 1900

By Dagobert Peche

Located in Hausmannstätten, AT

and patinated metal, brass or copper. The doors are in good condition with lovely patina. The

Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Jugendstil Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Iron, Metal, Brass

Jugendstil Smoking Table,  Sweden 1900
Jugendstil Smoking Table,  Sweden 1900

Jugendstil Smoking Table, Sweden 1900

Located in New York, NY

This beautiful table may be used daily, and is solid and durable thanks to its hammered copper

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Jugendstil Tables

Materials

Copper

Fine Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hammered Copper and Glass Ceiling Light, 1910s
Fine Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hammered Copper and Glass Ceiling Light, 1910s

Fine Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hammered Copper and Glass Ceiling Light, 1910s

Located in Bochum, NRW

exemplifying the Swedish interpretation of Jugendstil design. The body is entirely hand-hammered copper

Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Copper

Antique Art Nouveau Copper Lidded Pot Large Bowl Container Jugendstil
Antique Art Nouveau Copper Lidded Pot Large Bowl Container Jugendstil

Antique Art Nouveau Copper Lidded Pot Large Bowl Container Jugendstil

Located in Greer, SC

Elegant antique hand made and hand hammered Art Nouveau piece, this lidded copper pot has both

Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Materials

Brass, Copper

Antique WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hand Hammered Copper Vase Table Lamp
Antique WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hand Hammered Copper Vase Table Lamp

Antique WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hand Hammered Copper Vase Table Lamp

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hand Hammered Cinnamon Leaf Copper Vase Table Lamp on Wooden

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Copper

Jugendstil vases by Carl Deffner
Jugendstil vases by Carl Deffner

Jugendstil vases by Carl Deffner

By Carl Deffner

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Jugendstil vases by Carl Deffner, combination of brass and copper.

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Jugendstil Vases

Materials

Brass, Copper

Rare Antique Arts & Crafts / Art Nouveau Cabinet with Glass & Copper Jugendstil
Rare Antique Arts & Crafts / Art Nouveau Cabinet with Glass & Copper Jugendstil

Rare Antique Arts & Crafts / Art Nouveau Cabinet with Glass & Copper Jugendstil

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

This wonderful lovely piece of furniture is a true eye catcher in an Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau home! Unusual rare small cabinet c.1900- 1910. Rare because of its size and qualit...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Arts and Crafts Cabinets

Materials

Copper

1902 German Jugendstil Presentation Punch Bowl
1902 German Jugendstil Presentation Punch Bowl

1902 German Jugendstil Presentation Punch Bowl

Located in Austin, TX

Beautifully decorated Jugendstil Presentation Punch Bowl. The vessel is quite large and has a

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Jugendstil Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

Large Arts & Crafts era Jugendstil Brass and Copper Pendant Light, Lantern
Large Arts & Crafts era Jugendstil Brass and Copper Pendant Light, Lantern

Large Arts & Crafts era Jugendstil Brass and Copper Pendant Light, Lantern

Located in Lisse, NL

Large and stylish Jugendstil pendant with original, curved glass panels. This stunning design is

Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Copper

Jugendstil vitrines in style of Joseph Maria Olbrich
Jugendstil vitrines in style of Joseph Maria Olbrich

Jugendstil vitrines in style of Joseph Maria Olbrich

By Joseph Maria Olbrich

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Jugendstil vitrines in style of Joseph Maria Olbrich, handles made in combination of copper and

Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vitrines

Materials

Brass, Copper

Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Jugendstil Ruskin Enamel Copper Box, A E Jones, c.1905
Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Jugendstil Ruskin Enamel Copper Box, A E Jones, c.1905

Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Jugendstil Ruskin Enamel Copper Box, A E Jones, c.1905

By A.E. Jones

Located in London, GB

A wonderful Arts and Crafts hand-crafted copper and Ruskin enamel lidded casket. Made in England

Category

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Jugendstil umbrella stand attr. to Otto Prutscher - Wiener Werkstätte
Jugendstil umbrella stand attr. to Otto Prutscher - Wiener Werkstätte

Jugendstil umbrella stand attr. to Otto Prutscher - Wiener Werkstätte

By Wiener Werkstätte, Otto Prutscher

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Copper jugendstil umbrella stand with hammered decor attr. to Otto Prutscher - Wiener Werkstätte in

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Umbrella Stands

Materials

Brass, Copper

Copper Relief, circa 1905
Copper Relief, circa 1905

Copper Relief, circa 1905

$484Sale Price|50% Off

Copper Relief, circa 1905

Located in Wien, AT

Copper Relief, circa 1905 Original condition

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

Very rare jugendstil butterdose by Joseph Maria Olbrich for WMF
Very rare jugendstil butterdose by Joseph Maria Olbrich for WMF

Very rare jugendstil butterdose by Joseph Maria Olbrich for WMF

By Joseph Maria Olbrich, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Very rare jugendstil butterdose by Joseph Maria Olbrich for WMF -Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Tableware

Materials

Brass, Copper

Jugendstil Brass Jewelry Casket with Velvet Lining by Erhard & Söhne, Germany
Jugendstil Brass Jewelry Casket with Velvet Lining by Erhard & Söhne, Germany

Jugendstil Brass Jewelry Casket with Velvet Lining by Erhard & Söhne, Germany

By Erhard & Söhne

Located in North Miami, FL

1900s Jugendstil golden and silver brass jewelry casket with blue velvet-lined interior by Erhard

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Jugendstil Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc

Jugendstil Oak Brass Coffee Table Side Table Style Adolf Loos, Austria c 1900
Jugendstil Oak Brass Coffee Table Side Table Style Adolf Loos, Austria c 1900

Jugendstil Oak Brass Coffee Table Side Table Style Adolf Loos, Austria c 1900

By Adolf Loos

Located in Vienna, AT

Jugendstil vintage coffee table or side table style Adolf Loos from solid oak, brass and copper in

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass, Copper

Copper Centrepiece  / Vide-Poche
Copper Centrepiece  / Vide-Poche

Copper Centrepiece / Vide-Poche

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Austria copper centrepiece / Vide-poche.

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Jugendstil Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Brass, Copper

Jugendstil Austrian Bronze Oriental Woman with Bowl Sculpture by Franz Bergmann
Jugendstil Austrian Bronze Oriental Woman with Bowl Sculpture by Franz Bergmann

Jugendstil Austrian Bronze Oriental Woman with Bowl Sculpture by Franz Bergmann

By Franz Bergmann

Located in North Miami, FL

1900s Jugendstil cold-painted bronze sculpture of an oriental woman with a fruit bowl by Franz

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin

Carl Goldberg  metal -like Glass vase with stylised copper overlay c1900
Carl Goldberg  metal -like Glass vase with stylised copper overlay c1900

Carl Goldberg metal -like Glass vase with stylised copper overlay c1900

By Carl Goldberg

Located in Worcester Park, GB

Carl Goldberg (of Haida) copper clad glass vase in the Jugendstil style (German Art Nouveau) - The

Category

Antique Early 1900s Jugendstil Glass

Materials

Copper

Jugendstil Bronze Sculptures of Buddha and Priestess by Franz Bergmann, Austria
Jugendstil Bronze Sculptures of Buddha and Priestess by Franz Bergmann, Austria

Jugendstil Bronze Sculptures of Buddha and Priestess by Franz Bergmann, Austria

By Nam Greb, Franz Bergmann

Located in North Miami, FL

A set of Jugendstil cold-painted bronze sculptures of Buddha and a gilt Priestess by Franz Bergmann

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin

Yellow Copper Bowl, Signed F Z. 'Frans Zwollo sr.'
Yellow Copper Bowl, Signed F Z. 'Frans Zwollo sr.'

Yellow Copper Bowl, Signed F Z. 'Frans Zwollo sr.'

Located in Esbeek, NL

Yellow copper bowl in a shape of a lotus. The bowl is signed by Frans Zwollo sr.(1872-1945), by

Category

20th Century Dutch Jugendstil Tableware

Materials

Silver, Copper

19th Century Danish Jugend Copper Candelabras
19th Century Danish Jugend Copper Candelabras

19th Century Danish Jugend Copper Candelabras

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Exquisite period detailing on this pair of copper twin - candleholders. Typical elongated organic

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Danish Jugendstil Candelabras

Materials

Copper

Viper Frame, Style: Art Nouveau, Liberty, Jugendstil
Viper Frame, Style: Art Nouveau, Liberty, Jugendstil

Viper Frame, Style: Art Nouveau, Liberty, Jugendstil

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Picture Frames

Materials

Copper

Swedish Smoking Table, oak with copper top, 1913 by Nordiska Kompaniet
Swedish Smoking Table, oak with copper top, 1913 by Nordiska Kompaniet

Swedish Smoking Table, oak with copper top, 1913 by Nordiska Kompaniet

By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Nordiska Kompaniet

Located in Stockholm, SE

A beautiful sidetable / smoking table in solid oak with hammered copper top. Made by Nordiska

Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Jugendstil Side Tables

Materials

Copper

Jugend copper planter with beautiful decor, Swedish early 1900s
Jugend copper planter with beautiful decor, Swedish early 1900s

Jugend copper planter with beautiful decor, Swedish early 1900s

Located in Stockholm, SE

A decorative copper planter made in Sweden during the early 20th Century, Jugend. Signs of age and

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Jugendstil Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Copper

1900 Erhard and Sohne Secessionist Jugendstil Art Nouveau Copper Brass Case
1900 Erhard and Sohne Secessionist Jugendstil Art Nouveau Copper Brass Case

1900 Erhard and Sohne Secessionist Jugendstil Art Nouveau Copper Brass Case

By Erhard & Söhne

Located in Brescia, IT

Cofanetto Jugendstil Germania, 1900-1909 Cofanetto in Rame e Ottone Decoro floreale Completo di

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Vienna Secession Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

20th Century Art Déco/Jugendstil Golden Metal Tankard by Kayserzinn, Germany
20th Century Art Déco/Jugendstil Golden Metal Tankard by Kayserzinn, Germany

20th Century Art Déco/Jugendstil Golden Metal Tankard by Kayserzinn, Germany

By Kayserzinn 1

Located in North Miami, FL

Early 20th century Art Déco/Jugendstil golden metal tankard by Kayserzinn, Germany By: Kayserzinn

Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Barware

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc

Stunning Arts & Crafts Red Copper & Brass Jug or Vase with Stylized Flowers
Stunning Arts & Crafts Red Copper & Brass Jug or Vase with Stylized Flowers

Stunning Arts & Crafts Red Copper & Brass Jug or Vase with Stylized Flowers

By Carl Deffner

Located in Lisse, NL

Wonderfully handcrafted Carl Deffner copper jug with bronze handles. This good size and wonderful

Category

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Platters and Serveware

Materials

Brass, Copper, Bronze

Art Nouveau picture frame in hand-hammered copper. Ca. 1900
Art Nouveau picture frame in hand-hammered copper. Ca. 1900

Art Nouveau picture frame in hand-hammered copper. Ca. 1900

Located in København, Copenhagen

decorative and characteristic example of Jugendstil design. Material: Hammered copper Dimensions: H. 17 × W

Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Picture Frames

Materials

Copper

Secessionist Pair of Reliefs "Sappho" Georg Klimt ca. 1900 Patinated Copper
Secessionist Pair of Reliefs "Sappho" Georg Klimt ca. 1900 Patinated Copper

Secessionist Pair of Reliefs "Sappho" Georg Klimt ca. 1900 Patinated Copper

By Georg Klimt

Located in Klosterneuburg, AT

Pair of Reliefs, "Allegory of Sappho", Georg Klimt (1867 - 1931), patinated copper, ca. 1900

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

Exceedingly Rare Jugend Cabinet by Eliel Saarinen, Early 1900s
Exceedingly Rare Jugend Cabinet by Eliel Saarinen, Early 1900s

Exceedingly Rare Jugend Cabinet by Eliel Saarinen, Early 1900s

By Eliel Saarinen

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

. The same symbol can be found in the archive pictures of the bank. Solid wood with copper details

Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Jugendstil Cabinets

Materials

Copper

Secession hexagonal six-legged table lined with brass attr. to Adolf Loos
Secession hexagonal six-legged table lined with brass attr. to Adolf Loos

Secession hexagonal six-legged table lined with brass attr. to Adolf Loos

By Adolf Loos, Miksa Schmidt

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Secession hexagonal six-legged table lined with brass attr. to Adolf Loos for Maximilian Schmidt in original vintage condition with signs of use.

Category

Antique Early 1900s European Jugendstil Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Copper

Trays or Little WMF Plats with Putti
Trays or Little WMF Plats with Putti

Trays or Little WMF Plats with Putti

$774Sale Price / set|31% Off

Trays or Little WMF Plats with Putti

By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

365) because there is the reflection of the light on the metal. Alloy of silver, lead and copper

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

Secession Plant Stand in Style of Wiener Werkstatte
Secession Plant Stand in Style of Wiener Werkstatte

Secession Plant Stand in Style of Wiener Werkstatte

By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Secession plant stand in style of Wiener Werkstatte atr. to Josef Hoffmann. Original vintage condition.

Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Jugendstil Pedestals and Columns

Materials

Metal, Copper

Finnish Candle Holder, Early 20th Century
Finnish Candle Holder, Early 20th Century

Finnish Candle Holder, Early 20th Century

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Finnish candle holder, Early 20th Century. Copper. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with

Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Jugendstil Candelabras

Materials

Copper

Polished Pewter Penguin-Shaped Decanter Designed by Hugo Leven for Kayserzinn
Polished Pewter Penguin-Shaped Decanter Designed by Hugo Leven for Kayserzinn

Polished Pewter Penguin-Shaped Decanter Designed by Hugo Leven for Kayserzinn

By Hugo Leven, Kaiserzinn

Located in North Miami, FL

Jugendstil polished pewter penguin-shaped decanter designed by Hugo Leven for Kayserzinn factory

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Jugendstil Pitchers

Materials

Copper, Lead, Tin, Pewter, Metal

Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture of a Dancing Satyr/Faun by G. Roth, Germany
Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture of a Dancing Satyr/Faun by G. Roth, Germany

Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture of a Dancing Satyr/Faun by G. Roth, Germany

Located in North Miami, FL

Late 19th Century Jugendstil bronze sculpture of a dancing Satyr/Faun signed by G. Roth, Germany

Category

Antique 1880s German Jugendstil Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Marble, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin

Painted Bronze Sculpture of Woman Holding a Palm Leaf by Franz Bergmann, Austria
Painted Bronze Sculpture of Woman Holding a Palm Leaf by Franz Bergmann, Austria

Painted Bronze Sculpture of Woman Holding a Palm Leaf by Franz Bergmann, Austria

By Nam Greb, Franz Bergmann

Located in North Miami, FL

Jugendstil cold-painted bronze sculpture of a woman holding a palm leaf by Franz Bergmann, Austria

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin

1910s Cold-Painted Orientalist Bronze Table Lamp by Franz Bergmann, Austria
1910s Cold-Painted Orientalist Bronze Table Lamp by Franz Bergmann, Austria

1910s Cold-Painted Orientalist Bronze Table Lamp by Franz Bergmann, Austria

By Franz Bergmann, Nam Greb

Located in North Miami, FL

1910s Jugendstil cold-painted orientalist bronze sculptural table lamp by Franz Bergmann/Nam Greb

Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Jugendstil Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin

1915 Swedish Art Nouveau Jugendstil Copper and Glass Table Lamp
1915 Swedish Art Nouveau Jugendstil Copper and Glass Table Lamp

1915 Swedish Art Nouveau Jugendstil Copper and Glass Table Lamp

Located in Drottningholm, SE

1915 Swedish Art Nouveau Jugendstil copper and frosted glass table lamp. A beautiful copper table

Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Copper

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Jugendstil Copper For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the jugendstil copper you’re looking for. A jugendstil copper — often made from metal, copper and brass — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect jugendstil copper — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right jugendstil copper, those designed in Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and Art Deco styles are of considerable interest. WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Georg Klimt and Carl Deffner each produced at least one beautiful jugendstil copper that is worth considering.

How Much is a Jugendstil Copper?

The average selling price for a jugendstil copper at 1stDibs is $1,858, while they’re typically $35 on the low end and $210,000 for the highest priced.

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.