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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
Aesthetic Movement Cabinet, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement architectural cabinet in the manner of Charles Eastlake. English, circa 1880. Ebonised oak, incised gilded decoration with applied silk, copper and white meta...
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th-C. Aesthetic Movement English Burnt Tortoise Bamboo Chinoiserie Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful example of English burnt bamboo! It is a 19th century piece with interior and exterior shelving. The sides are a green embossed paper, and the exterior panels are...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer

Aesthetic Movement Cabinet by T. E. Collcutt, Made by Collinson & Lock, London
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic Movement Cabinet Designed by T. E. Collcutt and Made by Collinson & Lock, London Collcutt designed a number of these cabinets for Collinson & Lock. The first example of thi...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French porcelain oyster plate with seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th-C. English Carved & Painted Pine Faux Bamboo Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 19th century English faux bamboo carved and painted faux bamboo chest. It is both stained and painted. It has the original turned feet and knobs. The drawers are dovetailed...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pine

George Jones Rare Large Majolica Floor Standing Pedestal or Pot Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and large antique majolica floor standing pedestal by renowned and sought after maker George Jones and dating from around 1865. The pedestal is formed as three curved branches...
Category

1860s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

R J Horner Bird's Eye Maple and Faux Bamboo Chiffonier
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 19th Century American Bird's-Eye Maple Chiffonier/Chest of Drawers, attributed to R.J. Horner & Co., New York. This elegant tall chest features five graduated drawers adorne...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Birdseye Maple

Late 19th-C. French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Carved Pine Bed - F/Q
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely late 19th-C. French faux bamboo bed that includes the headboard, footboard, and two side rails. The footboard measurements are as follows: 51.5”L x 3”W x 41.5”H. T...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Enamelled Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Le Scarabee Paris No 1
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
19th Century Enamelled Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Le Scarabee Paris No 1 Beautifully made enamel cast iron wood burning stove, dating from 1860 / 1880, in the form of a scarab beet...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Longchamp's Wild Majolica Menagerie: French Majolica Palissy Dish
Located in Downingtown, PA
Longchamp's Wild Majolica Menagerie: French Majolica Palissy Dish Maker: Longchamp Pottery, France Date: Circa 1880 Medium: Earthenware, multi-colored lead glazes (Majolica/Barboti...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Pottery

French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement sterling silver calling card/business card case having a hinged lid and its original chain, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca...
Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
$480 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Joseph Holdcroft Majolica Ceramic Japanese Design Casket
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unusual antique English Aesthetic Movement majolica ceramic Japanese design casket by renowned makers Joseph Holdcroft and dating from the 1870’s. At the time there was ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Carlton House Horn Desk by Maitland Smith
Located in Round Top, TX
Late 20th C. tessellated horn Carlton House desk by Maitland Smith. A wood frame, with applied horn and brass inlay detailing. Multiple cubbies and drawers, with cast brass drop pull...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Horn, Wood

Stephen Webb, by Collinson and Lock. Aesthetic Movement octagonal centre table
Located in London, GB
Stephen Webb, made by Collinson and Lock. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal centre table with floral inlay to the top and shaped aprons below, with eight turned uprights uniting a spid...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Pocket Flask
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Pocket Flask, New York, Circa 1891–1902, 78 Grams A refined late 19th-century sterling silver pocket flask by Tiffany ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Samuel Alcock Royal Palissy Majolica Footed Comport
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the coveted Royal Palissy line, a majolica glazed Fern and Floral footed comport, from Samuel Alcock & Co, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1850. This is a scarce example...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Rare 18th Century Large Antique Oak Dresser with Rack and Longcase Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Rare 18th century large antique George III quality oak dresser with rack and longcase clock having a moulded cornice to the top, rare eight day brass face oak longcase clock to the c...
Category

18th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique German Sheppard Bronze Sculptures Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of solid bronze German Shepherd sculpture bookends or door stops. Dating to the 1920s or 1930s. Original felt on the bottom and a nice age ap...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Oyster Plate Porcelain Flowers Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French Oyster Plate Porcelain Flowers Limoges circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

English Oak Etagere or Open Shelves, circa 1875
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An English circa 1875 solid oak server, still-trolley, etagere, or open shelves of rectangular three tier form having Aesthetic Movement style line-turned ball finials and stiles at ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Bench ceramic contemporary glaze
Located in Rubi, Catalunya
Handmade earthanware Bench manufactured at the workshop of Apparatu in Barcelona. Different clay bodys are mixed with natural fibers like corn, straw, or heather straw. The pieces ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay

Diminutive Antique Aesthestic Movement Bamboo Three Tier Shelf Etagere Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite antique three-tiered etagere/bookcase/shelving unit (ca. early 20th Century, USA). Composed of a bamboo frame with metal hardware supporting three walnut shelves and adorned w...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

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 Furniture

Materials

Faience

Aesthetic Movement Gothic Style Brass Mounted Stationery Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning quality British Aesthetic Movement brass mounted oak stationery box with gothic influences dating from around 1880. The box stands on a wide ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Philip Webb for Morris and Co, A Rare Sheet Music or Folio Stand.
Located in London, GB
Philip Webb for Morris and Co. A rare walnut sheet music or folio stand with elongated turned finials, pierced circular decoration and a three quarter turned gallery below with three...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Wedgwood Majolica Bird & Fan Argenta Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, a Bird and Fan pattern plate in the Aesthetic taste, England, date marked 1878. In the larger dinner plate size, a bird and fan motif with Dogwood tree branches and b...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

A large sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, Italy 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A rare large maple leaf sterling silver centerpiece created by the famous Italian silversmith Buccellati, twentieth century. The centerpiece is composed of three large finely chisele...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880. Height / 9.5 inches. Diameter / 13 inches.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Classical 19th C. Brass Fireplace Fender
Located in New York, NY
Classical Victorian, Aesthetic Movement brass fireplace fender. The fender features two repeating brass rails, with decorative fluted ball spaces. late 19th century vintage, this e...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Wedgwood Green Majolica Earthenware Sunflower Plates Set (15)
Located in Downingtown, PA
Set of Fifteen Wedgwood Green Majolica 'Sunflower' Plates A rare and vibrant set of fifteen Wedgwood Majolica dessert plates, dating from the 1860s. These striking plates embody the...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery

Sarreguemines Green Majolica Glazed Fern Leaf Server, France, 1870
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Sarreguemines, a Majolica glazed green leaf shaped server, France, circa 1870. Shaped as a large single Fern leaf. Precise mold work, with a strong g...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Gillows. A fine Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels
Located in London, GB
Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels to the doors and drawers; with a turned gallery to the top and to the lower shelf.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table circa 1910. Fine quality side table, that would also function well in the hall or as a lamp table. Inlaid and strung bord...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Elm

Majolica Seaweeds Oyster Plate Keller and Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate attributed to Keller Et Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890. Reference / page 98 "Collecting oyster plates" of Jeffrey B. Snyder.One small chip.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Aesthetic Movement English Oak Side Table
Located in Faversham, GB
A charming Aesthetic movement oak side table by British architect and furniture designer Charles Locke Eastlake. The table in the Gothic manner displays a generous top raised on fou...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

1950's Signed Les Éditions d'Art de Rambouillet Medieval Hunting Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
78549 Vintage Les Éditions d'Art de Rambouillet French Tapestry, 04'09 x 05'01. Woven not merely with wool but with the legacy of French aristocracy, this signed vintage Les Éditions d’Art de Rambouillet tapestry...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair 19th Century Apothecary Pharmacy Glass Carboys
Located in Houston, TX
An outstanding and extremly rare pair of hand blown 19th Century pharmacy carboys with cut crystal stoppers.
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Aesthetic Movement English Tortoise Burnt Bamboo Hall Stand, 1880s
Located in Miami, FL
Aesthetic Movement English Tortoise Burnt Bamboo Hall Stand, 1880s Offred for sale is an antique 1880s Aesthetic Movement English hall stand in bamboo with a burnt trompe-l'oeil fau...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut six leg octagonal two tier center table with fine turned legs and out swept feet. The construction has radiating stretchers ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Bird's Eye Maple and Faux Bamboo Dresser/Commode
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 19th Century Bird's Eye Maple Dresser/Commode with Mirror and Faux Bamboo Details, attributed to R.J. Horner & Co, New York, one of the premier furniture makers of the Gilde...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Birdseye Maple

1920's Signed Persian Kermanshah Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78759 Rare Signed Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug, 09'08 x 11'02. A Symphony of Prestige: Signed Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug. From the cultural heart of Persia comes this signed ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th C, Orientalist Architectural Interior of Alcazar of Seville by Tomas Aceves
Located in Atlanta, GA
Tomas Aceves (Spanish, 19th century), circa 1870. Oil On Board in Giltwood Frame. "Alcazar of Seville Interior". This masterfully executed architectural interior painting, signed b...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Howard & Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875
Located in Kinderhook, NY
English circa 1875 Aesthetic Movement writing table or desk by London cabinetmakers Howard & Sons having original green leather top; the oval form case with single drawer and origina...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th c. Aesthetic Movement Brass Fireplace Tools with Kensington Tile in Stand
Located in Southampton, NJ
A highly uncommon, full set of high style Aesthetic Movement brass fireplace tools in their original stand. This stand features a Kensington Tile in its base which points towards Ame...
Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Art Nouveau Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus dining chairs, Austria, 1970s, set of 6
Located in Buffalo, NY
Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1970s Fledermaus set in Art Nouveau style consisting of four chairs, executed by the company Wittmann. The design is by Josef Hoffman...
Category

1970s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Bentwood

The Hunt of Kings: A Vintage Persian Najafabad Masterpiece of Myth and Majesty
Located in Dallas, TX
61433 Vintage Persian Najafabad Hunting Rug, 09'05 x 12'11. From the storied looms of central Persia comes this hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Najafabad rug, an extraordinary pict...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Ceiba Table Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Pe...
Category

2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Clay, Linen

Ceiba Table Lamp
Ceiba Table Lamp
$1,620 / item
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table
Located in London, GB
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table with a shaped top and shaped upper apron standing on six beautifully shaped legs, each with fine carved f...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Exquisitely Crafted Display Cabinet Attributed To Herter Brothers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Extraordinary Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Cabinet attributed to the Herter Brothers. The Cabinet with one dove tail constructed drawer over a door opening to reveal storage with two...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century English Aesthetic Movement side table made of oak with decorative stick and ball design. Square wood body with curved and rounded bentwood trim and brass accents. Stur...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Majolica Shell Vase Nautilus Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica Shell Nautilus Vase Urn signed Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890. The base is decorated with shells and coral. H / 8 inches , W / 10 inches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

19th-C. French Pine Faux Bamboo Marble Top Stand / Pedestal / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century French pine faux bamboo two tier marble top wash stand. This would make a lovely side table or pedestal as well. It a single drawer over single door. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th-C. English Victorian Carved Oak Eagle Form Console Table / Credenza
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a unique English Victorian carved oak eagle form console table or credenza. The back has a carved lion cartouche. The supports are opposing eagles. It is in very good conditi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

The Geometry of Stillness: A Vintage Tibetan Odegard Rug of Modernist Serenity
Located in Dallas, TX
78203 Vintage Tibetan Odegard Rug, 08'03 x 10'04. This exquisite hand-knotted wool vintage Tibetan Odegard rug is a striking example of minimalist elegance...
Category

Late 20th Century Nepalese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Aesthetic Movement example of a charming writing desk fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet. The desk with a single drawer with ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wood

Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

E W Godwin style of, An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean Ebonized Armchair
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, style of, An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean ebonized armchair. Professionally upholstered in a quality hide.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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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