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.
19th Century Majolica Birds Jardinière Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica jardinière planter with 4 birds Delphin Massier, circa 1890. Height / 5 inches , 8 by 5 inches. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. ...
Ceramic
Samuel Alcock The Battle Between The Greeks & Amazons Ceramic Vase 1856
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and rare antique Victorian Greek Revival Etruscan art pottery ewer shaped vase by renowned makers Samuel Alcock & Co and dating from around 1856 and modelled on an ancient...
Ceramic
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & Glass 8x10 Picture Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Tiffany & Co. large sterling silver frame. 4 Removable repoussè floral motif triangular corners set into beveled glass. Two of the four corners are stamped Tiffany & Co. sterling silver, as shown in photos. Unoriginal Tiffany storage box...
Sterling Silver
ROYAL WORCESTER - Antique Porcelain Shell Form Wall Pocket - U.K. - Circa 1881
By Royal Worcester, James Hadley
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL WORCESTER (Manufacturer) - James Hadley (Designer 1837-1903) - Model Number 737 - Antique shell form and gilded coral branch porcelain wall pocket - featuring a realistically m...
Porcelain
Burmantofts Saffron Glazed Sunburst Pattern Dimple Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and stylish Burmantofts Faience art pottery vase decorated with sun burst patterning and with a saffron glazed finish dating from around 1890. This stunning and elegant lightl...
Earthenware
Exceptional Pair Austro/Bohemian Majolica Twin Handled Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A exceptional, large and impressive pair antique twin handled majolica vases originating from one of the top Austrian or Bohemian makers and dating from the 19th century. Possibly ex...
Earthenware
$784Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Hawkes Cut Crystal & Sterling Silver Ornithological Motif Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
T.G. Hawkes & Co. was founded in 1880 by Thomas Gibbons Hawkes in Tiffin Ohio. This exquisite cut crystal and sterling silver box by Hawkes features a beautifully detailed ornithol...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Burmantofts Turquoise Glazed Solifleur Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A tall and elegant Burmantofts Faience art pottery solifleur vase decorated in bright turquoise glazes dating from around 1890. This stunning lightly potted earthenware vase stands o...
Earthenware
French Japonist Faience Vase by Saint-Denis with Gilt Bronze Mounts, Circa 1890
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A magnificent and highly decorative French Japonist faience vase, Saint-Denis manufactory, dating from the late nineteenth century, circa 1880–1890. This impressive example embodies...
Ormolu
George Jones Majolica Turquoise Ground Jardiniere
Located in Essex, MA
With a registry lozenge on base. Decorated on a turquoise ground with flowers and birds.
Pottery
Acanthus Leaf Green Glazed English Majolica Pedestal Vide-Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A green majolica glazed pedestal vide-poche with an acanthus leaf pattern, England circa 1875-1880. French for ’empty pockets’, the vide-poche is a small bowl or container kept in...
Earthenware
Antique French White Opaline Glass Covered Urn / Lidded Vase with Hand-Painted B
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally elegant and beautifully preserved late 19th-century French antique white opaline glass covered urn, measuring 41 cm in height (with lid) and 13 cm at its widest poin...
Opaline Glass
A French Japonisme Bronze-Mounted Cobalt Blue Porcelain Jardinière circa 1880
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A striking late 19th-century French Japonisme centerpiece or planter, exquisitely crafted in richly glazed cobalt blue porcelain and lavishly mounted in finely chased gilt bronze. Da...
Bronze, Ormolu
French Aesthetic Movement bronze mounted barbotine vase circa 1890
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A large and highly decorative French Aesthetic Movement ormolu-mounted barbotine majolica vase, Choisy-le-Roi, circa 1890. The vase is richly ...
Ormolu
19th Century Majolica Shell Jardiniere Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica Shell Jardiniere signed Sarreguemines. Coral base.
Majolica, Ceramic
Majolica Pond Life Ewer Wilhelm Schiller & Son, circa 1885
Located in Austin, TX
Monumental 19th Century Majolica ewer with crawfish handle, dragonfly snail, grasshopper, frog and aquatics plants, signed Wilhelm Schiller...
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Large Dominick & Haff Aesthetic Sterling Perfume or Flask with Dragon Fly
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Dominick & Haff aesthetic sterling perfume or flask with dragon fly, a choice example, a tall profusely repoused with florals and leaves. Complete with locking hinged circular ...
Sterling Silver
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.
Majolica, Ceramic
Blown Art Glass Peacock Pattern Large Vase
Located in Stamford, CT
Large and substantial blown glass art vase. All over peacock swirl pattern with gold flecking throughout. No makers mark or signature.
Blown Glass
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...
Stoneware
Royal Crown Derby Imari Pattern Twin Mask Handled Porcelain Vase
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique English porcelain twin handled pedestal vase decorated with mask terminals and painted in the desirable Imari pattern by renowned makers Royal Crown Derby and dated 18...
Porcelain
Johann Loetz Witwe Carneol Glass Vase with Lacework Patterning
By Loetz Glass
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning early Johann Loetz Witwe Carneol glass vase decorated with Islamic styled lacework patterning and gilding and dating from around 1890. The design was launched in Munich ...
Blown Glass
Elegant Gilded Age Gilt Bronze Standing Mirror signed Tiffany & Co
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent Aesthetic Movement gilt bronze standing mirror , crafted and signed by the iconic Tiffany & Co., American, circa 1910. This exquisite piece embodies the elegance and re...
Bronze
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted humidor with floral decor
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted Humidor with a shaped display plinth to the top, surrounded with a turned gallery, and an upper compartmented drawer hand painte...
Walnut
Circa 1900 Japanese Bronze Champleve Enamel Large Vase
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Circa !900 Japanese Large well shaped bronze champleve enameled vase.. Six paneled sides with Asian themed engravings on each panel.With two ringed handles. Original warm amber brow...
Bronze, Enamel
$2,250 / set
A Pair of Paris Porcelain Bird Vases Circa 1880
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A wonderful pair of French porcelain hand painted vases. The pair with hand painted black sparrows on one side, facing each other and the other side white doves. The body in the shape of an egg in a soft ecru color with pink tops...
Porcelain
Aesthetic Movement Silver Spider Sculpture Crystal Vase signed Leerdam Crystal
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary Aesthetic Movement crystal vase with a silver spider sculpture is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Leerdam Crystal, one of the Netherlands' most c...
Crystal, Silver
Mintons Majolica Glazed John Henk Monumental Rooster, England 1910
By Minton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Minton, a monumental and scarce Rooster figure, Stoke-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1910. A mold designed by John Henk, this faithful representation of a proud roos...
Earthenware
Théodore deck (1823-1891), A Gourd Shape Enameled Faïence Vase, circa 1885
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Théodore Deck (1823-1891) Gourd shape vase with a spherical body and straight neck Polychrome glazed earthenware designed on both sides with a bird, butterflies, a bee, and flowers o...
Faience
Doulton Burslem Antique Oriental Design Porcelain Lidded Jar
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and rare antique Doulton Burslem porcelain gourd shaped lidded jar decorated in the oriental taste and dating from around 1890. The jar is of squat rounded form standing o...
Porcelain
Bridgwood & Clarke Ironstone Aesthetic ‘Orchid’ Toothbrush Holder, circa 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An ironstone toothbrush holder in the Aesthetic Taste, made by Bridgwood and Clarke at The Churchyard Pottery Works – Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1857-1864. Charming in ...
Ironstone
$476Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Papercord
Antique Aesthetic Period Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Footed Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Aesthetic Period silver bowl. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In a fluted form with a flared foot. Marked to the base. Simply wonderful Tiffany Aesthetic per...
Sterling Silver
Old Hall Earthenware Vase Attributed to Christopher Dresser
By Christopher Dresser, Old Hall Earthenware Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Important Ceramic Vase by Old Hall Earthenware Company attributed to Christopher Dresser (Reference: Christopher Dresser book by Stuart Durant). Ceramic Vase Listed here is in As-is...
Ceramic
Thomas Sergent Palissy Trompe l’oeil Crustaceans School of Paris Wall Plaque
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Thomas-Victor Sergent nature plate in the style of Palissy, School of Paris, circa. 1875-79. An oval platter heaped with trompe l’oeil fish and crus...
Earthenware
Vintage Hand Carved Eagle Statue
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage eagle statue is a masterclass in rustic Americana folk art, offering a powerful sense of character and craftsmanship. Hand-carved from a single block of solid w...
Wood
Copeland Porcelain Cat and Cream Churn Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful and scare antique English porcelain vase modelled as a cat looking into a cream or milk churn made by renowned makers Copeland and dating from the 19th century. The vase...
Porcelain
Eliza Simmance Doulton Lambeth Floral Design Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement art pottery vase decorated with flowering stems by acclaimed and sought after artist Eliza Simmance and dated 1884. The stoneware vase is...
Stoneware
$1,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Terra Cotta Chinese Warrior Sculptures Qin Shi Replicas
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This striking pair of terra cotta Chinese warrior sculptures are faithful replicas of the legendary Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Army, one of the...
Terracotta
Baccarat Vase "Carpes Affrontees" Glass Japonisme Carp Fish
By Baccarat
Located in Lausanne, CH
First exhibited by Les Cristalleries Baccarat at the Exposition Universelle in Paris of 1878, the vase named "Carpes affrontées" translates as confronted carp. The design has it's or...
Art Glass
19th Century French Champleve Enameled Bronze Centerpiece Basket Aesthetic Style
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) French Aesthetic period champleve enameled bronze centerpiece basket with fine inlaid multi-colored champleve enamel and the figure of a seated bird. 9 by 12 ...
Bronze, Enamel
Théodore deck (1823-1891), An Impressive Enameled Faïence Vase, circa 1875
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Théodore deck (1823-1891) Impressive Enameled Faïence Vase, circa 1875 Large baluster shape vase with eggplant enameled background Rich hand-painted polychrome decor of two birds re...
Faience
Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880. Height / 9.5 inches. Diameter / 13 inches.
Ceramic
Aesthetic Movement Shrimp & Shell Hand-Painted Ceramic Dish signed Limoges
By Limoges
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable Aesthetic Movement ceramic shell dish, crafted and signed by Limoges, France, circa 1900, is a stunning example of artistry and craftsmanship inspired by nature. Cele...
Ceramic
James Aitchison Aesthetic Movement mantel or bracket clock with Owls & Songbirds
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement mantel or bracket clock, Signed James Aitchison, Paris in the number 12, with finely carved floral decoration to the front and sides, a french city evening scen...
Walnut
Just Andersen Bronze Bowl, Aesthetic Movement, Denmark, c.1910
Located in London, GB
A large alloyed bronze patinated dish bowl stamped Just Andersen Denmark and numbered 1736 X. Some wear to the patination which should be visible in the photos but otherwise a larger...
Brass, Bronze
French Majolica Flowers and Insects Basket, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Antique French majolica basket with flowers and butterfly, bug, and insect accents, circa 1880. No maker's mark. Some chips.
Majolica
French Trompe l’Oeil Majolica Glazed Cherry Branch Wall Plaque, signed F. Perrot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Palissy majolica glazed hand painted wall plaque, signed by the artist, circa 1890-1900. In the trompe l’oeil style of fool the eye, a dimensional mold showing a branching ...
Earthenware
$2,610 / set
French Aesthetic Movement Bronze Champleve Urns
Located in Downingtown, PA
Pair of French Aesthetic Movement Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Urns (Jardinières) This elegant pair of footed urns, sometimes referred to as jardinières, is a stunning embodiment of ...
Metal
Royal Crown Derby Aesthetic Movement Gilt Potpourri Vase with Pierced Lid, 1892
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Royal Crown Derby Aesthetic Movement Gilt Potpourri Vase with Pierced Lid, Dated 1892 Dimensions: 10.5" H x 5.5" Dia A refined example of late Victorian porcelain, this lidded potpo...
Porcelain
Pair of Antique French Turquoise Blue Opaline Glass Handles Vases with Hand-Pain
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally fine and beautifully preserved pair of late 19th-century antique French opaline glass handles vases, measuring 25 cm in height, 15 cm in width (including the handles...
Opaline Glass
Large Meissen Porcelain Group of Lovers Kissing in the Ocean on a Rock
Located in New York, NY
A Large Meissen Porcelain group of lovers kissing in the Ocean on a Rock. This piece is truly spectacular in both quality and size. The pair of lovers a...
Porcelain
French Majolica Vase with Fishs and Shells, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica vase with fishs and shells, circa 1880. Bamboo handles.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Powell, Bishop & Stonier - Aesthetic Transfer Decorated Pitcher - U.K. - C. 1880
By Powell, Bishop & Stonier
Located in Chatham, ON
POWELL, BISHOP & STONIER (Manufacturer) - Beatrice No. 4 (Product Line) - Rare and exceptional Aesthetic Movement ceramic pitcher / vase - two color transfer decorated featuring fern...
Ceramic
Fabulous Mother of Pearl Lacquer Jewelry Box with Birds of Patadise
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulously decorated with rich ly carved mother of pearl on black lacquer jewelry box with 4 small drawers with metal butterfly handles, each side richly encrusted with mother of pea...
Mother-of-Pearl
Christopher Dresser Moon Flask Vase, circa 1870s
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A blue ground pilgrim flask-shaped vase by famed English designer Christopher Dresser for Minton, circa 1870s. The foliage motif was most likely hand-painted by William Mussill...
Porcelain
Antique Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Lenox Invitational Tennis Trophy Vase, 1886
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique sterling silver trophy for the Lenox Invitational Tennis tournamet. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a trumpet foot, a bulbous body, a flared neck, and fi...
Sterling Silver
Mid-19th Century Murano "Chalcedony Glass" Paperweight
By Lorenzo Radi
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-19th century Murano "chalcedony glass" paperweight. By Lorenzo Radi Sr. or one of his followers. Handblown. Chalcedony originated among the Romans & Egyptians, was rediscovered i...
Murano Glass
Majolica Jardinière with Faux Bois Design, Celadon Glaze, Japan
Located in Darien, CT
A richly glazed majolica jardinière, modeled in the faux-bois taste with an entwined vine-form rim and root-form feet. The body has deeply molded leaves, berries, and blossoms in hig...
Ceramic
Victor Hugo Castañeda Bronze Sculpture, Mexico 1988, Edition 1/20
By Victor Hugo Castaneda
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare bronze sculpture by renowned Mexican artist Victor Hugo Castañeda (b. 1947), signed and dated Victor H. Castañeda, 1988, and marked Edition 1 of 20. This intimate and contemplat...
Bronze