French Majolica Vase with Fishs and Shells, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica vase with fishs and shells, circa 1880. Bamboo handles.
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
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.
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
$458Sale Price|20% Off
English Silver Plate Epergne, Hand-Carved, Aesthetic Movement, 1920s
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Simple but nice épergne in silver plate for Your table ornament, specially for Christmas: with candles, flowers and fruits all around. Just a few flowers are enough to refine a tabl...
Silver Plate
19th c Old Paris Hand Painted Porcelain Planter with Portraits of Horses
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This large square hand painted porcelain planter was made in France ca. 1880's or earlier. It features two hand painted "portraits" of horses heads alternating with 2 sides of hand p...
Porcelain
Gorham Aesthetic Movement Sterling Mixed-Metal Box with Lizard and Mice, 1883
By Gorham CO.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gorham Aesthetic Movement Sterling Mixed-Metal Box with Lizard and Mice, 1883 Dimensions: 3.5" W × 2.5" D × 1.5" H Materials: Copper with applied silver decoration Marks: Gorham, date letter “P” for 1883 A finely crafted American Aesthetic Movement mixed-metal box by Gorham, executed in copper with sculptural silver appliqué. The domed lid features a dynamic lizard in high relief, accompanied by two playful mice in motion, all arranged above a silvered ground with grasses and textured earth. The decoration is set asymmetrically against the warm copper body, leaving generous areas of polished surface that highlight the contrast between metals. The interior is left plain, showing use consistent with age. The imagery reflects the strong influence of Japanese Meiji-era design on Gorham in the late 19th century. Themes of small animals and naturalistic vignettes were drawn directly from Japanese art, where lizards were regarded as symbols of protection and renewal, and mice were associated with quickness, fertility, and in some contexts, good fortune. Together, they create a whimsical narrative of pursuit, rendered with wit and naturalistic detail. This work exemplifies the Aesthetic Movement credo of “Art for Art’s Sake,” emphasizing beauty, asymmetry, and nature study over traditional allegory. Gorham’s mixed-metal line, developed in the wake of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, sought to rival Tiffany & Co. in innovation and design, producing decorative objects that were both functional and avant-garde. Comparable Gorham copper...
Sterling Silver, Copper
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
Vintage Brass Shopping Bag
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating vintage brass sculpture is a sophisticated nod to the Pop Art movement, transforming a humble everyday object into a high-shine decorative statement. Meticulously cr...
Brass
19th Century Majolica Leaves Vase Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica vase with leaves and geometrical pattern signed Sarreguemines circa 1870. H / 2. inches , D / 2.5 inches.
Ceramic
Tall Sculptural Trompe L'Oeil Draped Handkerchief Glass Vase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall sculptural transparent glass vase with ruffled edges. The base of this beauty is round, with scalloped edges. The body has long rounded edges which graduate and curl outward i...
Glass
French Victorian Faience Majolica Double Vase
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian (19/20th Cent) faience Majolica small double bud vase with circular shape and decorated with vine, leaves, and fruit (impressed: Sarreguemi...
Paint
Arts and Crafts Wrought Iron Chandelier or Pendant with Stylized Swan Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful antique and handcrafted six-light chandelier. If you are searching for an elegant and unique chandelier to, for example, complete a dining room or a large entrance then th...
Wrought Iron
$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots
By Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots France, Circa 1870s Attributed to Baccarat A captivating pair of 19th-century French Opaline & Gilt B...
Bronze
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
Bronze Doré Calendar Holder in the Graduate Pattern signed Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Crafted by the iconic Tiffany & Co., this Bronze Doré calendar and memorandum holder exemplifies early 20th-century elegance, crafted in the United States, circa 1910. Designed in th...
Bronze
Bronze Dore Blotter Holders in the Graduate Pattern signed Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
These Bronze Doré blotter holders, crafted by the legendary Tiffany & Co., embody the elegance and precision of early 20th-century American design. Rendered in the sophisticated "Gra...
Bronze
French Monumental Majolica Shell Vase Circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning monumental Majolica pink clamshell jardiniere, circa 1880. This yellow and brown footed shell is decorated with coral,seaweeds and yellow...
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
Kate Rogers Doulton Lambeth Pair Impasto Daisy Painted Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and fine pair Doulton Lambeth Impasto daisy painted vases by renowned Faience artist Kate Rogers and dated 1885. The stoneware vases are of tall bulbous shape standing r...
Stoneware
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
"Tiren la Primera Piedra" Bronze Sculpture by Victor Salmones, Signed & Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning bronze sculpture designed and manufactured in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico by Victor Salmones. The sculpture is titled "Tiren la Primera Piedra" (throw the first stone) made i...
Marble, Bronze
Vintage 1900 Original Model Plaster Marquette of Pilne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This evocative Symbolist bust, titled "Piline," is a rare original plaster maquette from the studio of celebrated sculptor Raymond Sudre (1870–1962). Created circa 1900, the work epi...
Plaster
Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
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
Fine Bronze Bust of a Man in Manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British 1880-1959)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Bronze Bust of a man in the manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British, 1880-1959), artist unknown. This beautifully executed green-patinated bronze somewhat resembles the style of ...
Bronze
English Aesthetic Movement Pottery Japanese Dragon Jardinière on Stand
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late 19th/Early 20th century English Aesthetic Movement decorative jardinaire or planter stand featuring Japanese dragons. Beautifully glazed with a two tone finish of green with ric...
Pottery
$960Sale Price|52% Off
Aesthetic Movement Trinket Box, circa 1900
Located in Spencertown, NY
The box with scenes of lilliputian figures
Wood
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
Ram's Skull Silver Plated
Located in Chicago, IL
Rams skull rests on plinth base. Marked "Made in France on underside from Wingate and Johnston"
Silver
Antique Bohemian Aesthetic Movement Cased Blue and White Enameled Cut Glass Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Bohemian aesthetic period enameled and cut-to-clear art glass vase. In two colors with a white cased top layer cut to reveal a blue ground in the style of the Moser or...
Cut Glass
Antique Martin Brothers Art Pottery Vase with Asian Inspired Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hand-crafted art pottery vase was done by the renowned Martin Brothers factory of England, in approximately 1890 in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The vase is done...
Stoneware
Royal Worcester Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Form Trompe L'oeil Porcelain Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique figural porcelain vase. By Royal Worcester. In the form of three large bamboo stalks covered by flora and foliage. The top of each stalk has a gilt rim. Retailed by Richard Briggs of Boston. Simply a wonderful Aesthetic Period vase! Date: Late 19th or Early 20th century Overall condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Condition details: There is some light rubbing to the gilding here and there, some very fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: Royal Worcester Marks: Marked to the base with 'Manufactured by the Worcester Royal...
Porcelain
Aesthetic Movement Zodiac Black Marble Mantle Clock with Gong-Striking Movement
Located in London, GB
A rare and wonderful Aesthetic Movement black marble brass gong-striking mantel clock with brass finials and brass gallery to the top, just below with hand-painted porcelain panels o...
Belgian Black Marble, Brass
English Minton Japonisme Aesthetic Movement Majolica Aubergine Eggplant Vase
By Minton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Minton, a wonderful and extremely scarce majolica glazed Aubergine eggplant vase, dated 1875. An example of the Japonisme Aesthetic so desirable ...
Earthenware
Aesthetic Movement Jardiniere Attributed to G .Viardot, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A large Japanese style boat-shaped jardiniere attributed to G. Viardot, made in carved wood, ornated with panels decorated with Japanese blossoming cherry tree branches and a trophy ...
Wood
Aesthetic Movement Black Slate and Porcelain Clock Set, Circa 1880
Located in Astoria, NY
American Aesthetic Movement Black Slate and Porcelain Three Piece Clock Set, circa 1880, each piece decorated with porcelain panels depicting robins and various birds, fish, and inse...
Slate
Théodore deck (1823-1891), Important Japonisme Poppy Vase with Elephant Mounts
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Théodore Deck (1823-1891) An important Japonisme vase by Théodore Deck, combining richly developed glazes with sculptural elephant-head bronze mounts. This large enameled ceramic va...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Galle Faience Lion Candleholder with Silver Candelabra
By Émile Gallé
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of signed Emile Galle (French, 1846-1904) rampant lion faience candleholders Heraldic lion holding a castle tower in rampart also holding silvered bronze candelabra Signed...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Royal Worcester Shell and Coral Vases
Located in Great Barrington, MA
These rare examples of Aesthetic Movement ivory porcelain themed vases features a matching pair of realistically molded open shells nestled in coral branches. The translucent walls a...
Porcelain
Antique Lacquered Paper Mache Sewing or Jewelry Box with Inlaid Carved Shell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique paper mâché and lacquered box is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in England in circa 1870 in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The box was made as a sewing chest, but could be adapted for other purposes such as a jewelry box. The box is composed of paper mâché with a glossy black lacquered finish. The stepped top has scalloped edges and a detailed border of inlaid mother of pearl done with a floral motif. The central portion of the box's top is done with large pieces of mother of pearl or abalone shell and accented with flaked gilt details. The front and sides of the box are accented with hand-painted gilt detailing and the inside of the top is hand painted with floral accents. The inner tray of this box is divided into several compartments, some having fabric covered lids with molded handles. The inside of the box is paper lined in the same blue patterned paper as the tray. There is small brass lock on the front of the box, but there is no key. The box is finished with round squat biscuit shaped feet. Please note that due to the composition of this box, it may only be shipped within Canada.
Paper
$560Sale Price|20% Off
Maxime Fillon (1920-2003) zoomorphic patinated plaster sculpture
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Beautiful zoomorphic sculpture in patinated plaster by Maxime Fillon, circa 1970, from the artist's studio. In good condition, some traces of age, incised signature on base.
Plaster
Pair of French Victorian Green Limoges Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Victorian green Limoges porcelain and gilt trimmed vases with lady and cupid scene (PRICED AS Pair)
Porcelain
Aesthetic Movement Twin Handle Hand-Painted Porcelain Vase signed Royal Doulton
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Aesthetic Movement twin-handled hand-painted porcelain vase, featuring an idyllic scene inspired by Holbein: a ploughman with horses set against a glowing sunset, signed R...
Porcelain
19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves ...
Fruitwood
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Unusual 19th Century Large Eel Form Majolica Pottery Pitcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
European, 19th century. An incredibly unusual and interesting majolica pitcher. The water pitcher features a finely detailed Eel, with scales, eyes and a wonderful tail.
Ceramic
Italian Hand-Painted Ceramic Lemon Majolica Plate Signed, Mid-Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautifully hand-painted Italian ceramic lemon dish, featuring a vibrant trio of sun-ripened lemons nestled among deep green foliage, framed by a stylized border in rich forest ton...
Ceramic
Striking Victorian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Card Case made in 1876
By George Unite
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1876 by George Unite this striking Victorian antique sterling silver card case is of a rectangular form with a scalloped edge and a hinged lid. The surfac...
Sterling Silver
19th C French Bronze Snake Candlesticks
Located in Hudson, NY
19th C French Bronze Snake Candlesticks Beautiful original patina in red. Gilt bronze snake.
Bronze
Stevens & Williams All-Over Willow Pattern Vase
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare handblown crystal vase made by Stevens and Williams, England, circa 1910. The 12.25" tall and elegant proportion makes this a stand alone piece of art as well as a fun...
Crystal
$600Sale Price|29% Off
19th Century Limoges French Painted Porcelain Pitcher
Located in Soquel, CA
19th Century Limoges French Painted Porcelain Pitcher Rare and prized, American Amateur painting on French Limoges pitcher, circa 1897. Dimensions, 1...
Porcelain, Paint
Aesthetic Movement Carriage Clock, France, 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Fine aesthetic movement clock in cloisonné enamel and gilded bronze, decorated with polychromed birds and flowers, and geometric gilded ornaments on a ...
Bronze, Enamel
Game center piece Bronze, c. 1860 Christofle goldsmith to Emperor Napoleon III
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
An exceptional centerpiece signed Christofle artwork is silver-plated bronze with a very nice patina. The artistic part is a work of achievement; the base is pierced, composed of bra...
Bronze
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
Doulton Lambeth Unusual Winged Foot Vase by Jane S Hurst 1880
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and stylish Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery vase decorated with ivy and winged feet by highly renowned artist Jane S Hurst dated 1880. The stoneware vas...
Stoneware
Schumann Bavaria Mountain Snow Scene German Alps Moriage Porcelain Gilt Vase
By Kerafina Royal Porzellan KPM
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stunning and sizeable German Porcelain Vase by Schumann Bavaria circa 1950. It features a Moriage raised porcelain texture to create the effect of the scene through falling snow. Fea...
Porcelain
English Aesthetic Oak Bucket
Located in Essex, MA
With brass handle and liner. Hexagonal form with incised carved decoration. Toupie feet.
Oak
$6,675Sale Price|25% Off
A Boucheron Paris 18k Gold Silver & Ruby Vermeil Minaudiere Circa 1940
By Boucheron
Located in Tarzana, CA
A Boucheron Paris 18k Gold, Silver & Ruby Vermeil Minaudiere Circa 1940, of rectangular form with a hinged cover the top of the cover with pierced vermeil scrolling foliage the flow...
Gold, Silver
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Mantel Clock Attributed to Lewis Foreman Day
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Aesthetic Movement mantel clock, with an ebonised mahogany case and an exquisitely painted dial. The case embodies the style of the Aesthetic Movement, with an arched a...
Mahogany
$1,665Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Female Nude Bronze Sculpture by Vincenzo Aurisicchio from 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Bronze sculpture of a beautiful female nude, created by Vincenzo Aurisicchio in the second part of the 19th century. The bronze sculpture is in really good conditions. Ø cm 23 Ø cm...
Bronze
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Black Porcelain Vase with Gold & Platinum
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is an extraordinary example of "Aesthetic Movement" decoration, finely rendered on black glazed porcelain. The well detailed and beautifully painted subject, depicts a hunter wi...
Porcelain
Globe Pottery. Tunis design. A large Aesthetic Movement blue and white jug
Located in London, GB
Globe Pottery. Tunis design. A large Aesthetic Movement blue and white jug.
Ceramic
Burmantofts Faience Rare Red & Yellow Glazed Fleur-de-lis Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish and rare Burmantofts Faience art pottery vase decorated with a fleur-de-lis design in ox blood red glazes over a yellow ground and dating from around 1890. The earthenware ...
Earthenware
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