Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
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
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 ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Antique Vase Coalport England Hand Painted with Jeweling and Raised Gilt
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming vase by the storied English firm of Coalport. This sweetie features 2 handles, and an interesting hand painted scene with river, mountains, flora fauna accented with white...
Category
1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Takis ( Panayotis Vassilakis) Sculpture Signal Red Greece 1990 Signed
Located in Paris, FR
Takis
1925 - 2019
"Signal Rouge"
stamped with the artist's signature, numbered 12 (on the base) lamp on metal rod with painted base 224 × 21 × 21 cm ; 92 ⅛ x 8 ¼ x 8 ¼ in.
A certifi...
Category
20th Century Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vase terracotta
Located in Nice, FR
Black earthenware object, a three-legged bowl, also called a tripod, with a traditional aesthetic. It is a circular bowl with three conical feet, which gives it increased stability.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
$834
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.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
Takis (Panayotis Vassilakis) sculpture Signal jaune Greece 1990 Signed
Located in Paris, FR
Takis
1925 - 2019
"Signal jaune" unique piece
stamped with the artist's signature, numbered 12 (on the base) lamp on metal rod with painted base 234 × 21 × 21 cm ; 92 ⅛ x 8 ¼ x 8 ¼ i...
Category
20th Century Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Flaired Lip Swedish Art Glass Vase
By Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
Bring artistry and charm to your home decor with this brightly colored Swedish Art Glass Vase, hand crafted by glass maker Kjell Engman for renowned glass house Kosta Boda. Resembl...
Category
1990s Swedish Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
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, da...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver, Copper
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.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
c. 1890s Continental Papier-Mâché Pen Case Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1890s papier-mâché pen case box, Continental. Lid decorated with a courting scene as cupid aims his arrow. Scarlet interior. Lacks release button on front but still opens & clo...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
Large Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in El Segundo, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category
2010s American Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$510 / item
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 ...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
An Elegant Pair of Antique French, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figure Candelabra
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An elegant pair of antique French, guilt and patinated bronze figure candelabra from the 1870s the pair with two different patinated bronze bust centers with the rest in its brillian...
Category
1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage Limoges Jmmet Seignolles plates & box Souvenir de son Vogage a Lourdes
By Limoges
Located in BILBAO, ES
Set of Elegant vintage Limoges box and two plates.
Marked on base as “Jammet Seignolles Souvenir de mon voyage á Lourdes”.
-Memories of my trip ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Bronze sculpture " Golfer" on green marble base. Levan Vardosanidze. 1990s.
Located in Köln, NW
Elegant and abstract Bronze sculpture "Golfer" on a green marble base by Levan Vardosanidze, Georgia 1999.
The georgian sculptor, born 1957 in Tiflis studied at the Academy there.
He...
Category
1990s Baltic Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Life-Size Bronze "La Danse des Oeufs" by Gustave-Louis Nast
By Gustave-Louis Nast 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and large French 19th century Orientalist style life-size patinated and parcel-gilt bronze sculpture of "La Danse des Oeufs" (The Dance of Golden Eggs) also known as "La Danse...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
$36,950 Sale Price
43% Off
English Simple Epergne in Silver Plate
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...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
Medium Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in El Segundo, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category
2010s American Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$265 / item
Aesthetic Movement Ruby glass vase, gilt decoration Christopher Dresser style
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Fine quality Aesthetic Movement ruby glass vase made around 1880. The vase has stylised gilt bird decoration very much in the manner of Dr Christopher Dresser. It is in good original...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Small Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in El Segundo, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category
2010s American Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
$165 / item
Aesthetic Movement Trinket Box, circa 1900
Located in Spencertown, NY
The box with scenes of lilliputian figures
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$960 Sale Price
52% Off
Micro Mosaic Pen Holder
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Micro mosaic Moorish pen holder: simply beautiful ! Elegant sitting on Your desk.
It must not remain near heat sources because the mosaic could be damag...
Category
Late 20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
English Aesthetic Oak Bucket
Located in Essex, MA
With brass handle and liner. Hexagonal form with incised carved decoration. Toupie feet.
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Aesthetic Period & Design English Sterling Silver Bowl, London 1879
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1879 by Martin, Hall & Co., this stunning, Antique Sterling Silver Bowl, is in the Aesthetic taste, featuring cast and applied floral and butterfly detailing,...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Enameled Plate Attributed to Elkington and A. Willms, c. 1875
By Elkington & Co., W. Albert Willms
Located in PARIS, FR
Important tray made in gilded bronze and “cloisonné” enamel attributed to Elkington and Willms. Ornamented with a centering polychrome enameled peacock plaque, made of very high standard quality, mounted on a gilt-bronze dish, decorated in relief with Japanese Nô theater masks.
The great Birmingham firm of Elkingtons, was largely the creation of George Richards Elkington (1800-1865), who worked from 1824 in Birmingham as a manufacturer of silver-mounted scent bottles. By 1829 the business had expanded sufficiently for a branch to have been established in London. In the late 1830s the Elkingtons began making experiments to apply the principles of electro-metallurgy to gilding and plating with silver and in 1840 the patent was at last taken out. Elkingtons owed their rise to a position amongst the most important silversmiths of the country to their exploitation of this new process and the two of the most famous designers then employed, both of them French, Albert Wilms (1827-1899) and Morel-Ladeuil (1820-1888), who helped to make Elkingtons’ reputation with their elaborate exhibition pieces.
Albert Willms was apprenticed as modeler and engraver to Klagman, Dieterle and Constant in Paris before working for Morel & Co. in London in 1848. On his return to Paris he was employed by the great Parisian silversmiths including Christofle and Froment-Meurice, for whom he designed pieces to be presented at the 1855 Universal Exhibition in Paris. It was during this period that he joined the firm of Elkington in London as head decorator. Elkington was soon to become one of the first to produce refined pieces in “champlevé” enamel in the Chinese and Japanese styles, which were presented with great success at the London Universal Exhibition in 1862 (see Masterpieces of Industrial Art & Sculpture at the International Exhibition 1862, J.B. Waring, London, 1863, III, pl. 211). Willms’ “champlevé” enamels could not be compared, however, with the delicate “cloisonné” enamels exhibited by Japan at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867. This explains why Elkington adapted the ancient Japanese technique to produce pieces according to European taste and custom. Followings the 1867 Exhibition all the major European artists rivaled in ingenuity for the 1873 Universal Exhibition in Vienna. In London Albert Willms presented his luxurious vases and cups in “cloisonné” enamel for Elkington (see Illustrations of Art Manufacturers in the Precious Metals exhibited by Elkington & Co., Inventors, Patentees and Manufactures of electroplate, 1873), whilst in Paris, Ferdinand Thesmar (1843-1912) produced in the workshops of Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) a tray decorated with a golden pheasant in “cloisonné” enamel on copper...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Bronze
Letter Rack or Stationery Rack in Leather from the 19th Century, France
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant 19th centuryletter rack or stationery rack from France
It is unusual to find them with their original key.
Very nice interior
beautiful pati...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather
Pair Late 19th Century French Tole Painted Bronze Urn & Flower Form Candelabra
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of candelabra made in the form of urns holding floral arrangements are French and were cast in bronze in the 1870s. It’s possible that at one time they were gilded but they...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
A Boucheron Paris 18k Gold Silver & Ruby Vermeil Minaudiere Circa 1940
By Boucheron
Located in Los Angeles, 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold, Silver
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Doulton Burslem Figural Grape Stand Centerpiece
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This figural porcelain grape stand and holder is decorated with whimsical mushrooms encircling the "faux branch" to hold the grapes. It is embellished with...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Asprey Carved Rock Crystal Gorilla Diamond Eye's and 18-Karat Gold Accents
Located in Westport, CT
Asprey one of a kind hand carved rock crystal Gorilla, with 18-karat gold accents and diamond eyes, together on the original petrified wood base, w...
Category
Late 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver
Monumental Japanese Aesthetic Vase
Located in Litchfield, CT
This exceptional hand-painted porcelain vase by George Jones & Sons features magnificent sparrows flitting amongst lush trees and billowing clouds, circa 1880s. A superb example of the Japanese Aesthetic...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Chamberstick by Heath & Middleton 1891
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1891 by Heath & Middleton, this enchanting Victorian, Antique, Sterling Silver Chamberstick is a superb example of the naturalistic bark effect popularise...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum by Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a textured base, and will hold 6 ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Period, Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum, Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a plain base, and will hold 6 can...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic style silver photograph frame
Located in London, GB
Rare and early Aesthetic style antique silver photograph frame from the late Victorian era. The border is hand hammered with a mottled effect. There is a cast central surround with a...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Dripglaze Heavily Potted Floral Vase
Located in NYC, NY
A beautifully potted vase with raised delicate floral decoration with a burnt orange flower in a subtle Japanese aesthetic typical of aesthetic movement po...
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
A Pair Of Late Victorian Aesthetic Brass Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A Beautiful Pair of Late Victorian Aesthetic Brass Candlesticks (Circa 1880–1900)
This exquisite pair of brass candlesticks exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and decorative flai...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Aesthetic Movement decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Doulton Lambeth, Royal Worcester, Delphin Massier, and Minton. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $138 and tops out at $35,000 while the average work can sell for $1,362.
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