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
Victorian Carved Inlaid Rosewood Needle Vase, Late 19th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique carved rose wood needle case with hinged cover with spring clasp and with central inset brass cartouche, the edges of the box with finely carved detail and with i...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Rosewood
Jérôme Massier Purple and Yellow Bearded Iris Vase Vallauris France, 1860-1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century French majolica glazed earthenware tall vase modeled as a Bearded Iris. Three purple and yellow cascading petals surround the head of the Iris. The footing is mol...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
English Majolica Bamboo Planter and Stand, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
English Victorian Majolica bamboo planter and stand, circa 1880.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Minton English Majolica Daisy and Trellis 2-Piece Jardinière on Stand circa 1875
By Minton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An excellent quality Minton Majolica ‘Daisy and Trellis’ Jardinière on its stand, England, circa 1875.
The jardinière shows a pattern of a climbing trellis against a maroon stippled...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
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
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
Signed German Wooden Sculpture of a Mother And Her Child, "Muller 1943"
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Artistically significant hand carved sculpture of nude mother and child, completed during the Second World War.
Category
Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Gorgeous Thomas Webb Monumental Rock Crystal Vase
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, signed "WEBB", England. This massive naturalist aesthetic rock crystal vase by the renowned glass house Thomas Webb & Sons features a superb sunflower design. Made as a...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
Wedgwood Aesthetic Majolica Tortoise Shell Glazed Char Fish Dish, circa 1878
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarely seen wedgwood char dish, an Aesthetic Movement mold showing a pair of fish in a deep dish glazed to resemble tortoise shell. Char is a fresh-water m...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Mixed Metal Bronze Vases
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This beautifully paired set of Aesthetic Movement Japanese bronze vases are decorated all around the body featuring birds and foliage. The ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Delphin Massier Vallauris Parrot & Bamboo Large Double Vase, France, circa 1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, foot-high, French Barbotine Majolica glazed vase showing a colorful parrot sitting on a Bamboo perch. The perch rests in a grass cropping and features two bamboo shoot flower holders, circa 1875.
Gorgeous color, a scarce piece.
Signed Delphin Massier et Cie, Vallauris A.M.
Delphin, born in 1836, was one of three brothers from the Massier family, a dynasty of potters dating back to before the French Revolution. The family played a key role in the revival of pottery in Vallauris, Southern France...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
WMF. An Aesthetic Movement Copper Chamber Candlestick in the Dr C Dresser Style
Located in London, GB
WMF. An Aesthetic Movement Copper Chamber Candlestick and match book holder in the Dr C Dresser Style.
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Pair of 19th Century Galle Faience Lion Candleholder with Silver Candelabra
By Emile 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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Bowl with Dogwood Blossoms
By John Bennett
Located in New York, NY
Bowl with Dogwood Blossoms, 1882
John Bennett (1840–1907)
Earthenware, painted and glazed
4 in. high, 7 5/8 in. diameter
Signed, dated, and inscribed (...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Pair of French Victorian Green Limoges Porcelain Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Victorian green Limoges porcelain and gilt trimmed vases with lady and cupid scene (PRICED AS Pair)
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Monumental Majolica Shell Jardiniere 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...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
John Tuska Lidded Stoneware Vessel
By John Tuska
Located in Palm Springs, CA
John Tuska lidded stoneware vessel in a striking green glaze.
John Tuska, full name John Regis Tuska, (1931–1998) was an American artist and educator. H...
Category
20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
19th Century Bronze by Moreau Sitting Figure of a Lady 'Student or Scholar'
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of French origin, this mid to late 19th century bronze figure was made by the prolific French bronze making artist family "Moreau". The sculpture depicts a young female student or sc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Brass
Artistic Double Gourd Form Raku Pottery Vase
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Artistic Double Gourd form Raku pottery vase, unglazed diagonal ribbon exposing black clay body thickly applied grey crackled glaze pooling at the bo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
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
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...
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Handblown Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Rose Pink Crystal Vases
By Bohemia
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a well matched pair of Bohemian or French handblown vases shading from a subtle pale rose to a slightly darker shade as it reaches the top rim. They are decorated with an Aes...
Category
19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Important French Orientalist Jeweled Clock for Turkish Market, YSL Collection
Located in New York, NY
An important antique French orientalist style Jeweled gilt bronze clock made for the Ottoman market. This enameled clock sits within the decorated column's supporting a tulip shaped ...
Category
19th Century Turkish Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
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
French Victorian Faience Majolica Double Vase
Located in New York, NY
French Victorian (19/20th Cent) faience Majolica small double bud vase with circular shape and decorated with vine, leaves, and fruit (impressed: Sarreguemi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint
Pair of Minton Pate sur Pate Vases, signed Birks
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A pair of Minton diminutive Pate sur Pate "Moon" vases with central medallions of urns and leaves. The green ground body has intertwined trellises of leaves and flowers and the salmon sides contrast beautifully with the earth tones.The feet and rims are gilded and the thick white pate sur pate stands out against the salmon ground. The width of the body is 2" across, the height is 6" and the diameter at the widest point is 5.5". Signed " A.B" for Albion Birks...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Louise J Davis Large Doulton Lambeth Floral Design Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and very impressive Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Art Pottery vase decorated with large flowering buds by renowned designer and decorator Louisa J Davis...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Roseville Pottery Pinecone Twin-Handled Floor Vase - #913-18
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large, colorful and beautifully made garden theme item with an Aesthetic Movement presentation. Roseville Pottery Pinecone pattern footed floor vase, introduced in 1931, with grace...
Category
20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
French Majolica Daffodil Cache Pot Creil & Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Daffodil Cache Pot Creil & Montereau, Circa 1890.
Total height / 10.3 inches.
Platter / 11.5 inches diameter.
Cache pot / height :9.3 inches, diameter: 10 inches.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience
French Majolica Water Lily Cache Pot Creil & Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare French Faience cache pot planter Creil et Montereau Circa 1890.
Platter / 11 inches diameter.
Cache pot / 9.5 inches diameter , height / 7 inches.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience
Doulton Lambeth Carrara Floral Painted Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish and impressive Doulton Lambeth Carrara floral painted art pottery vase signed AB and dating between 1887 and 1891. The vase stands on a narrow round foot with slightly rece...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Lalique France Opalescent Coquilles Motif Vase
By Lalique
Located in Stamford, CT
1920s Lalique France opalescent coquilles vase. Etched Lalique France signature on the underside.
Category
1930s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Sterling Silver Mother of Pearl Clover/Trefoil Box
Located in New York, NY
Lovely and unique hinged jewelry box. Graceful bowed shape. On four legs with paw feet. On top is an applied clover or trefoil, inlaid with mother-of-pearl . Very solid gauge silver....
Category
1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Majolica Urns, German, Attrib. Hanke
By Reinhold Hanke
Located in Madrid, ES
A matched pair of late 19th century Bohemian / German majolica porcelain urns. With a contrasting mix of Christian, mythological, grotesque and neoclassical elements, they exemplify the highly decorative, "art for art's sake" ideology of the Aesthetic Movement (1860-1900). Colorful and engaging, the style was a direct and confrontational answer to the rise of mass-produced and industrial culture.
With impressed marks "R.H. 35" on their bases, the urns were most probably manufactured by Reinhold...
Category
19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Carved Oak Barley Twist Candlestick
Located in Redding, CT
Carved oak barley twist candlestick. Columned base with heavily detailed carvings. Nice addition to any arts and crafts home. This item...
Category
1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
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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