In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.
ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.
The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking, and Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau.
The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own variants.
In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers.
The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.
Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass.
Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).
Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.
There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.
Émile Gallé Cameo Glass Cabinet Vase, "Clematis" Motif, Nancy, France, c. 1908
By Gallé, Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
A fine multi-layered cameo glass cabinet vase, an authentic Art Nouveau piece. The naturalistic decor depicts the Clematis flower, achieved through meticulous acid-etching. The deta...
Art Glass
Jugendstil Sea Horse Planter by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Oxidized copper (green sections). Chased and hammered. Note: We do not ship pieces uninsured. We require shipping through 1stDibs, for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the default quote does not include packing and insurance and we do not ship uninsured. 1stDibs shipping provides a level of value, protection, and care that aligns with our commitment to safeguarding historic artworks and providing excellent client service. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Shortly before the foundation of WMF, Daniel Straub had founded his first manufacturing company, Maschinenfabrik Geislingen, in connection with his participation in the construction of the Geislinger Steige, the steepest railway line in Europe at the time. As experienced metal spinners, the brothers Friedrich and Louis Schweizer were able to contribute their technical expertise to the project. Most early designs for the company looked to past historical styles although early recognition of the quality of its products included the award of a Gold Medal at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. The company showroom, established in Berlin in 1868, was its first retailing outlet and marked the beginnings of a rapid development in scale. By 1880, when the company merged with Ritter & Co. to form the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, the company employed about 200 and had a range of nearly 1,000 products, many of them electroplated. In the late 19th century the company was also involved in architectural decoration, ornaments for the home and replicas of works of art and archaeology, including the reproduction of Lorenzo Ghiberti's famous early Italian Renaissance doors...
Brass, Copper
Early Diskometal Bowl designed by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Diskometal Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Boat-shaped diskometal bowl * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D145 * Year: 1926-1929 * Condition: Good vintage con...
Bronze
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908 Brass Polished and stove enameled Glass in front of the picture Picture size: Hight: 16cm Wide: 10,5cm The picture is not incl...
Brass
Secessionist Bronze Icon Vase by Gustav Gurschner
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We do not ship pieces uninsured. We require shipping through 1stDibs, for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services...
Bronze
Fine crystal Wine jug Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. c.1900 Arts & Crafts Décor
Located in London, GB
A Fine crystal jug designed by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. A Stylish wine pitcher made from Belgian crystal with banded Brass fittings, Serrurier-Bovy influential in developing A...
Brass
Dutch Gouda Vase, Zuid Corona Pattern, Art Nouveau Stoneware, Holland, 1922
By Koninklijke Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Dutch Gouda vase by Zuid, produced in Holland in 1922, features the Corona pattern with richly hand-painted floral decoration inspired by the flowing organic forms of the Art No...
Enamel
Majolica Parrot Tulip Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Parrot Tulip Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1900. Height / 9.5 inches. The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. They produced an incr...
Majolica, Ceramic
Diskometal Vase by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Diskometal Vase designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the late 1940s. * Flower-shaped Diskometal vase * Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch * Manufacturer: Just Ander...
Metal
Antique Hand Carved Wooden Angel Head Sculpture, Spanish, Circa 1900-1920
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful early 20th century hand carved wooden angel head with glass eyes. Amazing eyecather with beautiful expression. Spain circa 1900-1920 Weathered, small losses. H:20cm W:9cm ...
Glass, Wood
Majolica Violet Cache Pot Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Purple flower Violet Cache Pot signed Delphin Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic
French Faience Art Nouveau Vase, Baluster Form, Early 20th Century, France
By Faïenceries et Emaux de Longwy, Boch Freres Keramis
Located in Glasgow, GB
This small French faience vase attributed to a maker in the Longwy region dates from the early 20th century and presents a richly decorated Art Nouveau composition. The vase displays...
Enamel
Art Nouveau Green Double Handled Ceramic Vase, Japan, 1900s
Located in Glasgow, GB
An Art Nouveau Awaji vase, crafted on Japan’s Awaji Island in the early 1900s, reflecting the region’s celebrated ceramic tradition, known for bold decorative forms and experimental ...
Ceramic
Rare Majolica Butterfly Wall Pocket Clement Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica butterfly wall pocket signed Clement Massier, Golfe Juan Circa 1900. H / 7 inches. W / 9 inches.
Ceramic, Faience
Victor SAGLIER French Art Nouveau Silverplate Planter Centerpiece, 1890
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Centerpiece Planter by Victor Saglier, 12 rue d’Enghien, Paris, France, ca. 1890 Silverplate metal with a finely applied black patina in the recessed areas, enhan...
Metal
Antique Nippon Hand Painted Porcelain Moriage Mountain Scene Small Yellow Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Nippon Hand Painted Porcelain Moriage Mountain Scene Small Beige/Yellow Vase. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 4.25" W x 4.25" D.
Porcelain
$301Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 2 Antique Art Nouveau Picture Frames, Stained Oak, around 1910, Vienna
Located in Andernach, DE
Set of 2 antique stained oak picture frames in a wonderfully hand crafted shape. Vienna in the 1910s, these were the typical items to display on the wall to show portraits of your l...
Oak
Gallé Signed, Set of Acid Etched Double Overlay Cameo Vases, 1920
By Gallé
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau set vases by Émile Gallé in Nancy are statement pieces in the room. Signed Gallé. Original Acid Etched Double Overlay Cameo Vase. In purple over beige and...
Glass
Antique Vintage Ladys Ormolu Bronze Dore German Jewelery Box Casket Art Nouveau
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A beautiful quality Art Nouveau Gilt Metal Jewelry Casket, made in Germany in c. 1900, firmly attributed to renowned maker Erhard & Sohne. The highly elaborate gilt metal case is...
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Nippon Hand Painted Porcelain Small Pink Floral Vase w Gold Twin Handles
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Nippon Hand Painted Porcelain Small Pink Floral Vase w Gold Gilt Twin Handles. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 7" H x 4.75" W x 4.5" D.
Porcelain
Unique Art Nouveau Vase by Meta Lieberkind, Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1911
Located in Valby, 84
Unique Art Nouveau vase of ovoid form in porcelain, hand painted with a large blue iris in full bloom above elongated green leaves, the upper body with a continuous landscape of wate...
Porcelain
Gallé Signed, Large Acid Etched Overlay Vase with Foot, France, 1890
By Gallé
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau vase by Émile Gallé in Nancy is statement pieces in the room. Signed E. Gallé. Vase with red currant decoration in frosted glass internally suffused with ...
Glass
Pewter Flower Vase by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pewter Flower Vase designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the late 1940s. * Flower-shaped pewter vase * Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch * Manufacturer: Just Anders...
Pewter
Daum Art Glass Angel Sculpture Myth, Red Brown, France 1970
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass angel myth sculpture by Daum, France. The angel - made out of art glass - is sitting, with one knee raised. A beautiful sculpture. The sculptur...
Art Glass
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Photograph Frame. English. Dated 1905
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Beautiful silver photo frame In art nouveau style Good clear hallmark for Birmingham 1905 Original bevelled glass Good condition Original oak back Free UK shipping
Silver
20th Century Art Nouveau Clear Glass Vase, Ruffled Edge, Austria circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Charming Art Nouveau glass vase with ruffled edge coming from the famous period in Austria around 1910. The extraordinary mouthblown clear glass body impresses with a beautiful bulb...
Blown Glass
$1,942Sale Price|25% Off
Authentic Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Vase with Wisteria Motif, circa 1910
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
An exquisite authentic vase by Émile Gallé, master of French Art Nouveau glass. Circa 1910. Dimensions: Height 21 cm × Diameter 8 cm. This piece showcases a delicate interplay of pur...
Glass
Vintage Marble Trinket Box Hand-cut with Flowers in Relief
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A fine and skillfully crafted stone trinket fashioned from slaps of natural solid marble. The lid is cut in relief with a delicate flower in green, brown and earthy natural color ton...
Marble
Impressive Extra Large Vintage Émile Gallé Cameo Glass Vase
By Émile Gallé
Located in Stratford, CT
Extra large Galle Cameo vase overlaid with different layers of glass with amber and burgundy red colors, fused together by heat. The vase features high-cut acid-etched flowers. B...
Glass
Antique Art Nouveau Cranberry Glass & Silver Overlay Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Art Nouveau glass and silver vase. In cranberry (or red) glass in a garlic top, inverted trumpet form. With silver floral overlay throughout. Simply a wonderful vas...
Silver
Legras. Large Art Nouveau gilt and enameled glass vase, France, 1890s
By Verrerie Legras, Baccarat, François-Théodore Legras, Val Saint Lambert
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Large Art Nouveau enameled glass vase by Legras, France, 1890s. Made of hand-blown blue glass in the shape of a cylinder with a swirling finish on its outer face. Carefully hand-pain...
Enamel
Art Nouveau Ipsen - Danish Stoneware Vase with Bird & Oak Branch Relief 1920's
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional Art Nouveau stoneware vase by the esteemed Danish ceramics manufacturer P. Ipsens Enke, model number 13/50, dating to circa 1925. This sculptural work exemplifies the...
Ceramic
$2,636Sale Price|20% Off
Emile Gallé Cameo Glass Vase with Orchid Oncidium Motif Nancy France 1894-1904
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
Rare Emile Gallé Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase with Orchid Oncidium Motif — Nancy, France, Circa 1894–1904 Baluster-shaped vase, multilayer cased glass, green, colorless, and violet h...
Art Glass
Venetian Murano Antique Red Gold Flecks Swan Bird Stem Italian Art Glass Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, antique, early Venetian / Murano hand blown ruby red with gold flecks Italian art glass with ornate fish stem vase / table object. Created in the manner of the Salviati an...
Gold Leaf
Bohemian 1900s Art Nouveau Iridescent Green Snake Glass Vase, Josef Rindskopf
By Johann Lötz Witwe, Josef Rindskopf’s Söhne
Located in Andernach, DE
Fantastic design vase attributed to Josef Rindskopf, Bohemia, around 1900. Here in an olive green with an iridescent finish – shimmering sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on ...
Art Glass
Adolf Loos Vienna Modernism Wall Clock by Junghans, Germany, 1920s
By Junghans Uhren GmbH, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful minimalist wall clock, dating back to around 1920, designed by Adolf Loos (1870–1933), manufactured by Junghans Germany. This clock stands out with its unmistakable octag...
Metal, Brass, Enamel, Sheet Metal
French Art Nouveau Alabaster Bust of Young Lady, Marble Base, ca. 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Alabaster and Marble Bust of a Young Lady, France, ca. 1900 A beautiful French Art Nouveau sculpture dating from circa 1900, this elegant bust of a young lady is ...
Alabaster, Marble
Enamel Painted Biddy Chicken Bird Opal Glass Vase, Antique German Eastern, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite Opal Black Glass Vase with Enamel Chicken Motif A charming small opal black glass vase featuring a delicate enamel painting of a biddy chicken. The hand-applied enamel des...
Enamel
$564Sale Price|58% Off
Pair of Loetz Glass and Wrought Iron Vases 1920s
By Loetz Glass
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of Loetz iridescent glass and wrought iron mesh vases, hand-blown in the 1920s Ø cm 10 h cm 23 Loetz is a name that immediately conjures up images of art glass of extraordinar...
Glass
Vintage Antique MaruMan T2 Heavy Crystal Table Lighter Electric And Gas
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage antique crystal tabletop gas and electric lighter. In great condition. This exquisite Lighter is a testament to the opulence and craftsmanship of the mid 20th century. The b...
Crystal, Metal
Antique Art Nouveau Pairpoint Large Silver Plated Candelabra. 1880s-1900s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique Art Nouveau large candelabra features ornate, highly detailed, sculptural form with 4 curved arms radiating from the central candle holder. The silver plated, heavy metal can...
Silver Plate, Bronze
1900s Art Nouveau Mild Iridescent Green Sea Urchin Vase, Loetz Witwe
Located in Andernach, DE
Absolutely marvellous antique vase in a very mildly iridescent green, attributed to Loetz Witwe. Bohemia around 1900. This small sea urchin and equally floral shaped vase is somewhat...
Art Glass
Rare Art Nouveau Pottery Bowl by Anders Teodor Andersson. Ystad, Sweden, 1920s.
By Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, Auguste Delaherche, Clement Massier, Charles Greber
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful art nouveau vase with amazing glaze. Made by Anders Teodor Andersson in his factory in Ystad, Sweden, 1923-1929. Good condition. I has a tiny chip to the top ri...
Ceramic
Legras and Gallé Signed, Set of Large Acid Etched Enameled Glass Vases, 1920
By Auguste Legras, Gallé
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau set of 3 soliflore vases by LeGras and Galle are statement pieces in the room. Signed "Legrass" and "E Gallé" An acid etched 'cut back' technique has been...
Glass
Gorgeous Cathedral Cologne Souvenir Trinket Jewelry Box Antique, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful souvenir trinket box made of metal. A beautiful nice addition to your vanity room or your collection of Grand Tour items.
Metal
$1,247Sale Price|20% Off
Scavo Cenedese Blue Glass Vase from the 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
Blue vase in Scavo di Cenedese glass made in the 1950s. Measures: Ø 13 cm, H 19 cm Scavo glass is a type of ornamental glass with a rough surface with a matte finish in imitati...
Murano Glass
Art Nouveau Earthenware Vase, Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Rörstrand, Harald Östergren, Upsala Ekeby, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Warm marbled yellow modern art nouveau vase by Upsala Ekeby in the 1940s. Soft shaped glazed ceramic vase with two small spouts and fluted wavey coral red handles. Stamped and number...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery, Stoneware
Pill Box fired Enamel two colors on Guilloché Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Renato Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Portapasticche ottagonale in argento 925/100 placcato oro con smalti traslucidi a fuoco su guillochè anche su tutti i fianchi e con rigo sul coperchio. Stile Art Nouveau Inglese prim...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase with Fern Motif, c. 1904
By Gallé, Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
Émile Gallé, Vase Fougères/Ferns Décor, Nancy, c. 1904–1906 An exceptional and authentic Art Nouveau cameo glass vase by Établissement Émile Gallé, manufactured between 1904 and 19...
Art Glass
French Gilt Copper Eagle Sculpture 19th century Arts & Crafts Décor
Located in London, GB
19th Century French Gilt Copper Eagle Sculpture (30 cm) A finely detailed 19th century French gilt copper model of an eagle, expertly cast and richly chased with naturalistic feathe...
Brass, Copper, Ormolu
French Majolica Cache Pot Jérôme Massier Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica tulip Cache Pot Jérôme Massier Circa 1890 Height / 7 inches. Diameter / 10 inches.
Ceramic
French Art Nouveau Brass Vide - Poche or Pin Tray with Dragonfly and Flowers
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau brass card or pin tray, vide-poche, 1920s. This delightful card tray or pin tray, vide-poche, is made of brass and showcases a relief design of a dragonfly, adorn...
Brass
Antique Bohemian Enchanted Fairy Tail Tree Trunk Vase in Porcelain - Bisque
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the style of Bohemian Royal Dux comes this sculptural and playfull bisque vase enchanted with mermaid and Merman, frogs, lizards, flowers etc stylistically carved into this majestic tree trunk vase...
Porcelain
Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves Cache Pots Luneville Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves signed Luneville Cache Pots Circa 1890, H / 7 inches , D / 9 inches by 7 inches.
Ceramic, Majolica
$677Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Sculptural Swan Bowl in Crackle Glazed Porcelain and Gilt Metal
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Elegant Art Nouveau inspired swan bowl in crackle-glazed white porcelain with sculptural gilt metal, evoking Hollywood Regency glamour; decorative centerpiece with substantial weight...
Bronze
$625Sale Price|50% Off
Art Nouveau Style Art Glass Vase Signed Contemporary, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful contemporary art glass vase in the Art Nouveau style, by artist Robert Eickholt, circa 1980s. Vase is signed "Eickholt" and dated "1988" on bottom as shown in last t...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of French Majolica Iris Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large pair of French Majolica Iris vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1880.
Ceramic, Faience
Art Nouveau Style Satin Glass Vase, Pink and Black, Italy 1980s
Located in Glasgow, GB
An Art Nouveau style art glass vase produced in Italy during the 1980s, executed in satin-finished dusky pink glass with applied black glass decoration. The vase is formed in a comp...
Art Glass
Legras Signed, Set of 2 Acid Etched Enameled Cameo Glass Vases, 1920
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau set vases by LeGras are statement pieces in the room. An acid etched 'cut back' technique has been used to give depth. The pattern has been cut, polished ...
Glass
Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Clock by Alfred Daguet, with Original Mechanisim
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Cabochons include semi-precious moonstones. Signed Alfred Daguet 02 & Les Courves Bing Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the fir...
Brass, Copper