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.
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
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
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
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flower Mosaic Italian Art Glass Cabinet Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Millefiori Murrina flower mosaic Italian art glass small decorative cabinet vase. The piece is documented to the Frate...
Murrine, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
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
Majolica Violet Cache Pot Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Purple flower Violet Cache Pot signed Delphin Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Pewter Box by Just Andersen, 1910s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Box designed by Just Andersen in the late 1910s. * Round hammered pewter box with lid with flower knop and floral chasings * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufactur...
Pewter
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière. This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th Century.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
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
Herman A. Kähler LARGE HAK Ball Shaped Floor Vase Denmark Early 20th Century
By Herman Kähler, Sophie Lundstein 1
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Large Art Nouveau ceramic floor vase made by Herman A. Kähler ceramic works in Denmark in the period 1915-1930. Most likely crafted by Sofie Lundstein or Tulle Emborg. The ball shape...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Terracotta Vase by Valdemar Koch (1852-1902), P. Ipsen, C.1890.
By Ipsen
Located in Valby, 84
Art Nouveau Terracotta Vase by Architect Valdemar Koch, P. Ipsen, Copenhagen, ca. 1890. Vase in a baluster form in unglazed terracotta, the upper body with matte black slip, the low...
Clay
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
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
Rare Art Nouveau Pottery Bowl by Anders Teodor Andersson. Ystad, Sweden, 1920s.
By Clement Massier, Charles Greber, Auguste Delaherche, Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat
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
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
Paul GASQ - Large French Art Nouveau Diane/Artemis Bronze Bust, 1900
By Paul Gasq
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large French Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Sculpture of Diane / Artemis by Paul Gasq (1860–1944), France, circa 1900. An exceptional and large French Art Nouveau bronze bust sculpture dep...
Marble, Bronze
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
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
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
$593Sale Price|49% Off
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
Antique Art Nouveau Gilt Gold Bronze Ormolu Jewellery Accessories Keys Tray Dish
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Art Nouveau Gilt Gold Bronze Ormolu Jewellery Accessories Keys Tray Dish Continental Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 3.5cm x 38cm x 23cm This superbly decorat...
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Century Antique Bronze French Bulldog Figurine Frenchie Statue
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1900s Vienna Bronze French Bulldog – Unpainted, Patinated Finish A finely crafted unpainted Vienna bronze figurine, likely dating from the early 20th century. Discovered at an ...
Bronze
$680Sale 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
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
Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase Daum Nancy, France, circa 1900
By Daum
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Art Nouveau cameo glass vase featuring a finely acid-etched landscape decoration depicting trees silhouetted against a sunset over water. The warm amber and deep brown overlays creat...
Glass
Antique 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Floral Vase By Frédéric Debon
By Frederic J. Debon
Located in England, GB
This late 19th-century French Art Nouveau bronze vase by Frédéric Debon is a remarkable example of the movement’s celebration of nature and craftsmanship. The sculptural composition ...
Bronze
Antique 1940s Roseville Pottery USA Pitcher Ewer Freesia Botanical Orange Vase
By Roseville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 1940s Roseville Pottery USA Pitcher Ewer Freesia Botanical Orange Vase. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 6.5" W x 6.5" D.
Pottery
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
Rare Emile Gallé Cameo Glass Vase with Anémone des Alpes Motif, circa 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
A rare miniature Gallé vase showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of Émile Gallé, one of the leading figures of the French Art Nouveau movement. Collectible. Dimensions: Height: 7 c...
Glass
$1,984Sale 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
Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau letter opener, circa 1905, in bronze. Decorated with ginkgo biloba leaves, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 20 cm Width: 3.3 cm Thickness: 1 cm Weight...
Bronze
20th Century Art Nouveau Glass Vase by W. Kralik - Iridescent, Bohemia ca. 1902
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute rare, exceptional early 19th century Art Nouveau glass vase by W. Kralik & Son, artfully handcrafted in Bohemia around 1902. This unique, iridescent Bohemian piece of glass ...
Blown Glass
$2,686Sale 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
Large Art Nouveau Stoneware Vase by Mettlach, Villeroy & Boch, Germany, 1904
By Villeroy & Boch, Minton, Rörstrand, Teco Art Pottery, Mettlach
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and amazing Art Nouveau / Jugend (in the Secession style) ivory-colored stoneware vase. Made by Mettlach, Villeroy & Boch, Germany in 1904. Excellent original condition. No...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Adolf Loos Vienna Modernism Wall Clock by Junghans, Germany, 1920s
By Adolf Loos, Junghans Uhren GmbH
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
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau "Silvered Phänomen Vase" by Loetz Witwe
By Loetz Glass
Located in London, GB
This attractive Johann Loetz glass vase displays a classic baluster form with a gently flared rim, enriched by a vibrant iridescent surface in olive green and golden tones. The glas...
Silver
Art Nouveau "Creatures of the Deep" Repoussé Box by Alfred Daguet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Brass, Steel
$575Sale 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
WMF Art Nouveau Aperitif Serving Tray
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau aperitif server or pin tray, circa 1900. Silver-plated metal with ginkgo biloba leaf decoration, handle decorated with a woman. Stamped WMF. In very good condition. Note ...
Silver Plate
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
Large antique wall clock by Adolf Loos
By Adolf Loos
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
The largest (and high-quality version) of this model by the Viennese master belter Johannes Heeg. Octagonal housing made of sheet copper (with antique patina). Dial made of chased br...
Brass
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
Rare Art Nouveau "Vase w/Oriental Dragon" by Eduard Stellmacher for RStK Amphora
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Earthenware
Miniature Art Nouveau Diskometal Vessels by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Miniature Diskometal Vessels made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Set (2) of miniature diskometal vessels with snake-shaped handles, original ink wells * Designer: Just Andersen * ...
Metal
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
Lukáš Houdek Ariel Pearl Polished Natural Shell Glass - Tall
Located in Prague, CZ
Inspired by the rebellious Ariel from The Little Mermaid, whose greatest wish was to become part of the human world. Artisème in collaboration with Lukáš Houdek brings these beautifu...
Shell, Glass
Exquisite important fan jardiniere, bow, 1900 Art Nouveau, Sarreguemines, France
Located in Wien, AT
A particularly important jardiniere, an original from the Art Nouveau period in the extraordinary shape of a fan with a bow, from the world-famous ceramics manufactory Sarreguemines ...
Ceramic
Photo Frame Butterfly-Shaped Fired Enamel on Guillochè Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Butterfly-shaped photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent polychrome fired enamels on hand engraving that imitates the veins of the wings. External dimens...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Beautiful flower jardiniere, Jugendstil Art Nouveau Eichwald green, Bohemia 1900
By Eichwald
Located in Wien, AT
A beautiful, classic flower jardinière, made by the renowned ceramics manufacturer Eichwald in Bohemia, circa 1900. The jardinière features typical Art Nouveau design. It has an ova...
Ceramic
Daum Roses Vase Green and Purple - Pâte de Cristal
By Daum
Located in Wien, AT
A finely crafted crystal vase by Daum, designed in the form of interwoven roses in soft pink tones with contrasting green leaves. The sculptural composition creates a naturalistic ye...
Crystal
Baccarat, Grass Green Crystal Cut Coupe, France, 1920
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glorifying the effects of refracted light for 170 years, the iconic Baccarat vases are well-known all over the world. A crystal grass green masterpiece of exceptional proportions, t...
Crystal
Legras. Large Art Nouveau gilt and enameled glass vase, France, 1890s
By Verrerie Legras, Val Saint Lambert, Baccarat, François-Théodore Legras
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
Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Delft, NL
Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900 Émile Gallé (Nancy, 1846 –1904) was a French glassmaker and furniture designer Émile Gallé 20 cm hig...
Glass
Capo di Monte Large Italian Pottery Vase or Pot Early 20th Century
Located in Tilburg, NL
Capo di Monte Large Italian Pottery Vase or Pot Early 20th Century. Wonderful and large Italian glazed pottery Capo di Monte vase / pot / planter in a very distinct rococo style. Ve...
Pottery
jugendstil picture frame around 1910s
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil picture frame around 1910s Brass polished and stove enameled Glass in front Picture size max: H:16,5cm W: 11cm
Brass
19th Century Art Nouveau Glass Vase by Loetz - Crete Phaenomen, CZ circa 1898
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding, rare Art Nouveau glass vase created by the famous company of Loetz Witwe in Klostermuehle/ Bohemia around 1898. This absolutely fantastic looking, large Loetz collector´...
Blown Glass
$1,271Sale 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
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Pedestal Vase
By Daum
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Pedestal Vase
Art Glass
Silver Plated Owl Candlesticks by Robert and Belk
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLD WIDE SHIPPING This pair of English silver plated owl candlesticks by Robert and Belk are modelled as standing owls supporting tulip form candle cups raised above their h...
Silver Plate