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.
Diskometal Rabbit Sculpture designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Diskometal rabbit sculpture designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. * Rabbit sculpture in diskometal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1515 * Year: 1933 * Condition: Fair vin...
Metal
Art Nouveau Casket by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau brass casket designed by Niels Dam Ravn in the 1930s. * Curvilinear bronze casket with floral motifs and fitted wooden interior box * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufact...
Brass
Early 20th Cent Elegant Dance Ball Bird Couple Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture sh...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Casket by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau bronze casket designed by Niels Dam Ravn and produced by Nordisk Malm in the 1930s. * Curvilinear bronze casket with deer motifs and a fitted wooden interior box * Desig...
Brass
Liberty & Co. Small Art Nouveau Type Sterling Silver Photo / Picture Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed English picture frame in the Art Nouveau style. Made by Liberty & Co. of London in 1987. In sterling silver. With an oval opening perfect for portraits framed by sil...
Sterling Silver
Majolica Iris Vase Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica iris vase Massier unsigned of the end of 19th century. Art Nouveau period. Height / 9 inches.
Ceramic
20th Century Dachshund Dog Family Puppies Austrian Miniature Figurine Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 20th Century figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian bronzes. This charming figurine showcases the exceptional artistry for whi...
Metal
Art Nouveau Iridescent Yellow Blue Favrile Glass Bowl signed L.C. Tiffany & Co
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Nouveau iridescent Favrile glass bowl, signed L.C. Tiffany & Co. #1925, circa 1900, is a captivating example of Louis Comfort Tiffany's mastery of glass artistr...
Art Glass
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
Daum Nancy Rare Miniature Orientalist Landscape Vase with Palm Trees Circa 1900
By Daum
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Daum Nancy & Croix de Lorraine Rare Miniature Orientalist Landscape Vase with Palm Trees Circa 1900–1910 A rare miniature acid-etched and enameled cameo glass vase with a soft o...
Art Glass
$577Sale 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
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
Tiffany Favrile Pulled Feather Miniature Vase
Located in Fulton, CA
A fine Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile organic "Pulled Feather" miniature cabinet vase. Circa. 1894-1920. Signed and numbered "L.C.T." "Y 730". Beautiful deep blue-purple base with co...
Art Glass
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
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
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
Scalloped Bronze Bowl by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Scalloped Bronze Bowl designed by Niels Dam Ravn and produced by Nordisk Metalkunst in the 1940s. * Scalloped bronze Bowl with floral motifs * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufacture...
Brass
1920 English Huntley & Palmers Chinoiserie Jar on Stand Biscuit Tin Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1920 Huntley & Palmers Chinoiserie Jar on Stand Biscuit Tin Box. Faux craquelure glazed "jar" decorated with phoenix birds, rising sun, & flowering bamboo. Great handles & borders. B...
Metal, Tin
French Art Nouveau Bronze Cendrillon Bust by Emmanuel Villanis, 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
A finely modelled French Art Nouveau bronze bust of "Cendrillon" by Emmanuel Villanis, France, circa 1900. This compact patinated bronze depicts the romantic heroine Cinderella as a ...
Bronze
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
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
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
Galileo Chini L’Arte della Ceramica Di Fontebuoni Lustre Scarab Beetle Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and rare Italian miniature lustre vase decorated with scarab beetles designed by renowned ceramic artist Galileo Chini (Italian, 1873-1956) and made by L’Arte della Cerami...
Ceramic
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
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
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
Antique Vintage Ladys Ormolu Bronze Dore German Jewelery Box Casket Art Nouveau
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A beautiful quality Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Jewelry Casket, made in Germany in c. 1900, firmly attributed to renowned maker Erhard & Sohne. The highly elaborate ormolu metal case...
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
Moorcroft Green Glazed Flamminian Ware Cannister Vase 1913
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare Moorcroft for Liberty & Co green glazed flamminian ware cannister shaped vase dated 1913. Flamminian Ware was produced between 1905 and 1915 and was produced for renowned...
Ceramic
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
René Lalique Guirlandes Opalescent Vase Bowl
By René Lalique
Located in Franklin Park, IL
René Lalique Guirlandes Opalescent Vase Bowl This bowl measures: 7.75 wide x 7.75 deep x 8.375 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a controlled lighting...
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
Glass Paste Vase By Daum Frères, Acid Etched, Art Nouveau, Circa 1920.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Glass paste vase by Daum Frères, acid etched, Art Nouveau, circa 1920. Art Nouveau glass paste vase, circa 1920, by Daum Frère, engraved with acid. H: 30cm, D:22cm Contact us befor...
Paste, Glass
$561Sale 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
Daum Art Glass Vase Amber Leafs, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass vase with amber leafs by Daum, France. The vase - made out of art glass - is formed by amber leafs connected to each other in beautiful warm col...
Art Glass
Late 19th Century Cupid Cherub Angel Figurine Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic late 1890s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture sho...
Bronze
Circa 1907-1909 English Huntley & Palmer's "Iron Chest" Biscuit Tin Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1907-1909 Huntley & Palmers "Iron Chest" Biscuit Tin Box, English. Very collectible. 17th century Armada Chest form with hinged top with two "seals" - one of the Royal Coat of ...
Metal, Tin
Emerald Green Art Nouveau Vase by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1920s
By Ingrid Atterberg, Allan Ebeling, Harald Östergren, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Antique emerald green art nouveau vase by Upsala Ekeby. Soft shaped shiny green and black organically glazed ceramic vase with two handles. Stamped and numbered under base. Beautif...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery
1911 René Lalique Perfume Bottle L'Effleurt Glass with Grey Patina for Coty
By René Lalique
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Perfume Bottle "L'Effleurt" made in glass with grey patina by René Lalique in 1911 for Coty. Molded signature. Perfect condition. Very beautiful patina. height: 11.5 cm Félix Marc...
Blown Glass
Art Nouveau Iridescent Yellow Blue Favrile Glass Footed Dish signed Tiffany & Co
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Art Nouveau iridescent Favrile glass footed dish, signed L.C. Tiffany & Co., circa 1907, exemplifies the unparalleled innovation and artistry of Louis Comfort Tiff...
Art Glass
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
Victor Saglier and Daum Nancy Art Nouveau Carafe
By Daum, Victor Saglier
Located in NANTES, FR
Decanter engraved with acid with floral decoration around 1900 attributed to Daum Nancy and Victor Saglier for the setting. Signature at the bottom of the carafe. Note a slight defor...
Metal
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
Legras. Large Art Nouveau gilt and enameled glass vase, France, 1890s
By Verrerie Legras, Baccarat, Val Saint Lambert, 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
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
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
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
$1,236Sale 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
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
Scalloped Bronze Bowl by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Scalloped Bronze Bowl designed by Niels Dam Ravn in the 1930s. * Scalloped bronze Bowl with floral motifs * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufacturer: Nordisk Malm * Periode: 1930s *...
Brass
$552Sale Price|49% Off
Art Nouveau Glass Compote Vase, Palm Tree Design, French, Early 20th-C
Located in Valencia, VC
Early 20th-century French Art Nouveau glass compote vase, designed in a sculptural palm tree form with finely etched detailing and a rich rusty orange hue. This piece reflects the ...
Glass
Émile Gallé long neck Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, 1904-1906
By Émile Gallé
Located in Delft, NL
Émile Gallé long neck Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, 1904-1906 Émile Gallé (Nancy, 1846 –1904) was a French glassmaker and furniture designer Émile Gallé 30 cm high long neck Cameo vase m...
Glass
French Art Nouveau Brass Apple-Shaped Jewelry Box/Ashtray, 1920s
Located in Poperinge, BE
A beautiful French jewelry box, trinket box, or ash tray shaped like an apple with branches and leaves; featuring the typical floral and organic Art Nouveau style, circa 1920. This ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Earthenware Vase, Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Vicke Lindstrand, Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Rörstrand, Harald Östergren
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
Emile Gallé Important Vase "Ficoïdes Marins Rouges"
By Émile Gallé
Located in NANCY, FR
Spectaculaire vase ovoïde à panse méplate et col navette sur piédouche en verre triple. Magnifique décor gravé en très fines réserves à l’acide et repris à la roue, de feuillages et ...
pate de verre
Small Majolica Cache Pot Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French purple Majolica Cache Pot Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1890. Height / 3.8 inches. Diameter / 5.8 inches.
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
Stunning Ceramic Art Deco Vase - Herman Kähler - 1920s Denmark
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning white ceramic vase designed by Herman Kähler. The vase is 21 cm tall and about 18.5 cm in diameter. It is in excellent condition and marked HAK below. Herman Kähler (1846...
Ceramic
Italian Pair of Rooster Figures 20th Century Art Nouveau Animalier Sculptures
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of antique Italian rooster sculptures, hand-made in Italy in the early 20th century, in the Art Nouveau period, inspired to the Animalier style, ...
Bronze
Gilt Bronze Tiffany "Puddlestick" Candlestick New York 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tiffany Studios gilt bronze "Puddlestick" candlestick. Signed with stamped signature "Tiffany Studios New York 1213" to bottom.
Bronze
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Pedestal Vase
By Daum
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Pedestal Vase
Art 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