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
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
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
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
$575Sale 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
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
Émile Gallé Cameo Glass Cabinet Vase, "Clematis" Motif, Nancy, France, c. 1908
By Émile Gallé, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Bronze Verdigris Art Nouveau Sculptural Candle Holders
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage candle holders features cast bronze construction with striking floral stems and bases supporting conical candle holders with flared out rims. The stems are sculpted a...
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
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
Majolica Violet Cache Pot Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Purple flower Violet Cache Pot signed Delphin Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic
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
$1,918Sale 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
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
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
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
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
$2,278Sale Price|30% 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
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
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
Emerald Green Art Nouveau Vase by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1920s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Harald Östergren, Ingrid Atterberg, Upsala Ekeby, Allan Ebeling
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
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
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
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
$1,264Sale Price|25% Off
French Art Deco Silvered Bronze Sculpture Figure c.1930 Arts & Crafts Décor
Located in London, GB
French Art Deco Silvered Bronze Figure by H. Molins, c.1930 A striking French Art Deco silvered bronze figure by the sculptor H. Molins, dating to around the 1930s. The piece depict...
Metal
20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Bronze 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, Bronze
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
Legras. Large Art Nouveau gilt and enameled glass vase, France, 1890s
By Verrerie Legras, Val Saint Lambert, François-Théodore Legras, Baccarat
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
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
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
$558Sale 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
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Pedestal Vase
By Daum
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Pedestal Vase
Art Glass
Set of Art Nouveau Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Amphora-Style Diskometal Vases made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Set (2) of diskometal vase with lugs and floral motif * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D136 * Year: 191...
Metal
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
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
20th Century Art Nouveau Majolica Vase by Gerbing & Stephan, AT ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable, rare Art Nouveau majolica vase by the world famous manufactory of Gerbing & Stephan from the early period in Austria around 1910. The beautiful shaped grey blue color...
Ceramic, Majolica
Early 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
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
$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
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
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
Extraordinary Art Nouveau Silvered Brass Dish, Stockholm, ca. 1900
Located in Knivsta, SE
Extraordinary Art Nouveau Silvered Brass Dish, Stockholm, ca. 1900 An exceptional serving or fruit dish in silvered brass, crafted in Stockholm, Sweden, around 1900. This piece is ...
Silver, Brass
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
Diskometal Vessel by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau diskometal casket made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Diskometal casket / jewellery box with floral knop and inner in wood. Original cigarette box. * Designer: Just A...
Metal
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
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
Austrian Majolica Lily Jardinière Greiner & Sohn, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Austrian Majolica Lily Jardinière Julius Greiner & Sohn Bodenbach, circa 1900. Art Nouveau.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$549Sale 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