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.
Rarity! Pair of vases, flamingo & heron, ceramic Massier Valoris, 1915 France
By Valoris, Jean Baptiste Massier
Located in Wien, AT
An outstanding pair of vases by Jean Massier, France's most renowned Art Nouveau ceramic artist. Modeled after nature, the vases take the form of reeds—featuring a distinctive uppe...
Ceramic
Antique American Art Nouveau Repousse Sterling Silver Matchsafe or Vesta
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique signed silver Art Nouveau matchsafe. In sterling silver. With repousse decoration of rocaille swags around the edges of both sides. With a striker to the base. Mar...
Sterling Silver
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
Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Green Millefiori Antique Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Millefiori Murrina flower mosaic Italian art glass decorative flower vase. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso company, circa 1910-1930. ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
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 Mettlach, Rörstrand, Teco Art Pottery, Villeroy & Boch, Minton
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
Large Majolica Pansy Cache Pot Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Large Majolica Pansy Cache Pot signed Delphin Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic
Rare Soliflore French Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase, Berries Decor by Emile Galle
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
Delicate soliflore vase with berries and leaves decor. Multi-layered glass, with a decor intricately cleared with acid through vivid crimson red against a deep yellow glass ground. T...
Glass
Art Nouveau - Émile Gallé - Green & Purple Glass Vase - France
By Émile Gallé
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely art nouveau glass vase designed of the master Emile Gallé in France in the early 2000th century. The vase is 23 cm (9,2") tall and in excellent condition. Émile Gallé (184...
Ceramic
Small Hans Müller Art Nouveau Bronze Cabinet Sculpture/Bust of a Half-Clad Woman
By Hans Muller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, small-scale antique Art Nouveau cabinet bronze. In the form of a half-naked young woman in three-quarter profile. Likely an allegory to Summer or The Harvest (or possibly a...
Bronze
Emerald Green Art Nouveau Vase by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1920s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Allan Ebeling, Harald Östergren, Ingrid Atterberg
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, Pottery, Stoneware
Pair of Art Nouveau Jugendstil Bronze and Ceramic Vases Otto Eckman Style, 1900s
By Otto Eckmann
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of beautiful ceramic vases in shades of emerald blue to dark green, production from the early 1900s, in Art Nouveau or Jugendstil style in the shape of water lilies with bronze ...
Bronze
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
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
Art Nouveau Iridescent Glass Vase in Amethyst, Blue and Green
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Art Nouveau iridescent glass vase, of elegant twisted form, with iridescence in amethyst, blue and green and pulled feather design. Unsigned, but probably by Josef Rindskopf’s Söhne....
Art Glass
Majolica Frog with Mandolin Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica frog who playing mandolin signed Delphin Massier circa 1900. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Le Verre Francais Art Nouveau Artistic Glass Vase by Charles Schneider, 1924
By Charles Schneider, Le Verre Francais
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Le Verre Français, France ca. 1924 Cameo glass egg cup decorated with stylized flowers. Engraved signature. This vase is very rare both for its color and...
Glass
Large 19th Century Pair of Ewers Thistles Vases Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Large 19th Century Pair of Ewers Thistles Vases signed Delphin Massier. Height / 22 inches.
Majolica, Ceramic
Antique Crystal Bohemian Emerald Green Enamel Pair Overlaid Lusters Candlesticks
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A stylish example of a fine pair of bohemian emerald green ground gilt heightened white enamel hand cut full lead crystal lustres of outstanding quali...
Crystal, Enamel
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
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
Daum Nancy enamelled and acid etched Glass Vase, 'Dutch Landscape'
By Daum
Located in Bochum, NRW
Daum Nancy Art Nouveau Opalescent Grisaille Landscape Vase, France, c.1900s An exquisite Daum Nancy Art Nouveau landscape vase, crafted in cased opalescent and clear glass, finely et...
Art Glass
19th Century Cobalt Blue Gilt Glass Vase With Enamel Paintings, CZ ca. 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Artfully crafted, late 19th century cobalt blue glass vase with beautiful gilt parts from Bohemia (Czech Republic) around 1890. This large mouthblown bohemian glass vase impresses wi...
Enamel
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 Nymphenburg Porcelain Chick Figurine Art Nouveau, Early 20th C. Signed
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A rare and highly charming antique porcelain figurine depicting a chick, designed by Anna Soennecken-Beckmann for the renowned Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory c. 1911. Created in t...
Porcelain
French Art Nouveau Bronze Card Tray or Pin Tray, Vide - Poche, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau Bronze card tray or Pin Tray, Vide - Poche, 1920s This absolutely adorable card tray or pin tray, Vide - Poche, is made of bronze ...
Bronze
Antoni Gaudí Door Knob N.3, Solid Brass, Jugendstil Design, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, BD Art Editions, Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Solid cast brass with polished finish. An exact reproduction in both form and material original metalwork fittings designed by Antoni Gaudí for various of his works of architecture....
Brass
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
1 of the 2 Pate de Verre Bulldog Sculptures by Daum, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass sculpture by Daum, France. The sculptures in the image are bulldogs created by Daum Frères in the late 20th century, around 1980. It was produce...
Art Glass
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
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
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
$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
Large Antique French Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Cameo Tree Landscape Glass Vase 1900
By Daum
Located in Portland, OR
Antique tall French Art Nouveau cameo glass landscape vase by Daum Freres, Nancy, circa 1900. This beautiful piece of cameo glass depicts a pastoral lake scene with large silhouette...
Art 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
$472Sale Price|30% Off
Art Nouveau Studio Pottery Vase, Terracotta with Splash Glaze, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Art Nouveau studio pottery vase - wheel thrown terracotta - clear green glaze with blue opalescent splash - unsigned - country of origin unknown - early 20th century. Excellent vi...
Terracotta
Art Nouveau Pewter Matchbox by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau pewter matchbox made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Pewter matchbox with floral knop and original inner cardboard box (matches not included) * Designer: Just Andersen ...
Pewter
Antique Tiffany Art Nouveau Sterling Silver 14-Inch Vase
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau sterling silver vase. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Ovoid with bowl mouth and raised and stepped foot. Engraved stems and entwined leaves terminating in applied and ...
Sterling Silver
Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze entitled "L'Accolade" by P J Mêne
Located in London, GB
A exquisite mid 19th Century Animalier bronze study of a spirited stallion and a tetchy mare, the bronze with fabulous rich chestnut brown patina rubbed in areas to a golden hue and ...
Bronze
Villeroy & Boch Mettlach Jugendstil Candle Holders, A Pair
Located in New Windsor, NY
Villeroy & Boch Jugendstil candleholders made in their Mettlach factory. Circa 1890-1910. Fluted columns, geometric detail, cobalt and green over cream ceramic glaze. Fully signed on the bottoms, Mettlach, VB, Ges Gesch...
Ceramic, Pottery
A pair of English Art Nouveau candlesticks with flowing organic decor
Located in London, GB
A nice quality pair of English Art Nouveau candle sticks with flowing organic decoration throughout. Price for the pair.
Brass
Early 20th Cent Pug Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure on Marble Base
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s or older Vienna bronze figurine. This polychromed cold painted bronze is probably something you need if you’re a Vienna bronze collector. Found at an estate sale ...
Bronze
Beautiful Lavanite Vase Decorated with Elephants, Art Nouveau, circa 1910
Located in Knivsta, SE
A rare and beautiful Lavanite vase decorated with Elephants. Art Nouveau circa 1910. Probably made by W. Henker & Co in Berlin during the 1910s. Marked Lavanit Patent under the vase....
Cast Stone
Antique Tiffany Studios Pulled Feather Ruffled Design Favrile Glass Vase/Compote
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Tiffany Studios pulled feather ruffled design Favrile glass vase, also known as a compote, was created by Tiffany Studios of New York during the early 20th century, ...
Art Glass
Early 20th Century Cameo Glass "Campanula Vase" by Emile Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in London, GB
A stunning early 20th Century French cameo glass vase with a decorative acid cut design of campanula flowers in blue and green colours against a warm yellow background, signed Gallé....
Glass
$1,706Sale Price|57% Off
Lady in Solid Italian Art Nouveau Marble with Column and Fountain 1910
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Lady in solid Italian Art Nouveau marble with column and fountain 1910 It has some cracks as shown in the photos
Marble
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Mosaic Antique Italian Art Glass Pitcher Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Millefiori Murrina flowers mosaic Italian art glass decorative cabinet vase / pitcher. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso Company, circa...
Glass, Murrine, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Emile Galle Marguerites Cameo Vase
Located in Dallas, TX
Emile Galle Marguerites Cameo Vase Circa 1900 Art Nouveau Nancy, France A sublime large French art nouveau Emile Galle cameo four layer pillow vase with light blue Marguerite flower...
Art Glass
Pair of silvered pewter candlesticks, Art Nouveau - Achille Gamba
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of silver-plated pewter candlesticks in Art Nouveau style, designed by Achille Gamba. Germany early 20th century. Each candelabra depicts a stylized female figure with ...
Silver, Pewter
Rare Small Majolica Daisy Cache Pot Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare small majolica daisy cache pot signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Art Nouveau tin candle holder by Achille Gamba, Italy ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A striking Art Nouveau candle holder attributed to Italian maker Achille Gamba, crafted around 1900 and distinguished by its sculptural presence and richly detailed metalwork. The de...
Tin
$3,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks Model 1201. Arts & Crafts, circa 1910
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A sculptural pair of American Arts & Crafts bronze candlesticks produced by Tiffany Studios, New York, circa 1905–1915. Model number 1201, cast in heavy bronze and finished with ...
Bronze
Art Nouveau A. Delbaux Brass Enameled Bowl, Made in France
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Art Nouveau A Delbaux brass enameled vide poche, footed bowl. Hand-painted flowers, chased designs, made in France, circa 1940s. Dimensions: 2 in. H x 7.5 in. D
Brass
Carlsbad Austrian Art Nouveau Porcelain Iridesecent Vase, Late 19th Century
By Loetz Glass, Carlsbad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period iridescent porcelain vase In the manner of Loetz By Carlsbad Porcelain Austria, Late 19th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 8.5"H. Very good origin...
Porcelain
Fratelli Toso Murano Antique Fenicio Blue Orange White Italian Art Glass Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown cobalt and sky blue, orange, and white Italian art glass decorative double handle cabinet vase. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso compa...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Bohemian 1900s Art Nouveau Iridescent Green Snake Glass Vase, Josef Rindskopf
By Josef Rindskopf’s Söhne, Johann Lötz Witwe
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
Tiffany Studios Art Nouveau Bronze and Glass Paste Jewelry Box 1910
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Exceptional antique jewelry box attributed to Tiffany Studios, crafted in bronze and decorated with elegant glass paste in soft white and ochre tones. Made in New York, USA, around 1...
Bronze
Baccarat Flower Pattern Acid Etched Bowl, Magenta Pink, 1900, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glorifying the effects of refracted light for 170 years, the iconic Baccarat products are well-known over the world. A Large Art Nouveau Baccarat Flower and leaf Pattern Pink Acid E...
Crystal
Art Nouveau "Vase with Bat" by Eduard Stellmacher for RStK Amphora
By Reissner Stellmacher & Kessel, Eduard Stellmacher
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
Glazed Art Nouveau Centerpiece Planter Jardinière, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Brilliant handmade hand glazed Art Nouveau planter jardinière, 1930s Wonderful Art Nouveau period/ monumental ceramic planter jardinière, handmade and hand-glazed in brilliant blue ...
Majolica