Inspired by the Arts & Crafts style in England, which rebelled against the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution with a proud emphasis on handcrafted design, American Craftsman style similarly pushed against the lavishness of the Victorian era. Coined by Wisconsin-born Gustav Stickley, a furniture designer and publisher of The Craftsman magazine, American Craftsman furniture would influence homegrown styles that followed, such as Mission and the Prairie School.
Like the popular early 20th-century Craftsman houses — which feature meticulous woodwork on everything from built-in bookcases in the living room and cabinetry in the kitchen to earth-toned exteriors with exposed rafters — American Craftsman furniture was all about handmade storage cabinets, bedroom furniture, chairs and other pieces built with organic materials. “Simplicity and straightforwardness of construction has always been the leading characteristic of Craftsman furniture,” Stickley stated. And while he is often credited with most of the designs at the Craftsman Workshops in Eastwood, New York, others such as Harvey Ellis were influential in shaping the straight-backed chairs, beds with vertical slats and tables with exposed joinery that came to define the style.
Highly utilitarian with no unnecessary flair, American Craftsman furniture was designed to emphasize the essence of its modest construction and promote the natural beauty of the wood. Solid oak, cherry, walnut and mahogany were all favored by the movement’s principal figures. Another attribute commonly associated with the style is the integration of subtle details like tooled leather, inlaid metal and hammered iron handles.
Owing to the outbreak of World War I, the popularity of American Craftsman style waned as consumer spending dropped and furniture companies shifted to the production of wartime materials and goods specified in government contracts. Yet, by the 1960s, there was a renewed appreciation for this foundational modern American style, with Stickley and his contemporaries in demand for the clean, simple lines and sturdy construction of American Craftsman furniture.
Find a collection of antique American Craftsman chests, nightstands, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage T.C. Wheaton Co Glass Embossed Apothecary Bottles Set of 4
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of 4 vintage apothecary bottles with stoppers and embossed. Classic and unique, these beautiful bottles sparkle in vintage gl...
Glass
Poul Soldner Raku-Fired Crazed Pedestal Piece
By Paul Soldner
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Soldner Raku-Fired Crazed Pedestal Piece, Exhibited and published in Paul Soldner "A Retrospective" 1991 Page 97, Pedestal Piece (84-49) 1984, c...
Ceramic
Turned Wood Bottle in Rosewood Assembled in Three Pieces
Located in Ferndale, MI
Fine example of wood turning. Three sections of turned rosewood put together to form a wine bottle. I believe this to be early 20th century.
Rosewood
Rare Empire French Fire Gilded Center Piece Tazza Warrior Horses Harp
By Thomire & Cie., Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
More than 200 years old showpiece for on the table. Made from glass, fire-gilt bronze and green veined marble. Beautiful horses with a warrior and mythological figures with harp and ...
Marble, Bronze
Set of Murano Glass Perfume Bottles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Murano glass perfume bottles, Made in Italy, 1960's. Some still have the original sticker. Dimensions: Large bottle: 11"H x 5.5"W x 2.5"...
Murano Glass
Alexandre Noll 1930s Turned Wood Bowl
Located in New York, NY
An original 1930s turned wood sculptural wood bowl by famed French craftsman, Alexandre Noll. Signed
Hardwood
Set of 3 Murano Glass Perfume Bottles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 3 Italian Murano glass perfume bottles with pink and white filigrana, made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: height 4/5 inches, diameter 2/3 inches 1 set available in stock in I...
Murano Glass
$211Sale Price|35% Off
H 8.75 in Dm 9 in
Art Nouveau Weller Style Iridescent Amber & Gold Raku Fired Vase, Pair
By Samuel A. Weller
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original pair of Raku-fired Art Nouveau-style vases, reminiscent of Weller Pottery's design enchant with their iridescent dual-tone glaze. The Raku firing process imparts unique, unp...
Pottery
Hand-built Raku-fired Wabi Sabi Ikebana Vase
By MONDAYS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One-of-a-kind raku-fired vase. Wide and low with a small foot, and small opening. Made in our Brooklyn studio then fired in a New Jersey back yard, All dimensions are approximate...
Ceramic
$410
H 7.09 in Dm 12.6 in
French Art Deco Crackled Ceramic Vase, White with Delicate Crazing, 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This elegant French Art Deco ceramic vase from the 20th century is a beautiful example of timeless design and craftsmanship. Its rounded form, gently flared base, and slender neck cr...
Ceramic
$1,212Sale Price / item|10% Off
H 11.82 in W 7.88 in D 9.85 in
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Bronze", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Gold Leaf
$995
H 6.5 in W 3.9 in D 2.75 in
Doug Ayers Signed California Artist Organic Natural Wood Turned Weed Vase Vessel
By Doug Ayers
Located in Studio City, CA
A very beautifully made and sculpted wood-turned weed vase by famed American (Mendocino, CA) artist/ sculptor Doug Ayers. The natural. organic wood grain is quite spectacular in this...
Wood
Paul Soldner Abstract Expressionist Studio Ceramic Vase
By Paul Soldner
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Paul Soldner (1921-2010) abstract expressionist pottery vase. Glaze in black and brown, partly unglazed. Excellent design, mint condition. Signed Soldner on the bottom. Measures: 10" H x 8 3/4" W. Paul Soldner (1921-2011) was an American ceramic artist, noted for his experimentation with the 16th...
Clay
$2,109Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 11.82 in W 9.85 in D 7.88 in
Moorish Heads Vases Collection "Cool Gray", Set of 2 Pieces, Handmade in Italy
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Gold Leaf
Raku Fired Vessel by Tony Evans Designs
By Tony Evans
Located in Denton, TX
Evan's distinctive style of raku pottery produced interesting fired and burnt glazes, both gloss and matte, that emulate patina, oxidation and verdigris, signed and labeled.
Clay
Pair of Vintage Small USA Pottery Stoneware Jugs Circa 1940s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of Vintage Miniature USA Pottery Stoneware Jugs Circa 1940s. These charming jugs exude timeless appeal and are perfect for collectors, decor enthusiasts, or anyone seeking to infuse their space with a touch of vintage rustic Americana. Mini Crockery Jug Pottery Crock Small Pottery Jug Brown Top Glaze. Antique Miniature Stoneware...
Pottery
Hand-Turned American Wood Bowl with Thick Rim
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-turned American wood bowl from one piece of wood.
Beech
1970s Collection Boardwalk Souvenir 7up Bottle Carnival Game Mid-Century Vintage
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unusual collection, a set of five old Ocean City or Virginia Beach boardwalk game prizes. These measure each about 20 inches high.
Glass