In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
90 Pieces Limoges Service signed Charles Field Haviland Aesthetic Movement 1885
Located in Paris, FR
This 19th-century service is signed by world-well-known CFH-GDM Charles Field Haviland. His very high-quality porcelain with polychrome and hand-painted decoration "flowers and encha...
Porcelain
Antique Rogers Aesthetic Period Six Piece Silverplate Tea and Coffee Service
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine antique service in very good condition. With fine chased decoration in the Japanese manner with decorative floral sections alternating with angular decorated bands. All pieces footed. Including: a teapot with hinged lid, a coffee pot, a large hot water pot on stand with a burner below (H. 16", W. 11", the bone finish resin knob...
Vermeil, Silver Plate
Moser Aesthetic Enameled Cordial/ Liquor Set, 15-Pieces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Moser Aesthetic enameled Cordial/ liquor set,15-pieces. Subtle olive green glass, with naturalistic enamel work with gilt highlights. Consisting of two handled decanters with stopper...
Glass
$253Sale Price|43% Off
Art Nouveau Aesthetic Sterling Tea Strainer, C.1890
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare Art Nouveau Aesthetic sterling tea strainer, probably American C.1890. Decorated with light vermeil floral leaf decoration surround to welle...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Black Tole Chuck Wagon Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian black tole decorated spice hanging cabinet with mirror and flour sifter and coffee grinder.
Metal
Minton grape gold & silver hand painted Aesthetic Movement Plate 1880
By Minton
Located in Paris, FR
This magnificent porcelain plate signed by Minton, dated 1880, embodies the artistic refinement of the Aesthetic Movement. Finely hand-decorated, it features raised motifs of beautif...
Porcelain
Minton lemons gold & silver hand painted Aesthetic Movement Plate 1880
By Minton
Located in Paris, FR
This magnificent porcelain plate signed by Minton, dated 1880, embodies the artistic refinement of the Aesthetic Movement. Finely hand-decorated, it features raised motifs of beautif...
Porcelain
Gilded Grapes Candleholder 3 lights, gilted handcrafted
By Aude Clément
Located in Paris, FR
Decorative handmade candelabra for unique centerpiece decoration or even more. Great effect as a pair on a table and matches with many other pieces of this collection. Handcrafted tin and nice gilded color hand painted patina. with applied sheet gold looking as it used to be done in old time. Au Bain...
Tin
Christopher Dresser Japonism Yellow Minton Plate, 1876
By Christopher Dresser, Minton
Located in Paris, FR
Yellow Aesthetic Minton Porcelain Plate in the style of Japonism creations made by Christopher Dresser. Round plate adorned with an oriental fan representing a lovely and colorful bi...
Porcelain
Christopher Dresser Aesthetic Movement Japonism Style Green Minton Plate, 1876
By Christopher Dresser, Minton
Located in Paris, FR
Green Aesthetic Minton Porcelain Plate in the style of Japonism creations made by Christopher Dresser. Round plate adorned with an oriental fan representi...
Porcelain
Christopher Dresser Aesthetic movement Japonism style Pink Minton Plate 1876
By Minton, Christopher Dresser
Located in Paris, FR
Pink Aesthetic Minton Porcelain plate in the style of Japonism creations made by Christopher Dresser. Round plate adorned with an oriental fan representing a lovely and colorful bird...
Porcelain
Silver Flower Basket Place Card Holders Set of 6
Located in Stamford, CT
1950s Brazilian 900 silver basket place card holders. Each holder features a “bouquet” of semi precious stones. Twisted round silver holder. Each hol...
Multi-gemstone, Silver
$10,021 / set
1890 Limoges Porcelain Wild Birds Set for 12 People
By E. Bourgeois, Limoges
Located in Paris, FR
Very unusual with a deep blue sky in the background and wonderful colors, this antique Limoges set for 12 people is made with the finest quality Li...
Gold
Copeland Spode Dessert Set 8 Plates, 2 Square Plates Blue w/ Florals Butterfly
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 8 Copeland Spode dessert plates is accompanied by 2 matching square serving plates- Perfect for a cheese and fruit course as well as d...
Porcelain
Precious Minton peaches gold & silver hand painted Aesthetic Movement Plate 1880
By Minton
Located in Paris, FR
This magnificent porcelain plate signed by Minton, dated 1880, embodies the artistic refinement of the Aesthetic Movement. Finely hand-decorated, it features raised motifs of beautif...
Porcelain
$2,550
H 7 in W 9.5 in D 6.25 in
Art Deco Sterling Silver-Gilt Egyptian-Revival Two-Handled Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, sterling silver-gilt, Egyptian Revival, two-handled centerpiece, inspired by the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Birmingham, England, 1922, Bracker and Sydenham - makers. Mea...
Sterling Silver, Gold
Art Deco Sterling Silver Scalloped Decorative Dish Signed by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Art Deco sterling silver dish was realized by the esteemed American maker Tiffany & Co., circa 1920. It features a round body with raised and scalloped sides, separated ...
Sterling Silver
$1,405
H 20.08 in W 15.75 in D 8.47 in
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Wall Cabinet / Small Cabinet Carved Oak
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Lovely antique 19th century Neoclassical wall cabinet / small cabinet Germany 1880. This German Grunderzeit cabinet is made from hand carved oak & is richly decorated. A true display of craftsmanship & quality. This cabinet has 2 doors and comes with a working lock & key. Its interior has 2 oak shelves. The cabinet has a very nice old restoration to the right side dating from the 1940s. A piece of furniture history with the right antique charm...
Brass
$460
H 2.5 in W 10 in D 7.78 in
Haviland Limoges Serving Bowl with Handles, Cobalt Blue and Gold, 1887
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Serving bowl with handles is hand decorated with gold rims and gold borders of abstract leaf designs on cobalt blue and white background. The handles and rim are done in solid gold, ...
Porcelain, Ceramic
Antique French Continental .800 Silver Tea Strainer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tea strainer is hallmarked by an unknown maker, but originated from France and dates to approximately 1890 and done in a period Victo...
Silver
Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Fish Platter
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This fish platter is a true work of art! Classic Aesthetic Movement whimsical decoration with fish in motion and in conversation with the viewer, it has a three-dimensional feel. Rea...
Porcelain
Superb Hand Painted Minton Porcelain Tray
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Large Minton porcelain tray with hand painted wisterias. Raised paste gold and platinum add depth and elegance to this rare example in amethyst and lavender palette. The handles are ...
Platinum
$320 / set
H 2.15 in Dm 5.75 in
Haviland Limoges Butterfly Handled Cup and saucer set, 1879-1889, Aesthetic
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Cup and saucer set by Haviland & Cie is decorated in Aesthetic style, combining elements of 3 different patterns. Meadow Visitors butterflies, placed between Bracquemond style sprays of pink roses and blue cornflowers, are accentuated with grey and gold medallions in abstract design. The butterflies and roses are decorated with raised enamel accents, and the butterfly shaped handle is outlined with delicate gold veins, tracing the wing pattern. The cup is 2.12" tall and 3.5" wide at the rim; the saucer is 5.65" in diameter. Set uses butterfly handled blank that was in production for relatively short time; factory decorated pieces are rather rare due to limited supply and fragility of the cups. This set is marked with the blue donut-shaped decorator mark, used in 1879-1889, on both cup and saucer, and underglaze green manufacturer marks: H&C on the cup, dating it 1876-1879, and H&C/L on the saucer, dating it 1876-1889. Examples of similar decorations, utilizing abstract border designs instead of medallions on china with Meadow Visitors decor, can be seen in Haviland China...
Porcelain, Ceramic
$360
H 9.25 in W 8.38 in D 4.25 in
Beautiful Hollywood Regency Tole Toleware Gilded Wall Console Shelve Italy 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1950s wall console or shelf. Minor patina gives this piece a classy statement. Made of hand craft wood, covered with plaster and gilded. Use just a...
Plaster, Wood
Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Late 20th century Haviland, Limoges France gilt porcelain tea / coffee service for twelve people. Each piece is great condition. Marks (Tower) Haviland Limoges, France undersigned. Alltogether 27 pieces. Set include 12 tea / coffee cups 4" x 2.3". 12 tea / coffee saucers...
Gold
$950 / set
H 1 in Dm 10.75 in
Minton Porcelain "English Rose" Pattern Part Dinner Service, 20th Century
By Minton
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Minton porcelain 'English Rose' pattern part dinner service 20th century. Comprising nine dinner plates 10¾ in. (27.3 cm.) diameter. Nine 6 1/8 in.(15.5cm.) bread and butter...
Porcelain
Antique Dominick & Haff Sterling Silver Footed Tea Strainer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique American tea strainer. In sterling silver. By Dominick & Haff. Supported by 4 tapered feet with a scalloped, square body and with a carved ebony handle. Simply a w...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.79 in Dm 9.45 in
110 Pieces Limoges Service by Charles Field Haviland Aesthetic Movement 1885
Located in Paris, FR
This 19th-century service is signed by world-well-known CFH-GDM Charles Field Haviland. His very high-quality porcelain with hand-painted polychrome decoration "flowers and enchantin...
Porcelain
Russian, Hammered Brass & Copper Serving Tray
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A RUSSIAN HAMMERED BRASS SERVING TRAY Late 19th century. Rectangular hammered brass rimmed serving tray. Handles attached with co...
Brass, Copper
Antique English Victorian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Baby Cup
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Aesthetic sterling silver baby cup. Made by George Fisher In London in 1871. Straight and upward tapering sides. High-looping and capped double...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 5.13 in Dm 4.69 in
Antique Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bell on Stand 1873-1891
Located in New York, NY
Rare antique Edward Moore period, 1873-1891, sterling silver Tiffany & Co. table bell on stand. The bell with a tall inverse U-shaped handle of exceptional detail- reeded design int...
Sterling Silver
Christopher Dresser for Benham & Froud Copper Tray
By Christopher Dresser, Benham & Froud
Located in Paris, FR
Very rare copper tray designed by Christopher Dresser for the manufactory Benham & Froud, circa 1882-1885. Lovely aesthetic movement oval-shaped tray with scalloped edges. The tray i...
Brass, Copper
Sold
H 2.76 in W 7.49 in D 4.93 in
Very Attractive Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set in a Box, 1885
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1885 by Aldwinckle & Slater, this very attractive, Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set, comprises a mustard pot and spoon, a salt shaker and a pepper shaker (engraved S...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 6.7 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
Artichoke Salt and Pepper Mill Solid Silver Venetian Missiaglia Design
By Missaglia
Located in Paris, FR
Established in Venise in 1846, Missiaglia is one of the world's finest jewelry makers but they also created a few tableware pieces which are gorgeous. Precious, original and so well ...
Silver
Majolica Oyster Plates by Minton, 1876
By Minton
Located in Paris, FR
These Minton majolica oyster plates were produced in different colors. Delicate turquoise color with iridescent green tones on the middle of the plate. Decorated with refined shells,...
Majolica
William Brownfield English Majolica Match Holder and Striker, Dated 1877
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From William Brownfield, Staffordshire, England, a match strike, date marked 8-1877. A Majolica glazed, earthenware pottery match striker or holder with a green and brown mottled ...
Earthenware
Sold
H 3.94 in W 7.09 in D 8.67 in
Aesthetic Design, Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Childs Set, 1890/1900
By James Wakely & Frank Clarke Wheeler
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1890 (the napkin ring hallmarked in 1900) by Wakely & Wheeler, this very attractive, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Childs Set, comprises of a beaker, nap...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 10.63 in W 26.78 in D 20.48 in
Unique Set Complete from Creil &Montereau French 19th Century Incredible Quality
Located in Paris, FR
Mid 19th century, comprising four shaped lidded dishes and an oval tureen with cover all of the very fine quality, within a mahogany tray with a brass handle to either end. Each piec...
Majolica
Sold
H 0.79 in Dm 9.45 in
Aesthetic Movement 19th Dinner Set 57 Pieces Limoges by Charles Field Haviland
Located in Paris, FR
Dinner set in world-famous Limoges porcelain with hand-painted polychrome decoration and gold "flowers and birds" 19th century is signed by one of the very best manufacturers CFH-GDM Charles Field...
Porcelain