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Art Nouveau Porcelain

ART NOUVEAU STYLE

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

  • Sinuous, organic and flowing lines
  • Forms that mimic flowers and plant life
  • Decorative inlays and ornate carvings of natural-world motifs such as insects and animals 
  • Use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood

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.

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Style: Art Nouveau
Hungarian Studio Porcelain Vase, Green Crystalline Glaze
Hungarian Studio Porcelain Vase, Green Crystalline Glaze

Hungarian Studio Porcelain Vase, Green Crystalline Glaze

Located in Alap, HU

Ferenc Halmos Porcelain Vase, Green Crystalline Glaze, 2019 Hungarian Studio Porcelain Vase with Crystalline Decoration A porcelain bud vase by Hungarian ceramist Ferenc Halmos, fea...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Six Cups with Saucers, Theresienthal, Bohemia c. 1900
Six Cups with Saucers, Theresienthal, Bohemia c. 1900

Six Cups with Saucers, Theresienthal, Bohemia c. 1900

By Theresienthal

Located in Stockholm, SE

An exceedingly rare set of six cups with saucers, whose beauty captures both the eye and the imagination. The hand-blown opaline glass cups are shaped as delicate tulip blossoms, the...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Enamel

Rare Antique Royal Dux Centerpiece Bowl, Aesop's Fisherman & His Flute by Hampel
Rare Antique Royal Dux Centerpiece Bowl, Aesop's Fisherman & His Flute by Hampel

Rare Antique Royal Dux Centerpiece Bowl, Aesop's Fisherman & His Flute by Hampel

By Royal Dux

Located in New Orleans, LA

For your consideration, a stunning Art Nouveau centerpiece bowl by Royal Dux, circa 1900, Austria. The piece is only signed with serial numbers but the design and work is consistent ...

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th Century Czech Royal Dux Bohemian Carved Porcelain Woman Sculpture
Early 20th Century Czech Royal Dux Bohemian Carved Porcelain Woman Sculpture

Early 20th Century Czech Royal Dux Bohemian Carved Porcelain Woman Sculpture

By Royal Dux Bohemia

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a woman's vanity or powder room with this vintage elegant ceramic Bohemian sculpture dish, crafted in the Czech Republic circa 1930. The Art Deco sculpture features a woman ...

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Antique tray with Art Nouveau tile panel with Florale decoration, 1905s
Antique tray with Art Nouveau tile panel with Florale decoration, 1905s

Antique tray with Art Nouveau tile panel with Florale decoration, 1905s

Located in Verviers, BE

In very nice used condition, circa 1900. Beautiful Art Nouveau glazed porcelain tableau framed by Oak. Handles with brass details. A whole is in a beautiful state!. No cracks or ...

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain, Oak

Tiffany & Co. Italian Porcelain Pedestal Tazza or Cake Stand
Tiffany & Co. Italian Porcelain Pedestal Tazza or Cake Stand

Tiffany & Co. Italian Porcelain Pedestal Tazza or Cake Stand

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Italian porcelain tazza or cake stand By Tiffany & Co. (signed to the underside) Italy, 1995 Measures: 8.25"W x 8.25"D x 3.5"H Good original vintage condition

Category

1990s Italian Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Meissen Art Nouveau Figure, Boy With Drinking Dog, by Konrad Hentschel, Ca. 1905
Meissen Art Nouveau Figure, Boy With Drinking Dog, by Konrad Hentschel, Ca. 1905

Meissen Art Nouveau Figure, Boy With Drinking Dog, by Konrad Hentschel, Ca. 1905

Art Nouveau Meissen porcelain figure from the time the model was created: Boy with brunette hair, dressed in typical children's clothing from around 1900 - a colourful patterned dres...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Vase in Porcelain with Flowers
Antique Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Vase in Porcelain with Flowers

Antique Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Vase in Porcelain with Flowers

Located in København, Copenhagen

Antique Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau vase in porcelain with hand-painted flowers, Late 19th century. Measures: 17.5 x 6 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 1st factory quality.

Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Style Royal Vienna Porcelain Portrait Plate
Art Nouveau Style Royal Vienna Porcelain Portrait Plate

Art Nouveau Style Royal Vienna Porcelain Portrait Plate

By Royal Vienna Porcelain

Located in Guaynabo, PR

This is an Art Nouveau Royal Vienna Porcelain Portrait Plate. It depicts a round porcelain plate hand painted royal and light blue in its background. At the center of the plate there...

Category

20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Riding A Wooden Horse, circa 1906
Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Riding A Wooden Horse, circa 1906

Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Riding A Wooden Horse, circa 1906

Boy in a long white shirt with a newspaper cap riding on a wooden horse with wheels. Modeling and painting of the finest quality, excellent lifelike and loving details. Modeller: JU...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Drinking From Meissen Cup, c 1905
Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Drinking From Meissen Cup, c 1905

Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Drinking From Meissen Cup, c 1905

Boy in a nightgown standing in front of a damaged wooden horse, holding an onion pattern cup with both hands and drinking from it. Modeling and accessories of the finest quality, exc...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Hungarian Studio Porcelain Vase, Multicolour Crystalline Glaze
Hungarian Studio Porcelain Vase, Multicolour Crystalline Glaze

Hungarian Studio Porcelain Vase, Multicolour Crystalline Glaze

Located in Alap, HU

Ferenc Halmos Porcelain Vase, Multicolor Crystalline Glaze, 2019 Hungarian Studio Porcelain Sphere Vase with Crystalline Surface A contemporary porcelain bud vase by Hungarian ceram...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Drinking From Meissen Cup, c 1905
Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Drinking From Meissen Cup, c 1905

Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Boy Drinking From Meissen Cup, c 1905

Boy in a nightgown standing in front of a damaged wooden horse, holding an onion pattern cup with both hands and drinking from it. Modeling and accessories of the finest quality, exc...

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th Century Gustave Asch Blue Ceramic Vases
Late 19th Century Gustave Asch Blue Ceramic Vases

Late 19th Century Gustave Asch Blue Ceramic Vases

By Gustave Asch

Located in Paris, FR

Large porcelain vases crafted by Gustave Asch in the late 19th century. Each vase is highlighted with cascading chestnut leaves and chestnuts in their bugs painted in gold on dark bl...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

French Art Nouveau Enameled Glass Trinket or Jewelry Box by Legras Glassworks
French Art Nouveau Enameled Glass Trinket or Jewelry Box by Legras Glassworks

French Art Nouveau Enameled Glass Trinket or Jewelry Box by Legras Glassworks

Located in Miami, FL

French Art Nouveau Enameled Glass Trinket or Jewelry Box by Legras Glassworks, France A beautiful hand-crafted and richly decorated French Art Nouveau enameled glass trinket or jewelry box, attributed to Legras Glassworks. The piece features delicately applied enamel in soft, natural tones typical of the Art Nouveau movement, highlighting its elegant floral and organic motifs. Finely detailed and highly decorative, this lidded box exemplifies the refined craftsmanship for which Legras was renowned. Perfect for holding small treasures or displayed simply as a work of art. Dimensions: 4" Diameter × 3 1/4" High A wonderful collectible French Art Nouveau glass box—an ideal decorative accent or thoughtful gift. Legras Art Glass...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Antique La Seynie P & P Limoges 5 Piece Vanity Tray Set
Antique La Seynie P & P Limoges 5 Piece Vanity Tray Set

Antique La Seynie P & P Limoges 5 Piece Vanity Tray Set

By Limoges

Located in North Palm Beach, FL

Antique La Seynie P & P Limoges 5 Piece Vanity Tray Set. The large tray is signed G. Dodge on the upper right side. The smaller tray bears the man...

Category

1910s French Vintage Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 12 Antique Meissen Porcelain Reticulated Cabinet Plates with Cherubs
Set of 12 Antique Meissen Porcelain Reticulated Cabinet Plates with Cherubs

Set of 12 Antique Meissen Porcelain Reticulated Cabinet Plates with Cherubs

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An extraordinarily fine set of Meissen Porcelain cabinet plates. Each with a gilt scalloped rim, a pierced or reticulated border (with a left-hand twist), and centers with varying...

Category

19th Century German Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Large Meissen Porcelain Art Nouveau Figurine of 'Girl with Apple Basket'
Large Meissen Porcelain Art Nouveau Figurine of 'Girl with Apple Basket'

Large Meissen Porcelain Art Nouveau Figurine of 'Girl with Apple Basket'

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in New York, NY

Meissen Porcelain Art Nouveau Figurine 'Girl with Apple Basket' The porcelain figurine depicts a barefoot young girl standing beside a woven basket filled with apples. She is modele...

Category

1890s German Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Modern Porcelain VASE with white-yellow crystalline-glaze
Modern Porcelain VASE with white-yellow crystalline-glaze

Modern Porcelain VASE with white-yellow crystalline-glaze

Located in Alap, HU

Narrow-mouth sphere vase with yellow-white crystalline-glaze made by Ferenc Halmos. Made in 2020. Description A contemporary porcelain vase by Hungarian ceramist Ferenc Halmos, feat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Rare Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Lidded Bowl with Swans No. 23/10
Rare Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Lidded Bowl with Swans No. 23/10

Rare Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau Lidded Bowl with Swans No. 23/10

Located in København, Copenhagen

Rare Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau lidded bowl with swans No. 23/10. Measures 17 cm. x 14 cm. x 6 cm. In perfect condition. 1st. factory quality.

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Porcelain

Hortense Mattice Gordon, Hand Painted Ceramic Cabinet Bowl, Canada, C. 1910
Hortense Mattice Gordon, Hand Painted Ceramic Cabinet Bowl, Canada, C. 1910

Hortense Mattice Gordon, Hand Painted Ceramic Cabinet Bowl, Canada, C. 1910

By Hortense Mattice Gordon

Located in Chatham, ON

Hortense Mattice Gordon R.C.A. (Canadian 1887-1961) - Fine and rare antique ceramic cabinet bowl - hand painted in the Art Nouveau style on an imported blank - featuring a display of...

Category

Early 20th Century Canadian Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau White Porcelain Washbasin with Pilaster France
Art Nouveau White Porcelain Washbasin with Pilaster France

Art Nouveau White Porcelain Washbasin with Pilaster France

By Maison de l'Art Nouveau

Located in Valladolid, ES

Elegant and authentic Art Nouveau porcelain sink from 1930s France. Its delicate design is striking. It features a slender base decorated with plant motifs. The shaft rises like a fl...

Category

1930s French Vintage Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Limoges -Rosalie Warranted 22 K Gold Tableware Set, 30 Pieces
Limoges -Rosalie Warranted 22 K Gold Tableware Set, 30 Pieces

Limoges -Rosalie Warranted 22 K Gold Tableware Set, 30 Pieces

Located in Plainview, NY

A timeless Limoges tableware set of 30 Pieces stamped Triumph, made in the USA Limoges Rosalie 1 T S 350-1 22 carat gold. Each piece is finely made of porcelain and hand painted in 2...

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Karl Lindstrom for Rörstrand Unique Art Nouveau Vase in Porcelain
Karl Lindstrom for Rörstrand Unique Art Nouveau Vase in Porcelain

Karl Lindstrom for Rörstrand Unique Art Nouveau Vase in Porcelain

Located in København, Copenhagen

Karl Lindstrom (1865-1936) for Rörstrand. Unique Art Nouveau vase in porcelain decorated with parrots. Stamped. Perfect condition. Measures: 32.5 x 19 cm.

Category

20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Porcelain

Signed Royal Vienna Porcelain Portrait Cabinet Plate with Platinum & Raised Gold
Signed Royal Vienna Porcelain Portrait Cabinet Plate with Platinum & Raised Gold

Signed Royal Vienna Porcelain Portrait Cabinet Plate with Platinum & Raised Gold

By Royal Vienna Porcelain

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine, signed Art Nouveau porcelain cabinet plate. By Royal Vienna. Signed Wagner to the lower right. With a hand painted depiction of Ruth to the center surrounded by a blue & green border richly decorated with platinum, raised gold, & rich gilding. Marked to the reverse with a blue underglaze Royal Vienna beehive...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Meissen Art Nouveau Figure 'Cupid Leading A Heart', By August Ringler, Ca 1895
Meissen Art Nouveau Figure 'Cupid Leading A Heart', By August Ringler, Ca 1895

Meissen Art Nouveau Figure 'Cupid Leading A Heart', By August Ringler, Ca 1895

By August Ringler, Meissen Porcelain

Located in Vienna, AT

Excellent Art Nouveau porcelain figurine by August Ringler: Naked winged cupid, loosely covered with a cloth fastened by an embroidered belt, looking down at a winged, flaming heart ...

Category

1890s German Antique Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Large Meissen Art Nouveau Figure, Flora with Cupids, by Emmerich Oehler, ca 1913
Large Meissen Art Nouveau Figure, Flora with Cupids, by Emmerich Oehler, ca 1913

Large Meissen Art Nouveau Figure, Flora with Cupids, by Emmerich Oehler, ca 1913

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Vienna, AT

Extremely rare Art Nouveau Figurine Group by Meissen: Monumental figure of Flora, taking a step forward in dance and holding large, heavy flower garlands of yellow roses, which are wrapped with a blue bow, in hands. The hair of the female nude is artfully tied into a striped cloth, which is held together by blue ribbons and is decorated with leaf branches over the ears. On her left shoulder she carries a naked boy who is holding in an upside down position a golden wreath...

Category

1910s German Vintage Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Big KPM Berlin  Louis Tuaillon  Sculpture Figure Amazoness on Horse
20th Century Big KPM Berlin  Louis Tuaillon  Sculpture Figure Amazoness on Horse

20th Century Big KPM Berlin Louis Tuaillon Sculpture Figure Amazoness on Horse

By Louis Tuaillon

Located in Berlin, DE

Beautiful figure of the famous Royal Porcelain Manufacture Berlin (KPM). Very naturalistic presented from high quality porcelain. Very decorative and noble. A timeless piece of jewel...

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau porcelain for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Art Nouveau porcelain for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage porcelain created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Nouveau porcelain made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original porcelain, popular names associated with this style include Meissen Porcelain, Royal Vienna Porcelain, Rosenthal, and Royal Worcester. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for porcelain differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $78,000 while the average work can sell for $1,450.