Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT
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.
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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Rare Tiffany Chrysanthemum Bouillon Bowls & Original Lenox Inserts
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Chrysanthemum sterling silver bouillon bowl holders. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Each: Curved and open sides comprising joined stem flowers. Flower-capped lo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Victorian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Christening Mug
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Aesthetic sterling silver christening mug. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1894. Straight sides with gently curved base. Curvilinear frame with zigzag and wavy borders betw...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
A large sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A rare large maple leaf sterling silver centerpiece created by the famous Italian silversmith Buccellati, twentieth century. The centerpiece is composed of three large finely chisele...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Mug/Cup by Wood & Hughes
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver Aesthetic Movement mug/cup on pedestal base, New York, Ca. 1875, Wood and Hughes - makers. Lovely etched designs on mug. Handle is in the form of a swan (its long nec...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division
Located in Huntington, NY
Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division
Whiting had small production but produced exceptional handmade silverware in relatively small quantities.
This Company's most important designer was Charles Osborne...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case by George Unite
By George Unite
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver calling card/business card case in original, velvet lined leather box, London, year-hallmarked for 1860, George ...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Gorham 'Narragansett' Sterling- Silver Shell Dish & Figural Crab Spoon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gorham 'Narragansett' Sterling- Silver Shell Dish & Figural Crab Spoon
USA, circa 1890s
A rare find, two piece set in one of scarcest patterns of the Gorham Mfg. Co. 'Narragansett', a sculptural Shell Dish & Figural Crab Spoon, this offering is the example without a slight gold wash finish.
This sterling silver shell oyster shell complete with figural crab spoon, a diminutive work, yet a captivating piece is a true testament to the artistry of Gorhams American Aesthetic silversmithing. The oval shell is skillfully encrusted with barnacles, creating a mesmerizing texture, and is raised on a smaller vertical rough piddock shell, complete with a rare addition a intertwined rope crab encrusted nautilus spoon.
The shell dish bears the hallmarks of Gorham Silver Company. The serving dish speaks volumes of its quality. Its dimensions, measuring 1.5 inches high, 4.5 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep, are complemented by the 5-inch by 1-inch wide three-dimensional crab-encrusted nautilus spoon, apparently unmarked.
This duo is a rare and unique find, a captivating addition to any table service or collection. Weighing in approximately 5 ounces of sterling silver, this set not only highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of the short lived aesthetic period, embodying the essence of mindful, high-quality Victorian artistry.
We are pleased to let you know at the time of posting we are offering another example Gorham 'Narragansett' Gold Washed Sterling Shell Dish...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian silver scent bottle, Sampson and Mordan, Birds and Holly
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique sterling silver scent bottle.
This is a cylindrical scent bottle made from sterling silver with a glass liner and stopper.
It has the prettiest engraving of birds and Holly with some repousse detailing and a monogram to the lid with the letters DMA in fancy gothic script.
The scent bottle is fully hallmarked for sterling silver, London assay office, 1881, made by renowned silversmith Sampson and Mordan...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rare Tiffany Chrysanthemum Bouillon Bowls & Original Lenox Inserts
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Chrysanthemum sterling silver bouillon bowl holders. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Each: Curved and open sides comprising joined stem flowers. Flower-capped lo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Bieglow & Kennard Hand Hammered Sterling Water Pitcher, in the Japanese Taste
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bieglow & Kennard Hand Hammered Sterling Water Pitcher, in the Japanese Taste, Boston, circa 1890
This exquisite hand-hammered sterling silver pitcher, crafted by Bigelow & Kennard ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Silver
c. 1900 Set of 12 Sterling Silver Seafood Forks by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 sterling silver seafood forks "King" pattern by Dominick & Haff, circa 1900. Retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle. Pattern patent c.1880. Monogram "W". Crisp condition. 5.95 ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Large Dominick & Haff Aesthetic Sterling Perfume or Flask with Dragon Fly
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Dominick & Haff aesthetic sterling perfume or flask with dragon fly, a choice example, a tall profusely repoused with florals and leaves. Complete with locking hinged circular ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver-Gilt Calling Card/Business Card Case
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement calling card/business card case with hinged lid and original chain, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode island, Ca. 1875. The case is...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Business/Calling Card Case In Original Box
Located in New York, NY
Lovely, Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver, bright cut, business/calling card case, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1870's. Holds a standard size business ca...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Cream and Sugar Set
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Antique Tiffany & Co Aesthetic Movement sterling silver cream and sugar. This striking 19th century matched cream and sugar set was mad...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Tea Set Barnard Brothers London 1878
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique sterling silver Aesthetic Movement tea service, by Walter & John Barnard, London 1878.
This very fine antique sterling silver set comprises three pieces, tea or coffee...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
American Aesthetic/Japonisme Sterling Mounted Root Cane Attributed to Gorham
By Gorham CO.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Aesthetic/Japonisme Sterling Mounted Root Cane Attributed to Gorham
An exquisite American Aesthetic/Japonisme Sterling Mounted Root Cane, Attributed to Gorham date lettered...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Tazza Compote with Grape Motif 263 B
By Georg Jensen
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful sterling Tazza compote in grape motif by Georg Jensen, circa 1918. Marked 263 B. Very good condition. Dimensions: 7" diameter x 7.5" H and weighs 19.9 ozt.
Category
1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Sterling Olive Bowl and Tongs
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1884, sterling, Gorham. This unequivocally charming serving piece embodies the relaxed refinement of the Victorian era. Complete with tongs, this rare example of a figural Gorham olive dish...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Tazza Compote With Grape Motif, 263 A
By Georg Jensen
Located in Toledo, OH
George Jensen sterling silver Tazza compote with grape leaf motif #263A, circa 1918. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 5" diameter x 5" H.
Category
1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Gorham 'Narragansett' Gold Washed Sterling Shell Dish & Figural Crab Spoon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gorham 'Narragansett' Gold Washed Sterling Shell Dish & Figural Crab Spoon
USA, circa 1890s
A rare find, two piece set in one of scarcest patter...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
English Sterling Silver Handled Aesthetic Movement Fruit Knives, Set of Six
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six, English Aesthetic Movement sterling silver handled fruit knives. The pointed blades have a serrate edge. Weighty and nicely balanced.
Marked, sterling handle on the fe...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
American Sterling Aesthetic 'Sailors Knot' Brush, Attributed Dominick & Haff
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Sterling Aesthetic 'Sailors Knot' Brush, Attributed Dominick & Haff
USA, CIRCA 1880S
Hallmarked 'STERLING', Attributed Dominick & Haff Silver Company.
A remarkable America...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Whiting Sterling Olive Fork
Located in Riverdale, NY
Late 19th century whiting sterling olive fork in the Aesthetic/Japanese taste. Extremely attractive pattern of graduated and dotted lobes taper upwards alon...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Keystone by Whiting Youth Sterling Silver Fork, Knife & Spoon Boxed Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine boxed youth utensil set.
By Whiting.
In sterling silver.
In the Keystone pattern.
Comprising a youth fork, knife, and spoon.
Together with its original presentation box.
...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
1906 Set of Seven King Pattern Sterling Silver Knives by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 7 King pattern sterling silver hollow handle luncheon knives by Dominick & Haff, 1906. HHW monogram, engraved 1906 obverse.
8 3/8" x 3/4".
Whitehall Antiques is a family busi...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Fish Slice w/ Acid Etched Detail by Whiting
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and well adorned Sterling Silver Fish Slice W/Acid Etched & Hand Tooled Detailing is crafted by the Whiting Manufacturing Company and originates from the United States, ...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hawkes Centerpiece with Gorham Sterling Silver Mount and Flower Frog-Grogan Co.
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A rare and perhaps unique footed centerpiece most certainly made by Hawkes in Corning NY. in the Aesthetic Movement style.
The heavy crystal is decorated with copper wheel engraved birds and cherry blossoms and sits on an octagonal base. The bowl is mounted with a sterling silver three-handled rim decorated with engraved, matching cherry blossom motif. The removable sterling silver flower frog...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Crystal
Antique Gorham Victorian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Christening Mug
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Aesthetic sterling silver christening mug. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1894. Straight sides with gently curved base. Curvilinear frame with zigzag and wavy borders betw...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century Sterling Silver Soup or Oyster Stew Ladle Ball Black & Co. New York
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce sterling silver ladle, manufactured by Ball, Black & Co., New York, circa 1851-1874. Offered individually, a pair may be available.
The handle shows a leaf motif with a c...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Dominick & Haff 6 Mixed Metal (Sterling Silver Gold Inlay) Knives Late 19th C.
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Dominick & Haff mixed metal breakfast knives from the late 19th century, in American Aesthetic style. These sterling silver knives are inlaid with gold and other metals and ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Copper
Circa 1870-80 Pair of French Silver & Horn Salad Servers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A fine pair of salad servers - French 1st standard silver & probably cow horn; c. 1870-80. Post-1838 marks. Aesthetic Movement. In associated presentation case.
Spoon: 11" d., 1 7/8"...
Category
1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Tiffany Sterling Silver "Vine" Pattern with Pea Pod Motif Cold Meat Fork
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tiffany's "Vine" pattern is not just one pattern, but thirteen different motifs of flowers, grains, vegetables and fruits. Produced between 1872-1904 this weighty sterling silver cold meat fork has the wraparound pea pod motif. Tiffany produced this pattern during the Aesthetic movement...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Tiffany Aesthetic Oval Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1909. Oval window in flat surround with acid-etched stylized ornament: Quatrefoils alternating with lea...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Style Silver Water Pitcher
Located in London, GB
Beautifully crafted antique American sterling silver water jug in the Aesthetic style, with a frosted surface decorated with the most delicate hand-eng...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rare Crystal Square Shape Delicate Pair Silver Ewers Mounted by Boivin C.1900
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of very refined ewers in engraved crystal beautifully mounted, part of the silver sterling base is like lace! a work that few silversmiths could do.
The octagonal base is decora...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Crystal, Silver
Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Chamberstick by Heath & Middleton 1891
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1891 by Heath & Middleton, this enchanting Victorian, Antique, Sterling Silver Chamberstick is a superb example of the naturalistic bark effect popularise...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug, Cantaloupe Glass by Thomas Webb
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1887 by W. & C. Sissons, this stunning, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug, is realistically modelled to look like a Cantaloupe melon, with the gla...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Three Antique Sterling Silver Designers Teaspoons
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Three sterling silver teaspoons by three different old famous designers ,with assorted beautiful decorations and patterns , perfect and rare: Blackington Co., Alvin Co., Fontenac pattern by International Silver Company.
Can be sold INDIVIDUALLY.
Everyone was used exclusively for 5 o'clock tea.
They are three little sculptures...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Christopher Dresser Design Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set on Tray by Elkington
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1878 by Elkington & Co., this stunning, Aesthetic period, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Batchelor Tea Set & Tray,...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sterling silver created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement sterling silver made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sterling silver, popular names associated with this style include Tiffany & Co., Dominick & Haff, Gorham Manufacturing Company, and Georg Jensen. 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 sterling silver differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $120 and tops out at $24,745 while the average work can sell for $2,075.