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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
Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Pocket Flask
Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Pocket Flask

Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Pocket Flask

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Pocket Flask, New York, Circa 1891–1902, 78 Grams A refined late 19th-century sterling silver pocket flask by Tiffany ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

A large sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, Italy 20th century
A large sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, Italy 20th century

A large sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, Italy 20th century

By Buccellati, Gianmaria Buccellati

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

Antique Keystone by Whiting Youth Sterling Silver Fork, Knife & Spoon Boxed Set
Antique Keystone by Whiting Youth Sterling Silver Fork, Knife & Spoon Boxed Set

Antique Keystone by Whiting Youth Sterling Silver Fork, Knife & Spoon Boxed Set

By Whiting Manufacturing Company

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

Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case
Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case

Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in New York, NY

Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement sterling silver calling card/business card case having a hinged lid and its original chain, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca...

Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver-Gilt Calling Card/Business Card Case
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver-Gilt Calling Card/Business Card Case

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver-Gilt Calling Card/Business Card Case

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

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
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Business/Calling Card Case In Original Box

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Business/Calling Card Case In Original Box

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

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

Large Dominick & Haff Aesthetic Sterling Perfume or Flask with Dragon Fly
Large Dominick & Haff Aesthetic Sterling Perfume or Flask with Dragon Fly

Large Dominick & Haff Aesthetic Sterling Perfume or Flask with Dragon Fly

By Dominick & Haff

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

Set of Six Sterling Silver Cream Soup Spoons by Gorham
Set of Six Sterling Silver Cream Soup Spoons by Gorham

Set of Six Sterling Silver Cream Soup Spoons by Gorham

By Gorham

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Set of six sterling silver cream soup spoons, Buttercup pattern by Gorham, 1900. Late 19th century Gorham mark - lion, anchor, and G. Sterling, "Patent 1900," monogram en verso. 6.5"...

Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver & Mixed Metals Fisherman & Fish Cocktail Fork
Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver & Mixed Metals Fisherman & Fish Cocktail Fork

Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver & Mixed Metals Fisherman & Fish Cocktail Fork

By Tiffany & Co., Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine Aesthetic Period figural cocktail fork. By Gorham. In sterling silver and other metals with gilt tines. In the Japanese style with a copper male fisherman sitting on a log...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper

Antique Aesthetic Movement Charles Osbourne Whiting Sterling Silver Hand Mirror
Antique Aesthetic Movement Charles Osbourne Whiting Sterling Silver Hand Mirror

Antique Aesthetic Movement Charles Osbourne Whiting Sterling Silver Hand Mirror

A fine American Aesthetic Movement silver hand mirror. By Whiting Mfg. Co. In hand-hammered sterling silver. In the 'Fantasy' pattern (#1250) - with swirling naturalistic and ocea...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dominick and Haff Estate Sterling Silver Vanity Hairpin Vanity Box
Dominick and Haff Estate Sterling Silver Vanity Hairpin Vanity Box

Dominick and Haff Estate Sterling Silver Vanity Hairpin Vanity Box

By Dominick & Haff

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An ornate floral Sterling Silver hairpin holder, Dominick and Haff, New York, circa 1872. Dominick and Haff earned a reputation as an innovative designer of silver wares, well know...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Late 19th Century Whiting Sterling Olive Fork
Late 19th Century Whiting Sterling Olive Fork

Late 19th Century Whiting Sterling Olive Fork

By Frank M. Whiting & Company

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
Art Nouveau Aesthetic Sterling Tea Strainer, C.1890

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

Tiffany Sterling Silver "Vine" Pattern with Pea Pod Motif Cold Meat Fork
Tiffany Sterling Silver "Vine" Pattern with Pea Pod Motif Cold Meat Fork

Tiffany Sterling Silver "Vine" Pattern with Pea Pod Motif Cold Meat Fork

By Tiffany & Co.

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

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Tazza Compote with Grape Motif 263 B
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Tazza Compote with Grape Motif 263 B

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
Antique Gorham Sterling Olive Bowl and Tongs

Antique Gorham Sterling Olive Bowl and Tongs

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

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

Antique Sterling Silver Napkin Ring with Engraved Detailing & English Hallmarks
Antique Sterling Silver Napkin Ring with Engraved Detailing & English Hallmarks

Antique Sterling Silver Napkin Ring with Engraved Detailing & English Hallmarks

Located in New York, NY

This elegant antique sterling silver napkin ring is a refined example of early 20th-century English craftsmanship. Dating to circa 1900, the piece is beautifully adorned with intrica...

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Fish Slice w/ Acid Etched Detail by Whiting
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Fish Slice w/ Acid Etched Detail by Whiting

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Fish Slice w/ Acid Etched Detail by Whiting

By Whiting Manufacturing Company

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.
Hawkes Centerpiece with Gorham Sterling Silver Mount and Flower Frog-Grogan Co.

Hawkes Centerpiece with Gorham Sterling Silver Mount and Flower Frog-Grogan Co.

By T. G. Hawkes & 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

Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division
Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division

Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division

By Whiting Manufacturing Company

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

American Aesthetic/Japonisme Sterling Mounted Root Cane Attributed to Gorham
American Aesthetic/Japonisme Sterling Mounted Root Cane Attributed to Gorham

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

Set of Six Sterling Silver Luncheon Forks by Gorham
Set of Six Sterling Silver Luncheon Forks by Gorham

Set of Six Sterling Silver Luncheon Forks by Gorham

By Gorham

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Set of six sterling silver luncheon forks, Buttercup pattern by Gorham, 1900. Late 19th century Gorham mark - lion, anchor, and G. Sterling, "Patent 1900," retailer "Morck & Kirb...

Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set 5 Antique Whiting Aesthetic Sterling Silver Seahorse Cocktail Seafood Forks
Set 5 Antique Whiting Aesthetic Sterling Silver Seahorse Cocktail Seafood Forks

Set 5 Antique Whiting Aesthetic Sterling Silver Seahorse Cocktail Seafood Forks

By Whiting Manufacturing Company

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A set of 5 fine antique seafood forks. In sterling silver. By Whiting. Each fork's handle is decorated with a raised seahorse and ocean plants. Simply a wonderful group set of an...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Silver Flower Basket Place Card Holders Set of 6
Silver Flower Basket Place Card Holders Set of 6

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

19th Century Sterling Silver Soup or Oyster Stew Ladle Ball Black & Co. New York
19th Century Sterling Silver Soup or Oyster Stew Ladle Ball Black & Co. New York

19th Century Sterling Silver Soup or Oyster Stew Ladle Ball Black & Co. New York

By Ball, Black & Company

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

Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Mug/Cup by Wood & Hughes
Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Mug/Cup by Wood & Hughes

Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Mug/Cup by Wood & Hughes

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

English Sterling Silver Handled Aesthetic Movement Fruit Knives, Set of Six
English Sterling Silver Handled Aesthetic Movement Fruit Knives, Set of Six

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

Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Tea Set Barnard Brothers London 1878
Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Tea Set Barnard Brothers London 1878

Antique Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Tea Set Barnard Brothers London 1878

By Walter and John Barnard

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

Rare Crystal Square Shape Delicate Pair Silver Ewers Mounted by Boivin C.1900
Rare Crystal Square Shape Delicate Pair Silver Ewers Mounted by Boivin C.1900

Rare Crystal Square Shape Delicate Pair Silver Ewers Mounted by Boivin C.1900

By Victor Boivin

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

Dominick & Haff 6 Mixed Metal (Sterling Silver Gold Inlay) Knives Late 19th C.
Dominick & Haff 6 Mixed Metal (Sterling Silver Gold Inlay) Knives Late 19th C.

Dominick & Haff 6 Mixed Metal (Sterling Silver Gold Inlay) Knives Late 19th C.

By Dominick and Haff Silver, Dominick & Haff

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

Three Antique Sterling Silver Teaspoons, Aesthetic Movement, 1940
Three Antique Sterling Silver Teaspoons, Aesthetic Movement, 1940

Three Antique Sterling Silver Teaspoons, Aesthetic Movement, 1940

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

Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Chamberstick by Heath & Middleton 1891
Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Chamberstick by Heath & Middleton 1891

Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Chamberstick by Heath & Middleton 1891

By Heath & Middleton

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
Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug, Cantaloupe Glass by Thomas Webb

Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug, Cantaloupe Glass by Thomas Webb

By Thomas Webb & Sons, W & C. Sissons 1

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

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.