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
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.
Antique Art Nouveau German WMF Green Glass Pewter Claret Pitcher Jug 16"
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Germany WMF Art Nouveau green glass and silver-plated/pewter claret jug / pitcher / wine carafe. Circa 1900–1906. Cast with flowing whiplas...
Silver Plate
Antique French Wine Cooler / Champagne Bucket – Nickel Silver
Located in Poperinge, BE
Antique French wine cooler/champagne bucket with two handles, crafted from nickel silver—an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc. The cooler features three compartments for holding bott...
Metal
Set of 5 Majolica Plates, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A beautiful set of five antique French majolica plates, featuring an elegant relief design of vine leaves, grape clusters, and branches. Their rich palette of greens, browns, and cre...
Majolica
Antique Haviland for Limoges Porcelain Dinner Set for 24 Floral Spray Pattern
Located in New York, NY
This signed Haviland for Limoges porcelain dinner service, crafted in France circa 1900, showcases the exquisite Daisy Chain pattern, characterized by its delicate floral motif and t...
Porcelain
Mid Century Majolica Pitcher, Art Nouveau Style by Bordallo Pinheiro, Portugal
Located in Andernach, DE
Fabulous Portuguese Majolika pitcher in beautifully combined colours of sheaves of grain, held together by a pastel green ribbon and functioning as the handle. Working with clear art...
Majolica
Vintage Royal Bayreuth Figural Lobster Creamer, Bavaria
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A whimsical vintage figural lobster creamer by Royal Bayreuth, Bavaria, masterfully modeled as a lobster with raised claws forming the spout and handle. Finished in rich hand-painted...
Porcelain
Antique Bohemian Czech Kralik Green Iridescent Art Nouveau Glass ashtray 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Antique Bohemian Czech Kralik Green Iridescent Art Nouveau Glass ashtray 1908 Original condition
Brass
French Majolica Pink Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica pink daisy plate Orchies, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Vintage Faberge Style Russia Glass Egg with Etched Russian Ornaments Flowers
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Faberge style Russia glass egg with etched Russian ornaments and flowers. Reminiscent of eggs from St. Petersburg. Marked with Label like see...
Cut Glass
Antique Villeroy & Boch Majolica Plates, Art Nouveau, 17cm Diameter
Located in Uppsala , SE
Antique Villeroy & Boch Schramberg 4 Majolica plates dating from the early 1900s. Style: It is a piece of Majolica pottery from the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) period, featuring ...
Ceramic
Georges DE FEURE French Art Nouveau Glass Pitcher, ca1910
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Glass Pitcher by Georges de Feure, Paris, circa 1910. Elegant French Art Nouveau glass pitcher by Georges de Feure, created in Paris, circa 1910. This refined pie...
Art Glass
Art Nouveau Majolica Platter Gustavsberg Sweden 1860-1890
Located in Uppsala , SE
The plate is a piece of antique Swedish majolica produced by the Gustavsberg porcelain factory, dating back to the late 19th century. This specific pattern is a variations of the p...
Majolica
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Partly copper
Brass, Copper
Émile Gallé long neck Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, 1904-1906
By Émile Gallé
Located in Delft, NL
Émile Gallé long neck Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, 1904-1906 Émile Gallé (Nancy, 1846 –1904) was a French glassmaker and furniture designer Émile Gallé 30 cm high long neck Cameo vase m...
Glass
Vintage Russian Style Red & Gold Glass Egg with Etched Leaves Garnishment
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant vintage glass egg inspired by classic Fabergé creations, featuring finely etched leaf garnishment that recalls the decorative artistry associated with imperial St. Petersburg...
Cut Glass
Art Nouveau 800 Silver Fish Servers Serving Set Fork & Knife Vintage, Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Art Nouveau fish servers serving set of a fork & knife, vintage Sweden. These serving pieces as in a rare and antique design. Made of 800 si...
Silver Plate
$625Sale Price|50% Off
Art Nouveau Style Art Glass Vase Signed Contemporary, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful contemporary art glass vase in the Art Nouveau style, by artist Robert Eickholt, circa 1980s. Vase is signed "Eickholt" and dated "1988" on bottom as shown in last t...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$5,172Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Silver Mesh Coin Purse with Elephant Motif, France, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
An elegant French Art Nouveau silver mesh coin purse dating to the early 20th century, distinguished by a decorative clasp featuring an elephant motif. The finely worked silver mesh...
Silver
French Art Nouveau Majolica Wall Plate with Female Portrait, circa 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
A beautiful French majolica wall plate from the Art Nouveau period, made around 1900. At its centre is the graceful profile of a young woman with flowing auburn hair and a deep blue ...
Ceramic
French Majolica Wild Rose Pitcher Fives Lille, circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica wild rose pitcher fives Lille, circa 1900.
Ceramic
German Jugendstil Earthenware Centerpiece, circa 1905
Located in Valencia, VC
A beautiful German Jugendstil earthenware centerpiece or serving dish dating from the early 20th century, circa 1905–1915. The dish features an elegant scalloped outline resting on t...
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Majolica
Antique Art Nouveau Sarreguemines Faience Tray in Metal Framing, Edelweiss Decor
Located in Bochum, NRW
Sarreguemines faience oval plate with metal frame, rich floral pattern Righi decor. Model not specified but corresponds to the Alpine flowers of the famous Righi model. Oval shape, w...
Metal
Art Nouveau Majolica Blackberries Four Piates Rörstrand Sweden 1910
By Rörstrand
Located in Uppsala , SE
Art Nouveau Majolica set Rörstrand Sweden Majolica is a type of earthenware covered with an opaque white glaze, and then painted with decorative stains and oxides before firing. This...
Ceramic
Antique Sterling Silver Repoussè Hand Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique sterling silver repoussè hand mirror. Stamped sterling, as shown in photos. Beveled inset mirror is possibly not original.
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver & Glass Vanity Jars, Set of Five
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of five antique sterling silver and glass vanity jars. Various repoussè floral designs. each sterling lid is stamped sterling. Large j...
Sterling Silver
French Majolica Parrots & Bamboo Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Parrots & Bamboo Plate Salins, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Majolica
Antique French T&V Limoges Porcelain Painted Pitcher For Pitkin & Brooks Chicago
By T&V Limoges, Tressemanes & Vogt
Located in Forney, TX
A beautiful large antique French export hand-painted Limoges porcelain pitcher (would also make a wonderful vase) with gilt handle and accent...
Porcelain
Daum Nancy Miniature Vase, Gilt Cameo Glass, Art Nouveau, Circa 1895
By Daum
Located in Bochum, NRW
A miniature french gilt and enameled green cameo glass vase, signed in gilt "Daum Nancy" and with cross of Lorraine. Molded with flowers and leafage and with the phrase "A tout sei...
Glass
French Set of 6 Majolica Flowers Egg Cup Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 6 French Majolica Egg Cup Circa 1890. Manufacture Saint-Clément ( East of France ) Purple lavender flowers shape.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
LALIQUE - 'Muguet' - Frosted & Clear Crystal Plate - France - Late 20th Century
By Lalique
Located in Chatham, ON
LALIQUE - 'Muguet' (Lily of the Valley) - Vintage Art Deco style luxury crystal plate - featuring a striking frosted finish to the molded flowers from th...
Crystal
Baccarat Candy Jar, Deep Pink Crystal, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glorifying the effects of refracted light for 170 years, the iconic Baccarat products are well-know over the world. A crystal pink colored masterpiece, the bowl crystallizes the ext...
Crystal
19th Century Bohemian Persian Market Qajar Enameled Gilt Cobalt Glass Decanters
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce pair of fine quality antique Bohemian parcel gilt enameled light cobalt blue glass decanter bottles, exquisitely decorated for the ...
Enamel
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Centerpiece Bowl 650A
By Harald Nielsen, Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
An early, extra-large Georg Jensen sterling silver centerpiece bowl, design no. 650A by Harald Nielsen, circa 1931. Features elegant curved handles adorned with foliage and berry mot...
Sterling Silver
Very big floral hammered jugendstil copper palm pot vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Very big floral hammered jugendstil copper palm pot vienna around 1908 Copper polished and stove enameled
Copper
$199Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Tantalus Bar Liquor Decanter Set w Shot Glasses & Locking Case 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Art Nouveau Tantalus decanter set featuring six shot glasses and an embossed lockable metal case with handle. The case and decanter are etched / embossed with acanthus leave...
Metal
HOMMET - Vintage Silver Plate & Cloisonné Enamel Salt Cellar - Russia - C. 1970
Located in Chatham, ON
HOMMET - Vintage silver plate and cloisonné enamel salt cellar with removable glass liner - featuring colorful berries and foliage to the perimeter of the frame - signed on the metal...
Silver Plate, Enamel
Majolica Water Lily Asparagus Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Art Nouveau asparagus plate unsigned Keller et Guerin Saint Clement Every important French manufactures produced at the end of the 19th century asparagus and artichoke sets...
Ceramic, Majolica
Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Green Millefiori Antique Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Millefiori Murrina flower mosaic Italian art glass decorative flower vase. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso company, circa 1910-1930. ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
French Majolica White Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica white daisy plate Orchies, circa 1890.
Ceramic
French Sarreguemines Burgos Wash Basin and Pitcher Set, circa 1900
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming French ceramic wash basin and pitcher set produced by the Sarreguemines manufactory, bearing the printed “Burgos U & Cie Sarregue...
Ceramic, Faience
Art Nouveau / Jugendstil water jug and tumbler set
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
An Art Nouveau period Jugendstil silver-plated water jug and tumbler set circa 1905. All pieces embossed with a stylized floral design. the set includes a large pitcher and six drink...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Majolica Barboutine Two Plates Birds Swallow Early 20th Century
Located in Uppsala , SE
A charming set of two majolica plates featuring two swallow birds in flight on each plate. The glaze palette is a soft, pale blue with warm brown trim—an airy, pastoral colorway tha...
Ceramic
Vintage Faberge Russia Style Glass Egg with Etched Russian Coat of Arms
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Faberge Russia style glass egg with etched Russian coat of arms. Reminiscent of eggs from St. Petersburg. Nice addition to your collection or just as decorative piece. Found ...
Cut Glass
21st Century, Hand-Carved Clear Crystal and Golden Bronze Tray in Classic Style
Located in Calenzano, FI
21-st century hand carved clear crystal tray with frame in lost wax silver bronze lace. This tray is a limited edition, we have only a piece. It's particular hand -carved and the fr...
Crystal, Bronze
St. Clement French Barbotine Art Nouveau Earthenware Raspberry Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Saint-Clément faïencerie, a vintage French barbotine majolica glazed raspberry pitcher, circa 1960s, in the Art Nouveau style. Still bearing the original French gold foil label: “St Clément France...
Earthenware
Art Nouveau Majolica Plate by Villeroy & Boch, Ceramic, Germany, 17 cm
Located in Uppsala , SE
The plates were produced by Villeroy & Boch at their Schramberg factory and is characteristic of the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style, which was popular around the turn of the 20th...
Ceramic
Antique Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Decorative Bowl with Morning Glory Motif
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and sculptural antique decorative bowl was realized in England, circa 1900. It features a scalloped border with an abundance of s...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Majolica Side Plates by Villeroy & Boch, Germany, 1890s
Located in Uppsala , SE
A late 19th Century Villeroy & Boch Germany Antique majolica Art Nouveau 4 side plates, on an azure ground with white flowers and green leaf design 16,8 cm (6,61 inches) diame...
Ceramic
$840Sale Price|40% Off
Koloman Moser Art Nouveau Glass Pitcher by Loetz Witwe, Bohemia, 1900s
By Koloman Moser, Loetz Glass, Johann Lötz Witwe
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mouth blown Art Nouveau / Jugendstil glass pitcher, dated around 1900, designed by Vienna Secessionist Kolo Moser. This lovely jug is handmade of clear crystal glass and ...
Crystal
Art Nouveau Etched Champagne Coupes in the Style of Peter Behrens - Set of 5
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 5 art nouveau coupe champagne glasses in the style of Peter Behrens. Each has a muted olive stem that varies in thickness. Clear glass bowls with an etched grape leaf design.
Glass
Majolica Water Lily Pad Plate Villeroy et Boch, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Water Lily Pad or water lilies Plate signed Villeroy et Boch, circa 1900. 7.7 inches diameter.
Ceramic
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Sterling Figural 8 Piece Belt by William B. Kerr Silver Company
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Nouveau Sterling Figural 8 Piece Belt by William B. Kerr Silver Company USA, circa 1890s This Art Nouveau sterling silver belt by the esteemed William B. Kerr Silver Company st...
Sterling Silver
Lot of Five Silver Plated Metal Animal Motif Knife Rests Austria 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of five silver plated figural flatware knife rests in the form of Animals, circa 1910s, European. Nice addition to every table or just for your collection. Tarnished and beauti...
Metal
Tall Antique White Ironstone Dairy Pitcher, Boch Freres, Belgium, circa 1890
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Tall Antique White Ironstone Dairy Pitcher, Boch Freres, Belgium, circa 1890. Grand size pitcher with raised bands and impressed faux bois design, evoking a wooden pitcher.
Ironstone
Glazed Art Nouveau Centerpiece Planter Jardinière, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Brilliant handmade hand glazed Art Nouveau planter jardinière, 1930s Wonderful Art Nouveau period/ monumental ceramic planter jardinière, handmade and hand-glazed in brilliant blue ...
Majolica
Beautiful majolica plate with a turtle, follower of Palissy, 20th century
By Bernard Palissy
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful majolica plate with a turtle, follower of Palissy, 20th century
Ceramic
Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica plate two parakeets on a blue background with oranges signed Salins, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Majolica
Maxim’s de Paris Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 2 Art Nouveau Style
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Maxim’s de Paris Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 2, Art Nouveau Style A charming set of espresso cups and saucers from Maxim's de Paris, the legendary Parisian restaurant...
Porcelain
$1,727Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique majolica set Rörstrand Sweden 1 central peace and 6 plates
By Rörstrand
Located in Uppsala , SE
Absolutely rare set of Swedish majolica from famous manufactory Rörstrand, 1880s 1 central piece h 11 cm d 21,5 cm 6 plates h 3 cm d 19,5 cm Fantastic floral display with beautiful...
Ceramic
$502Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher Set, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Art Nouveau wash bowl and pitcher set. Striking Belgium design from the 1900s. Marked with makers stamp. In good original condition w...
Ceramic