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.
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
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
Bing & Gröndahl "Seagull" Porcelain Tureen with Seahorse Handles (Model 5/512)
By Bing & Grøndahl, Pietro Krohn, Fanny Garde
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Vintage Bing & Gröndahl "Seagull" Porcelain Tureen with Seahorse Handles (Model 5/512) Designed by Fanny Garde (decoration, 1895) and sculpted by Pietro Krohn, the iconic Seagul...
Porcelain
Antique American Blue Opalescent Glass Footed Bowl, Early 20th Century
Located in Coral Gables, FL
An antique American blue opalescent pressed-glass footed bowl dating to the early 20th century, distinguished by its luminous aqua-blue color and richly molded decoration. The rounde...
Glass
WMF Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Figural Sleigh Sauce Boat with Cherub, circa 1905
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A charming and highly decorative German Art Nouveau silver-plated figural sauce or gravy boat by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), circa 1905, modeled as an elaborate sleigh ...
Silver Plate
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
$1,120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Majolica Serving Dish Set by Schramberg, Teal Glaze, 1920s
Located in Uppsala , SE
It is handcrafted in Germany, featuring a vibrant teal glaze with intricate embossed details, showcasing a delicate Lily of the Valley and Forget-Me-Not floral design. Majolica Schra...
Ceramic
French Majolica Pink Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica pink daisy plate Orchies, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Tiffany Studios “Leaf and Vine” Favrile Glass Vase / Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An important early 20th century Favrile glass leaf and vine flower bowl with matching frog Centerpiece by Tiffany Studios, produced in the United States circa 1926. Known as the “Leaf and Vine” pattern, this elegant floral bowl exemplifies Tiffany Studios’ late production of functional yet highly decorative Favrile glass tableware and interior objects. The bowl is hand-blown in Favrile glass, a material patented by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1894 and celebrated for its inherent iridescence achieved through the incorporation of metallic oxides into the molten glass. The surface displays subtle tonal variations and depth characteristic of authentic Favrile glass. The accompanying glass frog is designed to support floral arrangements while remaining visually integrated with the bowl’s organic form. This example is fully signed, with the glass insert etched to underside of each element “7868L L.C. Tiffany – Inc. Favrile” and the underside of the dish etched “7868L L.C. Tiffany – Favrile,” confirming the model number, maker, and authenticity. The use of “L.C. Tiffany Inc.” is consistent with Tiffany Studios production from the mid-1920s. The bowl measures approximately 4¼ inches high by 9 1/2 inches in diameter (11 × 24 cm). It is in good condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, and shows no chips, cracks, or repairs. A highly collectible and functional example of Tiffany Studios Favrile glass, this “Leaf and Vine” flower bowl represents the enduring appeal of Tiffany’s nature...
Art 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
Set of 6 Vintage Pink Swirl Wine Goblets by Arcoroc, France, 1980
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage wine glasses in a pale blush pink hue. Each glass has a lovely swirl design. Made in France by Arcoroc. Each glass measures 3.25"Dia x 6.25"H
Glass
French Majolica White Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica white daisy plate Orchies, circa 1890.
Ceramic
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
French Majolica Parrots & Bamboo Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Parrots & Bamboo Plate Salins, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Majolica
Art Nouveau Majolica Plates, Hand-Painted Ceramic, Germany, Circa 1900
Located in Uppsala , SE
Art Nouveau Two small majolica plates Germany Cirka 1900-1909 Diameter 17,2 cm Vibrant turquoise colour with delicate small details In good antique condition with minimal structura...
Ceramic
Set of 2 French Green Majolica Plates – Sarreguemines Manufacture – 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of 2 French Green Majolica Plates – Sarreguemines Manufacture – 20th Century Description: This is a set of four majolica plates, crafted in France during the 20th century by the ...
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
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
set of six Metal Animal Motif Knife Rests France 20th Century Art Deco
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of six beautiful figural flatware knife rests in the form of Animals and people, circa 1920s, France. Nice addition to every table or just for your collection. Tarnished and be...
Metal
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
Garrard & Co Art Nouveau Cased Set Six Silver Goblets by Hancocks & Co
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning original art nouveau cased set of six silver goblets retailed by Garrard & Co and made by London silversmiths Frederick Hancock and dated 1913. The set of six heavy gauge ...
Silver
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
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
Art Nouveau Small Breakfast Utensils Meat Fork, Butter Knife, Spoon German 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and elegant dining addition, this delightful set of Bakelite and metal serving pieces brings vintage warmth and style to any table. The collection includes two small meat...
Stainless Steel
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Mosaic Antique Italian Art Glass Pitcher Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Millefiori Murrina flowers mosaic Italian art glass decorative cabinet vase / pitcher. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso Company, circa...
Glass, Murrine, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
$1,308Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Majolica Villeroy & Boch Set Fruit Stand Plates 1880
Located in Uppsala , SE
Antique Majolica set Villeroy & Boch Germany 1 centre piece/fruit stand H 13 cm (5,12 inches) D 23 cm (9,05 inches) 6 side plates d 17 cm (6,69 inches) Hand Painted Majolica Pedes...
Ceramic
19th Century Majolica Villeroy & Boch Turquoise Four Platters
Located in Uppsala , SE
These turquoise Villeroy & Boch majolica plates features relief-molded yellow flowers and delicate foliage. Art Nouveau/Majolica Late 19th Century (typically marked 1883–1912). ...
Majolica
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
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
Art Nouveau Brass Water Jug by Joseph Sankey & Sons, Circa 1900
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Water Jug or Pitcher hand made of solid Brass, all in the Art Nouveau style. manufactured by Joseph Sankey and Sons The water jug is made with a high loop handle, a flip-...
Brass
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
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
French Pink Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica plate with two parakeets on a very rare pink background with oranges of Salins, circa 1890.
Majolica
Exquisite Art Nouveau Silver & Gold Beakers, France circa 1910 - Set of Six
By Edouard Fournemet
Located in Bochum, NRW
Exquisite Art Nouveau Silver & Vermeil (Gold plating) Beakers by Edouard Fournemet, France, c.1910 - Set of Six. An exceptional set of six Art Nouveau silver and vermeil liqueur ...
Silver, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
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
Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica plate two parakeets on a blue background with oranges Salins, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Majolica
Vittorio Zecchin Venini MVM Art Nouveau Amethyst Murano Glass Wrought Iron Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
Vittorio Zecchin Murano, Early 1900 Amethyst Ribbed Blown Glass Vase Wrought Iron Grapevine Frame Excellent condiction (small difect at one leaf)
Glass, Murano Glass
French Majolica Bird & Berries Plate c. 1890's
Located in Ross, CA
19th Century French majolica plate with birds and fruit.
Ceramic
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
Antique Set of 8 Orchies France Majolica Barbotine Dessert Plates
By Orchies
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A charming antique set of eight French Majolica Barbotine dessert plates by Orchies, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. Each plate is individually hand-finished and decor...
Ceramic
c1900 Edwardian Era Sterling Silver Overlay Whiskey Flask with Swirl Motif
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptional c1900 sterling overlay hip flask attributed to Gorham. The quality of the engraving is on par with their output of the period. Marked "STERLING" on the neck of the fla...
Sterling Silver
Antique French T&V Limoges Porcelain Painted Pitcher For Pitkin & Brooks Chicago
By Tressemanes & Vogt, T&V Limoges
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
Pair of French Majolica Iris Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large pair of French Majolica Iris vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1880.
Ceramic, Faience
Antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria Strawberry Porcelain Creamer with Gilt
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A delightful antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria porcelain creamer modeled as a ripe strawberry, with a richly hand-painted red body, green leafy rim, white blossom detail, and an elegant...
Porcelain
Loetz “Titania” Art Nouveau Green Iridescent Glass Vase with Silver Overlay
By Loetz Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Loetz “Titania” Art Nouveau Green Iridescent Glass Vase with Silver Overlay, Art Nouveau Loetz “Titania” Iridescent Green Glass Vase, Silver Overlay Deco...
Glass, Art Glass
1930 Jean Puiforcat Art Deco Modernist Tea and Coffee Set Sterling Silver
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Art Deco Modernist tea and coffee set in sterling pure silver and rosewood by Jean E. Puiforcat in 1925. Service including: - a coffee pot - a teapot - a milkpot - a sugar ...
Sterling Silver
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
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
Green Sarreguemines Platter with Large Majolica Flowers, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica flowers (rose,mum) platter signed Sarreguemines, circa 1900.
Ceramic
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
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
Art Nouveau - Émile Gallé - Green & Purple Glass Vase - France
By Émile Gallé
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely art nouveau glass vase designed of the master Emile Gallé in France in the early 2000th century. The vase is 23 cm (9,2") tall and in excellent condition. Émile Gallé (184...
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
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
Vintage Royal Bayreuth Tomato Creamer and Covered Sugar Bowl, Bavaria
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A charming vintage porcelain creamer and covered sugar bowl by Royal Bayreuth, Bavaria, beautifully modeled as ripe tomatoes with vibrant hand-painted red glazes, rich green leaves, ...
Porcelain
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
Three Art Nouveau Silver Plate Serving Tongs for Cake Pastry Meat German, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of three beautiful Art Nouveau serving tongs for pastry, cake, candy or meat. These serving piece are in a beautiful design. Made of silver plated metal, it will make a nice ad...
Silver Plate
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890, 9.8 inches diameter , 4 inches height.
Ceramic, Majolica
Art Nouveau Studio Pottery Vase, Terracotta with Splash Glaze, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Art Nouveau studio pottery vase - wheel thrown terracotta - clear green glaze with blue opalescent splash - unsigned - country of origin unknown - early 20th century. Excellent vi...
Terracotta