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.
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Partly copper
Brass, Copper
Delphin MASSIER Majolica Three Wild Roses Flower Vase, Vallauris, Late 19th C.
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Majolica Vase Three Eglantines (Wild Roses) by Delphin Massier, Vallauris, France Late 19th Century Earthenware A stunning French Majolica vase featuring three beautifully modeled e...
Ceramic
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 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
Set of 4 Oyster Plates – Majolica, 19th Century – Green, White & Brown Glaze
By Longchamp
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of 4 Oyster Plates – Majolica, 19th Century – Green, White & Brown Glaze Description: This is a set of four 19th-century majolica oyster plates, a classic example of luxury Fren...
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 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
Set of 6 Majolica Oyster Plates – 19th Century – Green and Brown Glazes
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of 6 Majolica Oyster Plates – 19th Century – Green and Brown Glazes Description: This is a beautiful set of six oyster plates made in France during the 20th century, in majolica...
Ceramic
Butter Dish with Cow Lid Portieux or S. Reich & Co, Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique Opaque Blue Glass Butter Dish by Reich & Co., Circa 1910s A striking antique opaque blue glass butter dish by Reich & Co., dating to the 1910s or possibly earlier. T...
Glass
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
20th Century Iriscident Loetz Witwe Glass Vase Creta Papillon, Bohemia, ca 1902
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional early 20th century Loetz Witwe glass vase out of the famous workshops in Klostermuehle/ Bohemia from the period around 1902. This artfully, extraordinary shaped small Art...
Blown Glass
Fratelli TOSO Rare Table Lamp / Night-Light, 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Table Lamp / Night-Light by Fratelli Toso, Venice, Italy, c. 1900. Rare in this size, this exquisite table lamp, or night-light, is a stunning example of Venetian craftsmanship by th...
Bronze
Oyster Plate in Majolica Green and White Color, 19th Century, France
By Longchamp
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Oyster plate in Majolica, in white and Green color. France, 19th century.
Ceramic
Daum Nancy Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase "Chardons", circa 1900
By Daum
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Daum Nancy Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase with Thistle Decor, Miniature Quadrangular Form, circa 1900 An elegant miniature quadrangular vase by Daum Nancy, created circa 1900 at the h...
Art Glass
Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Delft, NL
Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900 Émile Gallé (Nancy, 1846 –1904) was a French glassmaker and furniture designer Émile Gallé 20 cm hig...
Glass
Honey Pot Beehive Portieux or S. Reich & Co, Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique Opaque Blue Glass Tureen by Reich & Co., Circa 1910s A striking antique opaque blue glass tureen by Reich & Co., dating to the 1910s or possibly earlier. This elegan...
Glass
3 Vintage Perrier-Jouet French Champagne Glasses Art Nouveau Style 1960s, France
Located in Andernach, DE
A very beautiful set of 3 vintage Perrier-Jouet French Champagne glasses with iconic floral motif in the Art Nouveau style. The piece from cl...
Glass
Set of 4 French Green Majolica Plates – Sarreguemines Manufacture – 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Set of 4 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
Georg Jensen Antique Silver Bonbonniere Design #10
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
An antique rare and large Georg Jensen sterling silver lidded bonbonniere, jar or urn, design no. 10 by Georg Jensen, produced between 1908 and 1914. The lid is decorated with four s...
Sterling Silver
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
$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
Travel Picture Frame rectangular Sterling Silver Enamel for 4 photos Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular travel photo frame with a hinged booklet, for 4 photos in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché in Art Nouveau Style. Closed dim...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Daum Nancy — Art Nouveau « Bleuets » Perfume Bottle, circa 1900
By Daum
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Daum Nancy — Art Nouveau « Bleuets » Perfume Bottle, circa 1900 Refined Art Nouveau perfume bottle by Daum, Nancy Executed in satin-finished layered frosted glass with delicate poly...
Art Glass
Loetz Art Nouveau vase whit Colered Details of Irradiated glass 1900s
By Loetz Glass
Located in Verviers, BE
Loetz Art Nouveau vase whit Colered Details of Irradiated glass 1900s Beautifully decorated whit Irradiated glass Rare to find with original condition The piece is in good conditio...
Art Glass
Belt Buckle by Gustav Gaudernack (1865-1914) David Andersen Norway, C.1895-1900.
By Gustav Gaudernack, David Andersen
Located in Valby, 84
Art Nouveau Belt Buckle by Gustav Gaudernack (1865–1914), 830 Silver, Executed by David Andersen, Norway, ca. 1895–1900. Belt Buckle of rectangular form in pierced and cast 830 silv...
Silver
Pair of Ashby Potters Guild Art Nouveau Mottled Blue Glazed Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional pair of Art Nouveau tulip shaped art pottery vase decorated in streaked blue glazes dating between 1909 and 1922. The vases stand on wide rounded slightly domed feet the tall slender tulip shaped bodies with a slightly narrowing neck and wide open tops. The vases are beautifully glazes in streaked turquoise and blue colored glazes transitioning to very intense dark blue glazes around the feet and lower body. Both vases are impressed ASHBY GUILD...
Pottery
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
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
$563Sale Price|20% Off
Figurative Toothpick Holder Stand WMF Art Nouveau Antique Silverplated
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This cute antique Art Nouveau figurative toothpick holder by WMF is a delightful representation of the period's artistic sensibilities. Crafted from silver-plated pewter in a material known as "Britannia Metall," this piece exudes a certain charm and whimsy that is characteristic of Art Nouveau design. The toothpick holder features a figurative scene depicting a young boy cradling a dachshund puppy in his arms. This tender and endearing scene captures a moment of affection and companionship between the boy and his furry friend. The attention to detail in rendering both the boy's features and the dachshund's playful expression showcases the skilled artistry of the WMF craftsmen. "Britannia Metall" refers to a high-quality pewter alloy that was favored during the Art Nouveau period for its malleability and durability. The silver-plated finish lends a touch of elegance to the piece, while still allowing the fine details of the figurine to shine through. WMF, or Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, was a renowned German metalware company that was at the forefront of Art Nouveau design. Their pieces are highly collectible and sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship and artistic merit. This antique toothpick...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Daum Nancy, Art Nouveau Egg-Shape Cameo Glass Vase, circa 1900
By Daum
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Daum Nancy Ovoid Cameo Glass Vase "Campanules Sauvages", Scalloped Rim, Enameled, Art Nouveau, circa 1900 A refined ovoid cameo glass vase with a scalloped rim by Daum Nancy, exempl...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Ruscha Art Vase
By Ruscha
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Beautiful art pottery and unusual piece by Ruscha with a strong art nouveau influence in its shape and decoration. It is glazed in a dark brown with variegated purple and light grey ...
Ceramic
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
Majolica Cyclamens Plate Schultz Cilli, circa 1900
By Schütz Cilli
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica cyclamens plate signed Schultz Cilli, circa 1900, Art Nouveau. Diameter / 7.5 inches.
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 Lily Pattern Whiting Sterling Silver Sauce or Cream Ladle
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique sauce or cream ladle. In sterling silver. By Whiting. In the Lily pattern. With a scalloped bowl and a figural handle. Marked to the reverse. Simply wonderful Am...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Jugendstil Silver Plate One Shot Cup, Austria circa 1910
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite silver plate cup is a refined example of Austrian Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) craftsmanship, created circa 1910. The body is adorned with a beautifully executed raised fl...
Silver Plate, Metal
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
Striking Art Nouveau Ceramic and Bronze-Mounted Vase in Victor Horta Style
By Victor Horta
Located in Lisse, NL
Top condition and pure elegance Art Nouveau vase. For the collectors of museum quality and condition Art Nouveau ceramics. This stunning Art Nouveau vase is decorated with the mos...
Bronze
19th Century Green Majolica Orchid plate Saint Clement
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Green Majolica Orchid plate Saint Clement.
Ceramic
Frie Onnaing French Art Nouveau Barbotine Majolica Asparagus & Shell Plate
By Onnaing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Barbotine majolica Asparagus plate in the Art Nouveau style, Frie Onnaing, circa 1890-1910. A deep plate with a shaped rim and a scallop shell m...
Earthenware
French Faience Plate Emile Galle Saint Clement, Circa 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience plate signed Emile Galle Saint Clement Circa 1900. Decorated with cornucopia and flowers, butterfly.
Ceramic
$375Sale Price|40% Off
Gold Gilt Compote Tazza Art Nouveau Style
Located in New York, NY
A gold gilt compote or tazza in the Art Nouveau style, circa early 20th century. Piece is decorated with a raised relief of strawberry fruit, vines, leaves and flowers. Dimensions: 7...
Metal
An early 20th century art nouveau style silver overlaid glass flask
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Antique Sterling Silver Overlay Glass Flask with Repoussé Foliate Decoration in the Art Nouveau style A charming antique glass flask encased in an intricately worked sterling silver...
Silver
Green Sarreguemines Platter with Large Majolica Flowers, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica flowers (rose,mum) platter signed Sarreguemines, circa 1900.
Ceramic
Loetz Silberiris Candia Iridescent Twin Handled Glass Vase
By Loetz Glass
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Stylish Bohemian Silberiris Candia iridescent glass vase with brown handles by Johann Loetz Witwe and dating from around 1900. The simply shaped vase ref PN 85/5151 in the Loetz cata...
Blown 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
Fuchsia by Georg Jensen Klokke Sterling Flatware Set for 12 Dinner 170 Pieces
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
The "Fuchsia" or Klokke" Art Nouveau pattern was designed by Georg Jensen himself in the year 1906. Georg Jensen is one of the world's most significant silversmiths, who formed an in...
Sterling Silver
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
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
Continental Silver Wax Seal with Art Nouveau Figure and Landscape, Circa 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Continental Silver Wax Seal with Art Nouveau Figure and Landscape, Circa 1900 Stamped . 800 silver with engraved seal "W.G." Dimensions: 2.5" H x 1" W x 0.5" D A finely executed Con...
Sterling Silver
jugendstil fruit bowl brass silvered with original glass around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
jugendstil fruit bowl brass silvered with original glass around 1908 Original condition
Brass
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Serving Tray with Calla Lilies
Located in Barntrup, DE
Early 20th-century Art Nouveau bronze serving tray with calla lilies. A beautiful Art Nouveau period square tray made of bronze and brass and decorated with adorable slightly red-co...
Brass, Bronze
Antique American Art Nouveau Silver Overlay Decanter
Located in New York, NY
American Art Nouveau glass decanter with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Tall ovoid bowl with everted rim mounted to short columnar support, in turn, mounted to round foot. Overlay...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Floral Gorham Sterling Silver Overlay Flask
By Gorham
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Gorham sterling silver overlay flask featuring an 1/8 Pint glass jar with a fancy engraved leafy vine art nouveau silver overlay design, a removab...
Sterling Silver
$5,639Sale Price|20% Off
Loetz Vase Art Nouveau Secessionist Art Glass Phaenomen 6893 Antique Lötz
By Loetz Glass
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Antique Art Nouveau chalice shaped art glass vase created by the Loetz glassworks company, which was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this vase represents a prime example of their artistic mastery. The vase features a cobalt blue ground that adds depth and richness to its overall appearance. Its surface showcases a captivating iridescent wave pattern, which adds a mesmerizing shimmer and dynamic quality to the glass. This iridescence is a hallmark of Loetz glassware and is achieved through the application of special techniques during the glassblowing process. The chalice-form of the vase gives it an elegant and graceful silhouette. This design creates a harmonious balance between the visually striking upper portion and the sturdy base. Loetz glasswares are renowned for their exceptional artistry and their ability to capture and play with light. The Phaenomen Genre 6893 vase, with its dark blue color and iridescent wave pattern, is no exception. When light interacts with the glass, it reveals a captivating range of colors and reflections, making it a visually stunning and attention-grabbing piece. As an antique Loetz glass vase...
Luster, Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Bretby Art Nouveau High Fired Flambe Glazed Vase by Henry Tooth
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare Bretby Art Nouveau high fired ‘flambe’ glazed art pottery vase by Henry Tooth & Co and dating from 1900-1910. This exquisite simple shaped bulbous vase stands on a narrow roun...
Ceramic
Sarreguemines Art Nouveau Barbotine Majolica Glazed Earthenware Orchid Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Sarreguemines French Barbotine faïence majolica plate showing a spray of three purple and yellow orchids on a cream colored ground. Raised, dimensional mold work with a shaped r...
Earthenware
Hen on Nest Tureen Dish Box Portieux or S. Reich & Co, Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique Opaque Blue Glass Tureen by Reich & Co., Circa 1910s A striking antique opaque blue glass tureen by Reich & Co., dating to the 1910s or possibly earlier. This elegan...
Glass
Art Nouveau Green iridescent glass Pique Fleurs' vase by Loetz' with Grille
By Loetz Glass
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Green iridescent glass Pique Fleurs' vase by Loetz' with Grille Subtle, hand blown glass vase in the Art Deco style. This design for vases is often called 'Pique fleurs'...
Brass
Art Nouveau Brass Wall Mount Candlesticks, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau brass pair of Wall Mount candlesticks 1930s Originel Patina Excellent condition. looks simply stunning.
Brass