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.
Vintage Faberge Russia Style Red & Gold Glass Egg with Etched Leaves Garnishment
By Fabergé
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant vintage glass egg crafted in the style of classic Fabergé creations, featuring finely etched leaf garnishment that recalls the decorative artistry associated with imperial St...
Cut Glass
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
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
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
French Majolica White Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica white daisy plate Orchies, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Large Antique English Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Tray - Reynold's Angels - 1907
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning large Art Nouveau dressing table tray with a wonderful organic shape and the centre featuring the very famous Reynold's Angels, always highly collectible; five charming wi...
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
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
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
Fratelli Toso Murrine Glass Table Lamp, Art Nouveau, Italy, 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
Antique Danto Awaji Pottery Arts & Crafts Sprigged Plum Blossom Pitcher Signed
Located in Wilton, CT
Antique Awaji pottery Arts and Crafts pitcher with very fine rendering of sprigged plum blossom branches. Danto kiln, successor to the famous Minpei kiln. Impressed plover mark just ...
Pottery
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
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 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
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
1920s Porcelain Bowl by Daisy Makeig-Jones, Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding and very refined and exquisite porcelain bowl from the celebrated Fairyland Lustre series, designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones, one of the most visionary designers of 20th-ce...
Porcelain
Antique Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Griffin Vesta / Match Safe, circa 1900
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional antique Art Nouveau sterling silver vesta case or match safe featuring an ornate repoussé design with flowing organic scrollwork surrounding a central blank cartouche and...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
9-Piece Majolica Ceramic Cake Set - Villeroy & Boch - Art Nouveau
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful majolica ceramic cake set, made by Villeroy & Boch. Nicely decorated in Art Nouveau style. All pieces are marked with a blind mark on the bottom. The set is in good cond...
Ceramic
Green Sarreguemines Platter with Large Majolica Flowers, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica flowers (rose,mum) platter signed Sarreguemines, circa 1900.
Ceramic
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
Tiffany Studios Favrile Ribbed Iridescent Art glass Footed Open Salt
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Louis Comfort Tiffany,Golden iridescent, cauldron form with a ribbed base with polished pontil mark. Signed L.C.T on bottom rim. Tiffany Studios. 1907. 1.5" H. Price per item.
Glass
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
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
Art Nouveau Cameo Vase, Ancolie, Columbine Decor, Daum Nancy, France, Circa 1910
By Daum
Located in Vienna, AT
Cylindrical vase, colourless glass with flaky yellow-orange, with brown powder inclusions in the lower section, highly etched exterior and delicately painted with coloured enamel, co...
Glass
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
Antique Sterling Silver Repoussé Vesta / Match Safe
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant sterling silver vesta case featuring flowing repoussé floral and scrolling decoration with a softly asymmetrical Art Nouveau silhouette. The hinged lid opens cleanly and the ...
Sterling Silver
Steuben signed Gold Aurene and Green Link Chain Ornament 1925 - Frederick Carder
By Frederick Carder, Steuben Glass
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Amazing fully signed gold aurene bowl/vase with green chain decoration by Frederick Carder for Steuben dating to 1925. It is decorated with an green link chain line around the body a...
Art 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 Engraved Silverplate Trophy with Oak Leaves and Acorns
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a trophy shaped in a classic "loving cup" style. Going back centuries, the shape is identifiable by its deep bowl and twin sweeping handles, ready to be passed around at ...
Silver Plate
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
Six Cups with Saucers, Theresienthal, Bohemia c. 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceedingly rare set of six cups with saucers, whose beauty captures both the eye and the imagination. The hand-blown opaline glass cups are shaped as delicate tulip blossoms, the...
Enamel
French Majolica Pansy Plate Jerome Massier, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Pansy plate Jerome Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic, Faience
Rare Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare French Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century A beautifully detailed and rare French Art Nouveau terracotta wall plaque, dating from the early 20th century. Thi...
Brass
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Column with Ceramic Vase
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this splendid column vase, made in Italy, dating back to the early 20th century. The vase is crafted from polychrome glazed ceramic. The eye-catching decoration captures t...
Ceramic
Daum Nancy, Art Nouveau. « Myosotis » Scent Bottle, circa 1900
By Daum
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A French Etched Gilt and Enameled Cameo Glass Scent Bottle and Stopper Daum Nancy « Myosotis » Scent Bottle –, Opalescent, Gilt, Etched andEnameled Glass, circa 1900 A delicate Daum ...
Art Glass
French Art Nouveau Signed Botanical Emile Gallé Cameo Glass Vase circa, 1920
By Émile Gallé
Located in Worcester Park, GB
French Art Nouveau Emile Gallé small cameo vase depicting blossoming flowers in purple and blue over orange/yellow, with fine internal polishing to highlight the blue in the flowers ...
Art Glass
Early 20C American Dedham Style Sang de Boeuf Pottery & Gilt Bronze Table Lamp
By Chelsea Keramic Art Works
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a GORGEOUS AND EXTREMELY RARE Lamp of small to medium proportions. In the shape of a Lidded Chinese Ginger Jar/Urn, heavily influenced by Chinese design with gilt bronze mounts and base in the Chinese style. CLASSIC Oxblood or ‘Sange de Boeuf’ Pottery. Very nice table lamp. IMPRESSIVE and VERY DECORATIVE ! From circa 1920 and we believe American made, probably by the Hugh C..Robertson for Dedham Pottery...
Bronze, Ormolu
French Art Nouveau Enameled Glass Vase by Francois-Theodore Legras
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful French enameled glass vase from the Art Nouveau period, circa 1930. Intricately detailed work is by François-Théodore Legras. T...
Glass
Loetz Green Glass Vase with Alvin Sterling Silver Overlay
By Loetz Glass
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality Art Nouveau style art glass vase, by Loetz the historic glass maker from the municipality of Austria featuring Alvin Sterling Silver overlay. Overlay in form of open and horizontal patterns with stylized leaves and scrollwork. A great find, handcrafted vase skillfully made using centuries old techniques of art glass works from the world-renowned maker, Loetz. Simply stunning this Art Nouveau glass vase with Alvin Sterling Silver overlay by Loetz would enhance any shelf, table, nightstand or countertop. This is a rare antique Loetz Green Glass...
Sterling Silver
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
Art Nouveau - Style Sterling Silver Pedestal, Based Vase by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau-Style, sterling silver, pedestal-based vase, Gorham Mfg. Company, Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1923. Hammered in design and chased with flowers. Measures...
Sterling Silver
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