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Aesthetic Movement Tableware

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
Antique Dutch Silver Bon Bon, Berry, Serving Oval Spoon
Antique Dutch Silver Bon Bon, Berry, Serving Oval Spoon

Antique Dutch Silver Bon Bon, Berry, Serving Oval Spoon

Located in New York, NY

This finely crafted antique Dutch silver oval spoon serves as a functional yet decorative piece, designed for elegantly serving bon bons and berries etc. Dating to circa 1900, the spoon features intricate craftsmanship characteristic of early 20th-century Dutch silverwork, with ornate detailing and a graceful oval bowl that speaks to its refined purpose. The spoon’s handle is adorned with delicate, scrolling motifs, showcasing the artistry and high level of skill exhibited by Dutch silversmiths of the period. Crafted in solid silver, the piece exudes a timeless charm and would make an excellent addition to a collector’s set of antique serving utensils...

Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver

Aetna Works Mother of Pearl and Sterling Silver Collar Fruit Knives, Set of Four
Aetna Works Mother of Pearl and Sterling Silver Collar Fruit Knives, Set of Four

Aetna Works Mother of Pearl and Sterling Silver Collar Fruit Knives, Set of Four

By Landers, Frary & Clark 1

Located in Philadelphia, PA

From Landers, Frary & Clark – Aetna Works, founded in New Britain, Connecticut, 1866, a set of four fruit and cheese knives. Mother of pearl handles are joined to plated blades b...

Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

A Victorian Continental Silver Pepperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes
A Victorian Continental Silver Pepperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes

A Victorian Continental Silver Pepperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Continental Silver Pepper Peperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes. A lovely 19th century (Victorian era) German silver pepperette or pounce pot (used to contain fine sand ...

Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver

Set of 12 Tiffany Lap Over Edge Sterling Silver Dessert Knives
Set of 12 Tiffany Lap Over Edge Sterling Silver Dessert Knives

Set of 12 Tiffany Lap Over Edge Sterling Silver Dessert Knives

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Set of 12 Lap Over Edge sterling silver dessert knives. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Shaped stem with acid-etched fruiting branch wrapping around sides; apples, pears, and grap...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 11 Tiffany Lap Over Edge Sterling Silver Ice Cream Spoons
Set of 11 Tiffany Lap Over Edge Sterling Silver Ice Cream Spoons

Set of 11 Tiffany Lap Over Edge Sterling Silver Ice Cream Spoons

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Lap Over Edge sterling silver ice cream spoons. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Shaped oval bowl with side gadroons. Shaped stem with acid-etched motifs, including spide...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Stunning pair of aesthetic antique sterling silver and enamel napkin rings 1880
Stunning pair of aesthetic antique sterling silver and enamel napkin rings 1880

Stunning pair of aesthetic antique sterling silver and enamel napkin rings 1880

By Elkington & Co.

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1880 by Elkington & Co., this very attractive pair of Antique, Victorian, Sterling Silver Napkin Rings, feature enamelled decoration in the Aesthetic tast...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Landers, Frary & Clark Celluloid Ivory Handled Tableware Cutlery – 30 piece Set
Landers, Frary & Clark Celluloid Ivory Handled Tableware Cutlery – 30 piece Set

Landers, Frary & Clark Celluloid Ivory Handled Tableware Cutlery – 30 piece Set

By Landers, Frary & Clark 1

Located in Philadelphia, PA

From the makers, Landers, Frary & Clark, a set of 30 table knives and forks with carved, ivory colored Celluloid handles, circa 1900-1920. Landers, Frary & Clark was a housewares ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver

Gorham Aesthetic Movement Mixed Metal Tray, Copper & Brass, 1881, USA
Gorham Aesthetic Movement Mixed Metal Tray, Copper & Brass, 1881, USA

Gorham Aesthetic Movement Mixed Metal Tray, Copper & Brass, 1881, USA

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Gorham Aesthetic Movement mixed metal tray. The tray is made of copper and brass with applied sterling silver metal ornaments in a Japanese-inspired style. It dates to 1881 confirmed...

Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Brass

Sterling Silver Ladle in Norwegian Blue Bell Pattern signed Thorvald Marthinsen
Sterling Silver Ladle in Norwegian Blue Bell Pattern signed Thorvald Marthinsen

Sterling Silver Ladle in Norwegian Blue Bell Pattern signed Thorvald Marthinsen

By Thorvald Marthinsen

Located in New York, NY

This Aesthetic Movement sterling silver ladle, crafted by the renowned silversmith Thorvald Marthinsen in Norway circa 1900, is a testament to elegance and intricate design from the ...

Category

Early 1900s Norwegian Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Tiffany Fruits and Flowers Sterling Silver Pea Pod Pea Server
Antique Tiffany Fruits and Flowers Sterling Silver Pea Pod Pea Server

Antique Tiffany Fruits and Flowers Sterling Silver Pea Pod Pea Server

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Very desirable sterling silver pea server in Vine. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Tapering handle with loosely arranged wraparound pea pod vine on tapering and gently waving ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aetna Works Mother-of-Pearl and Sterling Silver Place Knives, a Set of 12
Aetna Works Mother-of-Pearl and Sterling Silver Place Knives, a Set of 12

Aetna Works Mother-of-Pearl and Sterling Silver Place Knives, a Set of 12

By Landers, Frary & Clark 1

Located in Philadelphia, PA

From Landers, Frary & Clark, Aetna Works, founded in New Britain, Connecticut, 1866, a set of twelve mother-of-pearl handled place or luncheon knives with floral sterling silver ferr...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Wood & Hughes Sterling Silver Zephyr Pattern Gravy or Sauce Ladles
Pair of Wood & Hughes Sterling Silver Zephyr Pattern Gravy or Sauce Ladles

Pair of Wood & Hughes Sterling Silver Zephyr Pattern Gravy or Sauce Ladles

By Wood & Hughes

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine pair of silver gravy or sauce ladles. By Wood & Hughes. In sterling silver. In the Zephyr pattern. Each ladle with a gilt bowl and raised geometric decoration to the hand...

Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ott & Brewer Aesthetic Blanc de Chine Pitcher
Ott & Brewer Aesthetic Blanc de Chine Pitcher

Ott & Brewer Aesthetic Blanc de Chine Pitcher

By Ott and Brewer

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Ott & Brewer Aesthetic Blanc de Chine Pitcher Trenton, New Jersey, circa 1880s An exquisite Ott & Brewer Aesthetic Blanc de Chine Pitcher, a remarkable example of 19th-century artis...

Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Gorham Sterling Silver Strawberry Forks in Aesthetic Palm Pattern
Gorham Sterling Silver Strawberry Forks in Aesthetic Palm Pattern

Gorham Sterling Silver Strawberry Forks in Aesthetic Palm Pattern

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in New York, NY

Set of 6 Palm sterling silver strawberry forks. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1870. Each: Tapering stem with leafing branch; pointed terminal and two-tine shank have bright-cut st...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Russian Aesthetic Silver Tea Caddy Spoon
Antique Russian Aesthetic Silver Tea Caddy Spoon

Antique Russian Aesthetic Silver Tea Caddy Spoon

Located in New York, NY

Russian Aesthetic silver tea caddy spoon, ca 1890. Bright-cut stylized leaf and flower ornament and butler finish. Truncated oval bowl. Marks include city stamp (Moscow) and 84 finen...

Category

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver

Antique Gorham Persian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Pierced Ladle
Antique Gorham Persian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Pierced Ladle

Antique Gorham Persian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Pierced Ladle

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in New York, NY

Persian sterling silver pierced ladle. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1871. Pointed ovoid terminal with stylized leaf and scroll ornament mounted to round stem with reeded bands se...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver Olive Spoon with Pick
Antique Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver Olive Spoon with Pick

Antique Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver Olive Spoon with Pick

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in New York, NY

Aesthetic sterling silver olive spoon. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1885. Cast stem with entwined leaf and olive. Shallow and pierced bowl with engraved leaves. At other end pick...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

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 W & C. Sissons 1, Thomas Webb & Sons

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 Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

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Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates
Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates

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By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite set of 12 "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charges was realized in America in 1905. Each plate has heavily detailed boarders featuring a Kylix cup amid scrolling s...

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Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Silver Owl Mustard Pot with Unusual Green Eyes & Snail Serving Spoon, c. 1930
Silver Owl Mustard Pot with Unusual Green Eyes & Snail Serving Spoon, c. 1930

Silver Owl Mustard Pot with Unusual Green Eyes & Snail Serving Spoon, c. 1930

Located in London, GB

A delightful solid silver mid century mustard pot in the form of an owl, made in Spain c. 1930. The owl is beautifully modelled and in lovely condition, with the hinge in good worki...

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Mid-20th Century Spanish Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

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Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six
Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six

Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six

By Alexander Clark & Co.

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

Set of six butter knives in original box with label Alexander Clark London. Made for Goldsmith and Silversmith. Hallmarks Alexander Clark and Co. Handles in mother-of-pearl. Blades e...

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Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver

Antique 18Pc Mother of Pearl Sterling Silver Fork Knife Fish Flatware Cutlery
Antique 18Pc Mother of Pearl Sterling Silver Fork Knife Fish Flatware Cutlery

Antique 18Pc Mother of Pearl Sterling Silver Fork Knife Fish Flatware Cutlery

$329Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 0.25 in W 0.75 in D 7.75 in

Antique 18Pc Mother of Pearl Sterling Silver Fork Knife Fish Flatware Cutlery

Located in Dayton, OH

Early 20th century set of mother of pearl handled 6 table knives, 6 forks, and 6 spreaders. Main set features silverplate blades and collars (blades marked with pseudo hallmark SMS),...

Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

Set of 12 Tiffany French Limoges Dessert or Salad Plates
Set of 12 Tiffany French Limoges Dessert or Salad Plates

Set of 12 Tiffany French Limoges Dessert or Salad Plates

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Atlanta, GA

Set of 12 Tiffany French Limoges Dessert or Salad Plates, France, circa 1970s. Very graphic design! As seen in the first photo, there are 5 each of the ...

Category

1970s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Engraved Twisted Sterling Silver Serving Berry Spoon
Antique Engraved Twisted Sterling Silver Serving Berry Spoon

Antique Engraved Twisted Sterling Silver Serving Berry Spoon

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Ornate sterling silver serving spoon featuring an engraved floral handle that is twisted where it meats the bowl.. The spoon area is an oval with ridges inside and a scalloped edge. ...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century French Creil & Montereau Hand Painted Aesthetic Movement Charger
19th Century French Creil & Montereau Hand Painted Aesthetic Movement Charger

19th Century French Creil & Montereau Hand Painted Aesthetic Movement Charger

By Creil et Montereau

Located in Cincinnati, OH

This outstanding hand painted 19th century French ceramic charger was made by Hautin Boulenger & Cie at Creil & Montereau. The highly detailed Aesthetic Movement charger features polychrome decoration depicting a Japanese quail perched in a flowering cherry tree bearing vivid green foliage. The bird's gaze is fixed on a colorful butterfly with intricately patterned wings which is located off to one side. The image is set on a gilt ground which bears a series of repeating raised gilt motifs. The charger's shoulder is finished in cobalt blue with stylized gilt hearts separated by light blue floral and foliate elements. The 4lb 11oz charger bears an impressed mark used by Creil et Montereau between 1876-1884. The foot rim is not pierced. This beautifully executed hand painted French charger...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Eight, Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver Open Salts & Pepper Shakers
Set of Eight, Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver Open Salts & Pepper Shakers

Set of Eight, Tiffany & Co., Sterling Silver Open Salts & Pepper Shakers

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A set of eight, Tiffany & Co., sterling silver open salts & pepper shakers, 1907-1938, comprising four shakers and four salts, with shaped foot and fluted body, monogramed G each ma...

Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver

Previously Available Items
Aesthetic Movement Elephant Silver Plated Napkin Holder signed Reed and Barton
Aesthetic Movement Elephant Silver Plated Napkin Holder signed Reed and Barton

Aesthetic Movement Elephant Silver Plated Napkin Holder signed Reed and Barton

By Reed & Barton

Located in New York, NY

This delightful silver-plated napkin holder, crafted by the esteemed American manufacturer Reed & Barton, draws inspiration from the 19th century Aesthetic Movement, embracing bo...

Category

Early 2000s American Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Aesthetic period sterling silver water jug and beaker set made in London in 1889
Aesthetic period sterling silver water jug and beaker set made in London in 1889

Aesthetic period sterling silver water jug and beaker set made in London in 1889

By Aldwinckle & Slater

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in London in 1889 and 1891 by Aldwinckle & Slater, this handsome, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Water Jug and Pair of Beakers, are plain in style, featuring gilt inte...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aesthetic Movement Hand-Hammered Silver Plated Butterfly Tray by James Tufts
Aesthetic Movement Hand-Hammered Silver Plated Butterfly Tray by James Tufts

Aesthetic Movement Hand-Hammered Silver Plated Butterfly Tray by James Tufts

Located in New York, NY

This elegant and intricately formed Aesthetic Movement Hand-Hammered Silver Plated Tray W/Butterfly and Naturalist Motif by James Tufts originates from the United States, Circa 1880....

Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Circa 1880-1900 Seashells & Seaweed Motif Fish Service by Limoges
Circa 1880-1900 Seashells & Seaweed Motif Fish Service by Limoges

Circa 1880-1900 Seashells & Seaweed Motif Fish Service by Limoges

By Limoges

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1880-1900 sea shells & seaweed motif fish service, Limoges, France. Comprised of a platter, shell bowl, 8 plates & 8 sauce dishes. All but sauce dishes are R. Delinieres & Co, ...

Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Childs Mug, London, 1872
Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Childs Mug, London, 1872

Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Childs Mug, London, 1872

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in London in 1872 by John Kirkparick (presumably overstamping Elkington & Co.), this very attractive, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Christening Mug, features aestheti...

Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Numbered Napkin Rings Set of Six
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Numbered Napkin Rings Set of Six

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Numbered Napkin Rings Set of Six

By Martin, Hall & Co. Ltd.

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive set of six individually numbered antique Victorian English sterling silver Aesthetic style napkin rings - boxed; part of our silver dining collection This exceptional, fine and impressive set of antique Victorian sterling silver napkin rings consists of six napkin rings, each with a rounded rectangular form. The surfaces of these antique silver napkin rings...

Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Metal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Very Attractive Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set in a Box, 1885
Very Attractive Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set in a Box, 1885

Very Attractive Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set in a Box, 1885

By Aldwinckle & Slater

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in London in 1885 by Aldwinckle & Slater, this very attractive, Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set, comprises a mustard pot and spoon, a salt shaker and a pepper shaker (engraved S...

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1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aesthetic Period Sterling Silver Sugar Bowl & Sifter Spoon, Heath & Middleton
Aesthetic Period Sterling Silver Sugar Bowl & Sifter Spoon, Heath & Middleton

Aesthetic Period Sterling Silver Sugar Bowl & Sifter Spoon, Heath & Middleton

By Heath & Middleton

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in London in 1900 by Heath & Middleton, this wonderfully designed Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Bowl, takes the form of a blossoming lotus flower, supported on the stems of two curled leaves, and accompanied by a sugar sifter spoon...

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Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Tableware

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Sterling Silver

Aesthetic Movement tableware for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement tableware for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tableware created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement tableware made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tableware, popular names associated with this style include Landers, Frary & Clark, Wedgwood, Aldwinckle & Slater, and Christopher Dresser. 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 tableware differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $18,000 while the average work can sell for $1,027.