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
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
Silver plated Antique Napkin Rings, Set of Twelve, Germany 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of twelve silver plated napkin rings, circa 1910-1930s, attributed to WMF. A nice set of round rings, from the Art Nouveau era. All of them with a nice patina. Can be cleaned f...
Silver Plate
$566Sale 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
$2,293Sale Price / set|20% Off
Limoges Albert Pillivuyt 82-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set, Violets
By Maison Albert Pillivuyt & Cie
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing 82-piece dinner service “Violets”, Albert Pillivuyt, Foëcy Limoges, Art Nouveau, early 20th century – France Material: Limoges porcelain Model: “Violets” Manufacturer: Pilli...
Porcelain
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
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Blossom Wine Coaster/Bread Plate 2B
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A large sized vintage sterling silver Georg Jensen Blossom coaster or bread plate design #2B by Georg Jensen from 1905. A round raised plate with three cut out areas holding a large ...
Sterling Silver
$2,339Sale Price / set|25% Off
Art Nouveau 53-piece dinnerware set “Paniers Fleuris”, Yellow Limoges porcelain
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing 53-piece “Paniers Fleuris” dinnerware set designed by Patrick Frey in Limoges porcelain in the 1990s. The reverse bears the hallmark “Patrick Frey. Paris. “Paniers Fleuris”....
Porcelain
Pressure Cast Iron Pot Ch. Umbach Bietigheim, 1910s
Located in Praha, CZ
Germany Good original condicion.
Iron
Pair of Big Vases Wmf, German, 1910 in Silver Plated, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 Vases WMF Signs: Page: 371 in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcover. WMF G: Introduces on ...
Metal
Antique WMF Silver-Plated Art Nouveau Salt Cellar Spice and Mustard Menagere Set
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique salt and spice cellar with centered mustard pot menagere is a stunning example of Art Nouveau design by the renowned German manufacturer WMF (Württembergische ...
Crystal, Silver Plate, Pewter
Antique German Art Nouveau .800 Silver 12 Piece Fish Flatware Serving Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This twelve piece serving set is signed by an unknown maker, but presumed to have originated from Germany and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Art Nouveau style. The...
Silver
French Art Nouveau Salt & Pepper Shakers, Facetted Crystal Glass from the 1920s
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of beautiful Art Nouveau salt and pepper shakers, made of facetted glass. Made in France in the 1920s, in excellent condition.
Crystal
Vintage Silver Plated Acorn Leaf Fruit Bowl Catchall, Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful silver plated leaf bowl with bakelite Apple handle, vintage Sweden. Nice addition to every table. Some patina, but this is old-age. Found at an Estate sale in Stockholm,...
Metal, Silver Plate
$20,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Silver 800 Cutlery Set for 12 People, Düsseldorf, Germany, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver 800 cutlery set for 12 people. Düsseldorf, Germany, late 19th century. Jugendstil period. Complete for 12 people. A total of 164 pieces: 12 ...
Sterling Silver
Jugendstil Brass centerpiece vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil Brass centerpiece vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
Vintage Swan Napkin Rings, Set of Ten, Silver Plate Nickel Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of ten silver plated napkin rings, circa 1970s, made by unknown company. A nice set of round rings, in the style of the Art Nouveau era. All of them with a nice patina. Can be ...
Silver Plate, Nickel
Art Nouveau Silver Plate Rose Pattern Serving Pastry Tongs Vintage, Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Art Nouveau 'Roses' serving tongs for salad, pastry, cake, fish or meat. This serving piece is in a rare and antique 'Rose' pattern design. Made of silver plated metal, i...
Silver Plate
Moser Champagne Glasses Art Nouveau Hand Blown, Lady Hamilton by Moser
Located in DE
These are 7 champagne glasses made from hand blown crystal by Moser in the ever popular Lady Hamilton glass cut. This pattern is an example of the "papal" cut so called because it i...
Crystal
Pair of Champagne Coolers, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, Liberty, 1859, Sign: Wmf
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of Champagne cooler WMF Sign: Page: X in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The Engl...
Metal
Art Nouveau Silver Cutlery Set For 12 People By V.C. Dub for A. Einspinner, 1915
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant cutlery set made of solid silver for twelve people consisting of 173 Parts in original wooden box. Date of manufactory: circa 1915 Material: Massive silver '800', Stain...
Silver
Antique Floral Hand Painted Enameled Glass Biscuit Box, Art Nouveau, France
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Antique floral glass biscuit barrel / cookie jar with Art Nouveau Enamel Decoration, France 1890-1919 An antique biscuit jar of frosted, satin g...
Metal
French Art Nouveau Copper Table Crumb Tray and Sweeper
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Art Nouveau Table Tray and Broom Set. The pair includes the wood sweeper from marked British/England as well as the copper French tray. Great addition to add to an existing...
Copper
WMF Claret Jug with Silver Plated Mount
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : WMF Claret jug with silver plated mount Date : c1905 Period : Wilhelm II Origin : Geislingen, Germany Decoration : Fruiting vine decoration t...
Silver Plate
Pair of Big Vases WMF, German, 1909 in Silver Plated, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 Vases WMF Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty year: 1909 Country: Germany Materials: silver plated Several of the WMF objects can be seen in museums. We have specialized in t...
Metal
Punch Bowl Style, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, 1880, Signed WMF, with Ladle
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Punch Bowl WMF WMF G with ostrich = The first WMF impressed mark, used from 1880 to 1925 for silver-plated Hollow-ware, and until 1930 for export articles. The Geislingen firm of S...
Metal
Pair of Silver Plated Metal Squirrel Animal Motif Knife Rests Austria 19th Cent
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of two silver plated figural flatware knife rests in the form of Animals, circa 1890s, European. Nice addition to every table or just for your collection. Tarnished and beautif...
Metal
Faux Bois Oval Wall Tray or Table Mirror in Brown and Gold, circa 1940s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Faux bois oval wall mirror with details of wood vines sheaves of wheat and leaves. This piece is by the Syroco Wood Company from New York and estimated to be from the 1940s. This...
Mirror, Wood
Le Tallec for Tiffany & Co. French Hand Painted Porcelain Saucer Plates, Twelve
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of twelve French Classical or Art Nouveau hand painted gold gilt saucer plates By Le Tallec for Tiffany & Co. France, Circa 1930s Measures: 6.25"W x 6.25"D x 0.75"...
Porcelain
Antique Wilcox Silver Plate Co. silver-plated figural cistern or samovar.
Located in Birmingham, AL
This is a Victorian silver-plated figural cistern or samovar. It features garlanded deer's head handles and a lid crowned with a putto (cherub) figure bearing a cup and gourd. The ...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Beige and Green Velvet Table Cover
Located in Queens, NY
Art Nouveau beige and green velvet table cover with floral design and red berries with border
Large antique silver art nouveau condiment set made by Mappin & Webb in 1924
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1924 by Mappin & Webb, this attractive, Antique, George V period, Sterling Silver Condiment Set, comprises 4 mustard pots with mustard spoons, 4 peppe...
Sterling Silver
Punch Bowl with Deer Style, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1910, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Punch Bowl WMF Firms: ox: Oxidized. The impresse decoration is blackened with a solution of sulphuret of potash and the flat areas are polished to a matt finish with pumice WMF G: I...
Metal
Brass secessionist baskets and toothpick holder by Hans Ofner/Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Brass secessionist baskets and toothpick holder by Hans Ofner/Josef Hoffmann with glass inserts in original vintage condition.
Brass
Art Nouveau Silver Cutlery Set For 12 People In Display Case, Austria-Hungary
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant cutlery set made of solid silver for 12 people, consisting of 112 parts, in original display case. Date of manufactory: circa 1900 - Austria-Hungarian Monarchy Material: ...
Silver
Bridal Rose by Alvin Sterling Silver Flatware Service For 12 Set 122 pieces
By Alvin Silver Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Stunning monumental Bridal Rose by Alvin Sterling Silver Flatware set - 122 pieces. This set includes: 12 Regular Knives with French stainless blades, 9" 12 Regular Forks, 6 3/4" 12...
Sterling Silver
Pair of English Salt Cellar with Glass Inserts in Blue
Located in København, Copenhagen
A pair of English salt cellar with glass inserts in blue of English silver plate. Stamped, circa 1900. Measures: 5 cm. x 4.5 cm. In very good condition.
Legras, France, Cabarat Cigogne Liqueur Set in Green Mouth-Blown Art Glass
Located in København, Copenhagen
Legras, France. Cabarat Cigogne liqueur set in green mouth-blown art glass with hand-painted flowers. Approx. 1900. Consisting of a carafe, serving tray and four glasses. The car...
Art Glass
$40,000 / set
Big pair of Vases, German, 1906, Art Nouveau
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Materials: silver plated We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the but...
Metal
Art Nouveau Silver 5-Piece Coffee & Tea Set On Tray, Austria-Hungary, circa 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Art Nouveau silver centrepiece consisting of 5 pieces: coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, cream jug and tray. Vessels with an oval base and smooth straight sides, four symmetric...
Silver
Art Nouveau Hildesheim Rose Silver Plate Cake Fork Flatware Set German, 6 Pieces
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Art Nouveau flatware set of 6 cake forks. Made of silver plate metal, it will make a nice addition to any table. Forks 5 1/4" high. The set included 6 flatware pieces and...
Silver Plate
Nouveau Leroy & Cie Piault French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 102pc
By Bry & Cie
Located in Big Bend, WI
Outstanding Nouveau by Leroy & Cie / Piault, circa 1886-1897, French silver Flatware set - 102 pieces. This Art Nouveau pattern features a shaped terminal with cascading floral scroll work and wonderful pistol grip handles on the knives. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, pistol handles...
Sterling Silver
Big Vase , German, 1900 in Silver, Art Nouveau
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Signs: Hugo Leven Hugo Leven studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule and then at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. For some time he worked in his father Louis Leven's studio, had numerous contac...
Metal
Christofle Made in Argentina, Flatware art nouveau in Silverplated
By Christofle
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Gorgeous unknown pattern made in Argentina Christofle Silverplate Flatware set 100 pieces total. This set includes: 12 Dinner Forks - 20 centimeters 12 Salad Forks - 17,5 centimet...
Silver Plate
Champagne Cooler Style, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, Liberty, Year: 1900, Signed Wmf
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Champagne cooler WMF Style: Art Nouveau year: 1900 Country: Germany Materials: silver plated Several of the WMF objects can be seen in museums We have specialized in the sale...
Metal
$8,453Sale Price / set|20% Off
Children's Cutlery Silver Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte circa 1923 Jugendstil
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Silver children’s cutlery set designed by Josef Hoffmann and Eduard J. Wimmer-Wisgrill manufactured by Wiener Werkstatte ca. 1923 marked hammer-strok...
Silver
Punch Bowl Style: Liberty, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, 1900, WMF, Material: Bronze
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Punch Bowl WMF Style: Art Nouveau year: 1900 Country: Germany Materials: bronze and crystal Several of the WMF objects can be seen in museums We have specialized in the sale of Art...
Crystal, Bronze
$490Sale Price|43% Off
Art Nouveau Shell with Handle by Albert Koehler
By AK & Cie
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass silvered with engraved thistle on the bottom made by Albert Koehler, circa 1900 in Vienna. Signed AK & Cie in the handle. Excellent restored.
Brass
Pair of Big Vases Wmf, German, 1910 in Silver Plated, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 Vases WMF Signs: WMF G: Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interests of improved legibility, especially of the very small marks. The company´s choice of an ostrich as a tr...
Metal
Georg Jensen Blossom Sugar Bowl in Hammered Sterling Silver, Dated 1925-1932
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen Blossom sugar bowl in hammered sterling silver. Model 2D. Dated 1925-1932. Measures: 11.5 x 10.2 cm. In excellent condition. Minimal age-related wear. Stamped. Our...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Gravy Ladle 153
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
This is a sterling silver Georg Jensen gravy ladle, item 153 in the Blossom/Magnolia pattern, design #84 by Georg Jensen from 1919. Additional information: Material: Sterling silve ...
Sterling Silver
Big Vase, Sign: Fabrication Francaise, Made in France, Paris, 1900, A. Barsotti
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Signs: André Barsotti / Fabrication Francaise, Made in France, Paris We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questio...
Metal
Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Serving Spoon Small 115
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
This is a handmade sterling silver Georg Jensen small serving spoon, item #115 in the Blossom pattern, design #84 by Georg Jensen from 1919. Additional information: Material: Sterli...
Sterling Silver
New Georg Jensen Acorn Sterling Silver Extra Large Two-Piece Carving Set
By Johan Rohde
Located in Hellerup, DK
A large Georg Jensen sterling silver and stainless steel (blade & fork) two-piece carving set in the Acorn pattern, flatware design #62 by Johan Rohde from 1915. Additional informat...
Sterling Silver
Jugendstil basket by Hans Ofner/Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Silverplated brass jugendstil basket by Hans Ofner/Josef Hoffmann with glass inlay. Original vintage condition with patina.
Brass
Punch Bowl of Women Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Punch bowl WMF signature on the foot: wmf i/0 = Normal thickness of gilding or silver-plating, i.e. one gram of deposited silver spread over an area of one square decimetre. Style:...
Metal
2 Wine Coolers, Style: Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, Liberty, Year: 1900, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 Wine Cooler WMF Style: Art Nouveau year: 1900 Country: Germany Materials: silver plated Several of the WMF objects can be seen in museums We have specialized in the sale of Art D...
Metal
Pair of Pitchers WMF, German, 1909 in Silver Plated and Red Crystal, Art Nouveau
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
2 Pitchers WMF Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty year: 1909 Country: Germany Materials: silver plated and red glass Several of the WMF objects can be seen in museums Stamps ...
Art Glass
Vintage Pewter Container, Italy, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Art Nouveau Pewter Container realized in the early 20th Century. Good condition.
Metal
Set of 6 Silver & Tortoise Shell Place Card Holders Original Box, Ryrie Jewelers
Located in valatie, NY
Set of 6 Silver and Tortoise Place Card Holders in the Original Box. They were retailed by Ryrie Jewelers. The holders are sterling silver and tortoise. The tortoise is framed in a ...
Sterling Silver