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 Royal Bayreuth Figural Lobster Creamer, Bavaria
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A whimsical vintage figural lobster creamer by Royal Bayreuth, Bavaria, masterfully modeled as a lobster with raised claws forming the spout and handle. Finished in rich hand-painted...
Porcelain
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Partly copper
Brass, Copper
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
Royal Bayreuth Bavaria Elk / Stag Porcelain Creamer, Early 20th Century
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A highly charming antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria porcelain creamer modeled as an elk or stag, produced in Germany during the early twentieth century. This expressive figural piece be...
Porcelain
Set of Six Antique Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Berry Bowls, 1905
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This refined set of six antique Limoges porcelain berry bowls was made in France around 1905 by Tressemanes & Vogt, a respected firm known for producing high-quality porcelain an...
Porcelain
WMF Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Figural Sleigh Sauce Boat with Cherub, circa 1905
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A charming and highly decorative German Art Nouveau silver-plated figural sauce or gravy boat by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), circa 1905, modeled as an elaborate sleigh ...
Silver Plate
Tulipe Tulip by Boulenger French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 135 pc
Located in Big Bend, WI
Tulipe is an exceptionally refined Art Nouveau pattern produced by Charles Boulenger & Cie. Featuring graceful flowing tulip blossoms, floral, and foliate motifs, this elegant design...
Sterling Silver
WMF Rare Art Nouveau Silver Plated Cutlery Set for 24 Persons
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare WMF silver plated cutlery set for 18 persons, comprising approximately 256 pieces. Housed in its original Art Nouveau cabinet with silver plated organic stylised mounts, this remarkable ensemble retains the complete original Art Nouveau cutlery...
Silver Plate
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
Antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria Strawberry Porcelain Creamer with Gilt
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A delightful antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria porcelain creamer modeled as a ripe strawberry, with a richly hand-painted red body, green leafy rim, white blossom detail, and an elegant...
Porcelain
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
Georg Jensen Acorn Sterling Silverware Service, 12 Settings, 1930
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A comprehensive sterling silverware service for twelve in the Acorn pattern by Georg Jensen. Designed by Johan Rohde in 1915, the Acorn pattern is widely acknowledged as one of Georg...
Sterling Silver
Pair Silver Plated Metal Wild Boar Pig Animal Motif Knife Rests Austria 19th Cen
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
Royal Bayreuth Bavaria Strawberry Porcelain Creamer, Early 20th Century
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A charming antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria porcelain creamer modeled in the form of a ripe strawberry, produced in Germany during the early twentieth century. The piece reflects the w...
Porcelain
Vintage Royal Bayreuth Tomato Creamer and Covered Sugar Bowl, Bavaria
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A charming vintage porcelain creamer and covered sugar bowl by Royal Bayreuth, Bavaria, beautifully modeled as ripe tomatoes with vibrant hand-painted red glazes, rich green leaves, ...
Porcelain
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
Antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria Lemon Porcelain Creamer, 1900
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A charming antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria porcelain creamer modeled in the form of a ripe lemon, produced in Germany during the early twentieth century. Royal Bayreuth is especially ...
Porcelain
Jugendstil centerpiece mad of alpaca and brass with glass around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil centerpiece mad of alpaca and brass with glass around 1908 Polished and stove enameled Original glass
Brass
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
Royal Bayreuth Bavaria Green Cabbage Leaf Porcelain Plate, Early 20th Century
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A beautifully modeled antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria porcelain plate in the form of a richly textured green cabbage leaf, produced in Germany during the early twentieth century. Mark...
Porcelain
Pair of Silver Plated Metal Elephant 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
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
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 Cardeilhac 950 Silver Vermeil Flatware Set Service Dessert 36 pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous Cardeilhac French 950 silver light vermeil Dessert set, 36 pieces, with engraved/etched pattern, similar to Royal Cisele. The set is vermeil, wit...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Royal Bayreuth Tomato Form Salt and Pepper Shakers, Germany, Early 20th
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Charming pair of antique figural salt and pepper shakers produced by Royal Bayreuth, Germany, and modeled in the form of ripe tomatoes resting on leafy green calyxes. These whimsical...
Porcelain
WMF. A 12-person cutlery service in original stylized secessionist oak cabinet
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF A rare cutlery service for 12 persons in original stylised secessionist oak cabinet with single drawer, lower shelf and stylised silver plated mounts and handles, the lower plaque with space for engraving has never been engraved and it has it's original keys. The interior lining has worn in places. Some blocks have come unstuck that hold some of the pieces in place. A nice little restoration project to bring back to its former glory and priced accordingly.
Height 58", Width 21 1/2", Depth 17 1/2".
The set consists of :-
11 large knives and 12 large forks.
11 smaller knives and 10 smaller forks.
12 large spoons and 12 smaller spoons.
12 Fish knives and 12 Fish forks.
10 teaspoons and 1 sugar sifting spoon.
12 knife rests.
2 salts with liner and 2 salt spoons.
1 carving knife and 1 carving fork.
1 large soup ladle and 1 gravy ladle.
1 large serving fish knife and 1 large serving fish fork.
1 large dessert serving spoon.
1 salad serving spoon with ebony spoon end
1 salad serving spoon with forked ebony spoon end.
See Grotkamp-Schepers, Barbara and Sanger, Reinhard W. 'Art Nouveau Knives, Forks and Spoons' Stuttgart 20001.p. 101, item 105 for this pattern.
See also Sotheby's 'Fine Decorative Arts from 1870', 5th October 2004, Lot 67, hammer price GBP 13,200 for a fitted canteen box...
Silver Plate
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
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 trad...
Silver Plate
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Beaded Sauce Ladle 153, 1916
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Gravy Ladle – Beaded Pattern, Design #7 (1916) A classic Georg Jensen sterling silver gravy ladle, item #153, crafted in the renowned Beaded pattern, on...
Sterling Silver
Royal Bayreuth Green Leaf Porcelain Plate, Antique Tableware, Bavaria
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A charming antique porcelain plate by Royal Bayreuth, Bavaria, modeled in the form of a richly detailed green leaf. Unlike the majolica traditions of France and Germany, this piece r...
Porcelain
Georg Jensen Acanthus Sterling Silver Dinner Fork 012, 1917
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A Georg Jensen sterling silver dinner fork, item #012 in the Acanthus pattern, flatware design #180 by Johan Rohde from 1917. All items have been professionally polished by Georg Je...
Sterling Silver
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 ...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau set of 6 Knife Rests Poppy Flowers Gallia Christofle Silver Plated
By Gallia
Located in Paris, FR
This set of 6 knife-rests with blooming poppy flowers is a very good and typical Art Nouveau design. They are silver-plated, made by Gallia famous french silversmith part of Christofle world well-known. Each one is stamped and signed in the crossbar: "GALLIA METAL...
Silver Plate
Champagne Cooler Style, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, 1900, Signed Anezin Y Cia WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Champagne cooler Signed Anezin y Cia : It is the firm that sold it in Argentina Firms: WMF G = Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interests of improved legibility, especially ...
Silver Plate
Cambridge Blown Glass Flower Petal Sterling Silver Overlay Trinket Candy Dish
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Cambridge Blown Glass Flower Petal Sterling Silver Overlay Trinket Candy Dish. Item features blown glass, floral silver overlay, very nice vintage dish. Circa Early to Mid 20...
Sterling Silver
Friedr. Herder Solingen Knife Scissors and Shaving Razor Advertising Enamel Sign
By Friedrich Herder A. Sn Solingen
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Fantastic Friedrich Herder Abr. Sohn Solingen bayonets, knives, razors, enamel porcelain advertising sign. Never used, it was found on the original packaging. Perfect gloss. German m...
Metal
Jugendstil Brass Napkin Holder vienna around 1910
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil Brass Napkin Holder vienna around 1910 Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
$2,184Sale 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
$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
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
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
Italian Art Nouveau-era decanter with bronze decorations
Located in Milano, IT
Art Nouveau Crystal Decanter with Figurative Bronze Decoration, 20th Century An elegant 20th-century Art Nouveau crystal decanter, adorned with finely crafted bronze decorations fea...
Crystal, Bronze
Georg Jensen Acanthus Sterling Silverware, Twelve Settings, 1917
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A complete Georg Jensen sterling silver flatware set in the iconic Acanthus pattern, designed by Johan Rohde in 1917. This elegant set includes service for twelve, each place setting...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Acorn Sterling Silverware Service for 12, 1915
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A complete Georg Jensen Acorn sterling silver flatware service designed by Johan Rohde, first introduced in 1915 and celebrated as one of Georg Jensen’s most iconic patterns. This ex...
Sterling 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 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...
Silver Plate
Edwardian Sterling Silver Mug by Lee & Wigfull, Art Nouveau, 1905
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver mug in the Art Nouveau style; an addition to our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This fine antique Edwardian sterling silver mug has a plain bell shaped form onto a circular spreading foot. The surface of this Art Nouveau mug...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$228Sale Price|31% Off
WMF Note Pad Hammered
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, Au
WMF note pad hammered. Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Georg Jensen Acanthus Sterling Silverware for Twelve, 1917
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A complete 159-piece service of Georg Jensen sterling silverware in the Acanthus pattern, designed by Johan Rohde in 1917. Known in Denmark as Dronning, the Queen, it is the natural ...
Sterling Silver
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
Georg Jensen Blossom Sterling Silver Sandwich Tongs 251, 1919
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A rare pair of sterling silver Georg Jensen sandwich tongs, item no. 251 in the Blossom pattern, designed by Georg Jensen in 1919. This exceptional and uncommon version features a ha...
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...
Silver Plate
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. AS = An...
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
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
Wilhelm Süs for Karlsruher Majolika, Large Art Nouveau Compote
Located in København, Copenhagen
Wilhelm Süs (1861-1933) for Karlsruher Majolika. Large Art Nouveau compote in hand painted faience / majolica with playful children and flower deco...
Majolica
Georg Jensen Acanthus Sterling Silverware for 12, 1917
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A complete 95 piece set of Georg Jensen sterling silverware in the Acanthus pattern, designed by Johan Rohde in 1917. Often regarded as the sister pattern to Rohde’s celebrated Acorn...
Sterling Silver
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
Rene Lalique Glass 'Une Figurine et Fleurs' Plate
By René Lalique
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Rene Lalique clear and frosted glass, 'Une Figurine et Fleurs' plate. Sepia stained details. This pattern features a naked female figure, surrounded by f...
Glass
Reed & Barton Old Sterling Silver Salad Set in Love Disarmed Art Nouveau Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Reed & Barton sterling silver salad set in old, original, Love Disarmed pattern and in Art Nouveau style with exquisite, raised, floral and figural motifs. It consists of a salad fork measuring 10 1/2'' in length by 2 7/8'' in width by 1 2/3'' in height, a serving spoon measuring 10 1/2'' in length. It was not recast, never polished, and never had a monogram and weighs 15 troy ounces. Reed & Barton was founded as Babbitt & Crossman in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1824. The failing company was then purchased by Henry G. Reed and business partner Charles E. Barton–and by 1896, the company was awarded a Medal of Excellence at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition...
Silver, Sterling Silver