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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$2,262Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Jugendstil Brass Napkin Holder vienna around 1910
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil Brass Napkin Holder vienna around 1910 Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
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
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
$558Sale 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
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
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 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
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
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
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
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
$236Sale 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 remarkable collection of Georg Jensen sterling silverware in the elegant Acanthus pattern, created by Johan Rohde in 1917. All items have been professionally polished by Georg Jen...
Sterling Silver
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
Beautiful late 19th-century Gien faience dinner service
Located in New York, NY
Some table services charm with their refinement. Others invite you into a whole imaginary garden. This beautiful late 19th-century Gien faience dinner service immediately captivates ...
Faience
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
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
Pitcher WMF, German, 1909 in Silver Plated, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
$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
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
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
Georg Jensen Continental Silverware Service for 12, 1906
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
An extensive vintage Georg Jensen sterling silverware service for 12 in the Continental pattern, pattern #4 by Georg Jensen designed in 1906. This service comprises 12 settings, each...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our Argentina galleries are shipped directly to your address via air freight. • Simplified Customs Management: We handle the processing of export permits and the payment of customs duties. You will receive your purchase without additional paperwork or surprise costs. • High-Security Packaging: Following FedEx international standards, each piece is protected in custom-made wooden crates, designed to withstand 1-meter impacts and ensure the integrity of the object during transit. • Note for shipments to the USA: To comply with shipping company regulations and ensure delivery at the destination, a valid tax ID (EIN, SSN, or ITIN) is required. • Domestic US Shipping: For those pieces available in our United States storage, logistics are managed through 1stdibs. Personalized Restorations Our team of expert artisans offers restoration services tailored to your aesthetic preferences and design needs: • Cabinetry and Polishing: We perform polishing work on woods, allowing for transitions from light to dark tones (including deep black finishes). • Upholstery: We reupholster chairs and armchairs with fabrics or leathers of your choice, guaranteeing a high-quality finish. • Lighting: We adapt ceiling lamps by shortening smooth rods to adjust them to the height of your rooms. • Metal Treatment: * Restoration of chromed or silver-plated bronze pieces to their original state. o Chroming or silver-plating services for bronze objects. Personalized Quotes: We would be delighted to advise you and provide a quote for any intervention according to your personal taste. Pair of Champagne cooler...
Silver Plate
Big Vase , German, 1900 in Silver, Art Nouveau
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
Early 20th Century 12-Service Stainless Metal Flatware 176 Pieces Set, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Art Nouveau 12-service stainless metal flatware 176 pieces set made in France imported to Argentina by Walser, Wald y Cia. By: Walser, Wald y Cia. (importer) Mate...
Metal, Silver, Nickel
Punch Bowl Style, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, 1880, Signed WMF
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...
Silver Plate
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
Vintage Silver Plate Gold Wash Sugar Scuttle Scoop Server Pitcher, Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful silver plated sugar scuttle server, vintage Sweden. Nice addition to every table. Some patina, but this is old-age. Found at an Estate sale ...
Metal, 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
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
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
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
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
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
$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