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.
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 Elk Stag Porcelain Creamer
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
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
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
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
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
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
$232Sale 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 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
$251Sale Price|20% Off
Pressure Cast Iron Pot Ch. Umbach Bietigheim, 1910s
Located in Praha, CZ
Germany Good original condicion.
Iron
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
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
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
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
Art Nouveau Silver 6-Piece Coffee & Tea Set, Ludwig Politzer, Vienna, Circa 1900
By Viennese Manufactory, Ludwig Politzer
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Art Nouveau silver service comprising six pieces: a coffee pot, a teapot, a cocoa or hot water pot, a cream jug, a sugar bowl and a tray. Vessels with an oval base and smooth...
Silver
$2,268Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$549Sale 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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Jugendstil Brass centerpiece vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil Brass centerpiece vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
Punch Bowl Style, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, 1880, Signed WMF, with Ladle
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
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
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
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
$325Sale Price|26% Off
Breakfast Set for Butter by Argentor
Located in Wien, Au
Breakfast for Butter by Argentor Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
Georg Jensen Beaded Sterling Silver Iced Teaspoon 078, 1916
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A sterling silver Georg Jensen Iced Teaspoon, item 078 in the Beaded pattern, design #7 by Georg Jensen from 1916. Additional information: Material: Sterling Silver Style: Art Nouve...
Sterling Silver
$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
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
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
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
Georg Jensen Lily of the Valley Silver, Fish Knife and Fish Fork
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen Lily of the valley silver, fish knife and fish fork. Measures: Fish knife 21 cm. In perfect condition. Early stamp. Designed...
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