In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
W W Harrison & Co. An Aesthetic Movement silver-plated tea pot
By William Wheatcroft Harrison & Co. 1
Located in London, GB
W W Harrison & Co (William Wheatcroft Harrison). An Aesthetic Movement silver-plated tea pot. Stamped underneath
Silver Plate
Antique James W. Tufts Boston Engraved Silverplate Aesthetic Movement Tea Set
Located in Centennial, CO
A sweet aesthetic movement antique circa 1880 three piece tea set by Boston maker James W. Tufts. The set is made of silverplate and engraved with decorative Asian motifs including b...
Silver Plate
$1,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
10 Pc., Ambrosius Lamm, Dresden Porcelain Tea Set C. 1910
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 10-piece Ambrosius Lamm Dresden porcelain tea set, dating to circa 1910, epitomizes the elegance and refinement of early 20th-cen...
Porcelain
$9,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare American Aesthetic Movement Six-Piece Silver-Plated Coffee and Tea Service
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Impressive and Rare American Aesthetic Movement Six-Piece Silver-Plated Coffee and Tea Service. The ornately designed service with griffon finials and raised on a tapered and foo...
Silver Plate
Russian imperial porcelain Tea set Lomonosov made in USSR Golden Autumn
By Lomonosov
Located in Delft, NL
Russian imperial porcelain Tea set Lomonosov made in USSR Golden Autumn
Porcelain
Bellevue Rye Floral Design Art Pottery Teapot & Cover
By Rye Pottery
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare antique art pottery teapot and cover decorated with floral designs from the Bellevue pottery in Rye, Sussex and dating from the 19th century. Typical of Rye pottery...
Pottery
Antique Rogers Aesthetic Period Six Piece Silverplate Tea and Coffee Service
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine antique service in very good condition. With fine chased decoration in the Japanese manner with decorative floral sections alternating with angular decorated bands. All pieces footed. Including: a teapot with hinged lid, a coffee pot, a large hot water pot on stand with a burner below (H. 16", W. 11", the bone finish resin knob...
Vermeil, Silver Plate
Christopher Dresser Design Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set on Tray by Elkington
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1878 by Elkington & Co., this stunning, Aesthetic period, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Batchelor Tea Set & Tray,...
Sterling Silver
American Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Tea Set By Meriden B Company
Located in Norwich, GB
American Aesthetic Movement silver plated tea set by Meriden B Company. Circa 1880. This joyful set comprises a small tea pot, milk jug with gilt in...
Silver Plate
Minton Tea cup attributed to Christopher Dresser, 1871
By Christopher Dresser, Minton
Located in Paris, FR
Wonderful aesthetic movement tea cup in hand-painted and hand-gilt porcelain by the English manufactory Minton. Blue background with stylized red flowers imitating the cloisonné technique, very common in the Japonisme ware. Attributed to Christopher Dresser, a famous designer that was working for Minton in 1867. He made very decorative designs, using very often this special shade of blue. A very small quantity of his work was signed, but the quality of some designs allows to make further -attribution to him, such as this tea cup. Signed with Minton hallmarks beneath, "Minton", number of the model G596 (China ware...
Porcelain
Cubist square Tea Set by James W. Tufts, Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated
Located in Paris, FR
The teapot, part of a set including a creamer and sugar bowl, features a truncated pyramid shape with a square base and a flat hinged lid. The design includ...
Silver Plate
Richard Hunt. A Rare Silver Plated Six Piece Matching Tea and Coffee Service.
By Richard Hunt
Located in London, GB
Richard Hunt. A Rare Silver Plated six piece matching tea and coffee service. Measurements :- Tray width 20", height 1 1/4", Teapot width handle to spout 9 1/2", height 5 1/2" Spirit kettle width at base 6", height 11" Coffee pot handle...
Silver Plate
Hukin & Heath, Dresser style, A silver-plated sugar bowl & matching sugar spoon
By Christopher Dresser, Hukin & Heath
Located in London, GB
Hukin and Heath, Dr C Dresser style of, A silver plated sugar bowl and matching sugar sifting spoon.
Silver Plate
James Dixon and Sons An Aesthetic Movement Electroplated Brittania metal tea set
Located in London, GB
James Dixon and Sons. An Aesthetic Movement Electroplated Brittania metal tea set consisting of a teapot, milk jug, and sugar bowl. Teapot 16x17x17. Milk Jug 13x13x7. sugar bowl 9x1...
Silver Plate
Exquisite Aesthetic Movement Silverplated Tea Service by Simpson, Hall & Miller
By Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co.
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Exquisite Aesthetic Movement Silverplated Tea Service by Simpson, Hall & Miller Co. circa 1870-1890, large scale set consisting of a hot water ...
Silver Plate
James Dixon, Dr C Dresser style of. A silver plated sugar bowl and milk jug
Located in London, GB
James Dixon, Dr C Dresser style of. An Aesthetic Movement silver-plated sugar bowl and milk jug, the jug with a trumpet style flower to the handle. H 5 x W 11 x D 11.
Silver Plate
Top Quality Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Teapot and Tray
Located in London, GB
A top quality Aesthetic Movement silver plated teapot and tray. Measures: Teapot height 8 1/2", length including spout 8 1/2". Tray...
Silver Plate
English Measham Bargeware Blue Ribbon Teetotaler Temperance Motto Tea Kettle
By Barge Ware
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Measham – Bargeware Tea Kettle impressed with the Blue Ribbon Temperance motto, England, circa 1880. The Blue Ribbon Movement was active from 1880-1882 in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. The ribbon badge was worn by those who took the pledge of abstinence from alcohol consumption, adopting the term teetotaler. The kettle has a dark brown treacle glaze with enameled, raised and molded floral and fruit applications. The main panel, seen on both sides of the kettle reads, “Sign the Pledge, Don the Blue” The notched lid is held securely in place for pouring. Measham Ware was decorated with floret appliqués and an impressed panel or banner personalized using a printer’s typeface. The pottery, also known as Rockingham or Motto Ware, was produced from the 1870’s by William Mason, a South Derbyshire potter. Often called ‘barge ware’ because it was extensively marketed through a shop on Measham High Street, located near the canal bridge...
Pottery
English Measham Bargeware Love at Home Teapot on Stand
By Barge Ware
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Measham – Bargeware Teapot impressed with the saying, “Love At Home”, England, circa 1880. The three piece teapot set includes the kettle, lid, and table stand. Finished in a dar...
Pottery
Christopher Dresser Henry Loveridge Copper & Brass Teaset
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare aesthetic movement three piece copper and brass teaset designed by Christopher Dresser for Henry Loveridge & Co in 1881. The set comprises of a teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl...
Brass
Antique Aesthetic Movement 7 Piece Silver Plated Tea Set with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated tea set was made by the Meridian Company of the United States in approximately 1890 in the period Aesthetic Mo...
Silver Plate
Triple Silver Plated Tea Urn from Chas. W. Hamill & Co, Baltimore, MD, 1876-1884
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique silver plated tea urn, with ornate arms and lid, from the late 1800's, manufactured in Baltimore, MD, by Chas. Hamill & Co. Lovely vessel to stash all kinds of goodies, thoug...
Silver Plate
Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Hot Water Kettle with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated hot water kettle was made by the Meridian Company of the United States in approximately 1890 in the period Aesthetic Moveme...
Silver Plate
$712Sale Price / set|25% Off
Rare Antique English Aesthetic Movt. Chased Copper Square Tea Kettle on Stand
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Gorgeous Antique English Arts & Crafts or Aesthetic Movement hand chased copper and wrought iron square tea kettle on its original brass barley twist stan...
Brass, Copper
Japonism tea service in silver-plated metal, style C. Dresser
Located in Paris, FR
Exquisite 3-piece tea service set, featuring a teapot, a milk pot, and a sugar bowl. Each piece is meticulously crafted from high-quality silver-plated metal, ensuring both durabilit...
Silver Plate
Moorish Silver Plated Tea Pot, Handcrafted Brass, Morocco, 1940
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Traditional vintage silvered-metal and brass Moroccan tea pot, embossed with traditional repousse design, nicely aged, handcrafted in Fez, stamped in ...
Brass, Silver Plate, Metal
Christopher Dresser Silverplate Tea Set
Located in New Orleans, LA
This silverplate tea set, striking in its simplicity, is the work of celebrated designer Christopher Dresser. Dresser first displayed his designs a...
Silver Plate
$1,250 / set
H 12.5 in W 11 in D 5.5 in
Fabergé Porcelain Tea, Coffee Cups Set of Four in a Velvet Case
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Fine porcelain set of four Fabergé original porcelain coffee or tea cups, service for four. Enjoy the start to your day with the classical sophistication only from Faberge. These s...
Porcelain
$196 / item
H 3.94 in W 5.12 in D 6.3 in
21 Century Porcelain Teapot, M.U.M., Natural Finishing, handcrafted, Kanz
By kanz
Located in Venezia, Veneto
Mum is a porcelain teapot with smooth geometric lines, and is natural to the touch. The CAP disappears on the top, and the profile retains its essential design. Porcelain teapot, mat...
Ceramic
$650
H 14 in W 10 in D 8 in
Antique English Victorian PS Co. Silver Plated Tipping Tea Pot on Warming Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Victorian PS Co. Silver Plated Tipping Tea Pot on Warming Base. Item features a footed base, tilting handle, decorated body, original h...
Silver Plate
Russian Lomonosov Blue Gold and White Porcelain Plate
By Lomonosov
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Russian blue, gold and white porcelain plate in the 'Cobalt Net' pattern by Lomonosov Porcelain, Russia, circa late-20th century, after 1991. Wi...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous, early 20th century large Russian imperial brass samovar set. Tray and bowl included. Measures 16" in width, 16" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Brass
Antique Sheffield Silverplate Tea Set, Victorian Style, 1920s-1930s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant classic antique sheffield silverplate tea set- 3 pieces. These are silver plated with black Bakelite handles and lid knobs. They are from c...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Japanese Porcelain, Satsuma Tea Set, 23 Pieces
Located in Milano, IT
...
Porcelain
$295 / set
H 5.5 in W 11 in D 6.5 in
Old English Melon Community Plate Silver Plated Coffee Tea Set - 2 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Old English Melon Community Plate Silver Plated TN Coffee Set - 2 PC Set. Item features (1) coffee pot, (1) lidded sugar bowl, floral repousse handles, brown wooden handle, original...
Silver Plate
John Prip Designed Reed & Barton 'Denmark' Silver Plate Tea Pot
By John Prip
Located in Sharon, CT
Elegant classic mid century American tea oot in Scandinavian style.
Silver Plate
$325 / set
H 5.5 in W 10.25 in D 6.75 in
Antique Webster & Son Victorian Silver Plated Etched Tea Set - 3 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Webster & Son Victorian Silver Plated Etched Tea Set - 3 Pc Set. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 5.5" H x 10.25" W x 6.75" D.
Silver Plate
Minton, 'Faisan', Aesthetic Movement Tea Cups & Saucers, U.K., Circa 1880
By Minton
Located in Chatham, ON
MINTON - 'Faisan' - Rare antique Aesthetic Movement ceramic tea cups and saucers - set of four - transfer decorated in brown on a cream ground - elabor...
Ceramic
Sold
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Stunning aesthetic period antique sterling silver tea set - hallmarked in 1874
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Exeter in 1874 by James & Josiah Williams, this exquisite, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver 4 Piece Tea Set, features incredible aesthetic design influenced engraving...
Sterling Silver
Tea Set, 3 pieces silver plated, 19th Century Japonism
Located in Paris, FR
An exquisite 19th-century Japanese Silver-Plated Tea Set, a true embodiment of the enchanting charm of the Meiji era, which greatly influenced English designers. This three-piece ens...
Silver Plate
Christopher Dresser Silver Plate Teapot
Located in San Diego, CA
Christopher Dresser Teapot, designed in 1879 and produced later. Silver plate with a wood handle. Signed on the bottom. According to the V...
Silver Plate
Set of 12 Coalport Cups & Saucers W/ Cobalt, Gold, Sterling Silver Fittings
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 12 Coalport Espresso cups and saucers are presented in 2 original fitted boxes each holding 6. They were retailed by the Tiffany's of Rangoon, Burma! (now Myanmar), S. C....
Silver
Sold
H 4.34 in Dm 2.96 in
Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Slip Decorated Mug by Alice E Budden 1883
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement mug vase decorated with stylized and geometric designs by acclaimed artist Alice E Budden and dated 1883. The mug is very finely potted with slip applied geometric contained leaf designs around the lower body and larger trailing stylized stems to the upper body with both set against a textured brown salt glazed...
Stoneware
Sold
H 8.47 in W 6.5 in D 6.3 in
Very Stylish 3 Piece Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Set, Sheffield, 1897
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1897 by Mappin & Webb, this charming and stylish, 3 piece, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set, is the Aesthetic...
Sterling Silver
19th Century English Majolica Basketweave and Floral Tea Kettle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Majolica tea kettle, from the Staffordshire region, maker unknown, circa 1860-1880. In remarkable condition, the body shows a basketweave pattern glazed in a soft ultra...
Earthenware
19th Century English Majolica Blue Basketweave and Wild Rose Teapot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Majolica teapot, from the Staffordshire region, maker unknown, circa 1860-1880. In remarkable condition, the pouch shaped body shows a basketweave pattern glazed in a w...
Earthenware
French Art Nouveau Teapot with Dragonfly Sterling Silver Stamped
Located in Paris, FR
Sterling silver teapot decorated with Art nouveau patterns in relief, such as flowers, leaves, and dragonflies. At the end of the 19th century, many artists have been inspired by t...
Silver
Sold
H 4.34 in W 8.27 in D 6.3 in
Stunning Engraved Victorian Antique Sterling Silver 3 Piece Tea Set - 1892/98
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1892 and 1898 by Albert Henry Thompson, this incredibly attractive, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set, features wonderful brightcut engraved decor...
Sterling Silver
English Porcelain Teacup, Aesthetic Movement Bronze-Gilt Sprigs, ca 1875
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful teacup and saucer made by an unknown factory probably in Staffordshire in about 1875. The cup has a nice clean bucket shape with a loop handle with a gilt motif, ...
Porcelain