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.
Antique 1881 Rogers 7377 Art Nouveau Silver Plated Tea Service Set - 3 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 1881 Rogers 7377 Art Nouveau Silver Plated Tea Service Set - 3 Pcs. Set includes (1) teapot/coffee pot, (1) creamer, (1) sugar bowl. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: T...
Silver Plate
Silver Plate Tea and Coffee Set, Bamboo Model by Christofle, France, circa 1890
By Christofle
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver-plate tea and coffee set, bamboo model by Christofle, France, circa 1890. 1 tray, 1 samovar, 1 teapot, 1 coffeepot, 1 sugar bowl and 1 milk jug. All pieces are signed.
Silver Plate
Antique Edwardian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Bachelor Three Piece Tea Set 1909
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Art Nouveau English sterling silver bachelor three piece tea set; an addition to our Edwardian silverware collection. This exceptional, a...
Sterling Silver
Silver and enamels cloisonné tea strainer, Moscow, Russia 1896.
Located in Milan, IT
Tea strainer with handle, in 84 Zolotnik silver, gilded and decorated with blue and white cloisonné enamels. Moscow, Russia, 1896.
Silver, Enamel
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Plated Nuts & Vines Repousse Tea Pot Tea Kettle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Plated Nuts & Vines Repousse Tea Pot Tea Kettle. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 10" H x 9" W x 6" D.
Silver Plate
Edwardian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Four-Piece Tea Set, Heath & Middleton 1903
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1903 by Heath & Middleton, this elegant antique Edwardian sterling silver four-piece tea set is designed in the Art Nouveau style. The set comprises a tea...
Sterling Silver
Carl Deffner Copper German Art Nouveau Thistle Tea Set - 4 pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Carl Deffner Copper German Art Nouveau Thistle Tea Set - 4 pc Set. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: Tea Pot: 6.25" H x 9" W x 5.5" D ...
Copper
$28,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Enormous Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Tea Service 32
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
This exquisite tea set is a remarkable example of Danish art nouveau craftsmanship. Created by Georg Jensen in 1912, it showcases the iconic grape design, characterized by its elegan...
Sterling Silver
Vintage English Art Nouveau Silver Plated Tulip Flower Handle Design Teapot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage English Art Nouveau Silver Plated Tulip Floral Design Teapot. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 9.5" H x 9" W x 4.5" D.
Silver Plate
Circa 1930s Vintage White Agate Tea Cup, Saucer and Tray Set - 19 Pieces
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
RARE vintage white agate tray and set of 6 tea cups, saucers, and gold spoons with delicate roses on the end, most likely from the 1930s. Includes 19 pieces...
Agate, Metal, Brass
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Mosaic Teapot Sugar Bowl Italian Art Glass Set
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown millefiori flower mosaic Italian art glass teapot, sugar bowl, with teacup and saucer set. Documented to the Fratelli Toso Company, circa 1910-193...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Jugendstil Copper and Brass Teapot by Atelier Mayer for WMF, Germany, 1905-1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chicago, IL
Jugendstil copper and brass teapot set by Atelier Mayer for WMF, Germany, 1905-1910 Dims are of teapot alone.
Metal
Tiffany & Co. Mixed-Metal Teapot
Located in New Orleans, LA
Mixed-Metal Sake Form Teapot Tiffany & Co. Dated 1887 This exceptionally rare mixed-metal teapot is a stunning example of Tiffany & Co.'s magnificent craftsmanship and innov...
Sterling Silver, Copper
Georg Jensen Cosmos Sterling Silver 8 P Tea & Coffee Set 1920, 45 Tray Denmark
By Georg Jensen
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Danish Georg Jensen 8 piece Tea and Coffee set in the Cosmos Pattern. The set comprises of a Kettle on Stand, Coffee Pot, Tea Pot, two Milk / Cream Jugs and two lidded ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Birmingham English Art Nouveau Silver Plated Tea Service - 5 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sheffield English Art Nouveau Silver Plated Tea Service by Birmingham Silver Co - 5 Pc Set. Listing includes (1) Coffee pot, (1) Teapot, (1) Creamer, (1) Covered sugar bowl, ...
Silver Plate
Liberty & Co. Tea Service
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage early 20th century tea service with serving tray is designed & produced by “Liberty & Co.”. The high polished pewter pieces are decorated with...
Silver, Pewter
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Plated Spiral Design Teapot Tea Kettle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Plated Spiral Design Teapot Tea Kettle with Wooden Handle. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 8.5" H x 8" W x 6" D.
Silver Plate
Sèvres Style Gilt and Painted Porcelain Dessert Service for 12
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., France, gilt and painted porcelain dessert service. The set is decorated with pink rose clusters on various color grounds and gold accented scall...
Gold
Art Nouveau Tea Set Limoges Porcelain French A. Lanternier Floral Decor 15 Pcs
By Dresden Porcelain, A. Lanternier & Co. Limoges, Limoges Elite Porcelain 1, Limoges
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
French Limoges porcelain tea set. Style and period: Art Nouveau, Antique Design: Alfred Lanternier Limoges Porcelain Origin: France, Late 19th century begin 20th century Fine Limoges...
Porcelain
Art Nouveau Coffee pots
Located in Glasgow, GB
A fine pair of Art Nouveau Coffee pots by the Birmingham Coppersmith Joseph Sankey and Sons . Art Nouveau period 1910 . In very good condition . Decorative and funtional . Both piece...
Copper
Art Nouveau sterling silver tea and coffee service by Georg Jensen
By Georg Jensen
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Nouveau Tea and Coffee Service in Sterling Silver by Georg Jensen, Denmark, circa 1910-1925. An exceptional and rare Art Nouveau tea and coffee service by Georg Jensen, Denmark,...
Sterling Silver
$3,950 / set
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Tea Service and Trey
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Sarasota, FL
WMF WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK Art Nouveau Jugendstil tea and coffee service with the tray. All pieces marked with the WMF ostrich mark, G for Geslingen city of manufacture, ...
Silver Plate
Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat Glazed Ceramic Teapot
Located in New York, NY
A ceramic lidded teapot by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat featuring a spherical body decorated with dynamic sculptural ribs, an inventive crescent-shaped han...
Ceramic
$950 / set
English Pewter by Liberty & Co Tudric
By Liberty & Co., Tudric
Located in Chicago, IL
English Pewter pieces (Pair) by Liberty & Co Tudric missing the Rattan/Cane around Handles. Additional photos available upon request
Pewter
Royal Chrysanthemum Silver Gilt Teacups and Saucers by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Tiffany & Co.’s beloved Chrysanthemum pattern is showcased in this rare and exceptional teacup service created for royalty. Bearing the coronet of a European baron, this set cont...
Silver
$1,200 / set
Nouveau / Arts and Crafts Copper Coffee Set
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
fleurdetroit presents for your consideration a wondeeful tea service from the Arts and Crafts period. Dazzle guests with a one of a kind find like this early 20th century coffee/tea ...
Copper
Early 20th Century Wiskemann Art Nouveau Silverplate Belgian Tea Set, 3 Pieces
By Wiskemann
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A stylist art nouveau three pieces tea set made in Belgium by famous manufacturer Wiskemann, it's marked on the bottom.
Silver Plate
$304Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Teapot & Warmer Brass-Early 20th Century by F. & R. Fischer, Germany
By Fischer Brothers
Located in Andernach, DE
Wonderful antique brass teapot & warmer - i.e. teapot with stand and in original condition. Completely preserved original from the 1910s to 1920s....
Brass
Silver and enamels cloisonné tea strainer, Moscow, 1884.
Located in Milan, IT
Tea strainer with handle, in 84 Zolotnik silver, gilded and decorated with floral and geometric enamels, cloisonné in white, blue, purple and red. Moscow, Russia, 1884.
Silver, Enamel
Full Side Tea and Coffe Service, Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, Liberty, 1910, 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 A...
Metal
1900 Alphonse Debain - Art Nouveau Papyrus Tea Coffee Set Sterling Silver
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Art Nouveau Tea Coffee Set "Papyrus" made in sterling silver created in 1900. Exhibited at the Universal Exhibition of 1900. All pieces are stamped. Service including: - a 24 cm hig...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Blossom Teapot in Hammered Sterling Silver with Ivory Handle
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen Blossom teapot in hammered sterling silver with ivory handle. Model 2C. Dated 1915-1930. Measures: 24 x 14 cm (incl. Handle). In exc...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Kettle/Pot, Creamer and Sugar Bowl by Frantz Hingelberg, Denmark
By Svend Weihrauch, Frantz Hingelberg
Located in North Miami, FL
1930s Jugendstil sterling silver 3-pieces coffee and tea set: kettle/pot, creamer and sugar bowl designed by Svend Weihrauch for Frantz Hingelberg, Denmark By: Frantz Hingelberg, Sv...
Metal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique James W Tufts 1948 Silver Plated Art Nouveau Tea Set - 5 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique James W. Tufts 1948 Silver Plated Art Nouveau Tea Set 5 Pc Set. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: Largest piece: 6" H x 10" W x 6.5" D.
Silver Plate
Vintage Art Nouveau Pewter Pot by Paul Haustein, Germany, 1905
Located in Roma, IT
Art Nouveau pot is an original decorative object realized in 1905. Original pewter. Produced by Gerhardi & Co., Lüdenscheid. Designed by Paul Haustein...
Pewter
Antique Art Nouveau English Silver Plated Tilting Tea Kettle On Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Nouveau English Silver Plated Tilting Tea Kettle On Stand. Item features ornate leafy scroll accents, tilting handle, very nice antique ...
Silver Plate
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Fine & High Quality Porcelain Tea Cup / Saucer - Rice Grain - Gilt Enameled
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unknown Maker, likely French. Incredibly high quality make - Delicate porcelain with floral and foliate enamel detailing to surfaces - Gold accents to the rims and around each "Rice ...
Enamel
Rörstrand, Sweden, a Set of Eleven Art Nouveau Porcelain Teacups with Saucers
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rörstrand, Sweden. A set of eleven Art Nouveau porcelain teacups with saucers. hand painted with motifs of purple flowers. Approx. 1910s. In excellent condition. First factory quality. Marked in red...
Porcelain
Antique Meriden Art Nouveau Silver Plated Bird Engraved Ornate Teapot Tea Kettle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Meriden Art Nouveau Silver Plated Bird Engraved Ornate Teapot Tea Kettle. Item features ornate decorative engravings, bird engraved on each side, "Z" monogram to one side. Ci...
Silver Plate
Jugenstil Brass Centrepiece / Teaset with Tray by Carl Deffner, Germany, 1910s
By Carl Deffner
Located in Roma, IT
Jugendstil Centrepiece / Teaset with tray is an original decorative object realized in the 1910s. Original brass set. The centrepiece includes different pieces: a sugar bowl, a mikl bowl, a teapot and a tray. Fair conditions; missing sugar bowl cover and some signs of aging. The set is very elegant and bright. The bowls are rounded and the handle are very thin. The handle of the teapot has a wood insert and, the tray presents rounded sides. This work has been realized by Carl Deffner...
Brass
Jugenstil Silver Plate Centerpiece on Tray / Teaset by Karl Berghof, 1905
By J.P. Kayser Sohn, Karl Berghof
Located in Roma, IT
Jugendstil Centerpiece on Tray is a vintage decorative object realized in the 1905/1910. The lot includes: one coffee pot, one tea pot, one cream server, one sugar bowl and one rect...
Silver Plate
Vintage Art Nouveau Pewter Tea Or Coffee Service Unknown German Metalworker 1919
Located in North Miami, FL
This whimsical vintage Art Nouveau German pewter tea or coffee service consists of a covered tea pot, creamer, and sugar bowl. They are incised with Art Nouveau inspired details. Eac...
Pewter
Vintage Jugenstil Coffee Pot by Jacob Heinrich Weiss, Germany Late 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Jugensdstil coffee pot is an original decorative object realized in Germany in the end of the 19th century. Original tin. Canné handle. Realized by Jacob Heinrich Weiss...
Tin
Antique Art Nouveau Style Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service
By Herbert Edward Barker & Frank Ernest Barker 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver three-piece tea service in the Art Nouveau style; an addition to our antique teaware collection. This fine antique G...
Sterling Silver
Jugendstil Silver-Plated Brass Centerpiece, WMF 1920
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Roma, IT
Jugendstil silver-plated brass centrepiece is an original decorative set realized in the 1920s-1930s. Silver-plated brass. Realized by WMF. Made in Germany. The WMF label is...
Silver Plate, Brass
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Coffee Jug by George Unite & Sons, 1921
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver Art Nouveau coffee jug; an addition to the silver teaware collection This ex...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Georg Jensen “Cosmos” Tea & Coffee Set 45
By Johan Rohde
Located in Hellerup, DK
A vintage sterling silver Georg Jensen tea and coffee set with ebony handles, design #45 by Johan Rohde from circa 1915. This design is often referred to as the “Cosmos” design. An a...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Georg Jensen Sterling Silver “Cosmos” Coffee Set 45
By Johan Rohde
Located in Hellerup, DK
A three-piece sterling silver Georg Jensen coffee set with ebony handles, design #45 by Johan Rohde from circa 1915. This design is often refer...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Teapot 1011
By Johan Rohde
Located in Hellerup, DK
A sterling silver Georg Jensen teapot with ebony handle and finial, design #1011 by Johan Rohde from 1906. Originally designed as a coffee pot, this piec...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Jugendstil Coffee Bowl and Cream Server by Friedrich Bethge, Germany
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Jugendstil coffee bowl and cream server is an original decorative pair of objects realized in the first years of the 20th century. Original tin. The lot has been design...
Tin
Art Nouveau 3 Piece Silver Tea Set in Presentation Box - London 1902
By James Wakely & Frank Clarke Wheeler
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1902 by Wakely & Wheeler, this charming, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set, is presented in its original box, and comprises a teapot, cream jug and sugar bo...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Silver Tea Pot With Burner & Tray, D. Vollgold & Son Berlin, Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant silver teapot with a hexagonal cross-section on a hexagonal offset stand, six-sided swan spout, round opening with pearl band decoration on the side, slightly domed press-in ...
Silver
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Silver-Plated Bronze Tea Set by WMF, Art Nouveau, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Silver-plated bronze tea and coffee set, 5 pieces, model 149. Made by the WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 to the present). “Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork, from Wurttem...
Bronze