Aesthetic Movement Lighting
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT
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.
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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Pair of Sculptural White Ceramic Lamps, Elephants, Italy, Circa 1970
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
We are pleased to present a magnificent pair of sculptural white ceramic lamps, made in Italy, dating from the second half of the 20th century (around 1970).
These rare pieces, bot...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
20th Century Iron Faux Bois / Twig Floor Lamps, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 20th century iron faux bois or twig from floor lamps with interesting shades. They were candelabras that I had converted, so the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Iron
Large Gothic Style Bronze Eight-Light Chandelier
Located in Montreal, QC
This late 19th century Gothic style patinated bronze chandelier was once a gasolier,. It has eight arms, four flowing down from the foliate decorated crown . The other four upturn...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th century Japanese Cloisonne Vase Mounted as a Lamp
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Japanese cloisonne vase mounted as a lamp. Late Meiji period vase mounted as a lamp in the mid-20th century. Lapet reserves on 6 panels creating a hexagonal body. U...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Silver, Copper
Monumental Italian 1950s Wrought Iron Wall Lamp
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Italian 1950s wrought iron wall lamp.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Iron
Large 19th Century Forged Iron Sconce
Located in Carmel, CA
This large sconce has seven candles or light cups. The upward arms of the sconce have berry and leaf detail. The candle cups are flower petals. It is drilled to be easily electrified...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Iron
Extraordinary Pair of Flower Basket Crystal and Paint Decorated Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of stunning two-light antique flower basket form, crystal and bead encrusted with paint decoration wall sconces. The metal woven baskets are de...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Crystal
Pair of plaster lamps, in the manner of Jean Michel Franck
Located in Nice, FR
This pair of plaster lamps has a very elegant and timeless design. The sculptural base, composed of stacked geometric shapes, gives them a handcrafted and modern look. In the style o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Plaster
Pair 19 century French Gilt Bronze Aestethic Urn Form Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt and patinated and git bronze table lamps with urn shape with looping handles and raised gilt designs of blooming tree branches.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Unique Pair of Faux Rosewood Clarinet Form Table Lamps
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Faux rosewood base. Clarinet body. 37 3/4" h x 5 1/2" diameter.
Condition
Good condition. We recommend all lighting be rewired.
Category
1970s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Murano Opaline Glass Pair of Elegant Lamps
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Unusual model for these beautiful elegant old Murano lamps, suitable for a sitting room or a sleeping room.
I recommend making hats when they arrive, so You can make them as You wish...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Art Glass
Elegant Hand Gilt and Painted Porcelain Lamp by Royal Worcester, England 1878
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Magnificent hand gilt and enameled porcelain vase by Royal Worcester, circa 1870-80. The raised gilt and decorated surface with a coral background with gilt bronze and gold tones wit...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century Brass and Mirror Sconces
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This pair of unusual American Aesthetic Movement brass sconces has a beveled mirror centered in a square frame with an ornamental cornice at the top and three candle arms emanating f...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Brass
Vintage French Empire Style Figural Woman Black & Gold Brass Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Figural Winged Woman Black & Gold Brass Metal Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 30" H (to finial) x 19" H (to light socket) x 7"...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Metal
Orientalist Austrian Cold Painted and Stained Glass Tented Table Lamp
Located in New York City, NY
A charming Middle Eastern theme decorative table lamp / night light in leaded glass and cold painted French metal. Highly atmospheric with a soft glow and deep rich colors, the mosai...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Spelter
Ceramic Table Lamp by Jie Ceramics, Sweden
Located in London, GB
Unusual ceramic table lamp in cobalt blue and brown ceramic. The cobalt blue background has a high glaze and the climbing figures are in brown unglazed ceramic. This beautiful design in high relief depicts naked figures climbing up a cliff face. Each figure is unique and shows a wonderful expression of movement and naive charm. Designed by Sys Marstrand for JIE ceramics, Sweden.
Jie Keramik (Jie Ceramics) was founded in 1909 in the south of Sweden. It was active until 1992 and became known for its pottery...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Ceramic
Stylish Aesthetic Blacksmith Made Large Ballon Light A stunning one off design
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Stylish Aesthetic Blacksmith Made Large Ballon Light
A stunning one off design, the light comes from France it is hand made in the shape of a flying balloon, it is created with meta...
Category
1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Iron
Italian Murano Glass Vintage Table Lamp
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
The true Murano artistically engraved glass table lamp: elegant and settable anywhere.
It is NOT necessary to change the power supply, but also use Your lamps with 110 W - 12 V.
Now...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Art Glass
Sculptural Bronze Lamp with Dual Patina Representing Indra on Airavata, Thailand
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
We present to you an exceptional piece of art, a sculptural bronze lamp dating from the mid-20th century, which majestically combines traditional Thai craftsmanship with a mythologic...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Sconces by E. F. Caldwell
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Influenced by the French Japonisim Movement, these four enamel on copper plaques mounted in gilt bronze by renown maker Edward F. Caldwell are in the Aesthetic Movement style. The ov...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Copper
Superb French Table Lamp Modelled on a Paris Street Lamp
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Superb French Table Lamp Modelled on a Paris Street Lamp
An Exhibition Stand Alone Piece, made in brass and set on a marble plinth
I believe this is a one off designer made piece it...
Category
1910s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Brass
African bead pendants with mouth blown milk glass shades
By Csaba Markus
Located in Berkeley, CA
We have created three new pendants using rolled African ash beads, earth and stone mixed.
They can be a symbol and celebration of womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, protection, seduction, and wealth,
The milk glass was blown by our Bay Area super star Alex Abajian at Glow studios.
We value these unique lights...
Category
2010s Botswanan Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Coade Stone, Art Glass
Aesthetic Movement Victorian Table Lamp
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Aesthetic Movement Victorian Table Lamp. Shade is not included. 22" tall to the top of the fixture stem. This was originally an oil lamp wired for...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
French Hand Painted Table Lamp
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Vibrant hand painted 19th century Faience and bronze urn now electrified. A maze yellow background with hand painted iris and leaf pattern. The basic shade is for photographic purpos...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Aesthetic Movement Copper and Brass Oil Lamp
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement copper and brass oil lamp
With stylised base and set on 3 splayed feet
This lamp has been sympathetically converted to electric but could easily be re-converted ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Brass, Copper
Asian Style Wood Wall Lantern Sconce, Early 20th Century circa 1915
Located in San Francisco, CA
Asian / Esthetic Movement style wooden lantern shaped wall sconce with mica panel inserts.
Newly reconditioned and re-wired, ready to install.
In good antique condition.
Early 20th ...
Category
Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Lamps, Murano Glass, Pebbles, 20th
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of Murano glass lamps, emerald color, similar to pebbles. They are mounted in lamps with a white lampshade. An E 27 base bulb.
Pair of very elegant lamps.The originality is the...
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Art Glass
Pair of Wall Lights, Murano, 1970, Attribuée Mazzega
By AVMazzega
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of Murano glass sconces, transparent, chromed metal structure,
Italian work from the 70s.
Attributed to Mazzega.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Art Glass
Pair of Plaster Lamps, Cubist , moderniste
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of plaster lamps, cubist, XX th, work done at home, artist's creation. They sold with the lampshade. Base E 27.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Plaster
Italian Style Neo Classical Bronze Table Lamp Figural Base Paw Feet
Located in Toledo, OH
Italian style Neo- Classical bronze table lamp resting on three paw feet. Dimensions: 37" high x 9.5" diameter.
Category
20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Textured Glass, Brass and Steel Pendant in the Style of Stilnovo-Ipso Facto
Located in Nice, FR
Stylnovo Ipso facto metal lantern with crackle glass globe, from Italy, 1960. Green color. Interesting metal work.
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Brass
Aesthetic Movement Brass Adjustable Standard Lamp
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement brass adjustable standard lamp
With a chased scallop collar and raised on ball feet
Converted from oil and rewired to the current British Standard
William Morri...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Brass Standing Floor Lamp
Located in Long Island City, NY
Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Brass Standing Floor Lamp.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Asymmetric Plaster Lamps, French
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of asymmetric shaped plaster lamps.
White cotton shade. an E 27 base bulb.
This pair is made entirely by hand. Neat finish. The lampshade is included in the price.
To be p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Plaster
Stilnovo, Lighting, Italy 1950 Th
By Stilnovo
Located in Nice, FR
Italian light from the 1950s, with 6 white opalines, brass structure, red metal, original bakelite parts. Interesting to find a light from this period, all complete.
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Opaline Glass
Lighting Italy, Sconce, xx Th
Located in Nice, FR
a single light, brass structure, a very beautiful Murano glass plate. Application of a geometric design on the glass plate. Single model.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair Lamps, Modernist, Metal, Geometric
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of lamps, modernist, composed of a lampshade of a gray metal sphere and a fabric lampshade. Palm style beech wood. The pair of Lamps is a creation, it is not mass-produced. Ampo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Aesthetic Movement Lighting
Materials
Beech
Aesthetic Movement lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Csaba Markus, Champeleve, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Elkington & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $408 and tops out at $32,500 while the average work can sell for $2,800.