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Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

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
Leather Giraffe 20th Century, England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb leather giraffe from England from the 20th century from the 50's Very nice giraffe in superb condition which has a very beautiful patina. The bl...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Leather

Leather Giraffe 20th Century, England
Leather Giraffe 20th Century, England

Leather Giraffe 20th Century, England

19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse
19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse

19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse

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Early 20th century French Plaster Nativity Scene Figurines signed Marron, 1920s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice and rare 20th century French set of plaster nativity scene figurines. Twelve pieces are representing the religious nativity characters and the animals. Large dimensions. ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Plaster

Early 20th century French Plaster Nativity Scene Figurines signed Marron, 1920s
Early 20th century French Plaster Nativity Scene Figurines signed Marron, 1920s

Early 20th century French Plaster Nativity Scene Figurines signed Marron, 1920s

H 16.15 in Dm 5.52 in
Late 20th Century Coastal Boho Tall Rattan Giraffe Planter Decoratize
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Wear and scuffs consistent with age and use overall in great condition and no breaks. DescriptionThis whimsical vintage rattan giraffe is a charming and unique decorative piece, perf...
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1980s North American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

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Wicker, Rattan

Late 20th Century Coastal Boho Tall Rattan Giraffe Planter Decoratize
Late 20th Century Coastal Boho Tall Rattan Giraffe Planter Decoratize

Late 20th Century Coastal Boho Tall Rattan Giraffe Planter Decoratize

H 67 in W 13 in D 18 in
19th Century Mexican Wooden Hand-Painted Virgin with Child in Arms
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century Mexican wooden hand-painted virgin with child in arms.
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

19th Century Mexican Wooden Hand-Painted Virgin with Child in Arms
19th Century Mexican Wooden Hand-Painted Virgin with Child in Arms

19th Century Mexican Wooden Hand-Painted Virgin with Child in Arms

H 11.03 in W 8.27 in D 3.15 in
Pair of 19th Century Brass Parabolic Reflectors
Located in Chicago, IL
In the 19th century, parabolic reflectors such as these were employed in scientific experiments to study the behavior of light, heat, and sound. These brass parabolic mirrors, when p...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Brass Parabolic Reflectors
Pair of 19th Century Brass Parabolic Reflectors

Pair of 19th Century Brass Parabolic Reflectors

H 35.75 in W 16 in D 12 in
20th Century French Musical Automate by Farkas with Its Dome Glass, 1950s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Magnificent and rare automaton pianist doll under a globe made by automaton repairer and manufacturer Jean Farkas in the 1950s. The doll plays a serenade of Haydens by Mozart, its ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Wood

20th Century French Musical Automate by Farkas with Its Dome Glass, 1950s
20th Century French Musical Automate by Farkas with Its Dome Glass, 1950s

20th Century French Musical Automate by Farkas with Its Dome Glass, 1950s

H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Mid-19th Century French Carved Giltwood and Polychromed Virgin Mary Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful, antique sculpture of the Virgin Mary in prayers was created in Pyrenees of France, circa 1860. Embellished with gold leaf and polychrome finish, the Classic religious...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Giltwood

Mid-19th Century French Carved Giltwood and Polychromed Virgin Mary Statue
Mid-19th Century French Carved Giltwood and Polychromed Virgin Mary Statue

Mid-19th Century French Carved Giltwood and Polychromed Virgin Mary Statue

H 22 in W 8 in D 7 in
Early 20th century London News advertising figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century London News advertising figure We share what we love, and we love this rare example of a first quarter English London News advertising figure in the form of a beefeater. Produced by Pytram Limited of New Malden Surrey England. This figure is made of composite form and would have sat on the shop counter. A rare example in this condition and size. unusual fully articulated Edwardian prosthetic leg...
Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Composition

Early 20th century London News advertising figure
Early 20th century London News advertising figure

Early 20th century London News advertising figure

H 20 in W 8 in D 8 in
Italian 19th Century Carved Wooden Saint Figure
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice saint figure. Hand carved wood with glass eyes Italy, circa 1800-1850. Weathered, small losses.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Italian 19th Century Carved Wooden Saint Figure
Italian 19th Century Carved Wooden Saint Figure

Italian 19th Century Carved Wooden Saint Figure

H 12.8 in W 5.71 in D 4.34 in
Pair of Obelisks, Red Serpentine, Cornwall England 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of small obelisks out of red serpentine with hieroglyph decor (North side Cleopatra's Needle, today Central Park, NY - and Lateranobelisk situated o...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Serpentine

Pair of Obelisks, Red Serpentine, Cornwall England 19th Century
Pair of Obelisks, Red Serpentine, Cornwall England 19th Century

Pair of Obelisks, Red Serpentine, Cornwall England 19th Century

H 11.42 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Early 20th Century Liberty & Co Deer Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century liberty & co deer figure This early 20th Century leather deer was probably bought from Liberty of London in the 1920s. It’s quite a ...
Category

1920s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Leather

Early 20th Century Liberty & Co Deer Figure
Early 20th Century Liberty & Co Deer Figure

Early 20th Century Liberty & Co Deer Figure

H 31 in W 31 in D 18 in
19th Century Mexican Wooden Hand-Painted Virgin with Child in Arms
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Mexican wooden hand-painted virgin with child in arms.
Category

Mid-19th Century Mexican Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

19th Century Mexican Wooden Hand-Painted Virgin with Child in Arms
19th Century Mexican Wooden Hand-Painted Virgin with Child in Arms

19th Century Mexican Wooden Hand-Painted Virgin with Child in Arms

H 11.03 in W 8.27 in D 3.15 in
Mid-20th Century Baby Jesus Figure in the Cradle
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-20th century hand painted baby Jesus figure made of ceramic in the cradle. Made in Barcelona, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent ...
Category

1950s Spanish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mid-20th Century Baby Jesus Figure in the Cradle
Mid-20th Century Baby Jesus Figure in the Cradle

Mid-20th Century Baby Jesus Figure in the Cradle

H 5.12 in W 7.49 in D 11.03 in
Previously Available Items
Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Spying
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Staffordshire child’s ABC plate by Thomas Goodwin, Canal Works, Navigation Road, Burslem, circa 1824-1854. This plate is entitled, “Spying.” It...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Stoneware

Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Spying
Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Spying

Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Spying

H 0.75 in Dm 5 in
Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Laughing
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Staffordshire child’s ABC plate by Thomas Goodwin, Canal Works, Navigation Road, Burslem, circa 1824-1854. An extremely scarce example, one of ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Stoneware

Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Laughing
Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Laughing

Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Laughing

H 0.75 in Dm 5 in
Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Snuffing
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Staffordshire child’s ABC plate by Thomas Goodwin, Canal Works, Navigation Road, Burslem, circa 1824-1854. An extremely scarce example, one of ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Stoneware

Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Snuffing
Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Snuffing

Thomas Goodwin English Staffordshire Child’s ABC Bad Manners Plate, Snuffing

H 0.75 in Dm 5 in
English Staffordshire Transferware Child’s ABC Clock Teaching Plate, Blue
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Staffordshire, England, a children’s teaching plate, circa 1880-1900. This charming ABC plate is printed in a dimensional, geometric fan pattern, showi...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Stoneware

English Staffordshire Transferware Child’s ABC Clock Teaching Plate, Blue
English Staffordshire Transferware Child’s ABC Clock Teaching Plate, Blue

English Staffordshire Transferware Child’s ABC Clock Teaching Plate, Blue

H 1 in Dm 7.5 in
English Staffordshire Transferware Child’s ABC Clock Teaching Plate, Brown
By Staffordshire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Staffordshire, England, a Children’s teaching plate, circa 1880-1900. This charming ABC plate is printed in a dimensional, geometric fan pattern, showing the entire alphabet, numbers one through fifty-two for the fifty-two weeks in a year, the twelve months of the year, and a clock face. During meal times, a child might learn his ABC’s, the calendar, and how to tell time. ABC plates...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Stoneware

English Staffordshire Transferware Child’s ABC Clock Teaching Plate, Brown
English Staffordshire Transferware Child’s ABC Clock Teaching Plate, Brown

English Staffordshire Transferware Child’s ABC Clock Teaching Plate, Brown

H 1 in Dm 7.5 in
Doll's Marble-Top Bird's Eye Maple and Faux Bamboo Highboy Furniture, France
Located in Montreal, QC
Well proportioned antique five-drawer bird's eye maple and marble top highboy, banded on the sides and between the drawers with faux bamboo maple. The sides and back are made of pine...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Marble

Doll's Marble-Top Bird's Eye Maple and Faux Bamboo Highboy Furniture, France
Doll's Marble-Top Bird's Eye Maple and Faux Bamboo Highboy Furniture, France

Doll's Marble-Top Bird's Eye Maple and Faux Bamboo Highboy Furniture, France

H 15 in W 9.5 in D 4.9 in
Maple and Faux Bamboo Marble-Top Doll's Wash Stand Furniture, France
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful petite faux bamboo marble top and single drawer wash stand, with peaked frame swivel mirror centering splash guard on three sides and faux bamboo towel...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

Materials

Marble

Maple and Faux Bamboo Marble-Top Doll's Wash Stand Furniture, France
Maple and Faux Bamboo Marble-Top Doll's Wash Stand Furniture, France

Maple and Faux Bamboo Marble-Top Doll's Wash Stand Furniture, France

H 19 in W 13 in D 7.5 in

Aesthetic Movement toys and dolls for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement toys and dolls for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage toys and dolls created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with animal skin, fruitwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement toys and dolls made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 toys and dolls differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,085 and tops out at $1,622 while the average work can sell for $1,353.

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