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Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

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
Vintage Navajo-Style Rug with Tree of Life Pictorial
Located in Dallas, TX
78719 Vintage Navajo-Style Kilim with Tree of Life Pictorial, 02'04 x 03'05. Enter the enchanting realm of Navajo-style myth and legend, where the Tree of Life unfolds as a poetic in...
Category

Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1970's Mexican Tessellated Fish Zapotec Carpet with Mid-Century Cubist Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79154 Vintage Tessellated Fish Zapotec Kilim Rug, 02'08 x 04'09. This mesmerizing handwoven wool vintage Tessellated Fish Zapotec rug is a vibrant celebration of artistry, craftsmans...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1920s Antique Crystal Navajo-Style Blanket Rug Native American Textile
Located in Dallas, TX
78723 Antique Crystal Navajo-Style Kilim, 02'06 x 05'05. Crystal Navajo-style kilims, inspired by the renowned weaving tradition from the Crystal area near New Mexico in the American...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1940's Yeibichai Navajo-Style Textile with Southwest Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78502 Vintage Yeibichai Navajo-Style Kilim, 05'03 x 07'03. Yeibichai Navajo-style kilims are a distinctive expression within Southwestern weaving traditions, depicting figures from t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1950's Two Grey Hills Navajo-Style Rug, Organic Modern Meets Subtle Southwest
Located in Dallas, TX
78637 Vintage Two Grey Hills Navajo-Style Kilim, 02'11 x 05'00. Organic Modern meets subtle Southwest style in this handwoven Two Grey Hills Navajo-style kilim. The eye-catching desi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1970's Mexican Blanket Carpet with Aztec Figure, Zapotec Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
77849 Vintage Mexican blanket with Mayan Aztec Figure, 02'06 x 04'09. With its expressive design, incredible detail and texture, this handwoven wool vintage Mexican blanket is a captivating vision of woven beauty. The abrashed field features a Mayan Aztec human figure in the center Whether placed on the floor or hung on the wall as a tapestry, this vintage Mexican serape...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Eye Dazzler Navajo-Style Rug, Modern Southwest & Luxury Lodge
Located in Dallas, TX
78627 Antique Eye Dazzler Navajo-Style Kilim Sampler, 01'06 x 03'02. Modern Southwest style meets luxury lodge in this handwoven Native American-inspired N...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1930's Klagetoh Navajo-Style Rug with Native American Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77770 Vintage Klagetoh Navajo-Style Kilim Rug, 04'06 x 07'02. This handwoven wool vintage Klagetoh Navajo-style kilim is a masterful representation of Navajo-inspired weaving, rooted...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1930's Ganado Navajo-Style Pictorial Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
78425 Vintage Ganado Navajo-Style Pictorial Rug, 02'02 x 03'02. Woven into the dusk-hued weft of this vintage Ganado Navajo-style kilim rug is a luminous tableau of tradition, ceremo...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Brown Two Grey Hills Navajo-Style Rug Carpet, Native American Textile
Located in Dallas, TX
78748 Antique Two Grey Hills Navajo-Style Kilim, 02'03 x 02'10. Two Grey Hills Navajo-style kilims, originating from the region historically associated with this iconic weaving tradi...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1930's Ganado Navajo-Style Rug, Earthy Southwestern Meets Luxury Lodge
Located in Dallas, TX
78632 Vintage Ganado Navajo-Style Kilim, 01'07 x 02'11. Earthy Southwestern meets luxury lodge in this handwoven Navajo-style kilim. The eye-catching Gana...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

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Native American Navajo Handwoven Green, Beige and Brown Rug Blanket
Located in Studio City, CA
A nicely made, handwoven Navajo rug. Would be a nice addition to your Native American collection or eye-catching accent piece. Dimensions: 38" high, 48" wide.
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

"Court Series" Field House Rug by Pieces, Modern Hand-Tufted Colorful Red Carpet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The “Court Series” rugs are hand tufted with blended wool and viscose material dyed in hyper-saturated colors, with tennis court-like geometries repre...
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2010s Indian Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

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Wool

Zabihi Collection American Navajo Blanket Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century American Navajo Blanket Rug Details rug no. j3080 size 2' 6" x 4' 6" (76 x 137 cm)
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

"Court Series" Half Court Rug by Pieces, Modern Hand Tufted Colorful Carpet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The “Court Series” rugs are hand tufted with blended wool and viscose material dyed in hyper-saturated colors, with tennis court-like geometries repre...
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2010s Indian Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

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Oval Mid-20th Century Handmade American Braided Room Size Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A vintage American Braided oval room size carpet handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 9' 5" x 12' 3" North American has never developed a unified handmade rug tradition, but rather it is the unassimilated confluence of several. From Mexico comes the Saltillo serape wearing blanket, and this stimulates the Navajo and Rio Grande (Colorado) weavers, first as blankets, then as rugs. The thrifty habits of rural America gave rise to the New England (and Western Canadian) hooked rug types, while the farmers of the Midwest recycled their disused garments into braided and rag rugs. The closest to a real ongoing tradition are the Southwestern (New Mexican) Navajo rugs. By the 1860’s the native tribes were weaving wearing blankets with wool from the Spanish churro sheep. These were in stripe design, with combinations of undyed wool with cochineal reds and indigo blues. The multi-phase “Chief’s Blankets” from the 1870’s-80’s are a natural outgrowth of these. Machine spun red wool from Germantown in Pennsylvania appeared in the 1870’s with a bright red hitherto unobtainable. The weavers loved it and blankets appeared with bright reds, generally aniline, in “eye dazzler” patterns. Anglo traders established posts beginning in the 1890’s. Navajo weavings were perfect accompaniments not only for Western-themed decors, but for East Coast apartments, only they needed to be thicker and more rug like to be truly accepted. The traders brought Caucasian and Turkish village rugs to copy, borders were introduced and central medallions devised. The weavers continued to create on vertical looms, with a shared warp (dovetailing) weft structure to avoid slits. The warps were cotton string. Sizes were generally scatters, but occasionally a special order came in, hence antique room size Navajos are very rare and very pricey. Distinct village/pueblo styles developed. Among the best are: Two Grey Hills (considered the tightest, closest of all Navajo weaving), Crystal Springs and Ganado. Certain new patterns such as the “Storm pattern” with jagged lightning bolts emanating from a dark cloud developed. The Yei rug with dancing Kachina doll figures became popular. The palette has been expanded beyond the classic grey, tan, dark brown and cream natural wool combination to again include reds, blue and greens. Navajo pictorials include: American flags, trains and automobiles, domestic and local scenes and scenery. Individual artist weavers now command gallery shows and correspondingly elevated prices. There are several levels of Navajo work, and antique and vintage scatters with simple flat designs, medium weaves and tritonal palettes, and in good floor worthy condition are still available reasonably. The Native American weaving tradition extends into Colorado with two piece scatters with sharp sawtooth medallions and striped end borders, with wool tapestry weave on cotton warps. These descend from the Saltillo blankets...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool, Yarn

Antique Mexican Star Wool Serape Blanket
Located in New York, NY
Handwoven antique Mexican serape blanket with central star design and traditional Native symbols in natural pigment dyed wool on natural brown w...
Category

Early 20th Century Mexican Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mexican Zapotec Wool Rug Abstract Modern Design Hand-Dyed Mustard White Brown
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This abstract rug is made by master weaver Roman Gutierrez in Oaxaca, Mexico. Yellow/ mustard, creamy white and brown/almond colors are portraited in this modern Zapotec rug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

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Mid-20th Century Handmade American Braided Round / Circular Accent Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A vintage American Braid round/circular accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 7' 1" x 7' 1".
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool, Yarn

Vintage Native American Indian Navajo Saddle Blanket in Red, Brown & Caramel
Located in Barrington, IL
This vintage Navajo saddle blanket, handwoven in the mid-20th century, features a distinctive wide band pattern in warm, earthy hues of red, brown, and caramel, beautifully set against a soft taupe background. The design, reminiscent of traditional Navajo Corn Husk bags, reflects the enduring artistry and symbolic expression central to Navajo weaving traditions. Crafted using the classic flat-weave technique, the piece is made from wool on a cotton foundation—an authentic construction method characteristic of Navajo textiles. The weavers employed natural, plant- and mineral-based dyes, sourced from their surrounding environment, to achieve the rich, organic color palette. The banded geometric pattern is both visually balanced and culturally meaningful, with design elements often rooted in spiritual symbolism and tribal storytelling. Originally intended as a saddle blanket, this textile easily transitions into a decorative floor covering or wall-mounted art piece, making it a versatile addition to any collector’s or designer’s curated space. Ideal for admirers of Native American craftsmanship, Southwestern aesthetics, and heritage textiles, this rug is a beautifully preserved representation of indigenous American artistry. Dimensions: 2’ 5” x 2’ 7” Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: SW America Material: Wool on a cotton foundation with natural dyes Condition: Wear consistent with ager and use The Persian Knot Gallery, SKU 1653 Navajo Saddle Blanket, Navajo Rugs, Handwoven Rugs, Vintage Artisan Rugs, Antique Handmade Rugs, Sustainability, Allover Design Rug, Vintage American Folk Art, Native American Rugs, Americana, Native American Tribal Rugs, Two Gray Hills Rugs, Saddle Blankets, Native American Folk Art, Vintage Navajo Kilim Rugs, Native American Beadwork, Eye Dazzler, Vintage Navajo Blanket...
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Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

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Wool, Cotton

Saltillo Serape Mexican Blanket, 19th Century
Located in Istanbul, TR
A Saltillo serape is a type of Mexican blanket that originated in Saltillo, a city in the northern state of Coahuila. It is typically made of wool and features vibrant colors and intricate designs, often incorporating geometric shapes and floral motifs. The Saltillo serape is a popular item in Mexican culture...
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19th Century Mexican Antique Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

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Saltillo Serape Mexican Blanket, 19th Century
Saltillo Serape Mexican Blanket, 19th Century
H 76.38 in W 44.89 in D 0.2 in
Antique Navajo Rug Flatwoven Geometric Tree of Life Handwoven Rug Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
Navajo rug flat woven rug tapestry beige Measures: 4' x6' (3'11" x 5'7") 119cm x 170cm Circa 1920 "The woolen rug has a white background color on which are three stylized figures on each side of a center cornstalk. All are surrounded on three sides by a "guardian "figure - one side is the head and the body - the other side are the legs. The rug is a Navajo Yei rug...
Category

1940s Persian Vintage Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mexican Zapotec Wool Rug Abstract Modern Design Hand-Dyed Red Fuchsia
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Discover an exquisite modern Zapotec abstract rug handcrafted by master weaver Roman Gutierrez in Oaxaca, Mexico. This luxurious, contemporary Mexican rug features a stunning palette of red wine, fuchsia, and light mustard hues—each tone carefully created using cozy, premium wool that is hand-dyed with natural pigments. Roman Gutierrez, celebrated as one of Mexico’s most talented weavers, seamlessly blends ancient Zapotec techniques with a modern aesthetic. His unparalleled craftsmanship has earned him collaborations with renowned contemporary artist Francisco Toledo and participation in restoration projects for prestigious institutions like the Textile Museum of Oaxaca. Perfect for elevating luxury home décor, this artisanal masterpiece not only adds vibrant color and texture to any space but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca. Shop this one-of-a-kind modern Zapotec rug...
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21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Aesthetic Movement North and South American Rugs

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Wool

Aesthetic Movement north and south american rugs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement north and south american rugs 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.

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