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Aesthetic Movement Furniture

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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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Aesthetic Movement
Mid Century Abstract Ceramic Lamp in Cerise An unusual shape
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Mid Century Abstract Ceramic Lamp in Cerise An unusual shape with the light bulb concealed in the bottom of the lamp, this makes unusual and attractive patterns when lit The lamp is...
Category

1960s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th Century aesthetic movement walnut occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century aesthetic movement walnut occasional table circa 1890. Shaped top surface with matched burr walnut veneers, ebony stringing and ebonised outer edge.  Supported by ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Three Tiered Cake Stand, 19th Century Victorian cake display
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE DISPLAY STAND Three removable porcelain circular plates decorated with floral motifs are inlaid in an ebonised and gilt faux bamboo woode...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Ceramic

Small 20th Century Satin Birch Writing Desk by Heal & Son London
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A beautiful Satin Birch writing desk by Heal & Son London. This little desk will light up any room, the satinwood birch has a wonderful texture and movement and a colour tone that o...
Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Satinwood

Superb Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Occasional Chair Dark Oak
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A beautifully crafted Aesthetic Hall Chair, carved foliage and scroll detailing with arched top. Lovely turned front legs with the most superb narrow bobbin front feet. Solid oak wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Northern Irish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

George Hugo Tabor Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Large Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large, impressive and rare aesthetic movement Doulton Lambeth vase by renowned artists George Hugo Tabor, Eliza L Hubert and Ernest R. Bishop whose work is rare and dated 1883. The...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

James Shoolbread Occasional Chairs
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful pair of James Shoolbred occasional chairs in mahogany. The gothic style chairs have a square back with four vertical slats. Featuring Marlborough front legs and sabre l...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Mahogany

1890 Limoges Porcelain Wild Birds Set for 12 People
Located in Paris, FR
Very unusual with a deep blue sky in the background and wonderful colors, this antique Limoges set for 12 people is made with the finest quality Li...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold

Furstenberg Germany Vintage Flower Round Gold Leaf Trinket Plate
Located in BILBAO, ES
Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate Perfect gift for your special someone. Dimensions: Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches) A s...
Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

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...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edith D Lupton Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Thistle Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and stunning aesthetic movement Doulton Lambeth Silicon Ware vase decorated with incised and pate-sur-pate thistle designs by r...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

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 Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Cara Baker Doulton Lambeth Thistle Shaped Leaf Pattern Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful Doulton Lambeth aesthetic movement thistle shaped vase applied with stylized leaf and floral designs by Clara Baker and dated 1878. This nice early stoneware...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Aesthetic style silver photograph frame
Located in London, GB
Rare and early Aesthetic style antique silver photograph frame from the late Victorian era. The border is hand hammered with a mottled effect. There is a cast central surround with a...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Syrian Octagonal Table, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Syrian octagonal table, 19th Century An octagonal Moorish table, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ebony set in geometric patterns. Late 19th C...
Category

Late 19th Century Syrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Aesthetic Movement Jardiniere Attributed to G .Viardot, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A large Japanese style boat-shaped jardiniere attributed to G. Viardot, made in carved wood, ornated with panels decorated with Japanese blossoming cherry tree branches and a trophy ...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Maw & Co Walter Crane Majolica Chariot Art Pottery Plaque
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unusual Maw & Co, Jackfield, English majolica aesthetic movement art pottery plaque decorated with a chariot attributed to designer Walter Cran...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Murano Lamps, Amethyst
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of lamps from Murano, Amethyst color. The lamps are electrified and sold with their lampshade. To please you, I can take care of the packaging for better transport security. ...
Category

20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

John Rose Coalport Prince of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Coalport parian bust of the Prince of Wales sculpted by John Rose and dated 1863. Probably made to commemorate the forthcoming marriage of Albert Edward Prince...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement English Sideboard
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The sideboard comes from England from the late 19th century, it was built from English walnut in the course of the Aesthetic Movement. The fittings are made of brass, the doors open ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Superb Quality 1920s Antique Dressing Table Swing Mirror with Jewellery Counter
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A quality 1920s antique table top swing mirror, a well made piece with superb lustre and colour grain.  Nice detailing, with robust stand featuring a...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Mirror

Pair of Jungle Curtains
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Pair of curtains in cotton sateen Fischbacher, Junghe model. Why not change the curtains in the spring ? These completely renovate a room. Fischbach...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Minton Porcelain Cabinet Plate Attributed to Christopher Dresser, 1880
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A superb and stylish Aesthetic Movement Minton porcelain cabinet plate decorated with birds, flowering hawthorn and other designs attributed t...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Furstenberg Germany Vintage Violet Flowers Round Gold Leaf Trinket Plate
Located in BILBAO, ES
Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate Perfect gift for your special someone. Dimensions: Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches) A s...
Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Carved Oak Elm & Marble Occasional Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very decorative, hand made in England, circa 1860 Victorian Aesthetic movement, Elm & Oak with thick marble top, large side table or small occ...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Ornately Carved Burr & Burl Walnut Green Leather Coffee Cocktail Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning heavily carved Aesthetic Movement style Burr & Burl Walnut coffee table with green Leather top A very good looking and well made ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Leather

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Embroidered Silk Pillows
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Pair of embroidered silk elegant pillows with brick, yellow, orange, Bordeaux shades: to give a new spring air to Your living room.
Category

2010s English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silk

Large Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Madonna with Child
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique patinated Mercury glass Madonna with child. Turn of the century / early 20th century. This is a wonderful and large mercury glass Madonna with child figurine...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mercury 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 Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Victorian Wall Mirror and Coat Racks Faux Bamboo Victorian, England
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Measure: 96 x 84 cm. Faux bambbo mirror and coat rack mirror with four iron hangers on the sides of the mirror Precious and decorative mirror that has reached our days in a very g...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Ceramic Decorative Flower and Vegetation Chinese Plate Signed WL, 1896
Located in BILBAO, ES
Ceramic decorative flower and vegetation chinese plate signed Perfect gift for your special someone. Dimensions: Diameter 20 cm (37.86 inches) A series of three make the matchin...
Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Flower Chandelier Amber Crysatal Glass Candelabrum Brass Bronze Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Vintage Chandelier: A Fusion of History and Elegance Step into a realm of timeless beauty with our meticulously restored old chandelier, a testament to the skilled craftsman...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

19th Century Refectory Table in Natural Wood-France
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb large 19th century refectory table in pich pine and cherry wood from France in natural wood Superb table which has a width of 90m which is very comfortable and rare and a l...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Pine

Furstenberg Germany Vintage Flower Round Gold Leaf Trinket Plate
Located in BILBAO, ES
Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate Perfect gift for your special someone. Dimensions: Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches) A s...
Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

French Bust of Girl c1920 Signed
Located in Mimizan, FR
French Bust of Girl c1920 Signed at the back by the artist B Rezz (hard to see) With copyright Made of a type of Cristaux and Porcelain that is very hard Very good Vintage condition.
Category

1920s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Elizabeth a Sayers Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Onion Shape Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and rare Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement onion shaped vase decorated with star like motifs by renowned artist Elizabeth A Sayers dated 1878. Elizabeth A Sayers while recongized as a highly accomplished and distinguished artist did not spend much time at Doulton Lambeth so pieces by her are both rare and sought after. This stylish stoneware onion bodied vase...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Royal Worcester Aesthetic Movement Pierced Oriental Blush Spill Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Royal Worcester ‘Aesthetic Movement’ porcelain pierced spill vase decorated in the oriental style with a building set amidst bambo...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Minton Tea cup attributed to Christopher Dresser, 1871
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...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Mantel Clock Attributed to Lewis Foreman Day
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Aesthetic Movement mantel clock, with an ebonised mahogany case and an exquisitely painted dial. The case embodies the style of the Aesthetic Movement, with an arched a...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Antique Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Hall Bedroom Chairs in House of Hackney
Located in Sale, GB
- A wonderful pair of Victorian Aesthetic Movement ebonized hall chairs in Hollyhocks Winter Velvet fabric by House of Hackney. - The chairs are in a beautiful condition for their a...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Ebony

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 Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Ornate Polished Wrought Fire Basket
Located in London, GB
An ornate polished wrought iron fire basket intricately constructed with worked scrolls set between incised front fire bars. The rectangular blacksmith-mad...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Other, Iron

Ogdens Of Manchester. An Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Parcel Gilt Nursing Chair
Located in London, GB
Ogdens of Manchester, in the style Dr Christopher Dresser. Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt walnut nursing chair, with a carved lotus f...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Giltwood

Pair of Globe Wernicke Bookcases in Mahogany, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant pair of small Globe Wernicke London bookcases in mahogany from the end of the 19th century-Early 20th century from England which has an advanced lower part. Which is unusual ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Three Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Teaspoons with Assorted Decorations
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Three Tiffany and Co. sterling silver teaspoons, with assorted beautiful decorations in the pattern Holly: perfect and rare. They are three little sculptures...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

Copeland Aesthetic Movement Stag Hunting Scene Plate, 1879
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual antique Copeland Aesthetic Movement cabinet plate decorated with a titled stag hunting scene dated 1879. The large ceramic plate is of round sh...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

William Brownfield Aesthetic Movement Plate by Christopher Dresser
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Aesthetic Movement William Brownfield plate with a stylised panel and floral design by Christopher Dresser (British, 1834-1904) dating from around 1876. Christopher Dr...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Dr C Dresser An Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Stick Stand Made By Coalbrookdale
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser An Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Stick Stand with stylised floral details. Made By Coalbrookdale Iron Works. (The width is measured to the edges of the little lions paw ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised & Gilt Ripple Mirror
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A totally untouched, reserved in style, aesthetic movement mirror. Pine in construction with its original ebonised finished and lineal gilt decoration. The mirror plate has a wond...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Pine

English Armchair In Dark Green Leather
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful English leather armchair with a mahogany base Very beautiful armchair covered with green leather which has a very beautiful patina The armchair rests on a solid mahog...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather

Micro Mosaic Pen Holder
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Micro mosaic Moorish pen holder: simply beautiful ! Elegant sitting on Your desk. It must not remain near heat sources because the mosaic could be dama...
Category

Late 20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Aesthetic Movement Ebonised and Gilt Side Chair with Hand Painted Birds, c. 1870
Located in Lincoln, GB
c.1870 Aesthetic Movement Ebonised and gilt side chair with hand painted birds One of the most beautiful side chairs with hand painted birds The chair has been luxiously reupholstred using crushed velvet that was simalar to the farbric previously on the chair but also help brings out the gilt in the wood and the colors in the paintings. Dating from c. 1870 this stunning chair...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Ebony

Hand Painted Antique Large Screen
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
M/781 - Interesting large hand painted on wood high screen : from France, mid '800. It can be the background of an entire wall: an imaginary garden with flowers' triumph; on the o...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paint

Charles Bevan for Marsh & Jones. A Small Walnut Writing Table on Turned Supports
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan. Probably made by Gillows of Lancaster. A small good quality Walnut Writing Table with a molded edge and a Burr Walnut top surrounded by an ebonized line detail with ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Elegant Italian Murano Mirror, and Stick
Located in Nice, FR
Elegant Italian Murano mirror, Golden brass structure, turquoise blue murano glass plates. It can be placed on the vertical or horizontal wall.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Aesthetic Movement Side Chair in Walnut by E.W. Godwin, circa 1885
By Goodwin
Located in Faversham, GB
Aesthetic Movement walnut and rush seated chair by E.W. Godwin for William Smee & Son, London. Turned spindle and dowel back with legs united by six-shaped ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Bamboo, Cane, Rush

Christopher Dresser Japonism Yellow Minton Plate, 1876
Located in Paris, FR
Yellow Aesthetic Minton Porcelain Plate in the style of Japonism creations made by Christopher Dresser. Round plate adorned with an oriental fan representing a lovely and colorful bi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Minton, Doulton Lambeth, Christopher Dresser, and Wedgwood. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $86,402 while the average work can sell for $1,820.

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