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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
Gorham & Co Aesthetic Movement Copper and Silver Tray
Located in Paris, FR
Astonishing and precious this mixed metals tray is very rare, from American Aesthetic Movement inspired by the Japonism style. The base of the tray ...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver, Copper

Austrian Children's Chair in Polychrome Wood, circa 1800
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely Austrian child's chair decorated with flowers and birds from the end of the 18th century beginning of the 19th century circa 1800. Very beautiful original polychromy. The ...
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Aesthetic Movement Carriage Clock, France, 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Fine aesthetic movement clock in cloisonné enamel and gilded bronze, decorated with polychromed birds and flowers, and geometric gilded ornaments on a ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Pair of Exceptional Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chairs Mother of Pearl
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite pair of Liberty’s style Aesthetic movement occasional side chairs with mother of pearl inlay and ornate carvings A ve...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Oak

Fulham Pottery Aesthetic Movement Salt Glazed Jug by John Pollard Seddon
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A good and finely decorated Aesthetic Movement stoneware jug decorated with fan shape and floral designs by John Pollard Seddon and dating from around 1880. The jug stands on a round...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

John Seddon Bailey & Co Fulham Pottery Salt Glazed Stoneware Spirit Flagon
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare English Aesthetic Period salt glazed stoneware spirit flagon designed by John Seddon for Bailey & Co, Fulham and dated 29th December 1880. The flagon is of square shape with a...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Five Bronze Curtain or Clothes Hanger
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
How unsightly are the coat hangers in the hall ! Yet they are used to hang jackets when entering, especially in winter. So I prepared these hangers using ancient bronze rosettes, su...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Christopher Dresser Old Hall Aesthetic Vases c.1885
Located in Paris, FR
Paire of Japanese style Old Hall Earthenware vases decorated with gilt elephants. Design attributed to Christopher Dresser (a similar model in C.W Dress...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of Antique French Sconces
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/3746 - Antique French pair of sconces in massive bronze, with the original glasses (rare !). They are so special! And the price is good because I would like to close my business ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19thc Ebonised Piano Stool by Henry Brooks & Co London W/Howard & Son Upholstery
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An ebonised piano stool by Henry Brooks & Co London. Beautifully made, well proportioned stool with cushioned seat leading to four turned legs with hoof like feet and delicate turned...
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Christopher Dresser Aesthetic Movement Japonism Style Green Minton Plate, 1876
Located in Paris, FR
Green Aesthetic Minton Porcelain Plate in the style of Japonism creations made by Christopher Dresser. Round plate adorned with an oriental fan representi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Decorative Small Floral Painted Ebonised Victorian Stool
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A delightful small Victorian hand painted stool. Beautiful hand painted floral decoration, a great decorative piece. In good sound condition.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Martin Brothers Early Stoneware Oil Lamp Base with Butterflies
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and early stoneware oil lamp base incised with butterflies by Robert Wallace Martin for the Martin Brothers dating from around 1873 when Martin Brothers were founded. The tall oil lamp...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Aesthetic Movement Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W Godwin
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Jacobean or Old English ebonized armchair. After a design by E. W. Godwin. Probably made by C J Plunkett & Co. See The Secular Furniture of E W Godwin by Susa...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Italian Adjustable Wooden Lounge Chair, Italy 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian adjustable wooden lounge chair with wave formed armrest in black tinted wood. Italy 1940s.  
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Large Terrestrial Globe From Handels Und Verkehrsglobus 69cm High
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb terrestrial globe by Handels Und Verkehrsglobus from the beginning of the 20th century from Leipzig Very large model which has a height of 69 cm and a very beautiful blackene...
Category

Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Florence Barlow Doulton Lambeth Floral Design Art Pottery Pin Dish
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A scarce and finely made Doulton Lambeth art pottery pin dish decorated with trailing floral designs by renowned artist Florence E Barlow and dated 1879. The small round stoneware di...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Fine Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Hardwood Revolving Bookcase Book Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made English mahogany circa 1880-1900 Aesthetic Movement revolving bookcase table with nicely carved cabriolet legs and fret work pa...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Minton Cloisonné Style Coffee Cup Attributed to Christopher Dresser
Located in Paris, FR
Exquisite Minton cloisonné style ware tea cup with its saucer. This porcelain set is decorated with the cloisonné style technique with vivid botanical...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

1880, Davenport Aesthetic-Style Victorian British Brown Ceramic Jug
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A white and brown ceramic pitcher marked Davenport on the base in good conditions.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Marc Quinn Portraits of landscapes 2007 Pigment Print Signed Numbered 51/59
Located in Paris, FR
Marc Quinn Portraits of Landscapes, 2007 London, Signed and numbered 51/59 Pigment print on 330g Somerset Velvet Enhanced paper 39 2/5 × 29 1/2 in 100 × 75 cm Edition of 59 4 Pre owned Portraits each framed with white wood with a protection glass. slights defect to the frame Price for 1 item/ print Since his first exhibitions in the early 1990s, Marc Quinn has forged a rich and complex art practice exploring themes including nature, beauty, hybridity and genetic manipulation. In 2000, Quinn's Garden...
Category

Early 2000s British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass

Blue Aesthetic Porcelain Vase Attributed in the Style of Christopher Dresser
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant and refined small Japanese-style porcelain vase. Aesthetic Movement piece with a blue background and colorful geometric patterns typical of Christopher Dresser's designs enha...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience, Porcelain

1887, Aesthetic-Style Ceramic Complete English Sauce Tureen
Located in Catania, Sicilia
Amazing sauce tureen, made in England in 1887, complete in all parts, superb quality.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Martin Brothers Grotesque Tall figural Ewer 1880
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare, probably unique, tall grotesque figural ewer by Robert Wallace Martin for the Martin Brothers dated 1880. The ewer is very tall and modelled as a fanciful animal seated...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Minton Porcelain Hand-Painted Blank Cabinet Plate Signed AMB, 1890
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and stylish Aesthetic Movement Minton porcelain cabinet plate hand painted with flowers and butterflies with initials APM and dating from 1890. This finely made plate is o...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

The Secular Furniture of E.W. Godwin - Catalogue Raisonné - 1st Edition 1999
Located in London, GB
First Edition, published for The Bard Graduate Center by Yale University Press, 1999. Text by Susan Weber Soros. "The Secular Furniture of E. W. Godwin" is a fascinating exploration...
Category

1990s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Very Attractive Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set in a Box, 1885
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1885 by Aldwinckle & Slater, this very attractive, Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set, comprises a mustard pot and spoon, a salt shaker and a pepper shaker (engraved S...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Aesthetic movement brass spirit kettle Circa 1890
Located in Central England, GB
A 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Spirit Kettle A late 19th century Aesthetic movement Spirit Kettle. This opulent and beautifully made piece is made from brass with gold plated surfaces which is in excellent condition. It is of a wonderful design, very reminiscent of a piece of Christopher Dresser's work. It is made in five pieces; stand, burner and cover, kettle and lid. The kettle has a woven wicker handle and the lid and burner have an ebonised wooden knob and handle...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Christopher Dresser Aesthetic movement Japonism style Pink Minton Plate 1876
Located in Paris, FR
Pink 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 bird...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Period & Design English Sterling Silver Bowl, London 1879
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1879 by Martin, Hall & Co., this stunning, Antique Sterling Silver Bowl, is in the Aesthetic taste, featuring cast and applied floral and butterfly detailing,...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gillows attr, Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Mahogany Centre Table with Amboyna top
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Mahogany Octagonal Centre Table with a wonderful burr Amboyna top with line inlay and ebonized to the edges. The four turned legs...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Westerwald German Salt Glazed Stoneware Donut Shape Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine and very stylish antique German Westerwald salt glazed donut shaped handled jug decorated with flowers dating from the latter 19th century. The jug stands raised on a conical ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Rare Crystal Square Shape Delicate Pair Silver Ewers Mounted by Boivin C.1900
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of very refined ewers in engraved crystal beautifully mounted, part of the silver sterling base is like lace! a work that few silversmiths could do. The octagonal base is decora...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Pair of Glazed 19th C, Aesthetic Lantern Pendants with Gothic Stained Glass
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A wonderful pair of 19th century aesthetic Hall Lanterns with floral decorative motifs, foliage and scrollwork. Featuring five glazed stained glass panels which date to 1860. A matc...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Ebonised Tub Chair, in the style of Godwin.
Located in London, GB
Charming ‘Anglo Japanese’ ebonised tub chair in the style of E.W. Godwin. England c. 1870s Provenance: Fine Art Society, Bond Street, London 1980s, Priva...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Small Folding Chairs E.W Godwin Manner
Located in Norwich, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement small walnut low folding decorative chairs with cane seats, in the manner of E.W. Godwin. Circa 1870s. Free delivery to the UK via a selected parcel company. The walnut frames are in very good condition and have their original patina, showing some age with use, they have been lightly waxed. One of the chairs cane seats professionally re-caned, and it has been aged to resemble the other original cane seat. This same chair has had the under rail replaced in oak with two bolts, as shown in photograph number 12. This was done many years ago - I would say about 80 plus years, looking at the construction. Also added at a similar time under the seat, one small rail either side. The wooden dome...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Mosaic table, iron foot, 1960, unique piece
Located in Nice, FR
Table or pedestal table with a mosaic top, iron base, all made in the old fashioned way, in an antique way, the mosaics are highlighted, unique piece. 60s work The outline of the mos...
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Unique Piece, Table, Palm Trunk, XXth
Located in Nice, FR
Realization of a table from a palm tree trunk. The legs of the table are carved in the mass. To obtain the hardness of the wood, it is soaked in salt water and then dried in the sun...
Category

20th Century Maghreb Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Palmwood

Rare Gillow & Co 1852-1857 Aesthetic Movement Burr Walnut Ebonised Dining Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this very rare circa 1852-1857 Gillow & Co Lancaster attributed burr walnut and ebonished wood occasional or dining table A very rare and well made piece...
Category

1850s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th Century Rare Coromantel, Ebony and Satinwood Display Cabinet
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
A stylish and rare Coromantel, Ebony and Satinwood display cabinet. The interior lined with Satinwood and fitted with two glass shelves. The frame made of Coromantel wood with dec...
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Satinwood

Moorish horseman bronze, return from the hunt, Signed Barge Fils
Located in Nice, FR
Important Bronze Moorish Rider, Return from the Hunt, Signed Barge Fils French work, end of the 19th century (1M) Rider returning from the hunt with game h...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Single Antique Bronze Curtain Tie-Back
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/6772-4 - Another single elegant bronze tie-back , perfect to support Your curtain or belt or scarf in an elegant and functional way.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Minnie G Thompson Doulton Lambeth Pigment Painted Vase, 1883
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very unusual Aesthetic Movement biscuit fired Doulton Lambeth stoneware vase pigment hand-painted with stylized foliage and geometric designs by Minnie G Thompson...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Majolica Oyster Plates by Minton, 1876
Located in Paris, FR
These Minton majolica oyster plates were produced in different colors. Delicate turquoise color with iridescent green tones on the middle of the plate. Decorated with refined shells,...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Rare Thonet Settee with Cushions
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Rare ebonised sofa by Thonet, having shaped top rail with kidney shaped back, generous seat and open scroll arms, standing on outsewpt legs, all with gil...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

E W Godwin Style of, an Aesthetic Movement Oak High Back Low Seat Chair
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin style of, an Aesthetic Movement high back oak nursing chair with a low seat, subtly carved head rest, and ball turned details to the side uprights with slender elongated t...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

English Aesthetic Movement Treacle Glazed Moon Vase with Classical Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An impressive English aesthetic movement ceramic twin handled moon shaped vase decorated with classical figures dating from around 1880. The vase is finely made and stands on a wide ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Minton Aesthetic Movement Plum Red Glazed Art Pottery Monkey Candlestick
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish and unusual Minton Aesthetic Movement plum glazed art pottery monkey candlestick dating from around 1885. The candlestick stands on a rou...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

‘Wilde Trilogy’ Stained Glass Triptych By Tom Spencer
Located in Petworth, GB
Stained glass trilogy depicting Christ shining a torch after a quote from Oscar Wilde: ‘Religion is like blind man looking in a black room for a black cat that isn’t there and finding it’ This triptych has been re-worked using antique and stained and painted glass and framed in an antique gilded Gothic frame. ‘Wilde Trilogy’ By Tom Spencer...
Category

2010s English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stained Glass

Christopher Dresser Attributed Aesthetic Movement Terracotta Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish aesthetic movement terracotta vase with slip applied floral designs in the manner of Watcombe and design attributed to Christopher Dresser dating from around 1880. Thi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

2 Hispano Moorish Hinged Doors, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Magnificent pair of oak hining doors (saloon doors) from the 19th century Hispano Moorish style The doors have a lock so it's possible to lock the doors....
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Two Pairs of Italian Silk Pillows
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant silk pillows to choose by pair, easy settable in any room. Their silk is by the famous Fischbacher. From left to right: beige, white, beige and salmon pink. They look reall...
Category

2010s Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silk

Doulton Lambeth Four Seasons Medallion Jug by Clara Baker 1884
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Doulton Lambeth jug decorated with figural medallions depicting the four seasons by Clara Baker and dated 1884. The stoneware jug is of ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Christopher Dresser Attributed Aesthetic Movement Terracotta Bowl
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish aesthetic movement terracotta bowl with slip applied floral designs in the manner of Watcombe and design attributed to Christopher Dresser dating from around 1880. Thi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

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 Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Textile Design Fabric : Almond-Colored Velvet with Bronze Print
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
The designer of this tissue is the famous HOPE & Phillips. The fabric color is CAMEL, LIGHTER than the photo: it's amnond-colored velvet with bronze print. Very elegant for a single...
Category

2010s English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Trio of Tables, 1970, Italy
Located in Nice, FR
Series of three brass nesting tables. Smoked lenses. Italian work from the 70s. In good condition.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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