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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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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Returnable Items Only
Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Jardiniere Plant Stand, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE PEDESTAL PLANT STAND A striking silhouette of crisscrossed tiger bamboo creates triangular shapes which terminate in a tripod ba...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Howard and Sons. A high art Aesthetic Movement Walnut centre tea table
Located in London, GB
Howard and Sons. A high art Aesthetic Movement walnut centre tea table with an unusual raised upper shelf to the centre of the main top on arched and turned supports. The top with sh...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Circa 1860 Japanese Imari Pair of Plates
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 Japanese Imari pair of plates. Scalloped edge; reserves representing Spring & Summer. Note the thistles. Superb colors. Nicely decorated en verso...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

Charles Bevan. Marsh & Jones. Aesthetic Movement button back chaise lounge
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan for Marsh and Jones of Leeds Late Kendal works. A good Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized button back chaise lounge with carved rosettes to the front upright and subtle...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Lambs of Manchester A Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Oak & Leather Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Lambs of Manchester A Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs with carved and part ebonised details, professionally reupholstered in a quality matt black leather.
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

American Aesthetic/Japonisme Sterling Mounted Root Cane Attributed to Gorham
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Aesthetic/Japonisme Sterling Mounted Root Cane Attributed to Gorham An exquisite American Aesthetic/Japonisme Sterling Mounted Root Cane, Attributed to Gorham date lettered...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aesthetic Movement side table with sunflower & curved & straight side stretchers
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement walnut side table with two curved upper stretchers that unite to a central sunflower and a lower straight sided H stretcher that unites to the bottom of the...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Pair, Antique Meissen Porcelain Ornithological & Gold Encrusted Chargers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meissen (German, founded 1710), 20th century. A pair of fine quality porcelain chargers depicting two hand painted birds. Each centralized ornithological bird perched on a branch is...
Category

20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Antique Gorham Coin Silver Vase No. 335
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver vase. By the Gorham Mfg. Co. In coin silver. The vase with a footed base, rounded body, and elongated narrow neck which opens into a wider mouth. These are v...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

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

Martial Redon French Limoges Porcelain Floral Gilded Handled Ewer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning French Limoge porcelain handled ewer hand painted with birds and flowering shrubs by Martial Redon and dating from around 1885. The...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Walnut centre table with incised circular details to the legs
Located in London, GB
Collinson and Lock, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut centre table with incised circular details to the legs, united by double cross stretchers.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Tortiose Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two Tiered Wall Shelf
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Aesthetic Movement Victorian Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two-Tier Shelf, perfect for both display and storage. The shelf features a distinctive halved bamboo slat base, offering bot...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Jas Shoolbred, an Aesthetic Movement Side Table with Angular Turned Supports
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with a galleried lower shelf and angular turned supports.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Orchies French Barbotine Majolica Jug, Wet Sheep Dog in a Barrel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very scarce and desirable French Barbotine majolica jug or pitcher, the Orchies factory, circa 1886-1900. Orchies started producing majolica at the end ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Aesthetic Movement Hand-Hammered Silver Plated Butterfly Tray by James Tufts
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and intricately formed Aesthetic Movement Hand-Hammered Silver Plated Tray W/Butterfly and Naturalist Motif by James Tufts originates from the United States, Circa 1880....
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Austrian Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large unusual Austrian Majolica oyster plate, circa 1880.
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

E W Godwin Style of Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair
Located in London, GB
After a design by E W Godwin. An Aesthetic Movement OAK armchair originally named,' A Jacobean or Old English Armchair '. Probably made by Collier and Plunkett or James Peddle. See...
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

S. Fielding & Co. English Majolica Cream/Turquoise Seaweed Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six-well majolica glazed oyster plate by S. Fielding & Co. Ltd., Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1878. Turquoise oyster wells surround a center condim...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Aesthetic Movement Zodiac Black Marble Mantle Clock with Gong-Striking Movement
Located in London, GB
A rare and wonderful Aesthetic Movement black marble brass gong-striking mantel clock with brass finials and brass gallery to the top, just below with hand-painted porcelain panels o...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Brass

Rare Thonet Settee with Cushions
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
K0208 Rare ebonised sofa by Thonet, having shaped top rail with kidney shaped back, generous seat and open scroll arms, standing on outsewpt legs, all w...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Kurdish Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78319 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Kurdish Rug, 03'03 x 09'02. Step into a world where artistry meets the spirit of ancient traditions with this hand-knotted wool Late 19th Cent...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Wedgwood English Majolica Basketweave and Tortoiseshell Plate, Date Marked 1874
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, an earthenware majolica glazed plate, signed and date marked 1874. A green, brown and yellow tortoiseshell glazed center is bordered by eight yellow basketweave inn...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A superb quality Gorham silver plated on copper oval tea tray encrusted in cast vintage motifs. Monogram "EBR". Medallion maker's insignia: "Plate...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

English Aesthetic Tortoise Bamboo Hall Shelf Magazine Rack
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English aesthetic movement bookstand with a display shelf and a large magazine rack or canterbury. Beautifully crafted from tortoise shell bamboo poles. The stand has a smal...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

1900's Persian Malayer Carpet with Modern Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
73688 Antique Persian Malayer Rug, 03'00 x 10'00. Woven from the wool and prized camel hair of ancient looms, this antique Persian Malayer rug is a nomad’s legacy, grounded in the rh...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

S. Fielding & Co. English Majolica Brown/Turquoise Seaweed Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six-well Majolica glazed oyster plate by S. Fielding & Co. Ltd., Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1878. Turquoise oyster wells surround a centre condim...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Creil et Montereau French Barbotine Teal Blue Fluted Asparagus Plates, Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of four French barbotine majolica asparagus plates by Creil et Montereau, circa 1890. A beautiful iridescent teal blue glaze on fluted rims, with two raised asparagus spears, o...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese armchair Godwin style
By Henry William Batley
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese upholstered ebonised armchair in the manner of E. W. Godwin but attributed to H. W. Batley. The armchair is in good condition with its ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Large Silver Plated Sea Shell Plate Hollywood Regency Art Deco Italian 1970s
Located in London, GB
This large silver-plated sea-shell shaped bowl is an evocative nod to Venus and the organic curves of nature. Imported from 1970s Italy, it seamlessly blends the 1940s Art Deco eleg...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

George Jones English Palissy Majolica Glazed Three-Piece Sardine Serving Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Stoke-On-Trent pottery works of George Jones, a spectacular three-piece Majolica sardine box, Staffordshire, England, dated 1870. In a lovely soft color palette of lilac ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

English 1880s Aesthetic Movement Carved Oak Chair with Zebra Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English Aesthetic Movement accent chair from the 1880s is a stunning example of craftsmanship and decorative detail. Made of bleached oak, this chair highlights intricate carvin...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Zebra Hide, Oak

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

Lewis F Day, Howell, James & Sons Aesthetic Movement Ebonised & Polychrome Clock
Located in London, GB
Lewis Foreman Day, for Howell, James and Sons. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and polychrome painted mantle clock with a carved floret to the centre of the arched and turned gallery flanked by turned finials, with a dentil moulding below, and criss cross lattice work to the upper sides, the lower sides with hand painted Aesthetic flowers in planters...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique French Root Bamboo & Grasscloth Rectangular Table, C.1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this great large Antique French Root Bamboo & Grasscloth Rectangular Table, C.1890. The Root bamboo structure is all original with a great patina. The grasscloth has recent...
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Piano Sponnagel Circa 1900 With Its Seat
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Sponnagel piano circa 1900 with its seat Very beautiful work of sculpture and beautiful work of wooden marquetry Very beautiful patina and in very good condition The piano is in wo...
Category

Late 19th Century Polish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Pair Antique Aesthetic Cobalt Blue Porcelain Bronze Wisteria Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large (27 inch tall) antique (late 19th century) Aesthetic period porcelain vases with gilt decorations and raised enamel designs of butterflies and wisteria flowers on a cob...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Faience Marine Life Plater by Schutz Cilli 19Th c.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a wonderful example of Shutz Cilli manufacture in the late 19Th, century. This Faience Marine Life Plater by Schutz Cilli is from the Aesthetic Movement late 19Th c. This i...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

1940’s Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53076 Distressed Vintage Turkish Oushak Prayer Rug, 02'09 x 04'02. This hand-knotted wool distressed vintage Turkish Oushak prayer rug embodies the enduring spirit of Anatolian weavi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Aesthetic Style Carved Hoof Table with Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
One of a kind aesthetic style ebonized table with black marble top and turned spindled finial sphere base supported by four hand carved hooved legs.  
Category

Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

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

Aesthetic Movement side table with Jeddo pattern plate by Brown Westhead & Moore
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement faux bamboo two tier ebonized side table, each tier inset with a Jeddo pattern plate made by Brown Westhead and Moore potteries featuring a Japanese fan with da...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo

French 19Th. C. Tortoiseshell Bamboo Table With Red Tooled Leather Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this great looking French 19Th. C. Tortoiseshell Bamboo two tier Table with Red Tooled Leather Top. The tortoiseshell effect is stunni...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Bamboo

Thomas Jeckyll A rare Aesthetic Movement Walnut fire surround with butterfly's
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop and Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement Walnut fire surround, the mantel with molded edges and four ebonized panels incised with butterfly and bamboo stems and leaf...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

E W Godwin attr, for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement mahogany side table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, attributed, made by Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic movement mahogany side table with spiral-turned legs on out swept feet.With the original lock and key to the drawer.Col...
Category

1880s Indian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots France, Circa 1870s Attributed to Baccarat A captivating pair of 19th-century French Opaline & Gilt B...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Christopher Dresser ‘Attributed’ Aesthetic Period Carafe for Wedgwood
Located in Sharon, CT
Though undocumented (to our knowledge) this beautiful ceramic carafe bears all the hallmarks of Christopher Dresser's innovative work.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Jas Shoolbred attributed. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal Mahogany side table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal Mahogany side table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Gillows attri An Aesthetic Movement oblong ebonized & Gilded walnut centre table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement oblong ebonized walnut center table with canted corners and incised gilded decoration throughout. The top with a molded edge and quadrant su...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Framed Oval Miniature Portraits Lady & Gentleman with Dog
Located in Toledo, OH
Two antique miniature oval portraits in a pieced frame of a lady and a man with a dog. Very nice condition. Images measure 2.5" x 3.25" and Overall size 5.38" x 8.63". This piece ha...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. An Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair with ebonized dot details and chip carved details to the fra...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

c. 1860s Aesthetic Movement Japanese Imari Chop Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860s Aesthetic Movement Japanese Imari Chop Plate. Boldly scalloped, incorporating 2 phoenix bird cartouches on cobalt ground & then displaying narrow spines of diapering & se...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

English Aesthetic Silver-Plate And Blown Glass Bridal Bowl
Located in New Orleans, LA
Stunning and unusual, rare English Aesthetic period silver plate and hand blown, hand painted with bell flowers, glass bridal bowl, having a perching bird with open beak under a canopy of leaves and sitting on a rocky outcropping on a shaped base with very detailed engraving of flora and fauna. Brides...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Folding Screen Art by Arthur Drooker "Photo-Quilts"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful folding screen art piece made by Arthur Drooker in 1991 and part of his "Photo-Quilts" work or collection. These screens are a beautiful piece of art, very geometric and fu...
Category

1990s North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

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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