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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
Aesthetics Movement Antique Faux Bamboo Stool
Located in Norwood, NJ
English Aesthetics movement faux bamboo gilt stool. Finest quality spoke and ship wheel or wagon wheel aesthetic design.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

Sarreguemines Green Majolica Glazed Fern Leaf Server, France, 1870
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Sarreguemines, a Majolica glazed green leaf shaped server, France, circa 1870. Shaped as a large single Fern leaf. Precise mold work, with a strong g...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Large French 19th Century Ceramic Jardiniere with Enameled Birds and Butterflies
Located in New York, NY
Very large and exceptional Aesthetic period planter of the finest quality with enameled birds and butterflies on a cobalt blue ground.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Marquetry Inlaid Bench in Aesthetic Movement Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An exceptionally well made 19th C. Aesthetic Movement period bench, likely European, the cresting rail with intricate marquetry with winged figures, trailing vines and acanthus leaf ...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th C. French Walnut Carved Lyre Back Side Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Aesthetic Movement Style chair with fine form. A charming chair with carved openwork arch top back with a center lyre with bird heads within a scrolled frame. The turned sides with f...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Custom Aesthetic Design Desk or Server in Cherry Wood by Paul Tuller, Dublin, NH
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful form custom Aesthetic design desk or server in cherry wood and glass top, with ebonized frame, supported by two red painted pedestal bases, each with three drawers and brass teardrop pulls. The desk was made by Dublin, NH furniture...
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass, Cherry

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

Aesthetic Gilt Metal Cockatoo & Turtle Figural Cachepot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Aesthetic Gilt Metal Cockatoo & Turtle Figural Cachepot USa, circa 1900s Of large Size and scale, realistically cast and modeled of Cockatoo with in...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Majolica Seaweeds Oyster Plate Keller and Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate attributed to Keller Et Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890. Reference / page 98 "Collecting oyster plates" of Jeffrey B. Snyder.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Decastro Bookcase — Handmade Solid Wood Contemporary Brazilian Design
Located in Curitiba, PR
Ideal furniture for storing books and decorative pieces. It also works as a sideboard and can be used in kitchens or dining rooms to store crockery and cutlery. Built using tradi...
Category

2010s Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Bamboo Round Occasional Table from the Aesthetic Movement
Located in Austin, TX
A fine collector's quality English bamboo round occasional or side table from the Aesthetic Movement period, c.1870-1910, featuring a circular top with bamboo fretwork surrounding a ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Noviembre VII Sideboard in Walnut Wood and Marble Top, Console by Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
Noviembre VII Console Table in Oak Wood, Marble Top, Sideboard by Joel Escalona The Noviembre collection is inspired by the creative values of Constantin Brancusi, a Romanian scul...
Category

2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble, Metal

10 Antique Mintons Porcelain Raised Gold Aesthetic Movement Luncheon Plates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of 10 richly gilt porcelain luncheon or dessert plates. By Mintons. In an Aesthetic Movement numbered pattern with raised gold and gold jeweling throughout. Each marked to t...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

19thc Masonic Triangular Carved Oak Table Altar
Located in Savannah, GA
Part of the Masonic emblem is the triangle shape compass which represents the measurement of the ability to undertake actions within certain constraints. This very unusual solid golden oak tri-corner Masonic Lodge table...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair Harriton Eglomise Painted Mirrors Signed
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1960s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

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

Midcentury English Brighton Pavilion Style Burnt Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a vintage English Brighton style burnt bamboo coffee table with glass top. It is most likely from the Phillipines, but it is unmarked...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Glass

Petite French Enameled & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic Artist Palette Motif Frame
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Petite French Enameled & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic Artist Palette Motif Frame France, circa 1880s Diminutive in size, with exceptional attention to detail and design. The french bron...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Set of Two Ceramic Majolica Sarreguemines Plates with Fruit Deco, France
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of two aesthetic movement poluychrome majolica plates with fruit motifs by Sarreguemines France. Each ceramic plate is round and colorfully dec...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

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

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

90s Pair of Japanese Ceramic Ware
Located in Clermont, FL
The pair includes two distinct pieces that perfectly complement each other. Their unique shapes and sizes make them versatile and suitable for various uses. The smooth and lustrous g...
Category

1990s Japanese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Framed Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique framed landscape oil painting on canvas is a Classic pastoral but oriented on the vertical allowing the stream to gently Meander thro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Benham & Froud Brass Fire Dogs Christopher Dresser Attributed
Located in Sharon, CT
Pair of period Aesthetic Movement Fire Dogs, design attributed to Christopher Dresser. Manufactured by Benham & Froud, both signed with the cyp...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Lenox Aesthetic Movement Dinner Service W/ "Prunus" Sterling Silver Gilt Overlay
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This amazing service for 12 was made by Ceramic Art Company/ Lenox ca. 1890 and features sterling silver with a gold wash overlay in an iconic "Japonesque"...
Category

1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

1950s French Style Orange Painted Faux Bamboo Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1950s French style faux bamboo orange painted bergere chairs. The upholstery is vintage and in very good condition. Although the upholstery has the appearance of si...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

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

19th Century Large Majolica Shell & Coral Jardiniere Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
Large spectacular 19th century Majolica Shell & Coral jardiniere signed Sarreguemines Majolica. 20 inches Lenght.
Category

1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Minton, 'Faisan', Aesthetic Movement Tea Cups & Saucers, U.K., Circa 1880
Located in Chatham, ON
MINTON - 'Faisan' - Rare antique Aesthetic Movement ceramic tea cups and saucers - set of four - transfer decorated in brown on a cream ground - elabor...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Circa 1890s Aesthetic Movement Music Cabinet by Heywood Brothers and Wakefield
Located in Peabody, MA
A rare Aesthetic Movement music cabinet adorned with musical notes, in original ebony finish by the Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company, circa 1890s.
Category

1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Brass Sunburst Mirror by Chaty Villauris
Located in New York, NY
Brass Sunburst Mirror By Chaty Villauris. Patinated brass frame with central round mirror. Signed on the back.
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Victorian Steer Horn Vanity Bench Side Chair C1890
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and fabulous steer horn vanity bench with a suede fabric. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Horns are tight and sturdy with no damage. Truly a rare form.
Category

1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Horn, Fabric, Hardwood

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

Vintage Brunschwig & Fils Victoria & Albert Bird Song Hand-Printed Wallpaper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Adorable and rare Brunschwig & Fils hand-printed wallpaper border inspired by Victorian design from the Victoria & Albert Museum. Have not been able t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

19th Century Majolica Snail Platter Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
Unusual 19th century Majolica Snail Platter attributed to Luneville. Decorated with grapes.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

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

American Aesthetic Mahogany and Inlaid Table
Located in Essex, MA
With a beautifully figured octagonal top inlaid with shell and volutes. With a conforming frieze raised on circular tapered legs joined by a lower shelf with spindle gallery. Ending ...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

English Bamboo Bench or Stool with Saddle Seat from the Aesthetic Movement Era
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English bamboo bench or stool from the Aesthetic Movement period of the late 19th century, featuring a handsome patinated finish and lovely...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

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

20th Century Asthetic Movement Style Bamboo Hall Stand
Located in LYON, FR
Bamboo and brass Hall stand with mirror in the style of the asthetic movement. The tiger cane bamboo has been stripped and refinished. the shelves have bee...
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bell on Stand 1873-1891
Located in New York, NY
Rare antique Edward Moore period, 1873-1891, sterling silver Tiffany & Co. table bell on stand. The bell with a tall inverse U-shaped handle of exceptional detail- reeded design int...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century oil painting on canvas depicts a scene portrayed by a wide variety of artists over the years. A young couple are saying their g...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

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

African bead pendants with mouth blown milk glass shades
By Csaba Markus
Located in Berkeley, CA
We have created three new pendants using rolled African ash beads, earth and stone mixed. They can be a symbol and celebration of womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, protection, seduction, and wealth, The milk glass was blown by our Bay Area super star Alex Abajian at Glow studios. We value these unique lights...
Category

2010s Botswanan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Coade Stone, Art Glass

Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Cloisonne Urn Table Lamps
By Champeleve
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of gilt bronze and hand-painted and enameled Champleve lamps. An elegant modern neoclassical urn form is combined with a mottled gilt bronze surface and with enamel inla...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

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

Pair of Signed Allen Wedgwood Hand Painted Porcelain Plaques of Children
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This exquisite pair of hand-painted Wedgwood porcelain plaques, painted by Thomas Allen, is a beautiful example of the Aesthetic Movement. The delicate, intricate designs and vibrant...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

English Aesthetic Ebonized Wood and Brass Wall Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
English Aesthetic Ebonized Wood and Brass Wall Cabinet, c. 1880, the finialed back splash with a relief brass floral plate, over a double door cupboard with brass floral relief panels, above a shaped shelf on a finialed bottom. Wonderful to place in your bathroom as a beautiful centerpiece as well as for storage of small items or in your living room, bedroom, keeping room or even your study. Anywhere you choose to place this unusual cabinet...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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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