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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
Antique English Salt-Glazed Pitcher
Located in Malibu, CA
Rare antique salt-glazed stoneware pitcher with hunting scene. Slight discoloration around the base.
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Italian Walnut Framed Mirror
Located in East Hampton, NY
A simple and elegant Italian walnut wall mirror with a tiered wood frame. ALL original and in wonderful aged condition.
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

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

Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Mug/Cup by Wood & Hughes
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver Aesthetic Movement mug/cup on pedestal base, New York, Ca. 1875, Wood and Hughes - makers. Lovely etched designs on mug. Handle is in the form of a swan (its long nec...
Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tiffany & Co Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Cream and Sugar Set
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Antique Tiffany & Co Aesthetic Movement sterling silver cream and sugar. This striking 19th century matched cream and sugar set was mad...
Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Late 20th-C. Bamboo, Wicker, and Rattan Etagere or Vanity by Palecek
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking late 20th century bamboo, wicker and rattan etagere or vanity by Palecek. It is very interesting piece and is in very ...
Category

1990s Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Wood, Bamboo

E W Godwin style of, An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean Ebonized Armchair
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, style of, An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean ebonized armchair. Professionally upholstered in a quality hide.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Mirrored Cabinet Attributed to Henry William Batley
By Henry William Batley
Located in Savannah, GA
In an unusual pentagon shape, this fine Victorian example of the Aesthetic Movement is constructed of burled walnut and ebonized wood. Features include a raised beveled mirrored ba...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Powell Bishop & Stoner English Aesthetic Movement Transferware Platter Honfleur
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An Aesthetic Movement transferware platter by Powell, Bishop & Stonier, Hanley, Staffordshire, England, showing the English Registry nu...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Pair Lamps, Murano, Toso, Modern, Smoked Brown
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of smoked brown lamps, Murano, brass structure, Modern, with lampshade. The lamps are signed Toso Murano.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Jas Shoolbred, an Aesthetic Movement Oak Corner Armchair with Stylized Turnings
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. An exceptional English Aesthetic Movement oak corner armchair with wrap-around arms with incised scrollwork decoration to the top of the arm ends with turned supports...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Late 19th Century English Barley Twist Carved Armchair
Located in San Francisco, CA
the uniquely styled chair composed of barley twist supports
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Paisley Upholstered Storage Ottomans, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of petite English upholstered storage ottomans on tiny castors. The paisley fabric is in very good condition as is the pink ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Royal Worcester Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Form Trompe L'oeil Porcelain Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique figural porcelain vase. By Royal Worcester. In the form of three large bamboo stalks covered by flora and foliage. The top of each stalk has a gilt rim. Retailed by Richard Briggs of Boston. Simply a wonderful Aesthetic Period vase! Date: Late 19th or Early 20th century Overall condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Condition details: There is some light rubbing to the gilding here and there, some very fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: Royal Worcester Marks: Marked to the base with 'Manufactured by the Worcester Royal...
Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Sarreguemines French Barbotine Majolica Trompe l'Oeil Melon Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the shape of a trompe l’oeil melon by Sarreguemines, circa 1900. Molded in the form of a large yellow melon with green vines and leaves. The li...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Late 19th Century Eclectic Cameo Table Lamp
Located in Canton, MA
This lamp is porcelain in a dark crimson with a hand painted cameo on one side and instruments on the other. The arms and base are metal. It was ori...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Hand Carved Rams Head Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Aesthetic movement hand carved walnut and marble table. The table with beautifully carved ram head and hoof at the feet with a black marble top insert.
Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

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

COPELAND, Antique Gilt Porcelain Ornithological Dessert Service, Circa 1851-95
Located in Chatham, ON
COPELAND - Rare - museum quality - antique porcelain ornithological luncheon or dessert service - each plate and comport hand painted with three different specimens of birds against leafy branches - floral sprays to the center and border of each piece - alternating sections of cobalt blue with the finest quality gilding - each piece with fluted & scalloped edges - incredible attention to detail with the underside of the tall comports completely decorated - total of 18 pieces (12 plates - 2 tall comports - 4 short comports) - impressed letters & numbers - hand painted model number on each piece - 1/2642 - each piece with under glaze blue factory stamp - United Kingdon - circa 1851-95. Excellent antique condition - restored tall comport - a few minor edge chips - minor gilding loss - otherwise in fine antique form...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19c Bronze Cloisonne Dragon Vessels
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese export late 19th century cloisonne vessels. Vessels feature hand chased glass stylized floral patterns in Victorian era colors of red/...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Trompe l’Oeil Majolica Glazed Cherry Branch Wall Plaque, signed F. Perrot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Palissy majolica glazed hand painted wall plaque, signed by the artist, circa 1890-1900. In the trompe l’oeil style of fool the eye, a dimensional mold showing a branching ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique French Oval Miniature Painting on Porcelain Bronze Frame
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique French oval miniature painting on porcelain. Thee ladies and a gentleman gathering in a parlor. Very nice to excellent condition. Fabric on the ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large Giltwood Frame with Pomegranates
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/5734 - Large giltwood frame with pomegranates carved in relief: very fine ! It can be vertical or orizonthal, for a mirror or for a picture. I h...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Pedestal Torchière with Incised & Gilded Decoration
Located in London, GB
In style of Dr C Dresser for Bushloe House. An Aesthetic movement, circular ebonized pedestal torchière or stand, with close carved gilded florets alternating with leaves and lower ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

English Greenware Majolica Twig Handled Leaf Shaped Server or Vide-Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica green glazed leaf pattern server, England, circa 1880. A serrate edged leaf shaped platter with an open work twig form handle. Beautiful mold work showing smaller branc...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Figural Siren Handles
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very elaborate and well executed silver plated serving tray is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States, possibly by Meridian, and dating to approximately 1890 and done in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The tray is is quite heavy for its size and heavily plated, and has a unique fortress shape with flanged sides with ornately cast scrolling leaf decoration. The surface of the tray is engraved with a vignette of tall ships which is framed in an elaborate scrolling leaf and foliage motif. The figural handles depict a reclining woman, beckoning to the ships from the shoreline. This tray is in very good period condition and a very good example of Aesthetic Movement plated...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.  
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Large Orientalist Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large, early 20th century orientalist painting. Oil on canvas. No trace of signature.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Simon Fielding English Majolica Fan & Insect Turquoise & Cream Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six-well majolica glazed oyster plate by Simon Fielding, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1878. In the Japonisme taste, six fan shaped oyster wells glazed in a creamy yellow and t...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Ewer with Stylized Leaf Motifs by Edith Lupton
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and finely made Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth stoneware ewer with geometric and stylized leaf patterning by renowned artist Edith D Lupton and dated 1875. An earl...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Matched Pair of English Schoolbred Benches
Located in Sherborne, GB
A matched pair of oak Schoolbred benches/stools in the Aesthetic style, one with the kite mark stamp to the back rail. Both benches are a pleasant light honey colour retaining its or...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Minton Charger
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A large and beautiful hand painted charger, England, Aesthetic Movement, by Minton. The charger is 22.5 inches in Diameter with an impressed Minton mark and a black stamp Minton's Ar...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

19th Century Copper and Brass Plant Pot Bucket or Wine Cooler
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century copper and brass plant pot bucket or wine cooler This is a lovely looking 19th Century planter it is made in brass with riveted copper ...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Copeland Hand Coloured Lidded Tureen on Stand
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This large W T Copeland boat shaped, lidded soup tureen on stand, is decorated with a hand coloured printed pattern featuring climbing plants, flowers, hummingbirds and butterflies. ...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Tooled and Paint Embellished Versace Style Italian Leather Desk Organizer
Located in Ferndale, MI
Desk organizer highly decorated and colorful tooled leather. Cloth interior. Marked Made in Italy.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather

Christopher Dresser for Old Hall Aesthetic Movement Pottery Bird Painted Ewer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and rare Old Hall Aesthetic Movement ewer hand painted with a blue tit perched on a crab apple tree designed by Christopher Dresser (British, 1834-1...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Oil Painting on Board of Shoemaker at Work
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique oil painting on board depicts a humble shoemaker's shop. Called a cobbler in Europe after the 13th century, such tradesmen usual...
Category

1890s Dutch Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Aesthetic Movement Brass Sconce Pair with Velvet Lined Frames
Located in Savannah, GA
Pair of rectangular Aesthetic Movement brass two candle sconces with embossed morning glory and butterfly motif. Frames lined in 2" claret colored velvet border. Beveled mirrors meas...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carô Table
Located in São Paulo, SP
Following the direction of the Studio's work, the Carô table was developed only working with solid wood and its possibilities of fitting and locking, without the use of screws or nai...
Category

2010s Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern, Murano Glass & Brass Floor Lamps
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of floor lamps, Murano, gray blue color, Modern, Brass structure. It is possible to dismantle the luminaire for transport. Base E 27 light bulb each. Each lamp has an incandesce...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bronze Curtain Holder or Coat Hanger or Tie-backs
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/6839 - Old French gold bronze curtain-holder to enrich Your windows. Before photos had not been cleaned (excuse me).
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

R Crosby & Son Victorian Burr Elm Wellington Chest of Drawers 160 Crests Seal
By Crosby & Sons
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this important, one of a kind, R Crosby & Son, Victorian Aesthetic Movement, Burr Elm and Oak Wellington Chest of Drawers housing 160 Sulphur casts...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Elm, Oak

Bellevue Rye Floral Design Art Pottery Teapot & Cover
By Rye Pottery
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare antique art pottery teapot and cover decorated with floral designs from the Bellevue pottery in Rye, Sussex and dating from the 19th century. Typical of Rye pottery...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

19th C. English Wedgwood Match Striker Blue Tortoiseshell Glaze with a Tan Rim
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Wedgwood Majolica earthenware pottery match holder and striker, Staffordshire, England – circa 1869. For the hearth, kitchen or bedside, the holder is ribbed for lighting strike...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Tiffany Sterling Silver "Vine" Pattern with Pea Pod Motif Cold Meat Fork
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tiffany's "Vine" pattern is not just one pattern, but thirteen different motifs of flowers, grains, vegetables and fruits. Produced between 1872-1904 this weighty sterling silver cold meat fork has the wraparound pea pod motif. Tiffany produced this pattern during the Aesthetic movement...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Gypsy Table, Occasional / Side Table, Tripod Legs, circa 1860-1870
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Antique gypsy table, occasional / side table. Tripod legs, circa 1860-1870 A beautiful mahogany tripod base with twisted fluted legs, with cent...
Category

1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Set of 12 Aesthetic Movement Blue Transfer Fruit Plates Brown, Westhead & Moore
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Classic 19th C. Aesthetic Movement decoration is featured on this set of 12 indigo blue unusual plates featuring different fruit subjects. They offer re...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

All Geometric Coffee Table
Located in Lakeville, CT
This piece was created as a challenge to the Studio to see if all common aspects of geometry (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) could be integrated in one unified piece. Once the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique framed oil painting on canvas is a classic take on the timeless Still Life of a bouquet of flowers. The artist has utiliz...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Bentwood and Cane Thonet "Caminsessel" / Fire Place Chair No. 1, c. 1860
Located in Surbiton, GB
Rare folding cane chair from the aesthetic movement, produced by Thonet, c.1860. In fair condition, with minor scuffs to the frame and a small ar...
Category

1860s Swiss Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

Aesthetic Tilt Top Center or Gaming Table with Molded Leather Lined Pedestal
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Aesthetic Period tilt top square center table in its original dark finish, with inlaid border top, carved corner decorations, supported by a molded leather...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Qing Dynasty Aesthetic Movement Imperial Red Lacquer Sofa / Bench, 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This Imperial red Lacquer Chinese bench with gilt highlights was made in the late Nineteenth Century during the late Qing Dynasty. The Aesthetic Movement Chinese sofa is handmade using intricate Chinese joinery. The Chinese Bench comes in two parts with the sofa top sitting on a joined base with carved giltwood basket weave frieze raised on four chow legs with carved apron highlighted in gilt. The Chinese Lacquer Imperial Sofa...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Gilded Bronze Curtain Tie-Backs
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/4740-5 - Beautiful pair of curtain tie-backs, perfect to support the curtains or belt or scarf in an elegant and functional way. They have been gilded with galvanic process: wonder...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Hand Painted Miniature Figure "Blue Boy" by Geinsborough
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique miniature hand painted on porcelain figure of blue boy by Geinsborough. Very nice condition. Image size measures 2.50" W x 3.25" H, Overall Dimensions: .5" depth x 3.5" W x 4...
Category

20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Christopher Dresser "Studies in Design"
Located in Sharon, CT
This is the original and complete edition of the Classic. Contains all 60 plates.
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Orchies French Faïence Majolica Asparagus Plate, circa 1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Faïence majolica glazed asparagus plate from the Orchies Faïencerie in Saint-Armand-Les-Eaux, Northern France, circa 1890-1900. Cre...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

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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