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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
Set of 15 Aesthetic Movement Hand Painted Dessert Plates Plates w/ Botanicals
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of hand painted botanical dessert plates feature a vibrant floral subject in a varied palette and each is framed by an unusual Impres...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Three-Piece French Enamelled Glass Garniture, Attributed to Baccarat
Located in Montreal, QC
This garniture is painted with birds and flowers on a pale blue ground. The oblong footed bowl has a shaped gilt rim ,with white jewelling and centering palmettes. The flanking vases...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Opaline Glass

John Tuska Lidded Stoneware Vessel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
John Tuska lidded stoneware vessel in a striking green glaze. John Tuska, full name John Regis Tuska, (1931–1998) was an American artist and educator. H...
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Set of 12 Rare Signed Sinclaire Hand Blown Crystal Engraved Fish Soup Bowls
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is an extremely rare set of signed hand blown crystal rimmed soup bowls made by the iconic H. P. Sinclaire Co, Ca. 1910-20's. Each crystal clear bowl is uniquely decorated with...
Category

1910s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

James Dixon and Sons An Aesthetic Movement Electroplated Brittania metal tea set
Located in London, GB
James Dixon and Sons. An Aesthetic Movement Electroplated Brittania metal tea set consisting of a teapot, milk jug, and sugar bowl. Teapot 16x17x17. Milk Jug 13x13x7. sugar bowl 9x1...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by A. Jaboneau
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th century framed oil painting on canvas by Albert Jaboneau (1855-?) depicts the bustling harbor scene at Anvers, France during the late 19th century showing the "hybrid" ship...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

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

An Aesthetic Movement Amboyna and Ebonized Music Cabinet with gilt decoration
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement amboyna and ebonized music cabinet with incised and gilt decoration. The open top with amboyna and incised gilt decoration...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Tazza Compote With Grape Motif, 263 A
Located in Toledo, OH
George Jensen sterling silver Tazza compote with grape leaf motif #263A, circa 1918. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 5" diameter x 5" H.
Category

1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Framed Oil on Canvas of Still Life
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Framed Oil on Canvas of Still Life is an intriguing work, signed by the as yet unidentified artist. Representing a combination of techniques, the artist has skillfully ...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Moser Aesthetic Enameled Cordial/ Liquor Set, 15-Pieces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Moser Aesthetic enameled Cordial/ liquor set,15-pieces. Subtle olive green glass, with naturalistic enamel work with gilt highlights. Consisting of two handled decanters with stopper...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

Antique Minton Secessionist Vase in Light Blue and Cobalt with Floral Motif
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique potery vase was made by the renowned Mintons Company of England in approximately 1905 in the period Secessionist style. The vase is done with a Robin egg blue ground wit...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Art Nouveau Brass Chandelier Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite Art Nouveau brass chandelier chandelier ceiling light - a real rarity and an antique jewel. This vintage chandelier was lovingly and professionally res...
Category

1910s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE TiLED TOP CHESSBOARD CHESS TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning antique Victorian Mahogany games table with Chessboard Tiled top and stamped to the base with ...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Model 17 Bentwood High Back Armchair by Michael Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
This model 17, bentwood side chair with a cane seat and back was designed by Michael Thonet for his own company in the 1860s. This example was produced in the 1970s and is in a very ...
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cane, Wood

19th Century Walnut Slipper Chair in Green Velvet
Located in Batley, GB
A good quality Aesthetic Movement walnut slipper chair in green velvet upholstery and tassel trim. Raised on nice turned and fluted front legs with splayed rear legs and all with the...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Liberty & Company Mahogany Thebes Stool
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with new leather with tacks. With label from Liberty on base. From a Bunny Williams designed Palm Beach home.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Set of 16 Wedgwood Hand Painted Artist Signed Cobalt Gilt Fish Plates
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a large set of 16 hand painted and artist signed A. Holland, one of Wedgwood's famous and iconic artists. These fish plates are decorated with an unusual border incorporating...
Category

1930s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo Pagoda Wall Shelf & Cabinet Att. To Maitland -Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a burnt bamboo pagoda form wall shelf attributed to Maitland-Smith. The shelf measures 28.5”L x 8”W x 27”H. It has two mirrored sections. It is unmarked and in very good condit...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Wood

Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Celadon Serving Pieces
Located in Great Barrington, MA
One of my favorite patterns, these four pieces of Mintons Celadon green ground serving pieces are uniquely decorated in a classic Aesthetic Movement mot...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Aesthetic Movement mahogany occasional tables
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Good pair of Aesthetic Movement mahogany occasional tables dating to around 1880, the tables have crisply ring turned legs and are in good useable condition.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Life-Size Bronze "La Danse des Oeufs" by Gustave-Louis Nast
By Gustave-Louis Nast 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and large French 19th century Orientalist style life-size patinated and parcel-gilt bronze sculpture of "La Danse des Oeufs" (The Dance of Golden Eggs) also known as "La Danse...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

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

Victorian Bronze Faux Bamboo Fire Screen
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian bronze faux bamboo fire screen with wire mesh swivel center panel.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Orientalist Chandelier, France, Circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare chandelier in gilded and patinated bronze with eighteen lights, finely decorated with stylized oriental motifs in polychrome red and blue cold enamel. Surmounted by an elegant c...
Category

1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Regency Style Bamboo Upholstered Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Regency Style bamboo open arm chair with high back design and upholstered seat and back panel (19/20th Cent.)
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of 19th Century Bronze and Marble Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of 19th Century Bronze and Marble Lamps, probably French, circa 1880's. Rewired and ready to use.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Set of 12 Cauldon Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Aquatic Plates, Artist Signed
Located in Great Barrington, MA
There are fish plates and then there are these plates! The sea-foam green ground is the perfect foil for the hand-painted borders which are divided into five reserves featuring vario...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Porcelain Figure, KPM Berlin 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Woman with a parrot, KPM Berlin, 19th century.. Beautiful figurine of a standing woman in oriental dress holding a parrot in her right hand. Naturalistically painted with fired KPM mark...
Category

19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Christopher Dresser Moon Flask Vase, circa 1870s
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A blue ground pilgrim flask-shaped vase by famed English designer Christopher Dresser for Minton, circa 1870s. The foliage motif was most likely hand-painted by William Mussill...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Tiger Bamboo Bat Wing Bar
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early 20th century Aesthetic Movement tiger bamboo small 2 person bat wing bar with a unique batwing bar top and small 2 shelf cabinet along the back.  
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

New Modern Pink Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53973 New Modern Pink Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 02'07 x 13'00. This hand-knotted wool modern Turkish Oushak rug runner embodies the timeless artistry of Anatolian weaving, offering ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by Xavier Wurth
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Framed oil painting on canvas by Xavier Wurth (1869-1933) is an unusual example of the artist's work, being a vertically oriented landscape o...
Category

1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Antique Anglo Japanese Magazine Rack in Tortoiseshell Bamboo Late 19th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Anglo Japanese Magazine Rack in Tortoiseshell Bamboo, United Kingdom, Late 19th Century. This characteristic antique Anglo Japanese magazine rack was well made in rare Torto...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

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

Pierre Chapo Exceptional Chapo Stone Desk B40, Very Rare Version in Black Ash
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Pierre Chapo Exceptional Chapo stone desk B40 Very rare version in black ash Special order part for the circa 1975 Tray: 225 x D 85 x L 75cms Box 1: 60 x 57 x H 60cms Box 2: 123 x 5...
Category

20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ash

Vintage Limoges Jmmet Seignolles plates & box Souvenir de son Vogage a Lourdes
Located in BILBAO, ES
Set of Elegant vintage Limoges box and two plates. Marked on base as “Jammet Seignolles Souvenir de mon voyage á Lourdes”. -Memories of my trip ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Gold Leaf

Store Showcase Cabinet Or Bookcase In Mahogany Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little mahogany display cabinet or bookcase from the early 19th century circa 1820. Small model with cut corners which is unusual. It must certainly have been in a store as a...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Set Of 12 Faience Blue & White Architectural Dinner Plates, Gien, C.1900
By Gien
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just arrived! This beautiful and rare French Set of 12 Faience Blue & White Architectural design Dinner Plates. There are three different designs of Architectural ruins in Blue on a ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

Ceramic Madonna with Child High Relief
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/4832 - Beautiful old high-relief white ceramic Madonna with child, signed Friska 1941 - Sweet smile of mother and child!  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

New Colorful Contemporary Turkish Oushak Rug with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52798 Colorful Oushak Modern Turkish Rug, 10'00 x 13'04. The hand-knotted wool colorful Turkish Oushak rug stands out with its bold geometric print and vibrant colors, resulting in a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Baccarat Decanter for Cognac Hennessy Paradise
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding, rare and unique Richard Henessy Baccarat Cognac Decanter ,Open worked crystal bottle Crystal stopper, This is an old type Richard, no long...
Category

1990s French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Silver

American Aestheticism, Griffoul Foundry Sculptural Bronze Bookends, Early XX C.
By M. Peinlich
Located in New York, NY
A charming set of bronze bookends. One of the bookends depicts a figure of a young girl with a questioning face expression, holding a bouquet; and the other a cupid, who peeks around...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Copeland Spode Dessert Set 8 Plates, 2 Square Plates Blue w/ Florals Butterfly
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 8 Copeland Spode dessert plates is accompanied by 2 matching square serving plates- Perfect for a cheese and fruit course as well as d...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

1950s German Daybed
Located in London, Lambeth
Very comfortable German daybed with slight angled top To make for a perfect relaxing bed. Wooden frame with Origin cotton fabric, circa 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Minton Hand Painted Ornithological 13 Piece Dessert Service- C. Dresser
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This amazing 13 piece hand painted ornithological dessert service is painted in the "Aesthetic Movement Style" with each exotic bird realistically represented in it's natural landscape. The subjects have a restrained and elegant look, each framed by the amazing Christopher Dresser designed, Japanese...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Paste

12 Webb Hand Blown Large Crystal Goblets w/ Flared Rim Engraved Prunus Blossoms
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 12 hand blown crystal goblets were made by Webb Corbett, England and are the perfect addition to your table setting. The nice large size makes these an excellent choice f...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Important French Orientalist Jeweled Clock for Turkish Market, YSL Collection
Located in New York, NY
An important antique French orientalist style Jeweled gilt bronze clock made for the Ottoman market. This enameled clock sits within the decorated column's supporting a tulip shaped ...
Category

19th Century Turkish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Aesthetic Movement table attributed to Collinson & Lock
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Aesthetic Movement pale soft wood occasional table with five finely turned legs attributed to Collinson & Lock circa 1880. This particular form of table is more usually found in rose...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Hand Painted Royal Worcester Pitcher Year Mark, 1888
Located in Lambertville, NJ
19th century hand painted Royal Worcester stag Horn handled pitcher. The tusk shape with floral decoration all around with a porcelain stag Horn style handle. The edges with original...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Fish Platter
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This fish platter is a true work of art! Classic Aesthetic Movement whimsical decoration with fish in motion and in conversation with the viewer, it has a three-dimensional feel. Rea...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Lampe Onyx
Located in Nice, FR
onyx table lamp lit with two bulbs a white cotton lampshade this lamp can go very well on a desk on a chest of drawers on a console a bulb is placed inside the lamp to illuminate it....
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Onyx

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

Antique Tiffany Aesthetic Exotic Sterling Silver Turkish Coffeepot
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver Turkish coffeepot. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Upward tapering neck and round bowl. Ball-cover hinge-mounted to c-scroll...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

‘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

Aime Jules Dalou French Gilt Bronze Figure of a Resting Worker
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning French Gilt bronze figure of a resting worker by renowned sculptor Aime Jules Dalou (French, 1838-1902) and probably dating from the latter 19th century. Paris born and ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Perfume Bottles, Murano, Red, Italy, 1960
Located in Nice, FR
Lot of Murano perfume case, from the 60s, in good condition. Ruby red color. Never used.
Category

20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Samuel Alcock & Co. Majolica Strawberry & Grape Cluster Dessert Tray, circa 1850
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica glazed handled and footed tray from Samuel Alcock & Co, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1850. A strawberry, grape cluster, floral and leaf motif on a shaped tray...
Category

Mid-19th Century English 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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