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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
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

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

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

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

Pair of Minton Aesthetic Movement Tiled Jardinieres with Lily of the Valley
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This pair of jardinieres is made of 19th century Mintons porcelain tiles which have been mounted into later constructed jardinieres. The tiles are all matching, each one decorated with lily of the valley floral motifs. Beautifully detailed constructed beaded boxes, frame these Aesthetic Movement tiles...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Art Nouveau Style Brass Crystal Chandelier Gold Art Deco 1920
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our Exquisite Antik Chandelier – a masterpiece of elegance and style that seamlessly complements any space with a touch of timeless beauty. With its stunning details and ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

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

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

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

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

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

Round Table, Bamboo Base, Large Glass Top, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Round table, bamboo base, large glass top.
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo

‘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

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Armchairs Attributed to G.Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
These armchairs made of tinted wood are to be linked to another pair of armchairs executed by Gabriel Viardot, and now exhibited at the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris (Inv. 2006.105.1.2). They present a similar asymmetric design and an equal carving quality including the winding dragon on the back. (see picture attached) Gabriel Viardot career began as a wood carver and he produced small furniture, sculpturally carved with naturalistic motifs and animals. In the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, his finely sculpted objects were well received. However, with the increasing importation of similarly produced Swiss and German articles, he found less opportunity for these and decided to innovate. G. Viardot succeeded to his father’s business in 1861 installed rue Rambuteau in Paris, circa 1870 he turned to the idea of producing “Meubles genre Chinois et Japonais”. The taste in Europe for exotic furniture...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

Original Large Francisco Franco Painting
Located in North Miami, FL
This very large (5 x 4 feet) oil on canvas with variations of blue tones which is simple and elegant, framed with a clean oak frame as done by artist. Shown here in vertical but can ...
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Sarreguemines French Faïence Majolica Barbotine Corn on the Cob Lidded Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen formed as an ear of corn, the handle and footing molded as corn husks. Sarreguemines, circa 1940s. Realistically molded and charming on the table...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

19th Century Majolica Turquoise Asparagus Plate Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
19th century rare Majolica turquoise asparagus plate, Luneville unsigned. Every important French manufactures produced at the end of the 19th century asparagus and artichoke sets. Re...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

Large unusual Aesthetic Movement ebonised & gilt mirror or overmantle
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Unusual large Aesthetic Movement ebonised mirror or overmantle dating to around 1880 with stylised geometric gilt incised decoration.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

1970's Turkish Patchwork Kilim Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
50370 Vintage Turkish Patchwork Kilim Rug, 09'09 x 14'00. Composed like a quiet symphony of earth and wool, this handwoven wool vintage Turkish patchwork kilim rug offers a grounded ...
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

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

English Majolica Triple Spiral Seashell Posy Bud Vase, circa 1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce English majolica, tri-form fluted bud or posy vase modeled as three upright cream, gray, with hints of lavender, tubular, spiraled seashells on a brown glazed scallop shell...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

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

Ogdens of Manchester, An Aesthetic Movement Wardrobe & Matching Bedside Cabinet.
Located in London, GB
Ogdens of Manchester, in style of Dr C Dresser, An Aesthetic Movement treble wardrobe and matching bedside cupboard made from Ash with intricate ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ash, Fruitwood

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

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Oak

Antique Aesthetic Style Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Wardrobe with Mirror
Located in London, GB
Antique Aesthetic style marquetry and gilt bronze wardrobe with mirror Continental, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 202cm, width 154cm, depth 61cm This beautiful wardrobe ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of Carved Nordic Monk Chairs
Located in Malibu, CA
Unique pair of solid oak monk chairs with intricate carvings in Norse style. Hand crafted and unique with removable double sided upholstered cushions. Norw...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Atrrib Minton Aesthetic Movement Hand Painted Cabinet Dessert Plate Leaf Decor
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This rare 19th c. hand painted cabinet plate is attributed to Minton and bears a mark for the renown London retailer A. B. Daniell & Son. The white ground provides a nice contrast an...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Ruby glass vase, gilt decoration Christopher Dresser style
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Fine quality Aesthetic Movement ruby glass vase made around 1880. The vase has stylised gilt bird decoration very much in the manner of Dr Christopher Dresser. It is in good original...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Landers, Frary & Clark Celluloid Ivory Handled Tableware Cutlery – 30 piece Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the makers, Landers, Frary & Clark, a set of 30 table knives and forks with carved, ivory colored Celluloid handles, circa 1900-1920. Landers, Frary & Clark was a housewares ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

1950’s Turkish Bergama Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79178 Vintage Turkish Bergama Rug, 02'01 x 03'09. A radiant relic of Anatolian heritage, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Bergama rug evokes the bold spirit and tribal mastery ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Globe Wernicke Mahogany Bookcase Of 5 Elements With A Drawer
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London bookcase in mahogany from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century - England which has 5 elements and a drawer in the base Beautiful model whic...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

New Organic Modern Moroccan Textured Carpet with Minimalist Style
Located in Dallas, TX
81169 New Organic Modern Moroccan Rug, 11'04 x 15'00. In the quiet rhythm of time, where the past meets the present, lies this hand-knotted wool Organic Modern Moroccan rug—an exquis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Large Aesthetic Movement Pottery Vase By Bretby
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement large glazed pottery vase Olive green with pink interior and fluted rim The shoulders are scalloped with daisies 4 central roundels depicting stylised butterfli...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

New Modern Muted Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53161 Modern Muted Turkish Oushak Rug, 09'03 x 13'07. Like morning light brushing softly across ancient Anatolian hills, this hand-knotted wool modern Turkish Oushak rug whispers rat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

8 Spode Aesthetic Movement Hand Painted Blue & Ivory Floral Dessert Plates
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 8 Spode Copelands dessert plates are perfect for a dessert course at an intimate dinner and also likely to be used as display or cabinet p...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

1850s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Doulton Lambeth Zoomorphic Stylized Art Pottery Jug by Eliza L Hubert
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and exceptional Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth art pottery handled jug of zoomorphic style by renowned artist Eliza L Hubert and dated 1879. The elegant bird shaped stone...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Epergne in Silver Plate with Flowers Holders
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant antique silver plate épergne with low branches and 4 flowers holders. Discreet and delicate, it can be placed anywhere: in the m...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Large French Majolica Vase with Flowers Edouard Gilles, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica vase with flowers signed Edouard Gilles, circa 1880. Painted flowers, impressionist period..   
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Set of 12 Doulton Burslem Hand-Painted Artist Signed Fish Plates, 19th Century
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 12 Doulton Burslem plates dates from the 1890s and are decorated in the Aesthetic Movement style. Each plate is uniquely hand painted...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Late C19th Aesthetic Movement Ebonised And Mirrored Corner Shelf
Located in London, GB
A 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Corner Wall Shelf in the Eastlake Style Previously purchased from the historic Peter Jones store in Sloane Square, London, this elegant cor...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

1900's Persian Mashhad Rug with Traditional European Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75596 Antique Persian Mashhad Rug, 10'08 x 13'08. This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Mashhad rug exudes an air of timeless elegance, showcasing the classic Gol Farang design, a s...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Chinese Rustic "Root" Table
Located in San Marino, CA
19th century Chinese rustic root table, made from natural tree timbers. Sturdy and appealing country styling is obvious in this table from the Qing period,...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Portuguese White Ceramic Lobster Platter
Located in Bradenton, FL
A white ceramic platter made by Sanor Ceramica of Portugal. Embossed with a coastal design, centered with a lobster amidst starfish and shells. Each end of the platter is embossed wi...
Category

Late 20th Century Portuguese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Gillows attr An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & fold over floral inlaid card table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized fold over and swivel top card table with the original red baize to the playing area. The recta...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Large Screen with a Hand Double Painting
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
M/781 - Interesting large hand painted on wood high screen : from France, mid '800. It can be the background of an entire wall: an imaginary garden with flowers' triumph; on the o...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paint

Eliza Simmance Doulton Lambeth Medieval Portrait Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement art pottery vase decorated with medieval portraits of a king and queen by acclaimed and sought after artist Eliza Simmance and dated 187...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Godwin Style. Pair of Aesthetic Movement ebonized folding chair w. new cane seat
Located in London, GB
EW Godwin Style of. A pair of Aesthetic Movement ebonized folding chair with bobbin details to the backrest and a new cane seat. This listing is for the pair (2 chairs). We also have...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Samuel Alcock & Co Palissy Majolica Geranium Floral Shallow Bowl, circa 1850
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An unusual Royal Palissy line Geranium Floral oval bowl, from Samuel Alcock & Co, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1850. This is a scarce example of Alcocks Palissy Geranium...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

1920s French Oval Hammered Copper Fish Plate Platter Antique Vintage Midcentury
Located in London, GB
a really amazing selection of copper fish platters coming from the French Riviera and an old restaurant called La Loupe(wolf fish). copper body with silver chrome plate on the servin...
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Copper

19th Century Aesthetic Movement Black Porcelain Vase with Gold & Platinum
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is an extraordinary example of "Aesthetic Movement" decoration, finely rendered on black glazed porcelain. The well detailed and beautifully painted subject, depicts a hunter wi...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Aesthetic Period Hurricane Parlor Oil Lamp Pendant Light Chandelier
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century circa 1882 Victorian / Aesthetic period converted hurricane oil lamp swag pendant light / chandelier. Brass frame with etched cra...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Victorian Painted And Tiled Aesthetic Movement Washstand
Located in London, GB
This exquisite washstand hails from the charming Aesthetic Movement period, dating back to the late 19th century (Circa 1880/1890). Sourced as barn find in the quaint Sussex countrys...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Minton, Doulton Lambeth, Christopher Dresser, and Wedgwood. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $86,402 while the average work can sell for $1,820.

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