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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
Period: 20th Century
A pair of bronze panels / gates from a bank C 1910.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair bronze panels from a bank C 1910. Would make a great entry for your home or wine cellar. Each gate / panel / door comprised of 9 turned bars within a picture rail style frame.
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Adolf Loos for Thonet Shoe Rest circa 1905
Located in CA, CA
Adolf Loos for Thonet Shoe Rest circa 1905, constructed of black stained steamed beech. "By beauty we understand the highest degree of perfection. For this reason it is completely o...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Anglo-Indian Carved Peacock Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century hand carved peacock chair.
Category

20th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Floral Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas by Jules De Corte
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century floral still life oil painting on canvas by Jules De Corte (1918-1999). This vibrant floral still life featuring vase with roses was painted ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Vintage French Empire Style Figural Woman Black & Gold Brass Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Figural Winged Woman Black & Gold Brass Metal Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 30" H (to finial) x 19" H (to light socket) x 7"...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair Levantine or Syrian Ebonized Corner Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb pair of Levantine or Syrian corner chairs that date to the the late 19th or early 20th century. The chairs have been ebonized and retain their original multitude of ...
Category

Early 20th Century Syrian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

French Easel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An easel with a painting makes a statement in the room This one is particularly elegant th the swan heads on the sides.
Category

1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Tiffany Studios New York Student Lamp Signed Bronze Base and Artglass Globes
Located in Savannah, GA
Two bell shaped art glass signed iridescent shades are supported by an adjustable bronze two arm base with bell sockets. The twin paddle knob sockets are stamped GE CO. The base is s...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Art Deco Cut Crystal & Silver Plate Inkwell Signed Cross
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of historical elegance to your desk with this Art Deco Cut Crystal & Silver Plate Inkwell, signed by Cross, England, from the early 20th century. This exquisite inkwell e...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Venice Vintage Chandelier Lustre Antique Big Flower Glass Brass
Located in Berlin, DE
Authentic preserved Venice chandelier: Impeccably restored and revitalized Step back in time with this original preserved chandelier from 1950. It has been carefully restored to emb...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Schumann Bavaria Large Snow Scene Cabin German Moriage Porcelain Gilt Rim Vase
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stunning and sizeable German Porcelain Vase by Schumann Bavaria circa 1950. It features a Moriage raised porcelain texture to create the effect of the scene through falling snow. Fea...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

1950's Persian Shiraz Pictorial Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79097 Vintage Persian Shiraz Pictorial Rug, 03'10 x 06'04. This extraordinary hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Shiraz rug presents a captivating pictorial narrative, vividly depicti...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Royal Worcester Aesthetic Period Gilt Porcelain Snake Handled Owl Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique English Aesthetic Period porcelain vase. By Royal Worcester. With an ivory porcelain ground. Painted with a central scene of a short-eared owl and its chick perche...
Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Round Table Turned Legs, Mid 20th Century.Spain
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
This table is raised on a base composed of six bobbin turned Legs and a optogonal star stretcher, also turned. Oval antique wine or side table of the 19th century. Wood with bobbin ...
Category

1930s Spanish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Ram's Skull Silver Plated
Located in Chicago, IL
Rams skull rests on plinth base. Marked "Made in France on underside from Wingate and Johnston"
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

Piero Figura Atena / Milan Italian Acrobat Pewter Metal Vase Centrepiece
Located in Brescia, IT
"Acrobat" Piero Figura late 20th Century Etain 95% Turbaned acrobat supporting a vase on his chest Domed base with star motifs Artist Sign stamped under the base
Category

1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Schumann Bavaria Mountain Snow Scene German Alps Moriage Porcelain Gilt Vase
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stunning and sizeable German Porcelain Vase by Schumann Bavaria circa 1950. It features a Moriage raised porcelain texture to create the effect of the scene through falling snow. Fea...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Arm Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo arm chair.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

1950's Persian Tabriz Hunting Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77353 Vintage Persian Tabriz Rug, 11'00 x 15'03. In this resplendent hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Tabriz hunting rug, a mythic narrative unfolds across a regal composition of color, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism. At the heart lies a scalloped medallion blooming with florals—lotus blossoms signifying rebirth, lilies whispering of purity, and rosettes circling like celestial constellations around a dark indigo center. This elaborate medallion anchors the visual rhythm of the piece, drawing the viewer into a timeless world where artistry and storytelling become one. Surrounding the medallion is a magnificent rust-hued field alive with aristocratic riders astride galloping steeds, poised mid-hunt amid a garden of earthly delights. With arrows drawn and regal posture, these noble figures evoke a sense of valor and refinement from Persian courtly traditions. Deer leap and bound through the landscape, symbols of grace, gentleness, and fleeting beauty, while paradise birds perch delicately within the flora—emissaries of heaven and harbingers of spiritual bliss. Each animal is rendered with care, not as decoration alone, but as a living thread in the fabric of a storied garden. Interwoven throughout the field is a verdant array of botanical motifs, each carrying its own symbolic weight. Hyacinths suggest regeneration, tulips prosperity, and peonies an echo of strength and power. Pomegranates, split open and brimming with seeds, embody fertility and life’s abundance, while delicate blossoms and curling vines meander like arabesque poetry across the terrain. Saz leaves and acanthus scrolls provide the baroque flourish of classical Persian garden design, transforming the field into a cultivated wilderness of movement and meaning. The corner spandrels mirror the central field, with muted mint backdrops densely packed with flowering stems and gracefully leaping deer, extending the sense of harmony and echoing the symmetry prized in Persian aesthetics. These spaces act as serene interludes between the fervent energy of the hunt and the stately stillness of the border, softening the composition while enriching its narrative depth. Encircling the entire scene is a radiant floral border set against a pale yellow backdrop, anchored wit eight-pointed rosette stars alternating with ornate palmettes and peony that serve as both spiritual and ornamental punctuation. Blooming tulips and stylized saz foliage arc and weave between arabesque scrolls, culminating in a final embrace of the inner tableau. This Tabriz hunting carpet...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Faux Bamboo Bronzed Iron Demilune Planter Jardinieres
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of bronzed iron demi-lune form garden planters or jardinieres supported by faux bois twig stands. The planters feature a faux bamboo covered exterior each in a semi-circ...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

French Faux Bamboo Miniature Armoire
Located in Queens, NY
French Faux bamboo maple miniature armoire with a large mirrored door above a drawer with a pediment top
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Large and Ornate Figural Bronze Handled Urn
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Figural bronze urn with relief figures among the foliage, the urn with two sea serpent handles with embossed scales, scalloped rim, footed. Very...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Mid Century Outdoor Garden Patio Porch Zinc Strap Iron Bench
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous galvanized iron bench from the middle of the last century. In excellent preserved condition, this bench sat mostly on an enclosed porch. Sturdy as the day it was made. No pa...
Category

1960s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron, Zinc

Mid-Century Cast Concrete English Garden Style Pots / Planters / Jardinieres - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of unique cast concrete planters. As one can see, one is significantly darker than the other. They most likely date to the 50s/60s. They are unmarked.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Concrete

1970's Turkish Patchwork Kilim Rug with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53167 Vintage Turkish Patchwork Kilim Rug, 11'05 x 13'11. Woven from the quiet whispers of Anatolian pastures and the steady hands of Turkish artisans, this handwoven wool vintage Tu...
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

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

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

1980s Faux Tortoise Bergere Chairs W/ Coral Form Backs & Carved Shells - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 20th century bergere chairs with an oil drip faux tortoise finish on the frames. The backs are a carved coral motif, and the tapered legs have a carved shell a...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Porcelain Oyster Plate With Shells, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Porcelain Oyster Plate With Shells, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Val Saint Lambert Cobalt Blue Cut To Clear Crystal Vase Birds & Flowers
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This Val Saint Lambert vase is a rare example of a pattern that was only used for goblets and most likely a custom order. It is hand blown crystal with cobalt blue overlay cut to cle...
Category

1930s Belgian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Original Hand Painted Tiger Bamboo Pedestal Side Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Turn of the 20th Century Aesthetic Movement tiger bamboo pedestal side table with a hand-painted scenic top portraying a bird with floral scenery, a large square top, and crop "X" ba...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rattan

1970's Turkish Kilim Rug with Minimalist Style
By Le Corbusier, William Baziotes
Located in Dallas, TX
52624 Vintage Turkish Kilim Rug, 10'10 x 13'10. A captivating synthesis of modernist abstraction and Anatolian weaving traditions, this handwoven wool vintage Turkish kilim rug embod...
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

1980's Turkish Sivas Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79212 Vintage Turkish Sivas Fish Rug, 07'11 x 10'00. A delightful fusion of whimsy and craftsmanship, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Sivas rug offers a fresh interpretation o...
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Set of 6 French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1950
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 6 French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900.
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Early 20th Century Stained Glass Doors
Located in London, GB
Pair of early 20th century stained glass doors Continental, early 20th century Each door: Height 239cm, width 59cm (118cm when together), depth 9cm T...
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stained Glass, Wood

Bradley and Hubbard Umbrella Stand
Located in Greenwich, CT
A cast iron umbrella stand by noted maker Bradley and Hubbard, having elaborate scrollwork decoration, twist holder and carrying handle, with wonde...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

c. 1900 Set of 12 Sterling Silver Seafood Forks by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 sterling silver seafood forks "King" pattern by Dominick & Haff, circa 1900. Retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle. Pattern patent c.1880. Monogram "W". Crisp condition. 5.95 ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

German Majolica Swallows Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
German majolica aqua plate with birds swallow & insect circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Silver Flower Basket Place Card Holders Set of 6
Located in Stamford, CT
1950s Brazilian 900 silver basket place card holders. Each holder features a “bouquet” of semi precious stones. Twisted round silver holder. Each hol...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Silver

Bronze Elephant Head Console Table (Base Only)
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century bronze elephant console table. This listing is for the base only and is shown with glass as inspiration. Dimensions are for base only.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Tropical Framed American Flamingo Print By John J. Audubon
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely framed print of the American flamingo by John James Audubon. It is one of his most iconic images and was part of his Gulf Bird studies from 1827 to 1838. It is nice...
Category

Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paper

Antique Royal Crown Derby Aesthetic Period Porcelain Plate with Gold & Platinum
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Aesthetic Period porcelain plate. By Royal Crown Derby. Richly decorated with detailed leaves & plants in gold and platinum on a coral colored ground ground and a gilt rim. ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Style Marble Top Cabinet With Painted Panels
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and decorative Aesthetic style double door cabinet with cookie corners and conforming fine yellow marble top. The doors with floral inlays in the corners and raised ...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

1960's Distressed Turkish Sivas Carpet Runner with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52118 Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Runner with Gustavian Farmhouse Style. This hand-knotted wool distressed vintage Turkish Sivas runner features three stylized medallions patter...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

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

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Rare American Aesthetic Movement Six-Piece Silver-Plated Coffee and Tea Service
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Impressive and Rare American Aesthetic Movement Six-Piece Silver-Plated Coffee and Tea Service. The ornately designed service with griffon finials and raised on a tapered and foo...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

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

Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

Tiny Vintage Florentine Mirrors; a pair
Located in Malibu, CA
Florentine gold framed mirrors. Classic pair of small accent mirrors. New mirror, never used.
Category

Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Mirror

1960's Berber Moroccan Azilal Carpet with Tribal Bohemian Style
Located in Dallas, TX
20363 Vintage Berber Moroccan Azilal Rug Runner with Tribal Bohemian Style 04'03 x 11'00. With its boho chic style and nomadic charm, this vintage Berber Moroccan Azilal runner with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Marsh Jones and Cribb. A superb pair of side tables
Located in London, GB
A superb pair of side tables by Marsh Jones and Cribb with circular top and shaped aprons below and fabulous shaped legs united by a shaped lower shelf on little pad feet.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Majolica Bird Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica bird plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Just Andersen large alloyed bronze bowl
Located in London, GB
A large alloyed bronze patinated dish bowl stamped Just Andersen Denmark and numbered 1736 X. Some wear to the patination which should be visible in the photos but otherwise a larger...
Category

1910s Danish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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

Decorative Russian Hand Painted Lacquered Box With Fox & Fish
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Decorative Russian hand painted lacquered hinged box with red interior. The box with a fox licking his mouth over his discovery of a proudly displ...
Category

20th Century Russian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

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

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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