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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
Returnable Items Only
Antique German Sheppard Bronze Sculptures Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of solid bronze German Shepherd sculpture bookends or door stops. Dating to the 1920s or 1930s. Original felt on the bottom and a nice age ap...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

19th-C. French Pine Faux Bamboo Marble Top Stand / Pedestal / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century French pine faux bamboo two tier marble top wash stand. This would make a lovely side table or pedestal as well. It a single drawer over single door. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch. 14k yellow gold filled. Case #6590704 by Keystone Watch Case Co. (also marked J. Boss 14k). Seaside movement #9344440 and marked Americ...
Category

1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold

Bruce Talbert attri. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered love or twin window seat
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered love or twin window seat made from stained Beech with turned and rounded finials and tramline details to the back headrest...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

French Oyster Plate Porcelain Flowers Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French Oyster Plate Porcelain Flowers Limoges circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Tortiose Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two Tiered Wall Shelf
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Aesthetic Movement Victorian Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two-Tier Shelf, perfect for both display and storage. The shelf features a distinctive halved bamboo slat base, offering bot...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Aesthetic Movement Oak Pipe Rack with a Japanese Style Brass Fretwork Backplate
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic Movement. An oak pipe rack with a Japanese-style brass fretwork backplate, and a tobacco draw with brass handle.
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Aesthetic Movement Cabinet by William Watt in the Style of E. W. Godwin
Located in London, GB
Attributed to William Watt, in the style of E. W. Godwin. An Aesthetic Movement ebonised walnut cabinet with carved floral decoration throughout. The upper section has an open displa...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Slag Glass Bronze Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
American Tiffany Studios Style Bronze and Slag Glass Table Lamp, early 20th century, with inset favrile turtleback tiles, the domed slag glass shade above a classical column, on a tr...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Category

1880s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
$480 Sale Price / item
20% Off
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table
Located in London, GB
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table with a shaped top and shaped upper apron standing on six beautifully shaped legs, each with fine carved f...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

English Aesthetic Movement Pottery Japanese Dragon Jardinière on Stand
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late 19th/Early 20th century English Aesthetic Movement decorative jardinaire or planter stand featuring Japanese dragons. Beautifully glazed with a two tone finish of green with ric...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

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

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

1950s Georgetown Galleries George III Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1950s George III Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table by iconic Georgetown Galleries. Features 4 pedestals all on original solid wheels. Recently refinished and in very good condi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Bruce Talbert, by Gillows & Co. Aesthetic Movement chess table
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, made by Gillows and Co. An exceptional exhibition-quality Aesthetic Movement chess table inlaid with boxwood to the chessboard top, with three baluster legs incised an...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Boxwood, Walnut

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

Large Majolica Shell Vase Nautilus Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica Shell Nautilus Vase Urn signed Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890. The base is decorated with shells and coral. H / 8 inches , W / 10 inches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

Aesthetic Movement Oak Mantle Clock by Howell & James with Blue Tile Insets
Located in London, GB
Howell & James, in the style of Lewis Foreman Day. An Aesthetic Movement oak mantle clock with a carved cresting to the top and fan-shaped detail, framed by incised decoration and a ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

20th Century Bentwood Oak Cheval Mirror 'Manner of Michael Thonet'
Located in Queens, NY
Bentwood (19th/20th Century) oak cheval mirror with ornate screw supports. (manner of Michael Thonet).  
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

"Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the "Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture, a stunning addition to any home or office space. This exquisite sculpture features a pair of lovers embracing each other w...
Category

1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Granite

Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

A pair of small Aesthetic Movement oak sets of drawers with lockable side flaps.
Located in London, GB
A pair of small Aesthetic Movement oak sets of drawers, with carved alternating fern leaf decoration to the drawer fronts and ring pull brass handles. The hinged sides with lockable ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Théodore deck (1823-1891), A Gourd Shape Enameled Faïence Vase, circa 1885
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Théodore Deck (1823-1891) Gourd shape vase with a spherical body and straight neck Polychrome glazed earthenware designed on both sides with a bird, butterflies, a bee, and flowers o...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

George Jones English Palissy Majolica Glazed Three-Piece Sardine Serving Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Stoke-On-Trent pottery works of George Jones, a spectacular three-piece Majolica sardine box, Staffordshire, England, dated 1870. In a lovely soft color palette of lilac ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Lewis Foreman Day. A rare Aesthetic Movement mantel clock with floral decoration
Located in London, GB
Lewis Foreman Day for Howell James & Co. An Aesthetic Movement mantel clock with hand painted floral decoration and sunflower to the dial flanked...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

High-Back Aesthetic Movement Chair
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Shipping Note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. Important Care Information: When purchasing a ch...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

c. 1860s Japanese Scalloped Imari Chop Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860s Scalloped Imari Chop Plate, Japanese. The boldly scalloped design creating two cartouches with flowering gardens decoration flanking the central floral urn reserve with f...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Victor Hugo Castañeda Bronze Sculpture, Mexico 1988, Edition 1/20
By Victor Hugo Castaneda
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare bronze sculpture by renowned Mexican artist Victor Hugo Castañeda (b. 1947), signed and dated Victor H. Castañeda, 1988, and marked Edition 1 of 20. This intimate and contemplat...
Category

1980s Canadian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Glass Ball and Claw Black Ebonized Oak Table, circa 1870s
Located in Hastings, GB
Victorian glass ball and claw ebonised table C'1870's Beautiful ebonised side table with turned bobbin legs. There are 4 brass eagle claws holding ...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Style of E W Godwin. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized cabinet
Located in London, GB
Style of E W Godwin. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized cabinet. The upper shelf with a 3/4 gallery on turned supports with a bevelled mirror below and display area in front. The two doo...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A superb quality Gorham silver plated on copper oval tea tray encrusted in cast vintage motifs. Monogram "EBR". Medallion maker's insignia: "Plate...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

English Aesthetic Tortoise Bamboo Hall Shelf Magazine Rack
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English aesthetic movement bookstand with a display shelf and a large magazine rack or canterbury. Beautifully crafted from tortoise shell bamboo poles. The stand has a smal...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Antique English Wooden Easel
Located in Calgary, Alberta
A lovely 19th century bentwood folding easel in the Aesthetic Movement style, influenced by Thonet bentwood furniture of English makers, It has beautiful scrolled cresting and a cent...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver & Mixed Metals Fisherman & Fish Cocktail Fork
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Aesthetic Period figural cocktail fork. By Gorham. In sterling silver and other metals with gilt tines. In the Japanese style with a copper male fisherman sitting on a log...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper

19th c. Aesthetic Movement Brass Fireplace Tools with Kensington Tile in Stand
Located in Southampton, NJ
A highly uncommon, full set of high style Aesthetic Movement brass fireplace tools in their original stand. This stand features a Kensington Tile in its base which points towards Ame...
Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Burmantofts Rare Saffron Glazed Sunburst Pattern Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and stylish Burmantofts Faience art pottery vase decorated with sun burst patterning and with a saffron glazed finish dating from around 1890. This stunning and elegant lightl...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

19th Century Mahogany Side Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th century square walnut side table raised on four exquisite barley twist legs. Detailed, carved stretchers with urn-shaped carved finial and brass ball and claw...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early Victorian Ebonised Inlay Pier Cabinet Glazed Bookcase Velvet Lined
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A well proportioned Victorian peer cabinet, ebonised with fruitwood inlay and standing on four turned bobbin feet. Two opening glazed doors, retaining its original lock and key, ope...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood, Mahogany

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

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

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Haviland Limoges Porcelain Dresser Box & Lid, 1876-1889
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique porcelain dresser box with lid features sculptural squared form with rounded scalloped corners that is mirrored in the lid's outline. The box is hand decorated with a variat...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Mid-Century French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Pine Square Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this family friendly coffee table! From mountain to beach, it is a versatile option! This is a mid-century knotty pine faux bamboo coffee table. It is French and unmarked. It ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pine

Thomas Sergent Palissy Trompe l’oeil Crustaceans School of Paris Wall Plaque
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Thomas-Victor Sergent nature plate in the style of Palissy, School of Paris, circa. 1875-79. An oval platter heaped with trompe l’oeil fish and crus...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Aesthetic Period Bur Maple Edward & Roberts Writing Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant antique aesthetic period burr maple and ebonized writing table, stamped 'EDWARDS & ROBERTS'  Circa 1870 in date.   This elegant desk is crafted from the most beaut...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Classic Masonic Temple Flush Mount Lamp
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a hard to find and classic flush mounted lamp. The seeded and frosted glass is all original. The frame is a dark oil rubbed finish with a simple pattern dark light pattern ov...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Royal Worcester Floral Painted Twin Handled Porcelain Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine Aesthetic Movement Royal Worcester twin handled vase hand painted with floral designs dated 1899. The small, elegant porcelain vase stands raised on a square pedestal bas...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

St. Clement French Majolica Pottery Basket Weave Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica glazed oyster plates from the faïencerie of Saint-Clément, Circa 1890-1900. Six white scallop shell shaped wells against a rich blue-green basket weave ground. The...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

American Aesthetic Movement Birds Eye Maple Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Chinese and Japanese bamboo style furniture reached the height of popularity after the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. As the Aesthetic...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Liberty & Co, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co attributed, style of a Morris and Co. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair with incised turnings to the back and below the arms, the arms follow through to the sid...
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rush

Set of 9 Custom Framed White Washed Scandinavian Herbarium Gallery, circa 1920
Located in Pearland, TX
A wonderful gallery of nine custom framed antique Swedish herbarium floral specimens, collected circa 1920. Presented in white washed oak frames. Ready to hang. (1) 6.13 x 8.13" (1)...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Faux Bamboo and Pine Commode
Located in Queens, NY
French (late 19th Century) faux bamboo and pine bedside commode with a top drawer above a large door.
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Plaster light, Giacometti style with four branches
Located in Nice, FR
Plaster lamp in the style of Giacometti Composed of four branches. The luminaire is electrified in working order. Base E 27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Aesthetic Movement Trinket Box, circa 1900
Located in Spencertown, NY
The box with scenes of lilliputian figures
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Bentwood Scroll Café Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
84 Bentwood café side chairs with hairpin scroll design open back and wood seat. From BILLY'S 1890 RESTAURANT, NY. (84 - PRICED EACH)
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

19th Century Blue & White Daisy Platter Minton
Located in Austin, TX
19th century blue & white daisy platter signed Minton.
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century French Blue & White Morning Glory Plate Vieillard Bordeaux
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Blue & White Morning Glory Plate Vieillard Bordeaux. Diameter 8.8 inches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Gillows attr, An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut eight leg centre table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed, in the style of H W Batley. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal Mahogany eight leg centre table with shaped supports below the top and four ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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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