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
Artistic Double Gourd Form Raku Pottery Vase
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Artistic Double Gourd form Raku pottery vase, unglazed diagonal ribbon exposing black clay body thickly applied grey crackled glaze pooling at the bo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Lejambre Aesthetic Movement Japanese Ebonized Etagere, Philadelphia, circa 1880
Located in Sharon, CT
Important side table illustrated in Artistic Houses in the Japanese library of the Edward H. Williams house, Philadelphia PA.
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Henry William Batley attri, Jas. Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair.
By Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley (attributed) Jas. Shoolbred., an oak armchair, re-upholstered in red leather, with stylised floral carved details to the back supports the curved arms with elbow...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
Stevens & Williams All-Over Willow Pattern Vase
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare handblown crystal vase made by Stevens and Williams, England, circa 1910. The 12.25" tall and elegant proportion makes this a stand alone piece of art as well as a fun...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Pair of 19th Century Brass and Mirror Sconces
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This pair of unusual American Aesthetic Movement brass sconces has a beveled mirror centered in a square frame with an ornamental cornice at the top and three candle arms emanating f...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Hawkes Centerpiece with Gorham Sterling Silver Mount and Flower Frog-Grogan Co.
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A rare and perhaps unique footed centerpiece most certainly made by Hawkes in Corning NY. in the Aesthetic Movement style.
The heavy crystal is decorated with copper wheel engraved birds and cherry blossoms and sits on an octagonal base. The bowl is mounted with a sterling silver three-handled rim decorated with engraved, matching cherry blossom motif. The removable sterling silver flower frog...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
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
Antique Turkish Melas Jewel Colored Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century Turkish rug with vivid blues and red.
3'4'' x 4'2''
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique Persian Malayer Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
76558 Antique Brown Persian Malayer Rug Runner, 03'02 x 13'00. Long, narrow hand-knotted wool rugs, Antique Persian Malayer rug runners hail from Malayer, Iran, revered for their age...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Top Quality Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Teapot and Tray
Located in London, GB
A top quality Aesthetic Movement silver plated teapot and tray.
Measures: Teapot height 8 1/2", length including spout 8 1/2".
Tray...
Category
19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Monumental Majolica Shell Jardiniere Circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning monumental Majolica pink clamshell jardiniere, circa 1880.
This yellow and brown footed shell is decorated with coral,seaweeds and yellow...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
19th Century Pair of Large Cut-Glass Apothecary Jars with Faceted Finial Cover
Located in Carmel, CA
This pair of French goblet shape apothecary jars with covers are a matched set. The large-scale gives a formidable presence to the pair. The ringed base...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Glass
E W Godwin Attri. Aesthetic Movement Circular Wine or Side Table with Five Legs.
Located in London, GB
Edward William Godwin (attributed), an aesthetic movement circular wine table, the five turned legs united by a circular under tier.
The legs of this table are identical to those of ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase with Gilt Brass Mounts
Located in London, GB
An aesthetic movement mahogany secretaire bookcase with gilt brass mounts and lower tambour front.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Wine Server American Renaissance Revival
By Herter Brothers
Located in Soquel, CA
Herter brothers era and style wine server in mahogany and walnut. Carved grape and leaf motif. Carved shelf side garnishment trim (One missing). Circa 1878-1898. Original finish. Bre...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Robbins & Co attributed to Henry Jeckyll An Anglo-Japanese Cast Iron Stick Stand
Located in London, GB
Robbins and Co attributed to Henry Jeckyll An Anglo-Japanese Cast Iron Stick Stand
Barnard Bishop and Barnard co-produced with Robbins.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted Mother of Pearl Inlaid Single Beds depicting Burgos Cathedral & Cluse Countryside
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Remarkable pair of antique, 19th C, hand painted and mother of pearl inlaid signed single beds. This breathtaking pair features wrought iron paint decorated frames, brass cannon ball...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Bruce Talbert for Gillows attri, A Fine Aesthetic Movement Oak & Glazed Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed to Gillows.
A rare Aesthetic Movement oak cabinet with parcel-gilt carving to the demilune doors depicting vine grapes and a butterfly to the right, and the...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
S. Fielding & Co. English Majolica Cream/Turquoise Seaweed Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six-well majolica glazed oyster plate by S. Fielding & Co. Ltd., Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1878. Turquoise oyster wells surround a center condiment well, all on a molded bed o...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
19th Century English Bamboo and Leather Chair
Located in Bellport, NY
A beautiful bamboo chair with free form feet and finial tops. Leather seat with antique brass nail heads. Probably dated circa 1890.
Category
20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Leather
Aesthetic Movement Carved Walnut Mirror by J Smithey
Located in London, GB
James Smithey, a superior quality Aesthetic Movement carved walnut over mantle, with bevelled mirror and embossed copper panels depicting classical maidens, one panel stamped 'JS 189...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Orchies French Barbotine Majolica Jug, Wet Sheep Dog in a Barrel
By Orchies
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very scarce and desirable French Barbotine majolica jug or pitcher, the Orchies factory, circa 1886-1900. Orchies started producing majolica at the end ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Gilded Wall Sconce in Tortoise Design, Style of Tony Duquette
Located in East Hampton, NY
In the style of Tony Duquette, this amazing resin tortoise and gilded bronze wall applique has been rewired. This jewel will add panache to any room.
Rewired for US standards. 75W...
Category
1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
B J Talbert Aesthetic Movement Carved & Gilt Wall Shelf with Mythical Creatures.
Located in London, GB
Bruce J Talbert, probably made by Gillows.
A rare Aesthetic Movement carved and gilt wall shelf with carved florets to the top center with gilt decorat...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Aesthetic Movement Grainger Worcester Sucrier Dated 1899
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An Aesthetic Movement Grainger Worcester sucrier with a fitted silver plated swing handle Stand dated 1899. The very finely made porcelain sucrier has a ribbed flower bud shaped body...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
English Fence & Ivy Majolica Crescent Plate, TC Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarer English Majolica crescent shaped plate from Thomas C. Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co., Cauldron Place, Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1865.
A rustic pattern ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
19th Century Bronze by Moreau Sitting Figure of a Lady 'Student or Scholar'
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of French origin, this mid to late 19th century bronze figure was made by the prolific French bronze making artist family "Moreau". The sculpture depicts a young female student or sc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Brass Standing Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Brass Standing Floor Lamp.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 landsca...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Paste
Set of Nine Minton 19th Century Hand-Painted Dessert Plates, Antonin Boullemier
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This amazing set of nine Mintons, 19th century cabinet plates depicting young nymphs in fanciful, bucolic settings are beautifully and realistically painted on a soft aqua background...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Corner Cabinet with Incised Floral Decoration
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Corner Cabinet with floral decoration to the upper shelf area, and to the doors incised decoration of circul...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
Christopher Dresser, Ault Pottery Persian Ewer, circa 1890, England
By Ault Pottery, Christopher Dresser
Located in Pymble, NSW
Christopher Dresser designed for the Ault Pottery in the 1890's, taking a lot of inspiration from middle eastern designs, in particular, Persia, of which this an example of a Persian oil...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Pair of Minton Aesthetic Movement Tiled Jardinieres with Lily of the Valley
By Minton
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
Hallmarked English Successionist Style Porcelain Water Jug and Centrepiece Bowl
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulously designed successionist style hallmarked English set of porcelain pieces dates from the early 1950's yet has a modern flair.
It is successionist meets serpent Egyptian...
Category
1950s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Aesthetic Movement Burl Oak Serving Cabinet
Located in Greenwich, CT
Richly patinated late 19th century English burl wood serving cabinet, the highly figured and bookmatched top with thumb molded edge over three drawers retaining their elaborate mixed...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Burl, Oak
Extraordinary Pair of Flower Basket Crystal and Paint Decorated Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of stunning two-light antique flower basket form, crystal and bead encrusted with paint decoration wall sconces. The metal woven baskets are de...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Tantalus Wine Cradle by Hukin & Heath in the Christopher Dresser Style
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Aesthetic Movement silver plate Tantalus Wine Cradle (1834-1904) made by Hukin & Heath, Birmingham, England and done in the style of Christopher Dresser.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
French Victorian Faience Majolica Double Vase
Located in New York, NY
French Victorian (19/20th Cent) faience Majolica small double bud vase with circular shape and decorated with vine, leaves, and fruit (impressed: Sarreguemi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paint
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
19th Century American Hooked Rug
Located in Van Nuys, CA
American hand hooked wool rug of brightly colored floral bouquet on oval, pale gray background, framed in black wool surround, with small floral ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Burlap, Wool
Pair Tall Pale Grey french Opaline Lamps
Located in Westport, CT
Extra tall Pair French Opaline and Brass trim Lamps Rare size and highly unusual color.Think they photograph slightly darker than in person,slight difference in the brass fittings as...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Peach Oushak Rug
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century antique Turkish Oushak rug. Soft peach field and powder blue border.
Measures: 11'6'' x 13'.
Category
20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Orange Peel Anatolian Rug
Located in New York, NY
Orange peel colored Midcentury Turkish Anatolian rug.
Category
1940s Turkish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Monumental Overmantel or Pier Mirror in the Aesthetic Taste
Located in New York, NY
American, third quarter of the 19th century.
Pine, gessoed and gilded, with mirror plate.
Measures: 81 ½ in. high, 59 ½ in. wide.
Condition: Excellent. The gilding has been cleaned and very, very slightly inglided as necessary. The ball at the upper left was missing and has been replicated based upon...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Pine
Pair of Handblown Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Rose Pink Crystal Vases
By Bohemia
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a well matched pair of Bohemian or French handblown vases shading from a subtle pale rose to a slightly darker shade as it reaches the top rim. They are decorated with an Aes...
Category
19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Large 19th Century Forged Iron Sconce
Located in Carmel, CA
This large sconce has seven candles or light cups. The upward arms of the sconce have berry and leaf detail. The candle cups are flower petals. It is drilled to be easily electrified...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
English Aesthetic Movement Refectory Table
By William Lethaby
Located in New York, NY
English Aesthetic Movement oak refectory dining table with plank top on 8 octagonal columnar legs joined by a stretcher (attributed to WILLI...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Set of 4 American Mission Style Wrought Iron Fire Tools
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 American Mission-style (Early 20th Century) wrought iron fire tools on a stand with 4 scroll base feet and ring top.
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century "Aesthetic Movement" Crema Valancia Marble Mantel
Located in New York, NY
A striking late 19th century “Aesthetic Movement" mantel in Crema Valancia marble. The tapered footblock supporting twin octagonal columns. The frieze centered with a rectangular neoclassical plaque of pale green wedgewood...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
English Ebonized Cupboard Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
English Aesthetic Movement (19th Century) ebonized cupboard cabinet with gold incised and floral carved trim and mirrored back panels on upper section with filigree pediment top.
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold
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
Pair 19th c. Wedgwood Aesthetic Movement Porcelain Plaques Thomas Allen
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This pair of unusual porcelain plaques depict two young women in period dress against gold background panels. The acid etched panels are decorated with an all-over Aesthetic Movement motif depicting peacock feathers and surrounded by sheaves of wheat. The painting of the women is finely done and very detailed in a thick enamelled application. One is playing with a stick-toy doll and the other with wheat and a toy broom.
Unsigned but attributed to Thomas Allen...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
French Repousse Silver Table
Located in Stamford, CT
A French rectangular table with repousse silver plaques and inlay. Primary woods is walnut with ebonized wood trim and pewter legs.
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Regency Style Bamboo Upholstered Arm Chair
Located in New York, 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
English Victorian Bamboo and Rush Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian (19th century) large rectangular bamboo wall mirror with a red rush matted frame border trimmed with strips of bamboo.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
European Stone Lithographic German Poster by Franz Stuck Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This 1911 German authentic and original European original stone lithograph custom framed poster is by Franz von Stuck. The paper has gold leaf on it. This is a rare poster and very f...
Category
Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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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