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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: Early 20th Century
Large Orientalist Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large, early 20th century orientalist painting. Oil on canvas. No trace of signature.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Hot Water Urn with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated hot water urn was produced by the well known Simpson, Hall & Miller Co. of the United States in approxim...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Atkin Brothers Sheffield England Stag Horn Handle & Silver Plate Table Crumber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Henry Atkin & Co. a natural Stag Horn handled table crumber, Sheffield, England, circa 1900. The extra-plated silver crumber shows a beaded edge,...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Rare Tiffany Chrysanthemum Bouillon Bowls & Original Lenox Inserts
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Chrysanthemum sterling silver bouillon bowl holders. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Each: Curved and open sides comprising joined stem flowers. Flower-capped lo...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rare Crystal Square Shape Delicate Pair Silver Ewers Mounted by Boivin C.1900
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of very refined ewers in engraved crystal beautifully mounted, part of the silver sterling base is like lace! a work that few silversmiths could do. The octagonal base is decora...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Silver

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

1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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 Forged Iron Door / Gate Slide Bolts by Samuel Yellin Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century slide bolt for gate or door. These slide bolts are hand forged iron attributed to Samuel Yellin. They are unsigned. Priced as a pair. Ple...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Tiffany Aesthetic Oval Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1909. Oval window in flat surround with acid-etched stylized ornament: Quatrefoils alternating with lea...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

"Festgesang" Royal Vienna Porcelain Vase
Located in Vienna, AT
Antique Royal Vienna hand painted "Harp Player" porcelain vase with enamel paint and golden stucco patterns throughout the vase. Base color is an a beautif...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Silver Aesthetic Rose Bowl
Located in London, GB
This amazing antique Edwardian sterling silver bowl is entirely handmade and styled after a Chinese design. The reliefs of chrysanthemums and fighting cocks are exceptional, being ha...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cast Iron Butt Door Hinge Aesthetic Style Qty Available
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Floral Aesthetic style pintel butt antique door hinge with steeple tips and two knuckles. Small quantity available at time of po...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by Ludovic Janssen
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique framed oil painting on canvas by Ludovic Janssen (1888-1954) is an unusual work being a landscape in a square format. Janssen has used the emerging spring growth of the fores...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Orientalist Austrian Cold Painted and Stained Glass Tented Table Lamp
Located in New York City, NY
A charming Middle Eastern theme decorative table lamp / night light in leaded glass and cold painted French metal. Highly atmospheric with a soft glow and deep rich colors, the mosai...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Spelter

Aesthetic Movement Spelter and Majolica Six-Light Chandelier
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic Movement spelter and majolica six-light chandelier, French, early 20th century Height 120cm, diameter 74cm This beautiful chandelier, which demonstrates some of the ta...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Grapes Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with bunches of grapes, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1920. A grape vine branch forms the top handle, grape b...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Edwards & Roberts, Queen Anne Revival Swan Neck Inlaid Mahogany Wall Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Edwards & Roberts. An Edwardian Aesthetic Movement Queen Anne Revival mahogany wall cabinet with floral inlaid swan neck pediment and chequer and line in...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Thomas Jeckyll, Aesthetic Movement Fire Insert, Made by Barnard Bishop & Barnard
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll. An Aesthetic Movement cast iron fire insert with stylized flower details. Made by Barnard Bishop and Barnard of Norwich. This insert takes ten standard 6 inch squar...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Framed Oil Painting by Marcel Lizen
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique framed oil painting by Marcel Lizen (1887-1946) is an extraordinary landscape with charming architectural feature depicting an inviting country road that leads by a thatch-roofed cottage nestled amidst the forest. One can see a neighboring cottage in the distance, with late afternoon shadows providing an interesting lighting effect. Survives in its original frame. Lizen was born in Huy in 1887, and studied at l'Académie de Liège...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Early 20th Century Side Serving Drinks Tea Twig Table Smoked Glass Top Wood
Located in Tilburg, NL
Beautifully crafted occasional twig table related to the aesthetic movement in the late 19th century. Early 20th century, most probably English. Made out of twigs and finished wi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Twig, Smoked Glass

English Simple Epergne in Silver Plate
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Simple but nice épergne in silver plate for Your table ornament, specially for Christmas: with candles, flowers and fruits all around. Just a few flowers are enough to refine a tabl...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

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

Pair of Cast Iron Aesthetic Doorknob Rosettes, Early 20th C.
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century cast iron Aesthetic style doorknob rosettes. The patinas vary slightly because one has a nickel finish and the other has an antique bronze finish. Priced as a pair...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

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

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

English Aesthetic Movement Brass Hat Stand
Located in New York, NY
English Aesthetic Movement brass hat rack with circular top, three sets of hooks, and space for umbrellas in the base.
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Bamboo Turned Bench
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic Movement ebonized wood bench with bamboo style turnings and gilt decoration, circa 1920s.
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Painting with Roses in the Vase
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/8157 - Old French painting with a beautiful bouquet of roses in a vase on a table. It almost seems to smell it... If you want, You can use the elegant frame for a mirror, leaving the picture free...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Daum Nancy Vase Monumental Digitalis orange Art nouveau
By Daum
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Daum Nancy vase Digitalis, Circa 1915 Perfect condition Size: 54 cm Monumental. Glassware marked Daum Nancy is attributed to Auguste and Antonin Daum. These brothers took over a gl...
Category

1910s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Art Nouveau Gouda Studio Pottery 1913 Candleholder Crokus, Holland
Located in Munich, DE
This candleholder was executed by a Dutch studio pottery Gouda in 1913.
Category

1910s Dutch Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Lg. Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Engraved Flowers & Birds
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very large and substantial silver plated serving tray is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in the United States in approximately 1900 in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The tray has a very ornate stylized floral border with ornate handles with applied figural birds. The serving tray surface is very detailed with geometrically partitioned panels...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

12 Coalport Green Raised Paste Gold & Hand Painted Bird Reserves & Named Birds
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 12 Coalport 19th century dessert plates are the perfect solution to serving and enjoying the quality decoration of hand painted game birds. Each bird is named on the back...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Sheffield Dickinson El Dorado Steel and Wood Handled Long Butchers Knife
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A 16 inch long butchers knife, a carbon steel blade with an unusual carved wood tapered handle, Sheffield, England. The blade is marked: The El Dorado...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cut Steel

Erphila Czechoslovakia Spring Green Floral Biscuit Barrel with Rattan Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A charming, brightly glazed biscuit barrel with a rattan handle, made in Czechoslovakia for Erphila importers, circa 1918-1920. The barrel and lid are hand painted in an incredible spring green and dotted with flowers and leaves glazed in pink, blue and yellow. The upper rim is glazed in a bold contrasting lavender. The lid has a top knob also formed as a yellow petaled flower. Knobbed side handles hold the removable, swing handle, woven in a tan rattan with a darker brown stripe. Erphila was an import company owned by Theodore Ebeling and Frederick Reuss of Philadelphia, who emigrated to the US from Germany. In 1886, they established a company to import porcelain, earthenware, and ironstone from several Bohemian...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Framed Oil Painting on Board by Windel
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Board by F. Windel depicts an intriguing perspective of an impressionistic harbor scene at dawn wit...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Walker & Hall, Sheffield, English Aesthetic Silver Plate Fruit Knives, S/4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of four silver plate Aesthetic Movement fruit or dessert knives, showing the hallmarks for Walker & Hall, Sheffield, England, circa 1910. Nicely balanced, terminating with a ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Pansies Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with colorful pansies, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1910. Two pansy heads form the top handle, pansy blossom...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Roses in Vase on Table, Signed painting
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Gorgeous bouquet of roses in a blue vase on the table - Old painting signed by Leon Tombu - Léon Tombu born in 1866 in Andenne and died in 1958 in...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Large English Bird Plate Mintons, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Large English blue bird plate in a landscape signed Mintons (mark 1873 to 1912).
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique French Esthetic Two-Armed Bronze Sconces with 'Swirl', 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Exquisitely crafted pair of French two-armed sconces with superb detailing. Originally made as wall-candelabras. No alterations to the construction has been made so they are easily c...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Aesthetic Movement Dispenser on Stand with Cups
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique Arts & Crafts silver plate beverage dispenser on stand with cups, by the Hartford silver plate Co., CT. Large tilting beverage dispenser on ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

WMF. An Aesthetic Movement Copper Chamber Candlestick in the Dr C Dresser Style
Located in London, GB
WMF. An Aesthetic Movement Copper Chamber Candlestick and match book holder in the Dr C Dresser Style.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Copper

Large Orientalist Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large, early 20th century orientalist painting. Oil on canvas. No trace of signature.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Large English Bird Plate Mintons, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
English blue bird plate in a landscape signed Mintons (mark 1873 to 1912).
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Cloisonne Urn Table Lamps
By Champeleve
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of gilt bronze and hand-painted and enameled Champleve lamps. An elegant modern neoclassical urn form is combined with a mottled gilt bronze surface and with enamel inla...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

English Mintons 1910 Aesthetic Movement Majolica Glazed John Henk Rooster Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Mintons, a monumental and rare Rooster figure, Stoke-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1910. A mold designed by John Henk, this faithful r...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Tazza Compote with Grape Motif 263 B
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful sterling Tazza compote in grape motif by Georg Jensen, circa 1918. Marked 263 B. Very good condition. Dimensions: 7" diameter x 7.5" H and weighs 19.9 ozt.
Category

1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Beatrice Fenton Profile Portrait Relief Bronze Plaque of John White Mathews Jr
Located in New York, NY
American Aesthetic Movement bronze relief plaque depicting a profile portrait of John White Mathews Jr. as a young boy. The piece was made by Beatrice Fenton...
Category

1920s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Signed German Wooden Sculpture of a Mother And Her Child, "Muller 1943"
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Artistically significant hand carved sculpture of nude mother and child, completed during the Second World War.
Category

Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Murano Opaline Glass Pair of Elegant Lamps
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Unusual model for these beautiful elegant old Murano lamps, suitable for a sitting room or a sleeping room. I recommend making hats when they arrive, so You can make them as You wish...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

20th Century Oil on Canvas of Romanticized, Woodland Waterfall
Located in Van Nuys, CA
An unsigned, unframed, oil painting on canvas. This painting is peaceful, charming and in very good condition. It is tacked to its original wood stretcher bars.
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paint

English Arts & Crafts Wooden Carved Wood Side Table
Located in Montreal, QC
Great Arts & Craft period carved wood octagonal side table with Celtic style design. Bearing label under top: Bowman Brothers, Camden town, London , NW 1.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Persian Malayer Runner with Aesthetic Movement and Craftsman Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74473, antique Persian Malayer runner with aesthetic movement and craftsman style. This hand knotted wool antique Persian Malayer runner displays an all-over repetitive pattern of op...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

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

Early 1900s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th Century Pair of Chiavarine Eclectic Chairs , Carlo Molino designer
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century unique and rare pair of Chiavarine Chairs, by Carlo Mollino in ebonized mahogany and with new red velvet upholstery. Feet in gilt brass Measure cm: H 125\50 W 43 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

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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