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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
Aesthetic Faux Bamboo Mirrored Birds-Eye Maple Chest, Attributed to R J Horner
Located in Bradenton, FL
Aesthetic Victorian faux bamboo mirrored Birds-Eye Maple chest, circa 1880. Attributed to R.J. Horner and Company. Chest features three drawers for storage and a large faux bamboo ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Birdseye Maple

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

Sculptural Lamp in Bronze Representing the Mermaid Princess Suvannamaccha
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Sculptural Lamp in Bronze with Double Green and Gold Patina Representing the Mermaid Princess Suvannamaccha, Thailand, 20th Century We present an exceptional piece that combines ar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Minton English Majolica Yellow Trinket Basket Vide-Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Super-Scarce English majolica glazed trinket basket, attributed to Minton, circa 1880s. With amazing color and texture, the delicate little earthenware basket is glazed in a deep...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Phillip Webb for Morris & Co. English Aesthetic Movement oak reclining armchair
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co. Designed in C1866. A rare Aesthetic movement oak adjustable reclining armchair with good quality tan leather button back ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

19th Century Royal Worcester Blush Porcelain Pitcher
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A beautiful blush porcelain pitcher in the Aesthetic style, made by Royal Worcester in 1890. This small pitcher is decorated with hand-painted flowe...
Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Ceiba Table Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Pe...
Category

2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Clay, Linen

Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Bench With Rush Seats By Heals
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement ebonised beech settle with rush double seat Heals - after the ‘Sussex’ design by Morris & Co Previously unrecorded settle version Circa 1890 Height 90cm. Width...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

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

19th Century Bohemian Moser Attrib Enameled Ormolu Jewel Casket Table Box
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptional Aesthetic Movement period Bohemian enameled jewel casket attributed to luxury glassmaker Moser. Hand-crafted in the late 19th cent...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal, Ormolu

Pair of 19th/ 20th Century Oak Stick & Ball Architectural Elements
Located in Milford, NH
Nice examples of two different decorative oak stick and ball architectural elements, the larger wit a center shell or fan motif, probably American in origin, dating to the late 19th ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

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

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

Antique Aesthetic Period Davenport, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Aesthetic Period Davenport. An English, walnut and bird's eye maple writing desk, dating to the Victorian era, circa 1880. A delightful example, with exquisite cr...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Walnut

19th Century Gypsy Table, Occasional / Side Table, Tripod Legs, circa 1860-1870
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Antique gypsy table, occasional / side table. Tripod legs, circa 1860-1870 A beautiful mahogany tripod base with twisted fluted legs, with cent...
Category

1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Burmantofts Faience Rare Red & Yellow Glazed Fleur-de-lis Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish and rare Burmantofts Faience art pottery vase decorated with a fleur-de-lis design in ox blood red glazes over a yellow ground and dating from around 1890. The earthenware ...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

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

Circa 1860-80 Japanese Imari Bowl
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860-80 Imari bowl, Japanese. Well decorated interior & exterior with various parquetry Aesthetic movement bands & blocks; floral central reserve; tea house; lake & mountain la...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Morris & Co attr to Philip Webb. Aesthetic Movement pair rush seat Sussex chairs
By Morris & Co., Ford Madox Brown 1
Located in London, GB
Ford Maddox Brown for Morris and Co. An Aesthetic Movement pair of rush seat Sussex side chairs with newly laid rush seat.These chairs have bee...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rush

Christofle Bottle Opener
Located in Mérida, YU
Franch bottle opener manufactured by Christofle in the 1970s. Silverpalted with very elegant handle. Very good condition.
Category

1970s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Early 20th century Swedish bookcase cabinet by Sandberg & Co
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish bookcase cabinet by Sandberg & co circa 1910. Good quality 1 piece bookcase cabinet by swedish furniture makers sandberg of linköping. Stepped top surfac...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass, Birch

James Hadley Royal Worcester Blush Ivory Farmworker Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional pair English aesthetic movement porcelain pair of figurines portraying a farmhand and his belle by renowned potter and artist James Hadley (British, 1837-1903) dated 1...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Rare Majolica Box with Oysters and Snail Choisy Le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica box with oysters and snail signed Hippolyte Boulenger Choisy Le Roi, circa 1880. Measures: Height / 8", length / 15" on 6.5".
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Copeland Porcelain Cat and Cream Churn Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful and scare antique English porcelain vase modelled as a cat looking into a cream or milk churn made by renowned makers Copeland and dating from the 19th century. The vase...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century European Black Lacquered Chinoserie Painted Tea/Tobacco Caddy Jar
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A large English lacquered papier-mâché container from the Aesthetic Movement period, featuring a decorative chinoserie painting of stylized Asian figures, pagodas, and a garden bridg...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Papercord

Philip Webb for Morris & Co. Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Settee with Bobbins
Located in London, GB
Philip Webb for Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. The firm became Morris & Co in 1875. A rare Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Settee. Professionally re-upholstered in period-style fabric....
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Malayer Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79175 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Malayer Rug, 05'07 x 06'05. This exquisite hand-knotted wool antique Persian Malayer rug, woven in the late 19th century, exudes a captivating...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Wedgwood Majolica Tortoise Glazed Scallop-Shell Seafood Server, 1889
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, an English majolica scallop shell shaped seafood serving dish, date marked 1889. Showing the mottled tortoiseshell glazing of greens, amber, and brown. The mold refle...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

c. 1860-80 Japanese Imari Oval Platter
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860-80 Japanese Imari Oval Platter. Molded, raised leaves & fan ribs. Deep cobalt; the reserves with butterflies & birds. 12" x 10" ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

A Library Terrestrial Globe With Wrought Iron Base
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine library terrestrial globe from the 60s made in Italy Very beautiful wrought iron base of good quality resting on a tripod base The globe is removable on its cradle for trans...
Category

20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster and London. A good quality set of six oak dining chairs with an upper and lower row of turnings and carved details above. As you can see...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench. Circa 19th Century 1840-1849 Period. Aesthetic Movement. Featuring rope tied oak branches with leaves motif. This bench has seen many chan...
Category

1840s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Dozen Wedgwood Creamware Dinner Plates England Circa 1880
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this set of a dozen Wedgwood creamware dinner plates with delicate floral decoration. These English creamware dinner plates date to the late 19th century, cir...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Creamware

Blue and White Worcester Porcelain Vases England Aesthetic Period Circa 1870
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Royal Worcester Aesthetic Movement 'Japonism' vases dates to circa 1870. They are square and intricately decorated in blue with cranes beneath towering bamboo. The blue ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

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

Large Embroidery Kingdom Of Siam 19th Century 3m35-1m85
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and unique large embroidery from the end of the 19th century representing numerous characters, animals and two trees. Superb quality work on a black background which really b...
Category

19th Century Thai Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silk

Aesthetic Movement Carved Walnut Mirror by J Smithey
By James 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

Delphin Massier Vallauris Parrot & Bamboo Large Double Vase, France, circa 1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, foot-high, French Barbotine Majolica glazed vase showing a colorful parrot sitting on a Bamboo perch. The perch rests in a grass cropping and features two bamboo shoot flower holders, circa 1875. Gorgeous color, a scarce piece. Signed Delphin Massier et Cie, Vallauris A.M. Delphin, born in 1836, was one of three brothers from the Massier family, a dynasty of potters dating back to before the French Revolution. The family played a key role in the revival of pottery in Vallauris, Southern France...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Original Christopher Dresser teapot Elkington & Co
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Silver plated Victorian teapot by Elkington & Co designed By Dr Christopher Dresser. A stylish design years ahead of its time. In good condition and becoming increasingly rare.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Ford & Tupper Gilded Age Sterling Silver Barrel Form Ice Bucket / Cooler
By Ford & Tupper, Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Gilded Age American figural ice bucket. By Ford & Tupper, the renowned 19th Century New York City silversmiths. In the faux bois form of a...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Belgium Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Belgium Majolica oyster plate with pink flowers & green leaves Wasmuel, circa 1890.
Category

1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

Minton Porcelain Cabinet Plate Attributed to Christopher Dresser, 1880
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A superb and stylish Aesthetic Movement Minton porcelain cabinet plate decorated with birds, flowering hawthorn and other designs attributed t...
Category

1880s English Antique 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

Phillip Webb for Morris & Co. an English Aesthetic Movement Reclining Armchair
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co. Designed in C1866. A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized adjustable reclining armchair. The arched arms with padded armrests...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Elegant Italian Murano Mirror, and Stick
Located in Nice, FR
Elegant Italian Murano mirror, Golden brass structure, turquoise blue murano glass plates. It can be placed on the vertical or horizontal wall.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Majolica Oyster Plates by Minton, 1876
Located in Paris, FR
These Minton majolica oyster plates were produced in different colors. Delicate turquoise color with iridescent green tones on the middle of the plate. Decorated with refined shells,...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Pair of Howard & Sons Rosewood Revolving Bookstand Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with shaped square tops over book compartments and spindle dividers and conforming lower section. Supported on four saber legs with casters. One signed Howard and Son , London.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Circa 1815-30 Large "Mason's Patent Ironstone China" Pitcher or Jug
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1815-30 large "Mason's Patent Ironstone China" pitcher or jug, English. Octagonal; Japan Basket pattern. Well printed & painted. Ferocious hydra head handle is exceptional in d...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Ironstone

Pair of Bobbin Turned Chairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of English late 19th Century ebonized and bobbin turned corner chairs with woven rush seats.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rush, Beech

Polychrome Aesthetic Transferware Plates and Cups Wisconsin by Brownfield 19th c
By William Bloomfield
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Polychrome Aesthetic Transferware Plates and cups "Wisconsin" pattern by Brownfield circa 1880. Brownfield gives us an archetypal Anglo-japanesq...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Figural Siren Handles
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very elaborate and well executed silver plated serving tray is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States, possibly by Meridian, and dating to approximately 1890 and done in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The tray is is quite heavy for its size and heavily plated, and has a unique fortress shape with flanged sides with ornately cast scrolling leaf decoration. The surface of the tray is engraved with a vignette of tall ships which is framed in an elaborate scrolling leaf and foliage motif. The figural handles depict a reclining woman, beckoning to the ships from the shoreline. This tray is in very good period condition and a very good example of Aesthetic Movement plated...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

An Aesthetic Movement Walnut & Gilt Octagonal Centre Table
Located in London, GB
Hewetson & Thexton, in the style of Bruce Talbert. An Aesthetic Movement walnut and gilt octagonal centre table with ring and spiral turned legs terminating in turned finials, united...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

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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