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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
Royal Crown Derby Aesthetic Movement Gilt Potpourri Vase with Pierced Lid, 1892
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Royal Crown Derby Aesthetic Movement Gilt Potpourri Vase with Pierced Lid, Dated 1892 Dimensions: 10.5" H x 5.5" Dia A refined example of late Victorian porcelain, this lidded potpo...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Side Table W/ Shell Transferware Mosaic Top
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an English burnt bamboo side table with a mosaic top comprised of 19th century transwferware. It has a shell motif. The second shelf is grasscloth. It is in very good antique...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Grasscloth, Bamboo

Pair Florentine Giltwood Wall Shelves
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1950s Florentine giltwood wall shelves featuring foliage motifs.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

African bead pendants with mouth blown milk glass shades
By Csaba Markus
Located in Berkeley, CA
We have created three new pendants using rolled African ash beads, earth and stone mixed. They can be a symbol and celebration of womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, protection, seduction, and wealth, The milk glass was blown by our Bay Area super star Alex Abajian at Glow studios. We value these unique lights...
Category

2010s Botswanan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Coade Stone, Art Glass

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

1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Terrestrial Globe By L. Windels - Brussels Circa 1910
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful terrestrial globe made by L.Windels Brussels The terrestrial globe has a very beautiful cast iron base The globe is in French. We can find the maritime currents, the ...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Boar and Stag Majolica Tureens
Located in Savannah, GA
A pair of Italian majolica boar and stag head tureens, mid 20th century. 16 ½ inches wide by 11 inches deep by 10 inches tall
Category

Mid-20th Century 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

Folding Screen Art by Arthur Drooker "Photo-Quilts"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful folding screen art piece made by Arthur Drooker in 1991 and part of his "Photo-Quilts" work or collection. These screens are a beautiful piece of art, very geometric and fu...
Category

1990s North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood

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

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

Austrian Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large unusual Austrian Majolica oyster plate, circa 1880.
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Aesthetic Movement Faience Marine Life Plater by Schutz Cilli 19Th c.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a wonderful example of Shutz Cilli manufacture in the late 19Th, century. This Faience Marine Life Plater by Schutz Cilli is from the Aesthetic Movement late 19Th c. This i...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

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

c. 1890 American Brilliant Period Cut Glass Bowl
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1890 American brilliant period cut glass bowl. Deeply & elaborately cut with virtually vertical sides. Very good condition. 7.25" dia., 3" h.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cut Glass

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

10 Pc., Ambrosius Lamm, Dresden Porcelain Tea Set C. 1910
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 10-piece Ambrosius Lamm Dresden porcelain tea set, dating to circa 1910, epitomizes the elegance and refinement of early 20th-cen...
Category

Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Victorian Aesthetic Movement Red Mahogany Pedestal or Plant Stand
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Red Mahogany Pedestal or Plant Stand. Nice Ribbed base. 35 1/2" tall. Perfect for sculpture or plant. Re-finished at some point and has some age appropri...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Bieglow & Kennard Hand Hammered Sterling Water Pitcher, in the Japanese Taste
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bieglow & Kennard Hand Hammered Sterling Water Pitcher, in the Japanese Taste, Boston, circa 1890 This exquisite hand-hammered sterling silver pitcher, crafted by Bigelow & Kennard ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

19th C Carved Lion wall shelf
Located in Hudson, NY
19th C carved and gilt lion wall shelf. Amazing stylization. Whimsical. Faux marble painted top. Carved in oak.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

English Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Marble Top Buffet Sideboard
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand english late 19th century buffet sideboard or server featuring an Italian Carrara marble inlay top. The case is crafted from rare fruitwood in the aesthetic movement taste with...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Villeroy & Boch Majolica Plate in a Footed Wire Basket with Heart Shaped Handles
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An 19th century basket made up of a hand formed twisted and looped wire holder set with a Majolica glazed plate at the center. The plate shows a geometric pattern glazed in earth t...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wire

Pair of 19th French Porcelain Plates Flowers & Butterflies Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of 19th French Porcelain Plates Flowers & Butterflies Limoges, Passion flower and dalhias in purple , lavender tones.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

T. Elsley attri. Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert w. upper central peacock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Elsley attributed. A rare Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert with an upper central peacock and Japanese basket weave decoration around it. Each side is designed to display t...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Victorian Carved Ebonized Oak Torchiere Floor Lamp, England, c. 1890s
Located in Glasgow, GB
An elegant expression of late Victorian craftsmanship, this antique torchiere floor lamp—dating to the 1890s—is carved from solid oak and finished with a deeply ebonized surface. Cra...
Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

19th C French Ormolu, Onyx Champleve Enamel Bud Vase with Applied Bee
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Champlevé Enamel, Onyx & Ormolu Bud Vase with Applied Bee, Circa 1880 A rare and exquisitely detailed French champlevé enamel bud vase, dating to the late 19th century and in...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

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

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

James Aitchison Aesthetic Movement mantel or bracket clock with Owls & Songbirds
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement mantel or bracket clock, Signed James Aitchison, Paris in the number 12, with finely carved floral decoration to the front and sides, a french city evening scen...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Thomas Webb English Cameo Glass Diminutive Vase
Located in Astoria, NY
Thomas Webb (English, 1804-1869) diminutive chartreuse cameo glass vase decorated with rope twist neck and poppies in white on green. Dimensions: 3" H x 3" diameter. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Austrian Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large unusual Austrian Majolica oyster plate, circa 1880.
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

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

Rare Thonet Settee with Cushions
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
K0208 Rare ebonised sofa by Thonet, having shaped top rail with kidney shaped back, generous seat and open scroll arms, standing on outsewpt legs, all w...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Rare Thonet Settee with Cushions
Rare Thonet Settee with Cushions
$4,095 Sale Price
35% Off
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

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

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

100 Pieces Limoges Service signed Charles Field Haviland Aesthetic Movement 1885
Located in Paris, FR
This 19th-century service is signed by world-well-known CFH-GDM Charles Field Haviland. His very high-quality porcelain with polychrome and hand-painted decoration "flowers and encha...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Morris & Co. Phillip Webb Attri. Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair
Located in London, GB
Morris & Co. Attributed to Philip Webb An Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair with newly laid rush seat. This chair has been totally restored and had new rush professional...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Gillows attr. An Aesthetic Movement tilt top dining table with floral inlays
Located in London, GB
Gillows of Lancaster attributed. An Aesthetic Movement tilt top dining table with floral inlays to the oval top walnut. Stamped mark under the top 8198
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1960's Berber Tikdift Zanagah Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79187 Vintage Tikdift Moroccan Rug, 03'05 x 05'03. A joyful ode to pastoral life and tribal memory, this hand-knotted wool vintage Tikdift Moroccan rug from the Zanagah tribe radiate...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Bentwood Mahogany Twin Bed
Located in Queens, NY
Bentwood (19/20th Century) mahogany stained twin size bed with fluted frame (includes: headboard, footboard, rails). (Irregular size, check measurements).
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Gillow's of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Armoire Wardrobe Compactum
Located in London, GB
Gillow's of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement walnut armoire wardrobe compactum with lots of useful storage space. The moulded cornice and b...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Jas Shoolbred attri. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut side table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal Walnut centre table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross stretchers.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Washstand with Copper Reservoir, 19th Century, France
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant oak washbasin from the beginning of the 19th century -France washstand composed of its reservoir and the bowl in the upper part and a door in the bottom Superb tank/reser...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Audacious English Roll Arm Sofa with Pull-Out Bed, in French Jacquard Velvet
Located in colima, MX
Our devilishly handsome rendition of the classic English Roll Arm sofa, in a luscious French Jacquard Velvet. This sofa was initially envisioned ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Jacquard, Velvet

Gillow and Co. Oak Octagonal Table, England, circa 1860
Located in Oxford, GB
Description Stamped and numbered oak octagonal drum Gillow and Co. pedestal table, circa 1860. Untouched and 100% authentic with just shy of 160 years of...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century Victorian Iron Aesthetic Manner Fire Grate Basket and Original Hood
Located in Edinburgh, GB
An original antique 19th century -Victorian wrought iron fire grate basket in the Aesthetic Manner with its original sweeping chimney hood. A high Cartouche shaped fire back with a c...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

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

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

A Victorian Aesthetic Movement marble topped table
Located in Castle Douglas, GB
A Victorian Aesthetic Movement marble topped table The Rosso Bilbao red marble top with square cut corners and chamfered edge. The oak base of typical Aesthetic styling, the frieze ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

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

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique 19th Century Anglo-Chinese Bamboo Lacquered Desk
Located in London, GB
Antique 19th Century Anglo-Chinese Bamboo Lacquered Desk Aesthetic Movement, England, C.1880 Leather inset surface Presented in excellent condition commensurate of age.
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Lacquer

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

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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