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 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
Pair of Terra Cotta Chinese Warrior Sculptures Qin Shi Replicas
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Replica terracotta soldiers. Date to teh 1950s era. Measures 41.5 tall x 14 wide x 11 deep.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
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
Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale Two ‘Medieval’ Pattern Cast Iron Garden Benches
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale. Two ‘Medieval’ pattern cast iron garden benches.
These particular models are ‘Medieval’ number 52 in the Coalbrookdale 1875 trade catalogue. I bought...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
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
James Hadley Royal Worcester Blush Ivory Farmworker Figures
By James Hadley
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
Moorish horseman bronze, return from the hunt, Signed Barge Fils
Located in Nice, FR
Important Bronze Moorish Rider, Return from the Hunt, Signed Barge Fils
French work, end of the 19th century (1M)
Rider returning from the hunt with game h...
Category
19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
VM-Plaster Mirror 24"
Located in BOGOTÁ, CO
Discover the timeless essence of rustic elegance with our wooden-framed mirror plastered in gypsum. This mirror exudes a unique charm with its curvilinear, organic design that adds a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Plaster, Oak
Majolica Oyster Plates by Minton, 1876
By Minton
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
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
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
Antique Aesthetic Brass & Opalescent Hobnail Glass Hanging Library Lamp C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Aesthetic Brass & Opalescent Hobnail Glass Hanging Library Lamp with Foliate and Bird Elements, Electrified, C1890
Measures- 42.75"H x 15.5"W ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Attributed to Philip Webb Aesthetic Movement original rush seat Sussex chair
By Morris & Co.
Located in London, GB
Morris & Co. Attributed to Philip Webb An Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair with original rush seat and retaining the rush seat side panels.
This chair has been totally ...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Rush
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
Oversize 19th Century English Chinoiserie Platter Bates Gildea & Walker
Located in Austin, TX
Oversize 19th century English Chinoiserie ironstone platter bates gildea & walker.
Kioto Pattern.
Earthenware and porcelain manufacturer at the Dale Hall Works, Longport, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
In 1878 James Gildea joined the partnership of Bates and Walker...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Collinson & Lock. Aesthetic Movement Two Drawer Writing Table.
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock. A superior quality Aesthetic Movement two drawer writing table entirely made from solid rosewood including the drawer linings. The writing area with a blue baize re...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Howell and James, A small Aesthetic Movement walnut mantle clock
By Howell & James Ltd
Located in London, GB
Howell and James in the style of Lewis Foreman Day. A small Aesthetic Movement walnut mantle clock with brass finials and brass feet, a pierced gallery to the top centred with a fan ...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Thai Embroidery - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely large embroidery from the end of the 19th century representing 8 Thai dancers. We can find on both sides the portrait of the dancers. Below 8 elephant medallions and above 8 b...
Category
19th Century Thai Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Silk
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
Lewis Foreman Day. Made by Howell and Sons. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized clock
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized clock with finely carved decoration, the clock movement is by Edwards and Sons with a pair carved devices below and a blue and white floral ceramic bor...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Walnut
Rare 18th Century Large Antique Oak Dresser with Rack and Longcase Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Rare 18th century large antique George III quality oak dresser with rack and longcase clock having a moulded cornice to the top, rare eight day brass face oak longcase clock to the c...
Category
18th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
19Th C. English Majolica Faux Tree Stump With Ivy Leaves Garden Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this 19Th C. English Majolica Faux Tree Stump With Ivy Leaves and Berries attributed to Joseph Holdcroft, garden stool.
Beautiful turquoise color to the background and Green ...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Dozen Wedgwood Creamware Dinner Plates England Circa 1880
By Wedgwood
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
Pair 19th Century English Fireplace Tool Rests in Brass
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated pair of brass fireplace tool rests in very good original condition, clean and ready to use. The architectural design of this chic set is predictive of the soon to arriv...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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
Audacious English Roll Arm Sofa with Pull-Out Bed, in French Jacquard Velvet
By Higareda
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
Adolf Loos for Thonet Shoe Rest circa 1905
By Adolf Loos
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
R. W. Edis, probably made by Jackson & Graham A fine pair of Walnut side chairs
By Robert William Edis, Jackson & Graham
Located in London, GB
R. W. Edis, probably made by Jackson and Graham. A fine pair of Aesthetic Movement Walnut side chairs with fine ring turned and incised tramline details, and sweeping side supports. ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Belgium Bronze Busts by Georges Van Der Straaten
Located in Belmont, MA
The Belgium artist Georges van der Straaten (born 1856) designed the two bronze busts at the end of the 19th century. One is titled "Bergere" (shepher...
Category
1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Bevan. Marsh Jones & Cribb. An Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized card table
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan, made by Marsh Jones and Cribb. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized card table with fold over top retaining the original red baize on turned legs united by a double w...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Wedgwood Majolica Tortoiseshell Seafood Plates, Set of 8
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, an assembled set of eight English majolica scallop shell shaped, mottled tortoiseshell glazed seafood salad plates.
Each plate shows a variation of the tortoiseshell ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Just Andersen large alloyed bronze bowl
Located in London, GB
A large alloyed bronze patinated dish bowl stamped Just Andersen Denmark and numbered 1736 X. Some wear to the patination which should be visible in the photos but otherwise a larger...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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
Venice Vintage Chandelier Lustre Antique Big Flower Glass Brass
Located in Berlin, DE
Authentic preserved Venice chandelier:
Impeccably restored and revitalized
Step back in time with this original preserved chandelier from 1950. It has been carefully restored to emb...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
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
1900's Antique Persian Bibikabad Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77575 Antique Persian Bibikabad Rug, 10'08 x 12'08. A captivating orchestration of floral rhythm and age-old craftsmanship, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Bibikabad rug unfol...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Aesthetic Movement Soup Tureen with Ladle
By Minton
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement soup tureen with ladle. Aesthetic Movement soup tureen with ladle and cover in brown, yellow and green Faisan pattern with t...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Bruce Talbert attri. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered love or twin window seat
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered love or twin window seat made from stained Beech with turned and rounded finials and tramline details to the back headrest...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
Wedgwood Majolica Tortoise Glazed Scallop-Shell Seafood Server, 1889
By Wedgwood
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
Large Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Gold Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning brass baroque empire chandelier reminiscent of the classic style of the empire era. This is a new reproduction and there are several available to ensure you ca...
Category
2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
19th Century, Old Paris Porcelain Gilt & Floral Enamel Covered Sugar Bowl
By Old Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Old Paris porcelain covered sugar bowl exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetic of the period. The sugar bowl is richly adorned with ha...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Enamel
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
19th-C. English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo & Lacquer Cabinet / Etagere / Vanity
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a show stopper! This is a 19th century English burnt bamboo and Japanned lacquer cabinet. This could work in a bath or hall or kitchen or just about any where! This piece is ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Mirror, Wood
FULLY RESTORED ANTIQUE VICTORiAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT CHESTERFIELD ROCKING CHAIR
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely fully restored Children's Aesthetic Movement Chesterfield tufted rocking armchair
M25 only fo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
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
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
E W Godwin attr for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement walnut writing table
Located in London, GB
Collinson and Lock. Attributed to E W Godwin. An exceptional quality walnut writing table with five upper drawers each with swan neck handles standing on eight finely turned legs, ea...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Tortoise Bamboo Settee
Located in Southampton, NJ
Aesthetic Movement Tortoise bamboo settee carefully curated to emulate Japanned bamboo furniture of the period, in the dark forest green Moha...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Bamboo
Doulton Lambeth Faience Floral Painted Jug Signed
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and impressive Doulton Lambeth Faience floral painted jug or pitcher by a listed but unidentified artist and dating from around 1880. The tall and ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
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
Late 19th Century Persian Mahal Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
72732 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 07’02 x 10’03. Emanating an aura of old-world elegance, this exquisite hand knotted wool Late 19th Century antique Persian Mahal ru...
Category
Late 19th Century Persian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Aesthetic Movement Side Cabinet with Carved panels of Putti Putti playing music.
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement part ebonized side cabinet with carved and gilt sunflower florets to the back and carved walnut panels to the doors cabinet with fine well-carved panels of Putt...
Category
Late 19th Century English 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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