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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
Robert W Edis, An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair in the bamboo style
Located in London, GB
Robert William Edis. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair, ebonized on beech, in the bamboo style. From 1883, Edis Architect extended and rebuilt Sandringham House in Norfolk fo...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech, Rush

Antique Faience Oyster Plate, France, late 19th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
French Faience Oyster Plate, late 19th Century. Hand-painted porcelain, with six shell shaped oyster wells. Beautifully painted with a lavender center well.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Royal Crown Derby Aesthetic Period Porcelain Plate with Gold & Platinum
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Aesthetic Period porcelain plate. By Royal Crown Derby. Richly decorated with detailed leaves & plants in gold and platinum on a coral colored ground ground and a gilt rim. ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

New Modern Pink Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53973 New Modern Pink Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 02'07 x 13'00. This hand-knotted wool modern Turkish Oushak rug runner embodies the timeless artistry of Anatolian weaving, offering ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

New Modern Pink Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53972 New Modern Pink Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 03'01 x 13'07. This hand-knotted wool modern Turkish Oushak rug runner is a refined representation of Anatolian craftsmanship, offeri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo And Rattan Wall Cabinet C.1890
Located in London, GB
Antique English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo And Rattan Wall Cabinet C.1890 In very good condition, commensurate with age. A replacement handle. (please refer to photos)
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

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

1960's Berber Boujad Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79188 Vintage Boujad Moroccan Rug, 03'00 x 05'05. This hand-knotted wool vintage Boujad Moroccan rug is a vibrant celebration of color, culture, and craftsmanship. Woven with the aut...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

1960's Berber Tikdift Zanagah Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79186 Vintage Tikdift Moroccan Rug, 05'02 x 08'00. A vivid expression of tribal imagination and pastoral lore, this hand-knotted wool vintage Berber Tikdift Moroccan rug from the Zan...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Business/Calling Card Case In Original Box
Located in New York, NY
Lovely, Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver, bright cut, business/calling card case, Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island, Ca. 1870's. Holds a standard size business ca...
Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

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

Large Dominick & Haff Aesthetic Sterling Perfume or Flask with Dragon Fly
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Dominick & Haff aesthetic sterling perfume or flask with dragon fly, a choice example, a tall profusely repoused with florals and leaves. Complete with locking hinged circular ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Choisy-le-Roi Green Majolica Pheasant Moulded Pottery Plate, 19th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine and quality antique French Majolica plate with a pheasant set within a wooded landscape signed Hippolyte Choisy le Roi and dating ...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver-Gilt Calling Card/Business Card Case
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement calling card/business card case with hinged lid and original chain, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode island, Ca. 1875. The case is...
Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver

Richard Hunt. A Rare Silver Plated Six Piece Matching Tea and Coffee Service.
Located in London, GB
Richard Hunt. A Rare Silver Plated six piece matching tea and coffee service. Measurements :- Tray width 20", height 1 1/4", Teapot width handle to spout 9 1/2", height 5 1/2" Spirit kettle width at base 6", height 11" Coffee pot handle...
Category

1850s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Mid-Century Cast Concrete English Garden Style Pots / Planters / Jardinieres - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of unique cast concrete planters. As one can see, one is significantly darker than the other. They most likely date to the 50s/60s. They are unmarked.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Concrete

1887, Aesthetic-Style Ceramic Complete English Sauce Tureen
Located in Catania, Sicilia
Amazing sauce tureen, made in England in 1887, complete in all parts, superb quality.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th Century Pair of Ironstone Plates by Ashworth Brothers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century pair of Ironstone plates by Ashworth Brothers. Bold Imari Pattern, number B7499 in orange & impressed "Real Ironstone China" as well as purple print with crown. Exc...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ironstone

Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop & Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop and Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace with curvaceous mantle with gadrooned and dot details and a row of Japanese floral Insignias the ce...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Berlin Iron

George Tinworth Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Pottery Bowl, 1879
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and decorative Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth early stoneware bowl decorated with scrolling seaweed and rosette designs by renowned artist George Tinworth and dated 1...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

19th Century Enamelled Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Le Scarabee Paris No 1
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
19th Century Enamelled Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Le Scarabee Paris No 1 Beautifully made enamel cast iron wood burning stove, dating from 1860 /...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Thomas Sergent Palissy Trompe l’oeil Crustaceans School of Paris Wall Plaque
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Thomas-Victor Sergent nature plate in the style of Palissy, School of Paris, circa. 1875-79. An oval platter heaped with trompe l’oeil fish and crus...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Welsh Cider Flask - 18th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
18th century Welsh cider flask that farmers took with them to the fields for their lunch Small wrought iron carrying handle to carry it or hang it on the horse Wrought iron reinforce...
Category

18th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

English Transferware Iris Plate Cauldon Circa 1904
Located in Austin, TX
English Transferware Iris Plate signed Cauldon Circa 1904 Cauldon Ltd (Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co)
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Wedgwood Green & Brown Tortoiseshell Glazed English Majolica Match Striker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Wedgwood Majolica earthenware pottery match holder and striker, Staffordshire, England – circa 1869. For the hearth, kitchen or bedside, the holder is ribbed for lighting strike...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

19th Century Bentwood Bobbin Vanity Stool
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a beautiful unusual vanity stool . Made with a bentwood seat that ends in brass tip scrolling, it quite eye catching and comfortable. The legs are made of turned legs that ha...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

New Contemporary Turkish Oushak Rug with Modern Transitional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53157 New Modern Earth-Tone Turkish Oushak Rug, 11'08 x 15'03. A tranquil harmony of earth and sky unfolds in this hand-knotted wool modern Turkish Oushak rug, where nature’s subtle ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Aesthetic Movement Carved Cherry Faceted & Mirrored Corner Cabinet c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique aesthetic movement corner cabinet offers cherry construction in faceted form with carved foliate frieze surmounting cast with single beveled glass door opening to shelved ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

French Trompe l’Oeil Majolica Glazed Cherry Branch Wall Plaque, signed F. Perrot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Palissy majolica glazed hand painted wall plaque, signed by the artist, circa 1890-1900. In the trompe l’oeil style of fool the eye, a dimensional mold showing a branching ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Burne Jones for Morris & Co Hand painted tile of Chaucer's legend of good wimmen
Located in London, GB
Edward Burne Jones for Morris & Co, designed in 1861-1862. A rare hand-painted tile depicting Chaucer's Legend of Good Wimmen. The Fiberite packing we found inside the frame probably...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Dr C.Dresser Style of, Aesthetic Movement Oak Hall Stand with Floral Decoration
Located in London, GB
Dr C. Dresser style of, An Aesthetic Movement Gothic style oak hall stand with central arched mirror, flanked by open sides and six turned button ended coat hooks to the outer edges, with mitred plank details above a lift up seat with storage...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Simon Fielding English Majolica Fan & Insect Turquoise & Cream Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six-well majolica glazed oyster plate by Simon Fielding, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1878. In the Japonisme taste, six fan shaped oyster wells glazed in a creamy yellow and t...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Lily Pad Pair of Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Benches by Coalbrookdale
Located in London, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches, known as the Lily pad design, with fine fern leaf detailing, and smaller Lily-style leaves to the angular legs. Coalbrookdale ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

American Aesthetic Hanging Mirrored Hall Rack
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American aesthetic fan motif hanging mirrored hall rack, of carved popular, with upper 30" brass rod, central engraved fan motif mirror, and four cast brass hooks.
Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

26 Wedgwood English Creamware Dinner Plates with Large Platter
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this set of 26 Wedgwood creamware dinner plates with a large matching platter, all decorated with a delicate floral pattern. These English creamware dinner pl...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Creamware

1920’s Colorful Turkish Kilim Flatweave Carpet with Modern Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78951 Antique Turkish Kilim Rug, 02'11 x 05'03. This exquisite handwoven wool antique Turkish kilim rug embodies the rich tradition of tribal artistry, showcasing the timeless beauty...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

New Modern Colorful Turkish Oushak Carpet with Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53970 New Modern Tribal Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 02'10 x 16'01. This hand-knotted wool modern tribal Turkish Oushak rug runner presents a harmonious blend of traditional Anatolian ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

New Modern Pink Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53974 New Modern Pink Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 03'00 x 12'09. This hand-knotted wool modern Turkish Oushak rug runner beautifully showcases the artistry of Anatolian weaving, seaml...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Samuel Alcock Mask & Ivy Cobalt Blue & Green Majolica Pitcher, England, 1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarely found English Majolica mask handled and climbing Ivy water pitcher, marked Samuel Alcock & Co. circa 1875. A round bellied cobalt blue body ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Circa 1880-1910 Japanese Cloisonne Vase
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1880-1910 Japanese cloisonne vase. Fine, elegant example. Silver mounted & silver wire. Marked on base rim CLOISONNE. Base of lapet reserves of dragons & phoenix birds. Floral ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold Circle Whirl
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

John Rose Coalport Prince of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Coalport parian bust of the Prince of Wales sculpted by John Rose and dated 1863. Probably made to commemorate the forthcoming marriage of Albert Edward Prince...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

French Blue & White Faience Tureen Creil et Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Blue & White Faience Tureen Creil et Montereau, Circa 1890. Tureen plus an underplate. Decorated with white lilies.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

Globe Wernicke Bookcase In Mahogany Of 3 Elements With Small Cabinet
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London mahogany bookcase from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century from England which has 3 elements with the upper element composed of a small ca...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

E W Godwin, an Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement walnut centre or dining table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, attributed. Probably made by Collinson and Lock. An Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement walnut centre or dining table, with a large circular top with a shaped apron below,...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19c Bronze Cloisonne Dragon Vessels
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese export late 19th century cloisonne vessels. Vessels feature hand chased glass stylized floral patterns in Victorian era colors of red/...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Liberty and Co attributed An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co attributed, in the style of a Morris and Co Sussex armchair. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair with incised turnings to the back and below the arms with elegant...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Haviland Limoges Aesthetic Movement Porcelain Planter C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Haviland Limoges Aesthetic Movement Porcelain Planter C1890 Measures- 7"H x 7"W x 7"D
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

English Antique Tantalus
Located in Denton, TX
Early 20th century English Tantalus. Solid oak travel caddy with two cut glass decanters and a key for safety.
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

1980s Faux Tortoise Bergere Chairs W/ Coral Form Backs & Carved Shells - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 20th century bergere chairs with an oil drip faux tortoise finish on the frames. The backs are a carved coral motif, and the tapered legs have a carved shell a...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Christopher Dresser Design Minton's 4 Dinner Plates
Located in Sharon, CT
4 beautiful Minton's Aesthetic Movement plates with Japanese designs by Christopher Dresser.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Royal Worcester Blush Porcelain Hadley Design Bud Vase with Roses F126/H
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique porcelain flower vase. By Royal Worcester. Model no. F126/H. Designed by James Hadley. Of a bulbous form with blush decora...
Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Dr C Dresser Attri, 18 Cast Iron Floral Staircase Balustrades & the knurl post.
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser attributed for Colebrookdale Iron Works. A rare set of 18 Anglo-Japanese cast iron stair and/or balcony balustrades including the origi...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

English Aesthetic Movement Treacle Glazed Moon Vase with Classical Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An impressive English aesthetic movement ceramic twin handled moon shaped vase decorated with classical figures dating from around 1880. The vase is finely made and stands on a wide ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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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