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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
Kate Rogers Doulton Lambeth Pair Impasto Daisy Painted Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and fine pair Doulton Lambeth Impasto daisy painted vases by renowned Faience artist Kate Rogers and dated 1885. The stoneware vases are of tall bulbous shape standing r...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
By Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Ottoman ATTR: Herter Brothers *Please View Other Listings - Matching Side Chair and Piano Stool* Presenting an exceptional piece of...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Faux Bamboo

Morris & Co. A fine quality Aesthetic Movement walnut side table.
Located in London, GB
Morris & Co. A fine quality Aesthetic Movement walnut side table with herringbone inlay to the top edge, stood on hexagonal shaped legs with a lower shelf
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Baccarat Aesthetic movement intaglio cut glass vase c 1880
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Fabulous, intaglio carved, Baccarat vase in the Aesthetic style dating around 1880. Depicting two classically dressed women arranging fruit and plants on a pedestal with a landscape ...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Unique Pair of Faux Rosewood Clarinet Form Table Lamps
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Faux rosewood base. Clarinet body. 37 3/4" h x 5 1/2" diameter. Condition Good condition. We recommend all lighting be rewired.
Category

1970s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Bronze Dog Candlesticks
Located in Hudson, NY
Aesthetic Bronze Dog Candlesticks
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Aesthetic Movement Verdigris Gilt Bronze Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement verdigris gilt bronze mirror, the frame with geometric and beaded design surmounted by a scrolling foliate motif pediment, circa 1920s, apparently unsigned. Deale...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Pair of Victorian Marquetry, Ebony Framed Burr Walnut Display Cabinets
Located in Altrincham, GB
Pair of Victorian Marquetry, Ebony Framed Burr Walnut Display Cabinets attributed to Lamb of Manchester - 30.5"w x 15"d x 46"h
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Walnut

19th Century Aesthetic Minton Dinner Plates Set
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A set of 12 dinner plates and 3 cake stands by Minton from 1874 featuring mint green borders and beautifully hand-painted butterflies. The 1874 production of these Minton dinner plates corresponds with the beginnings of the factory’s Aesthetic Movement china...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Limoges French Painted Porcelain Pitcher
Located in Soquel, CA
19th Century Limoges French Painted Porcelain Pitcher Rare and prized, American Amateur painting on French Limoges pitcher, circa 1897. Dimensions, 1...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Mark V Marshall Doulton Lambeth Abstract Leaf & Berry Design Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very rare and stylish Doulton Lambeth Marqueterie Ware blue and brown marbled art pottery saucer with gilded designs by Lambeth’s first Art Director Wilton Parker Rix (Doulton Lamb...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

1906 Set of Seven King Pattern Sterling Silver Knives by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 7 King pattern sterling silver hollow handle luncheon knives by Dominick & Haff, 1906. HHW monogram, engraved 1906 obverse. 8 3/8" x 3/4". Whitehall Antiques is a family busi...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Frances E Lee Impressive Pair Doulton Lambeth Slaters Floral Painted Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and impressive pair Doulton Lambeth Slaters pâte-sur-pâte style floral painted vases by renowned designer and decorator Frances E Lee and dating from around 1885. The large stoneware bottle shaped vases stand raised on a narrow round foot with large round bulbous bodies and tall funnel shaped necks with a slightly wider thick rim. The bodies of the vases are beautifully decorated with three large decorative panels set within brown outline frames with fleur-de-lis style patterning to the top and bottom with a checkered pattern to the inside of the frame. The frames contain foliage and flowering stems thickly applied in a pâte-sur-pâte style with variations to each of the panels. The decoration overlaps with the frame and extends into the body of the vase. Formal patterning is applied around the neck and top of the vase. The vase is hand painted in tones of blue, brown, pink, white, yellow and green and the whole is set against a stipple natural salt glazed ground. These are an exception to the normal Doulton Lambeth Slaters vases...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Christopher Dresser Mintons Chinoiserie Aesthetic Movement heart box inkwell
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Rare heart shaped inkwell designed by Christopher Dresser made by Mintons. Impressed markings OO / MINTON / 15 Pink version on line... Old Christies East labels
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Gothic Style Brass Mounted Stationery Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning quality British Aesthetic Movement brass mounted oak stationery box with gothic influences dating from around 1880. The box stands on a wide ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
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

Early 20th Century "Kings" Pattern Sterling Silver Butter Spreaders by Wallace
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 8 "Kings" sterling silver butter spreaders by Wallace, early 20th century. Solid silver. Monogram "JLT". Crisp & well defined. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bamboo Wardrobe, c. 1900
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming late 19th century English bamboo wardrobe or armoire. All elements of the wardrobe are original and in very good condition. The war...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Reed, Wood

Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Griffin Specimen Top Chess Table
By Herter Brothers, Gustave Herter
Located in Garnerville, NY
Outstanding ebonized specimen top chess table. This one of a kind find has all the bells and whistles of the ultimate luxury game table. Featuring the spectacular marble and semi-pre...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Griotte Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Marble, Quartz, Mala...

Small Colonial Chest - 18th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little colonial chest from the 18th century Very beautiful little chest with very interesting dimensions since it's smaller than the usual chests in perfect condition and with...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Chestnut

Set of 12 Chinese Export Silver Spider Web Form Place Card Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Export, early 20th century. A set of 12 Chinese Export silverplate and sterling silver spider web model place card holders. Each piece has delicat...
Category

20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

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

Early 20th Century Set of Six "Kings" Pattern Sterling Silver Knives by Wallace
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 "Kings" pattern sterling silver hollow handle luncheon knives by Wallace, early 20th century. Original wide steel blades. Never engraved. 8 7/8" x 3/4". Whitehall Antiques ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique KARABAGH Runner
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
nr. 104 - A carpet that I love: it has elegance and personality. It deserves to be set in a situation where it can also be admired. Now with this good price because i'm closing acti...
Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Large Scale Meiji Japanese Bronze Table Lamp W/ Floral Candelabra Mounts
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese, circa 1900. A pair of antique Japanese bronze table lamps. The lamps feature a detailed body showcasing applied lotus blossom and bird motifs to center, traditional Japanese motifs throughout and good quality guardian handles to each. These have a very unusual blossom floral and vine...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Victorian Continental Silver Pepperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Continental Silver Pepper Peperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes. A lovely 19th century (Victorian era) German silver pepperette or pounce pot (used to contain fine sand ...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

Divine Luxury in this English 1880s Antique Wing Chair
Located in Bellport, NY
Luxury and comfort in this "Aesthetic Movement "English antique High back Wing Chair. All new upholstery in a Scalamandre Leopard pattern fabric. ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

c. 1900 Set of Four Sterling Teaspoons by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 4 sterling silver teaspoons "King" pattern by Dominick & Haff, circa 1900. Good weight. Made for Bailey, Banks & Biddle. Monogram "MEJ". 4.65 troy oz. 6" x 1 1/4". Whitehall ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

C1880 Mahogany Cane & Umbrella Stand with Copper Drip Tray
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and a unique form umbrella and cane holder in mahogany with it's original copper pan. Pan lifts out. Carved flowers on upper portion with turned posts. In very good original...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Copper

Majolica Insect Wall Pocket Fives Lille, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica insect wall pocket Fives Lille signed, circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Thai Burmese Kalaga Embroidery, Framed, Set of 2 Pcs
Located in Plainview, NY
A harmonious pair of vintage Thai Burmese Kalaga embroideries, each a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and rich tradition of Southeast Asian textile...
Category

20th Century Thai Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Silk, Glass, Wood

Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique 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

Antique Rogers Aesthetic Silver Plated Tilting Teapot & Stand with Birds C1870
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Aesthetic teapot by Rogers offers silver plate construction with tilting teapot having embossed bird and foliate design, seated on heating ...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Small Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in Fullerton, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category

2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th c. Minton Aesthetic Movement "Aquarium" Fish Plate
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This Minton "Aquarium" plate was part of a fish service which is a rare and sought after pattern. The celadon green ground contrasts beautifully with the vibrant polychrome decoratio...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of porcelain “swallow” vases , L'Escalier de Cristal, France, 1890
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of Chinese porcelain vases. On a blue background of stylized clouds, two cartouches display a design of pairs of swallows flying among flowering branches. The reverse ...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Early 20th Century Marquetry Panel of a Terrace Scene by Pierre Rosenau
By Pierre Rosenau
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th century marquetry panel by Pierre Rosenau portrays a captivating classical scene of a terrace and garden set against the backdrop of an ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
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

A Champlevé Repeating Carriage Clock be E.Maurice & Cie Paris
Located in Amersham, GB
A charming repeating carriage clock in champleve enamel case by one of the great Parisian makers. This eight day two train movement with an English lever platform escapement striking...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

19th Century Majolica Shell Jardiniere Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica Shell Jardiniere signed Sarreguemines. Coral base.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

Pair, Royal Crown Derby "Exotic Birds" Jewel Encrusted Moon Flask Vases C. 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
Royal Crown Derby (England, founded 1756) Circa 1877-1890 made in the Osmaston Road Factory. Introducing a truly remarkable pair of Royal Crown Derby "Exotic Birds" Jewel Encrusted...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Category

1880s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th-C. English Sea Ship Captain W/ Child Watercolor on Paper In Burl Frame
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this! It is a framed English sea captain with his child dating to approximately 1850. It is a watercolor on paper. The frame is burl walnut, and both painting and frame show w...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Burl, Paper

Doulton Lambeth Art Union of London Floral Vase by Emily E Stormer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth floral design Vase made for the Art Union of London by renowned artist Emily E Stormer and dating from around 1885. The stoneware va...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Set of 6 Aesthetic Movement Green Majolica Wedgwood Sunflower Plates
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 6 Aesthetic Movement green majolica glazed dinner plates in the ‘Sunflower’ pattern by Wedgwood, made circa 1880. The sunflower, alongside the calla lily and peacock feathe...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery

Brass Aesthetic Movement Bulrush and Floral Push Plate
By William Morris (English), William Morris American
Located in Garnerville, NY
An amazing Late 19th Century cast brass PUSH push plate. This great period piece is a fine mix of Egyptian Revival, Art Nouveau and Aesthetic Movement design. The raised relief bulru...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Painting By H. Coulon-19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
oil on canvas representing a still life with fruits, flowers and game in a wooden frame signed H.Coulon Large model In good condition and beautiful patina
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Victorian button back armchair
Located in Petworth, GB
A stylish Victorian button back traditional upholstered armchair with turned walnut feet raised on brass castors, covered in cotton velvet fabric 'Glasgow Rose' by Patch Rogers Design.
Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots France, Circa 1870s Attributed to Baccarat A captivating pair of 19th-century French Opaline & Gilt B...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Medium Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in Fullerton, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category

2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Thomas Webb English Cameo Glass Diminutive Vase
Located in New York, 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

c. 1900 Set of 12 Sterling Silver Seafood Forks by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 sterling silver seafood forks "King" pattern by Dominick & Haff, circa 1900. Retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle. Pattern patent c.1880. Monogram "W". Crisp condition. 5.95 ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Syrian Octagonal Table, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Syrian octagonal table, 19th Century An octagonal Moorish table, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ebony set in geometric patterns. Late 19th C...
Category

Late 19th Century Syrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

English Aesthetic Tortoise Bamboo Hall Shelf Magazine Rack
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English aesthetic movement bookstand with a display shelf and a large magazine rack or canterbury. Beautifully crafted from tortoise shell bamboo poles. The stand has a smal...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Category

1880s Belgian 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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