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
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement Roll Top Desk
By Herter Brothers
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement ebonized roll top lady's desk with gallery top upper section & stretcher base with lower drawer and inlaid & incised trim (in the style of HERTER BROS).
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Doulton Lambeth Rare Marked Trailing Vine Jug by Mark V Marshall
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unusual Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery jug carved and decorated in relief with trailing fruiting vines by renowned and gifted modeler, designer and decorator Mark V Marshall ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
French Faux Bamboo and Pine Commode
Located in Queens, NY
French (late 19th Century) faux bamboo and pine bedside commode with a top drawer above a large door.
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
High-Back Aesthetic Movement Chair
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Note: if you are only interested in one of the two Armchairs please contact us.
Shipping Note:
If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, don't hesitate to...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak, Hardwood, Wood
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
Antique Rogers Aesthetic Period Six Piece Silverplate Tea and Coffee Service
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine antique service in very good condition. With fine chased decoration in the Japanese manner with decorative floral sections alternating with angular decorated bands. All pieces footed.
Including: a teapot with hinged lid, a coffee pot, a large hot water pot on stand with a burner below (H. 16", W. 11", the bone finish resin knob...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Vermeil
English Aesthetic Movement, Mahogany Armchair with Suede seat
Located in New York, NY
A refined, hand carved mahogany armchair of the Aesthetic Movement with a seat upholstered in green suede. Elements of the chair’s design anticipate the near future Jugendstil and Ar...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Christopher Dresser Richard Hodd & Sons Large Copper Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and exceptional aesthetic movement copper ale jug designed by renowned designer Christopher Dresser for Richard Hodd & Sons dating from around 1880....
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Anglo-Indian Carved Peacock Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century hand carved peacock chair.
Category
20th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
English Walnut Canterbury by Gregory and Co., London
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine English walnut and burl walnut Aesthetic movement canterbury by the celebrated firm of Gregory and Co, Regent Street, London, having slatted top over folio flap door, with ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of J.W. Fiske Victorian Wire & Iron Garden Lounge Chairs C 1895
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of Rare Late Victorian leaning to the Asethetic Movement with the pattern of the wire & iron. Coated in zinc and years of old paint have preserved these beauties waiti...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron, Wire, Zinc
Mid Century Outdoor Garden Patio Porch Zinc Strap Iron Bench
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous galvanized iron bench from the middle of the last century. In excellent preserved condition, this bench sat mostly on an enclosed porch. Sturdy as the day it was made. No pa...
Category
1960s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron, Zinc
Ebonised Aesthetic Movement Octagonal Side Table with Red Baize Top
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A 19th century Victorian Aesthetic Movement centre table in the manner of E.W. Godwin. Ebonised finish with gilt enhancements.
Newly, professionally upholstered red baize octagonal ...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Baize, Mahogany
Aesthetic Style Marble Top Cabinet With Painted Panels
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made and decorative Aesthetic style double door cabinet with cookie corners and conforming fine yellow marble top. The doors with floral inlays in the corners and raised ...
Category
20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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
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
Tiffany & Co Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Cream and Sugar Set
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Antique Tiffany & Co Aesthetic Movement sterling silver cream and sugar. This striking 19th century matched cream and sugar set was mad...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Christopher Dresser Attributed Aesthetic Movement Terracotta Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish aesthetic movement terracotta vase with slip applied floral designs in the manner of Watcombe and design attributed to Christopher Dresser dating from around 1880. Thi...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Decorative Small Floral Painted Ebonised Victorian Stool
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A delightful small Victorian hand painted stool.
Beautiful hand painted floral decoration, a great decorative piece.
In good sound condition.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of Early 20th Century Stained Glass Doors
Located in London, GB
Pair of early 20th century stained glass doors
Continental, early 20th century
Each door: Height 239cm, width 59cm (118cm when together), depth 9cm
T...
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stained Glass, Wood
A large Aesthetic Movement celery glass vase hand blown & hand engraved
Located in London, GB
A Aesthetic Movement large celery glass vase hand blown in two parts and hand engraved with stars and shapes.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Majolica Paradise Bird & Flowers Salins Plate, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Paradise bird & flowers Salins plate, circa 1890.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Gillows of Lancaster An Aesthetic Movement ebonized circular side table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized circular side table with carved sunflower floret to the top with three turned, carved and incised gilt decoration to the legs and t...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
An Aesthetic Movement low side chair with fretwork to the lower back rest
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement low side chair with fretwork to the lower back rest, this has shrunk and cracked a little but still quite useable. With unusual high, turned stretcher supports ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
English Majolica Bamboo Planter and Stand, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
English Victorian Majolica bamboo planter and stand, circa 1880.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Late Victorian Aesthetic Movement upholstered Bench or Hall Seat
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Pretty Aesthetic Movement mahogany, upholstered small scale upholstered bench with low galleried back and finely ring turned legs circa 1880. It has been newly re-upholstered.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Waste Basket From English World War I Brass Artillery Gun Shell
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
English WWI brass artillery gun shell now a waste basket. From large scale artillery, now with wooden bottom & lion mask handles for use as a waste basket.
11.25" w. at handles, 9.25...
Category
1910s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
English Bamboo Round Occasional Table from the Aesthetic Movement
Located in Austin, TX
A fine collector's quality English bamboo round occasional or side table from the Aesthetic Movement period, c.1870-1910, featuring a circular top with bamboo fretwork surrounding a ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Wedgwood Creamware Specimen Plate with Iris Plant
By Wedgwood
Located in Downingtown, PA
Wedgwood Creamware Specimen Plate with Iris Plant,
1862.
The creamware Wedgwood pottery plate is painted in the central well with four Iris plants- two open and two closed- on their...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Creamware, Pottery
1960's Tartan Plaid Rug with Traditional Ivy League Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60814 Vintage Tartan Plaid Rug, 12'11 x 15'02. A celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and effortless collegiate style, this handwoven wool vintage tartan plaid rug is the very ess...
Category
Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Wool
Cast iron cross with Angels
Located in Branford, CT
Cast iron cross with Angels. Late 19th century.
H 47" W 27"
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
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
Brass Easel Form Aesthetic Movement Vanity Dresser Mirror c 1880s after Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Charming cast brass easel mirror, having a bevelled glass mirrored center panel. This piece was made in the late 19th century, and is an example of the Aesthetic Movement. Reminisce...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Petite French Enameled & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic Artist Palette Motif Frame
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Petite French Enameled & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic Artist Palette Motif Frame
France, circa 1880s
Diminutive in size, with exceptional attention to detail and design. The french bron...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Tantalus Wine Cradle by Hukin & Heath in the Christopher Dresser Style
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Aesthetic Movement silver plate Tantalus Wine Cradle (1834-1904) made by Hukin & Heath, Birmingham, England and done in the style of Christopher Dresser.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
New Nature-Inspired Celestial Tree of Life Biophilic Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
80749 New Modern Celestial Tree of Life Rug with Biophilic Style, 06'06 x 09'06. Cradled beneath a sky of scattered stars and softly diffused light, t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
E W Godwin style of, An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean Ebonized Armchair
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, style of,
An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean ebonized armchair.
Professionally upholstered in a quality hide.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Tiffany Studios New York Student Lamp Signed Bronze Base and Artglass Globes
Located in Savannah, GA
Two bell shaped art glass signed iridescent shades are supported by an adjustable bronze two arm base with bell sockets. The twin paddle knob sockets are stamped GE CO. The base is s...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
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
Pair of Late 19thC Gilt Brass & Porcelain Oil Lamps
Located in Altrincham, GB
Pair of Late 19thC Gilt Brass & Porcelain Oil Lamps of aesthetic design with twin side handles enclosing Pate Sur Pate oak leaf and acorn ceramic globes fitted with brass burners ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
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
An Aesthetic Movement rosewood two tier side table inlaid with floral decoration
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood two tier side table inlaid with floral decoration to the centres and parallel line inlay to edges of top and bottom shelf, stood on turned legs united ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Majolica, Ceramic
Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Lemon Fruit Plate
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood and in the color way known as Argenta, a fruit plate, England, circa 1875.
Showing a central yellow lemon and leaves along with a branch of pears and walnuts, all on a...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
David Waddington. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk with cantered corners and incized floral decoration and a tower turned gallery. Stamped David Waddington Ulphosterer Bolto...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted humidor with floral decor
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted Humidor with a shaped display plinth to the top, surrounded with a turned gallery, and an upper compartmented drawer hand painte...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Wedgwood Majolica Large Tortoiseshell Shell Shaped Server Majolica Serving Tray
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 refl...
Category
Late 19th Century English 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
Flower Chandelier Amber Crysatal Glass Candelabrum Brass Bronze Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Vintage Chandelier: A Fusion of History and Elegance
Step into a realm of timeless beauty with our meticulously restored old chandelier, a testament to the skilled craftsman...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
French Majolica Elephant Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Elephant Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Measures: Height / 5.4 inches.
Length / 6.7 inches.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Theresienthal enamel decanter and two liqueur glasses c1907
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Super Theresienthal set -a large clear and enamel decanter and two small liqueur glasses, decorated in green and yellow translucent enamel swags and garlands in a classic Aesthetic M...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Set of 12 Cauldon Hand-Painted "Flower Arrangement" Dessert Plates, Cobalt Blue
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A decorative and beautifully hand-painted set of 12 Cauldon dessert plates with shaped rims trimmed in gold with central floral decoration. Each plate depicts a unique flower arrange...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Powell, Bishop & Stonier - Aesthetic Transfer Decorated Pitcher - U.K. - C. 1880
By Powell, Bishop & Stonier
Located in Chatham, ON
POWELL, BISHOP & STONIER (Manufacturer) - Beatrice No. 4 (Product Line) - Rare and exceptional Aesthetic Movement ceramic pitcher / vase - two color transfer decorated featuring fern...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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
Minnie G Thompson Doulton Lambeth Pigment Painted Vase, 1883
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very unusual Aesthetic Movement biscuit fired Doulton Lambeth stoneware vase pigment hand-painted with stylized foliage and geometric designs by Minnie G Thompson...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
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
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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