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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
1950s Georgetown Galleries George III Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1950s George III Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table by iconic Georgetown Galleries. Features 4 pedestals all on original solid wheels. Recently refinished and in very good condi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Apple Fruit Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood and in the color way known as Argenta, a fruit plate, England, circa 1875. Showing a central red and greenish apple and leaves along with a branch of apricots and haze...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Lemon Fruit Plate
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

Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Melon Fruit Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood and in the color way known as Argenta, a fruit plate, England, circa 1875. Showing a central green and orange melon and leaves along with a branch of plums and strawbe...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Fine Bronze Bust of a Man in Manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British 1880-1959)
By Jacob Epstein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Bronze Bust of a man in the manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British, 1880-1959), artist unknown. This beautifully executed green-patinated bronze somewhat resembles the style of ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

ANTiQUE CIRCA 1880 AESTHETIC MOVEMENT BAMBOO CARVED CHINESE MAGAZINE PAPER RACK
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly collectable Aesthetic Movement Chinese ha...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Johnson Hartig Libertine Le Grand Tour Floral Screen
Located in Houston, TX
Custom six panel screen with Johnson Hartig of Libertine Le Grand Tour Floral Wallpaper (reverse side Architecture Teal Wallpaper) by Schumacher. Each p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Faux Bamboo White Marble Top Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A charming chest of drawers with faux bamboo columns and moldings. Four roomy drawers. The marble which is original is in good antique condition. Original wood handles, pine wood carved faux bamboo columns on corners. White Marble Top...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Pair Framed Silk Stevengraphs The Present Time & The Good Old Days
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine pair framed silk Stevengraphs, one titled The Present Time and the other The Good Old Days, by Thomas Stevens and dating from 1875. The rectangular silk sewn panels portray t...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silk

Antique Victorian silver scent bottle, Sampson and Mordan, Birds and Holly
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique sterling silver scent bottle. This is a cylindrical scent bottle made from sterling silver with a glass liner and stopper. It has the prettiest engraving of bir...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Triple Silver Plated Tea Urn from Chas. W. Hamill & Co, Baltimore, MD, 1876-1884
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique silver plated tea urn, with ornate arms and lid, from the late 1800's, manufactured in Baltimore, MD, by Chas. Hamill & Co. Lovely vessel to stash all kinds of goodies, thoug...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by G. Remmerie is an interesting take on the classic landscape painting, where the artist has captured a low lying marshy area under an overcast...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Splendid Brown Transferware Cake stand, England, 1880s
Located in Milan, IT
Beautiful Gardens scene Brown Transferware Cake stand, England, 1880s
Category

1880s British Antique 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

Scottish Wool Upholstered Stools
Located in Greenwich, CT
Two early 20th century aesthetic movement stools in ebonized beech with new lettuce green 100% scottish wool upholstered tops with brass stud detailing, both with box spindle stretch...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

SMALL ANTiQUE CIRCA 1880 AESTHETIC MOVEMENT BAMBOO CARVED CHINESE FOOTSTOOL
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly collectable Aesthetic Movement Chinese ha...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

Vintage Bamboo Corner Cabinet
Located in Summerland, CA
Very decorative fine English bamboo corner display cabinet. Etagere style with open shelves and glass door cabinet with over corner bevel mirrors..
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Otto Wagner for Jacob and Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair, with Pierced Vase Splat & Branded Stamp to Chair Underside Made in Vienna Austria Jacob & Josef Ko...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood, Velvet

Possibly by E W Godwin, Japanned Ebonized Cane Folding Chair, Gilt Highlights
Located in High Wycombe, GB
An Aesthetic Movement small walnut low folding decorative chairs with cane seats, in the manner of E.W. Godwin. Circa 1870s. Extra dimensions: Depth of seat 31cm
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Aesthetic Victorian Parlor Set Settee & 4 Chairs By John Moyr Smith
Located in Long Branch, NJ
This parlor set was designed by John Moyr Smith in the 19th century UK. The panels are made by Minton designed by John Moyr Smith. The panels are excellently made and the chairs are ...
Category

19th Century Scottish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Oak

French Majolica Oyster Plate Russian Imperial Eagle, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica oyster plate called Russian imperial eagle, circa 1890. Reference / page 132 "Oyster Plates" of Jeffrey B. Snyder.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Art Pottery Vase by Emily Edwards 1875
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and exceptional Doulton Lambeth aesthetic movement stoneware vase decorated with stylized motifs by renowned designer and decorator Emily J Edwards and dated 1875. Emily Edwa...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Chair & Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
By Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair and Ottoman, ATTR: Herter Brothers This listing is for the TWO PIECES. *Please View Other Listings - Matching Piano Sto...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wood

Frank A Butler Early Doulton Lambeth Leaf Design Salt Glazed Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish and early Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery jug decorated with stylized scrolling leaf designs by highly renowned artist Frank A Butler and dated 1873. The stoneware jug is...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Mediterranean Slag Stained Glass Bronze Lamp
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Slag glass and bronze lamp. Great proportion and balance. Nicely patinated. 3 Bulb function on individual pull chains for controlled ambiance and color control of slag panes. Lamp Fa...
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

Set of 12 Wedgwood Green Majolica Aesthetic Movement Sunflower Plates
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 12 green majolica glazed dinner plates in the ‘Sunflower’ pattern by Wedgwood, made circa 1880. The sunflower, alongside the calla lily and peacock feather, became an emblem ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery

Antique oil painting "Flowers of the Field" signed, Second Half of the 19th century, France
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This splendid French oil painting was made with a remarkable painting technique that allows the artist to achieve a high degree of naturalistic rendering.Put in relation to the chron...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

18th Century Polished Iron Fireback with "Royal Coat of Arms of France"
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your fireplace or kitchen back splash with this elegant antique fire back. Crafted in France circa 1750 and almost square in shape embellished with an arched top, the ornate...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

English Antique Silver Plate Epergne
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Antique English silver plate épergne with side candy holders for sweets, to complete the central tray. There are many stamps, including an elephant (that I don't know). It 's perfect...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Italian Hardstone Cockatoo Figure
Located in New York, NY
Italian hardstone cockatoo figure, in the Faberge style in quartz with lapis beak and silver mounted feet, formerly on a perch or rock (lacking). Dimensions: 7.5" H x 6" W x 2.5" ...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Silver

Aesthetic Movement Carved Wood Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement hardwood side or end table with top opening to reveal storage compartment, the front hand-carved with a geometric design, upon four rectangular legs. Dimensions: ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Walnut Barley Twist Library Armchair with Cane Seat & Rear 1850s
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Antique Walnut Barley Twist Library Armchair with Cane Seat & Rear Extra dimensions Seat width: 52cm I Seat depth: 47cm
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Vintage S&A Haddad Jezzine Horn Bird Handled 2 Pieces Carving Set in Box
By S&A Haddad
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage handmade Haddad Jezzine Horn and Brass Bird Handled 2 Pieces Carving Set, cake set in Box. Vintage S & S Haddad Jezzine Traditional Cutlery or Carving Serving Set of 2. A Classic S & S Haddad Jezzine traditional cutlery or carving set handmade in Lebanon of bone in Haddad iconic bird design. This fancy vintage Haddad Jezzine Horn bird...
Category

Late 20th Century Lebanese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

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

English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Upholstered Sofa or Bench Circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
English, circa 1920. An antique English Aesthetic movement bamboo bench for two. The bench is upholstered with a traditional fabric that brings stunning lines to accent the beautiful...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

Victorian Designer E W Godwin Aesthetic Movement Jappaned Low Elbow ArmChair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
E W Godwin Aesthetic Movement Jappaned Low Elbow Arm Chair With Anglo Japonesque Geometric Back On Hand Turned Legs Auctioneer has given attribution. Victorian architect-designer E....
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

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

1880s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE LEATHER ARMCHAIR FOR RESTORATION
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this original Aesthetic Movement style Victorian circa 1860 armchair for restoration with original brown lea...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Epergne in Silver Plate with Flowers Holders
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant antique silver plate épergne with low branches and 4 flowers holders. Discreet and delicate, it can be placed anywhere: in the m...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Cast Iron and Brass Filigree Lamp
Located in Canton, MA
Cast iron and brass filigree lamp. May have been originally gas. completely restored, metals cleaned, polished brass and iron freshly painted in a ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Doulton Lambeth Silver Plate Mounted Sugar Pot By Clara Barker 1878
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish early Doulton Lambeth stoneware sugar pot with silver plated mounts by renowned artist Clara S Barker and made in 1878. There is a further interesting artist mark to the base of this piece which is either that of Jane S Hurst...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Square White Majolica Mermaid Wall Plate Circa 1920
Located in Austin, TX
Square Majolica mermaid plate with shells on the corners, the mermaid sit on a flying fish, the border is decorated with shrimps, circa 1920.
Category

1920s Belgian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vassily Kandinsky Framed Poster
Located in New York, NY
"Spitzen im Bogen / Vassily Kandisky," offset lithographic poster, after the original from 1927. 48" H x 36" W.
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Aubrey Beardsley, Brian Reade, Hardcover, 1998, Art Book
Located in Brugge, BE
Within the pages of this captivating art book, Aubrey Beardsley's iconic illustrations come alive, showcasing his unique and provocative style that challenged societal norms and capt...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Rare Arthur Barlow Silver Mounted Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Jug / Pitcher
By Arthur Barlow, Doulton Lambeth
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare English silver mounted stoneware pitcher by Arthur Boulton Barlow for Doulton Lambeth. The diminutive pitcher has incised leafwork throughout that is decorated in blue slip. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Doulton Lambeth Silver Mounted Cream Jug by Francis E Lee, 1877
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Doulton Lambeth stoneware silver mounted leaf design jug and early work by renowned designer and decorator Frances E Lee and dated 1877. The jug ...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

Modernist Abstract Bronze Sculpture of a Bull on a Marble Plinth
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Modernist Abstract Bronze Sculpture of a Bull on a Marble Plinth A nicely detailed Charging Bull, top quality bronze bull depicted...
Category

1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Small 20th Century Satin Birch Writing Desk by Heal & Son London
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A beautiful Satin Birch writing desk by Heal & Son London. This little desk will light up any room, the satinwood birch has a wonderful texture and movement and a colour tone that o...
Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Satinwood

Doulton Lambeth Floral Design Art Pottery Jug by Edith Lupton
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and unusual Doulton Lambeth stoneware jug decorated with floral designs by renowned artist Edith D Lupton and believed to date from the early 1880’s. The jug stands on a w...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

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

Victorian Iron Hall Stand Cross by Christopher Dresser for Coalbrookdale Foundry
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century Victorian iron hall stand cross by english author Christopher Dresser for Coalbrookdale Foundry By: Christopher Dresser, Coalbrookdale Foundry Material: iron, meta...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

Rare Antique English Aesthetic Movt. Chased Copper Square Tea Kettle on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
Gorgeous Antique English Arts & Crafts or Aesthetic Movement hand chased copper and wrought iron square tea kettle on its original brass barley twist stan...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

19th Century French Sterling Hallmarked Pepper Mill by Jean Granvigne
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A French sterling silver Pepper Mill by Jean Granvigne, late 19th century. The mill depicting two winged putti and a repousse body resting ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of plaster lamps, in the manner of Jean Michel Franck
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of plaster lamps, in the style of decorators from the 1940s, French decorators They are accompanied by a custom-made straw lampshade. All electrified
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Collection of Three 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Pitchers
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A collection of English 19th century porcelain pitchers with a hand painted finish. Sold as a set, these decorative pitchers feature rich cobalt blue and deep red Asian aesthetic designs on creamware that offsets the hand painted gold highlights. Elegant ornamental patterns on classic pitchers with a wide base to ensure stability and comfortable, shaped blue handles. A combination of refinement, incredible ornamental details and craftsmanship. In great antique condition with minimal wear. This pitcher collection would make a wonderful addition to any interior. Be sure to view all the images to see the many details of these lovely antique pitchers...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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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