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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
Period: 1920s
Louis Maximilien Fiot : "Panthera", Terracota sculpture, edition Susse, C.
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Maximilien FIOT (1886-1953, France) : « Lionne à sa toilette » Patinated terracota sculpture of a lioness nobly standing on a rock Old edition by Susse terracota workshop Sig...
Category

1920s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

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

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

Antique Austrian Alabaster and Gilt Metal Book Box
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Austrian Alabaster And Gilt Metal Book Box. Unusual Austrian gilt metal and alabaster box in the form of a book. This lovely decorative box has a wood interior and hinged l...
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Alabaster, Metal

French Bust of Girl c1920 Signed
Located in Mimizan, FR
French Bust of Girl c1920 Signed at the back by the artist B Rezz (hard to see) With copyright Made of a type of Cristaux and Porcelain that is very hard Very good Vintage condition.
Category

1920s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Copeland Spode Dessert Set 8 Plates, 2 Square Plates Blue w/ Florals Butterfly
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 8 Copeland Spode dessert plates is accompanied by 2 matching square serving plates- Perfect for a cheese and fruit course as well as d...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Bamboo Turned Bench
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic Movement ebonized wood bench with bamboo style turnings and gilt decoration, circa 1920s.
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Beatrice Fenton Profile Portrait Relief Bronze Plaque of John White Mathews Jr
Located in New York, NY
American Aesthetic Movement bronze relief plaque depicting a profile portrait of John White Mathews Jr. as a young boy. The piece was made by Beatrice Fenton...
Category

1920s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

George Jensen Oval Base Compote, Berry Stems and Leaves Designed by Johan Rohde
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful compote in the berry stems and leaf pattern. Designed by Johan Rohde for Georg Jensen. Compote features an oval stepped base with berry ...
Category

1920s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

12 Webb Hand Blown Large Crystal Goblets w/ Flared Rim Engraved Prunus Blossoms
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 12 hand blown crystal goblets were made by Webb Corbett, England and are the perfect addition to your table setting. The nice large size makes these an excellent choice f...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

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Rare Large Majolica Wall Plate with Face of Benito Mussolini 1950s Mario Iudice
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare Large Majolica Wall Plate with Face of Benito Mussolini 1950s Mario Iudice Caltagirone
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1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

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Ceramic

Antique French Hand-Painted Majolica Porcelain "Beagles" Wall Pocket, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French hand-painted Majolica porcelain "Beagles" wall pocket, Circa 1890's.
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19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

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Majolica

Chinoiserie Gilt-Metal Glass Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Chinoiserie Gilt-Metal glass box 19/20th century painted with a Chinese Figure gilt border, Provenance: Formerly in a French collection.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

1900s Signed Bronze Bust of Man
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully cast with Paris foundry mark and signature of artist.
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Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1900s Signed Bronze Bust of Man
1900s Signed Bronze Bust of Man
H 14 in W 15 in D 6 in
Antique Bronze Sculpture Sitting Pig, Signed L.Carvin, Around 1910, Susse Frères
Located in Greven, DE
Antique bronze sculpture by Louis Albert Carvin (born 7th august 1875 in Paris - 6th January 1951). Depiction of a sitting pig. Finely chiseled. Signed at the bottom "L. Carvin" an...
Category

1910s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Rabbit by Eduard Marcel Sandoz, Susse Freres, 1920
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco silver plated bronze sculpture of a rabbit hare. Lovely paperweight. Edouard Marcel Sandoz (1881-1973). Signature/ Marks: Ed.M. Sandoz - Susse Fre'...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Corner Cabinet from 1928, Northern Europe
Located in Chorzów, PL
Corner cabinet from 1928. 1928 proof of purchase Very good condition. Mahogany wood dimensions: height 173 cm width 90 cm depth 65 cm.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Corner Cabinet from 1928, Northern Europe
Corner Cabinet from 1928, Northern Europe
H 68.12 in W 35.44 in D 25.6 in
Vintage Danish Rosewood Corner Cabinet, 1960
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Vintage Danish rosewood corner cabinet from the 1960s, featuring a single large door, a rare find. This sleek piece has a clean design without drawers, showcasing simple yet stylish ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Danish Rosewood Corner Cabinet, 1960
Vintage Danish Rosewood Corner Cabinet, 1960
H 56.7 in W 28.35 in D 17.33 in
Bronze Sculpture Lioness / Roger Godchaux Jewish Artist & Susse Lost Wax Bibelot
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Bronze Sculpture Lioness / Roger Godchaux Jewish Artist & Susse Lost Wax Bibelot . An important bronze sculpture By the great Jewish Bronze Master animalier , Estampille 1- Cire perdue Lost Wax Stamp "La Lionne" by Roger Godchaux. See Photo 2- 2- With A Stamp of Susse. See Photo 3- 3- the signature of the Artist on the bronze. See Photo Incredible Executed and very fine details with Dark Brown Patina with a hue of green . The movement of the lionesse is very graceful and sinuous (as most of the lion Sculpture he produced) Mounted on a black stone base 5 1/2" x 11 1/2" Antique Dealer West Hollywood CA Melrose Ave La Cienega Blvd. Godchaux Né à Vendôme le 21 décembre 1878 et mort le 6 mars 1958 à Paris. Roger Godchaux Sculpteur animalier regularly produces animal drawings and paintings. Thus, unlike his sculptures which mainly represent wild animals, especially elephants and felines that he was going to study at the Jardin des Plantes, his paintings are often inspired by farm animals that he could observe in a small village of Brie where lived the mother of his companion. He also paints commissioned portraits or portraits of his family or friends, such as Gaston Switzerland or René Huchet . But it is above all a sculptor. He made some works by direct carving of the wood. However, he mainly worked by modeling the earth. It treats surfaces by smoothing and oblique streaks. In this respect, unlike other animal sculptors like Édouard-Marcel Sandoz , François Pompon or Armand Petersen whose works are smooth, his work is close to the art of Paul Jouve which leaves apparent textures. The lioness is finished with Godchaux’s distinctive surface modeling where the flesh is left textured like a wax model on the artists bench, still being formed and tooled. Godchaux’s animal work is characterized by gentleness and a sensitivity towards his subjects that showcases their playfulness and personality. This is captured beautifully in the present example where her curiosity and intensity of focus are fully developed; the anatomical and muscular realism is noteworthy. The naturalistic base is signed in his standard script “Roger Godchaux” and is also signed “Susse Fres. Edit. Paris” with the Susse cachet; a tiny stamp “France” is impressed into the edge below the cachet. Models in mud are most often cast plaster. It is often in this material that he exhibits in Salons and galleries. The works for sale are cast in bronze. They are entrusted to famous founders like Susse , with whom he signs publishing contracts, or Valsuani . He also works with lesser known smelters like Gatti, Andro or Planquette. Some of his bronzes do not wear a cast iron seal. While there are some large models, most are modest in size, easily finding their place in collectors' homes. Some of his works are terracotta or sandstone. Models were published by Susse both in bronze and terracotta. Terracotta remains raw or is glazed. He also worked at the Sèvres factory in the late 1930s. Roger Godchaux , born in Vendôme on December 21 , 1878 and dead the March 6 , 1958in Paris , is a painter , draftsman and sculptor of animals French . If all domestic and wild bestiary is part of his artistic universe, it is the wild beasts and elephants that have been his favorite subjects. Figurative sculptor, he represents the animal without artifice, in his attitudes of everyday life. Roger Godchaux's father is an antique dealer. His mother, Jeanne Godchaux, is a concert pianist. He has a brother Yvan with whom he studies in Vendôme under the care of his maternal grandparents, music teachers in high school. Having joined Paris, he prepared in 1894 admission to the School of Fine Arts . He soon turned to animal art . He became a pupil of Jules Adler and Jean-Léon Gérôme . In 1896, he is a pupil of the Julian Academy . Great admirer of Antoine-Louis Barye , he will build a collection of works produced in the workshop of the master 1 . In 1905, he began to exhibit in Paris. He regularly participates in the Salon des artistes français . In 1914, he was mobilized in Saint-Lô . Reformed, he is assigned to the offices of the Ministry of War. During this period, he put his drawing skills at the service of propaganda for the Allies. After the war, he saw rue Descombes . He resumes the exhibitions at the Salon des artistes français where, in 1922, he won the bronze medal. The state orders two bronze plates for the Army Museum Library . In 1924, his second companion gives him a daughter, Luce. In 1925, the jury of the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts awarded him a silver medal. In 1927, he won the contest of car manufacturer Chenard and Walcker for the creation of an emblem for their cars. In February 1928, the State bought him a bronze sculpture: Elephant , exhibited at the National Salon of animal artists, of which he becomes the treasurer in November of the same year. It was at this time that the Newark Museum in the United States bought him works. It was also in 1928 that he won the silver medal at the Salon des artistes français. In 1929, the state bought him a sculpture ( Pigeon ) again. During the inter-war period, he exhibited regularly in various galleries: Galerie Charpentier , Galerie Georges Petit , Galerie Edgar Brandt , group of animals of the Malesherbes Art Gallery. He has friendly relations with other animals, including Henri Valette and Gaston Switzerland, with whom he regularly works at the Jardin des Plantes . In 1937, he signed a contract with the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres for the edition of terracotta. During the Second World War , he stayed in Paris and continued to work in his studio on Boileau Street , but was forced to wear the yellow star . He lives with his girlfriend and daughter Avenue de La Motte...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Christopher Dresser Aesthetic Movement Japonism Style Green Minton Plate, 1876
Located in Paris, FR
Green Aesthetic Minton Porcelain Plate in the style of Japonism creations made by Christopher Dresser. Round plate adorned with an oriental fan representi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Emperor Napoleon on Horseback, Cast by Susse Frères, Paris
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Emperor Napoleon on Horseback, Cast by Susse Frères, Paris, From the Model By Alfred Émilien O'Hara, Comte de Nieuwerkerke (1811-1892). Dark br...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Madeline Book Box
Located in New York, NY
This one of a kind piece by Catie Curry, a Brooklyn based ceramicist and interior designer, is part of her Book Box collection. The above listed piece is available for immediate purc...
Category

2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Madeline Book Box
Madeline Book Box
H 3 in W 7.5 in D 5 in
Previously Available Items
Solid Silver Tankard Lisbon Portugal 1920
Located in London, GB
A magnificent solid silver lidded tankard with wonderful detailing of mythical sea creatures. In very good condition Hallmarked for Lisbon circa 1920 Eagle hallmark Weight 534 gra...
Category

1920s Portuguese Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Candelabrum Crystal Antique Chandelier Ceiling Lustre Art Nouveau Florentiner
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Vintage Chandelier: A Testament to Craftsmanship and Grace Behold the splendor of the past revitalized in our meticulously restored old chandelier, a true masterpiece that e...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

Wrought Iron and Brass Italian Throne Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very interesting and unique Italian chair done in wrought iron and brass. Teh wrought iron is almost black and the brass has a great patina. This is the perfect throne or a...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron and Brass Italian Throne Chair
Wrought Iron and Brass Italian Throne Chair
H 51.5 in W 21.75 in D 18.5 in
Oscar Bach Style Marble, Burnished Bronze and Iron Occasional Table, 1920s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Aesthetic Movement Black and White Marble, Burnished Bronze and Cast Iron Occasional Table, Side Table in the manner of Oscar Bach. Featurin...
Category

1920s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Iron

Majolica Swan & Frog Jardiniere Gaziello Vallauris Circa 1920
By Jean Baptiste Gaziello
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Swan & Frog Jardiniere signed Gaziello Vallauris Circa 1920. Jean Gaziello (1891-1957).
Category

1920s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

1920s English Wedgwood Grape Leaf & Strawberry Majolica Glazed Yellow Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, a grape leaf and strawberry pattern majolica glazed plate, England, date marked May 1929. A large green leaf is surrounded by smaller leaves, grape clusters, strawb...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Vanity and Chair
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic Movement bamboo and lacquer vanity and matching chair, circa 1920. Chair dimensions, height 36" width 16.5" depth 18" seat height with cushion 22.5".
Category

1920s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Portrait of a Pair of Salukis in a Newcombe Macklin Frame, 1927
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful portrait of two Salukis, one standing the other sitting by artist E. Victor. Painting is framed with a period Arts & Crafts frame by Newcombe Macklin. Painting has some dam...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paint

Fifty-Piece Copeland Spode "Chanticleer" Dining Service, Dated 1927-1928
Located in London, GB
Fifty-piece Copeland Spode "Chanticleer" dining service, dated 1927-1928 A wonderful English country diner service depicting colorful roosters, flowers ...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Set of 12 1920s Ornithological Watercolors of Australian Interest
Located in London, by appointment only
A set of 12 watercolors of exotic birds. Each bears a pencil manuscript inscription which in some cases may be wrong and some contain some misspellings but nonetheless record a perio...
Category

1920s Australian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Bamboo and Rattan Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Bamboo and rattan chest of drawers with brass hardware, circa 1920s.
Category

1920s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Bamboo and Rattan Chest of Drawers
Bamboo and Rattan Chest of Drawers
H 37 in W 36 in D 17.5 in
Pair of Holophane Pendant Lights
Located in London, GB
A pair of glass pendant lamps. Early 20th century. Likely Holophane. Exceptional brass galleries. Does not include chain. Re-wired with gold flex. Price is for the...
Category

1920s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Holophane Pendant Lights
Pair of Holophane Pendant Lights
H 13 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in

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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