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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: 19th Century
19th Century Large Cast Iron Garden Urn Aesthetic Movement
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular cast iron Victorian Aesthetic Movement Garden Urn. In excellent antique condition with tons of patina, and no breaks or bad repairs. Amazing pair of handles all original ...
Category

1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Antique Ebonised Aesthetic Movement Side Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
Antique Victorian Upholstered Parlour Chairs Ebonised frames with turned and carved details very much in the Aesthetic style. c.1880s in date. Unsigned but very much in the style of designs by Bruce Talbot for March, Jones & Cribb or Gillows. Upholstered in faded Liberty ‘Ianthe...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

19th Century Victorian Iron Aesthetic Manner Fire Grate Basket and Original Hood
Located in Edinburgh, GB
An original antique 19th century -Victorian wrought iron fire grate basket in the Aesthetic Manner with its original sweeping chimney hood. A high Cartouche shaped fire back with a c...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Early Victorian Ebonised Inlay Pier Cabinet Glazed Bookcase Velvet Lined
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A well proportioned Victorian peer cabinet, ebonised with fruitwood inlay and standing on four turned bobbin feet. Two opening glazed doors, retaining its original lock and key, ope...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood, Mahogany

Aesthetic Movement Scissor Action Drop Leaf Side Table Made from Hungarian Ash
Located in London, GB
A Continental Aesthetic Movement scissor action drop leaf side table with a wild grain Hungarian Ash top. A secret drawer that has a button underneath to...
Category

1890s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ash

Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Mantel Clock Attributed to Lewis Foreman Day
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Aesthetic Movement mantel clock, with an ebonised mahogany case and an exquisitely painted dial. The case embodies the style of the Aesthetic Movement, with an arched a...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Aesthetic Movement Antique Chimneypiece in Pencil Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
An elegant and large Aesthetic Movement, bordering on Reformed Gothic, antique fireplace surround in Pencil Statuary Marble with a wide moulded shelf. The main body of the fireplace,...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Statuary Marble

Doulton Lambeth Frank Butler Stylized Pattern Candlestick
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Doulton Lambeth saucer shape stylized leaf design candlestick with brass fittings by Frank Butler and dating from around 1890. The candle stick...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of Six "King's" Pattern Sterling Silver Five O'Clock Spoons
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 sterling silver five o'clock spoons "King's" pattern retailed by Isaac Dixon. Probably made by Dominick & Haff. Double monogram sets: CGD & MD 1891 obverse. 3.20 troy oz. 4 ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Christopher Dresser Watcombe Aesthetic Movement Twin Handled Persian Taste Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Aesthetic Movement flow glaze twin handled vase in the ‘Persian Taste’ by renowned British designer Christopher Dresser (British, 1834 – 1904) for Watcombe Torquay...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Gorham Persian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Pierced Ladle
Located in New York, NY
Persian sterling silver pierced ladle. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1871. Pointed ovoid terminal with stylized leaf and scroll ornament mounted to round stem with reeded bands se...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique English Walnut E W Godwin Style Side Table
Located in Sherborne, GB
E W Godwin side table circa 1880 in walnut with a moulded top, elegant turned legs and a lower shelf supported by fine angled brackets, the table is in very good condition.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Josiah Wedgwood Majolica Multi-Color Leaf on Basket Handled Server
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica multi-colored glazed fringed leaf on basket weave handled server, Josiah Wedgwood, Burslem, England – circa 1870. A leaf shaped molded shallow bowl with a pierced twig ha...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

19th Century Majolica Turquoise Asparagus Plate Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
19th century rare Majolica turquoise asparagus plate, Luneville unsigned. Every important French manufactures produced at the end of the 19th century asparagus and artichoke sets. Re...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

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

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Small Oval Table or Stool Bobbin Turned Legs, 19th Century Spain
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
This table is raised on a base composed of six bobbin turned Legs and a optogonal star stretcher, also turned. Oval antique wine or side table of the 19th century. Wood with bobbin ...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Round Table Bobbin Turned Legs, 19th Century Spain
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
This table is raised on a base composed of four bobbin turned Legs and a optogonal star stretcher, also turned. Oval antique wine or side table of the 19th century. Wood with bobbin...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Majolica Chesnut Pitcher Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Rare French Majolica chesnut pitcher Salins ( East of France ), circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

French Oyster Plate Porcelain with Turkey Pattern Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
Antique 19th Century French porcelain oyster plate with the turkey pattern signed Limoges Haviland.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Attributed Herter Brothers Antique Aesthetic Movement Carved Slipper Chair
By Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
The firm of Herter Brothers, (working 1864–1906), was founded by German immigrants Gustave (1830–1898) and Christian Herter (1839–1883) in New York City. An antique late 19th centur...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Cubist square Tea Set by James W. Tufts, Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated
Located in Paris, FR
The teapot, part of a set including a creamer and sugar bowl, features a truncated pyramid shape with a square base and a flat hinged lid. The design includes faux bamboo handles and...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Aesthetic Movement Table Lamp by Christopher Dresser
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A table lamp converted from a terracotta vase attributed to Christopher Dresser and Watcombe Terra-Cotta Co., of Torquay, Devon, England, circa 1875. The matte finish vase has been d...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Tea Set, 3 pieces silver plated, 19th Century Japonism
Located in Paris, FR
An exquisite 19th-century Japanese Silver-Plated Tea Set, a true embodiment of the enchanting charm of the Meiji era, which greatly influenced English designers. This three-piece ens...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Large 19th Century Cherry Wood Refectory Table With A Width Of 100cm
Located in Brussels, Brussels
superb large 19th century refectory table in cherry from Vendée region in France very beautiful top with a beautiful patina and a frame which is unusual and gives it a lot of chara...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Windsor Armchair In Chestnut Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant English Windsor armchair from the beginning of the 19th century in chestnut Very beautiful patina and in superb condition. Very elegant armchair which stands out by its bac...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Chestnut

French Victorian Glazed Aesthetic Period Centerpiece Planter
Located in Norwood, NJ
Finest quality French aesthetic movement glazed ceramic centerpiece planter, fourth quarter 19th century, Japanese inspired decorating throughout the oval-bodied vessel. The medium ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

PAIR OF BURR WALNUT AESTHETIC MOVEMENT LIBRARY ARMCHAIRS WITH GRAND TOUR PLAQUEs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale pair of very rare, highly collectable Burr Walnut & Ebony framed Victorian Aesthetic Movement armchairs wit...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Walnut

19th Century Pair of KPM Attributed Porcelain Painted Plaques of Woman & Boy
Located in Long Branch, NJ
19th Century Pair of KPM Attributed Porcelain Painted Plaques of Woman & Boy Dimensions : Frame - 16" Tall X 14" Wide X 2" Deep Porcelain 6.5" Tall This gorgeous pair of KPM Attrib...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

French Aesthetic Movement Patinated Bronze Figural Bowl/Basket
Located in Norwood, NJ
French aesthetic movement patinated and gilt bronze figural center bowl/basket, third quarter 19th century, formed as a large stylized woven basket. With leaves and vines as well as ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

EXQUISITE ANTIQUE BURR WALNUT AESTHETiC MOVEMENT SALON SOFA GRAND TOUR PLAQUE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale very rare, highly collectable Burr Walnut & Ebony framed Victorian Aesthetic Movement Salon sofa with a inse...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Walnut

FOUR FINE BURR WALNUT AESTHETIC MOVEMENT DINING CHAIRS WITH GRAND TOUR PLAQUEs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this suite of four very rare, highly collectable Burr Walnut & Ebony framed Victorian Aesthetic Movement di...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Walnut

French Oyster Plate Porcelain with Turkey Pattern Haviland Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
Antique 19th-century French porcelain oyster plate with turkey pattern signed Limoges Haviland.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Store Showcase Cabinet Or Bookcase In Mahogany Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little mahogany display cabinet or bookcase from the early 19th century circa 1820. Small model with cut corners which is unusual. It must certainly have been in a store as a...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Secretary/davenport In Bamboo And Lacquer With Asian Decor - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
superb and unique secretary called davenport in bamboo and Chinese lacquer with Asian decoration from the 19th century from England Very beautiful little secretary, the first we ha...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

French Porcelain 6-Well Oyster Plate, c.1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French porcelain oyster plate, circa 1890. Six shell shaped oyster wells with colorful, hand painted ‘eyes’ surround a central turquoise, round sauce well, outlined in gold. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century English Tortoise Bamboo Trompe L'oeil Centre Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical 19th century English aesthetic movement occasional table, center table, or games table crafted from radiant tortoise shell bamboo. The two-tier table features a trompe l'oeil decorated top on both tiers with decoupage playing cards on a black background with a rope border. The top of the games table is square with clipped corners. The legs are crafted from thick bamboo poles...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Paper

French Faience Tureen Creil et Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience Saint Cloud Tureen signed Creil et Montereau Circa 1890. Painted roses and wild roses , shell handle. Saint-Cloud is a commune in the western suburbs of Paris, France,...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

Antique Tiffany Aesthetic Exotic Sterling Silver Turkish Coffeepot
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver Turkish coffeepot. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Upward tapering neck and round bowl. Ball-cover hinge-mounted to c-scroll...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Victorian Bamboo Headboard with lacquered chinoiserie panels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A highly decorative Aesthetic movement Bamboo headboard with hand painted lacquer panels. The natural finished bamboo frame with chinoiserie panels resting on brass castors . The t...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

French Faience Sunflower Tureen Creil et Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant and Rare French Faience sunflower Tureen Creil et Montereau Circa 1890. Signed C&M Le Soleil. Lemon handle.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

Antique English Aesthetics Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century English desk handcrafted in bamboo in a Japonisme form featuring lacquered panels hand decorated with flowers and birds, the original brass hardware, leather ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Engraved Sterling Silver Tiffany & Co Footed Salver Tray New York 1870
Located in Portland, OR
Antique Tiffany & Co footed sterling silver salver or tray, circa 1870. The circular footed tray is engraved in the aesthetic taste with fruiting flowers and having an 'egg & dart' e...
Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza originates from the United States, Circa 1895. Featuring a scalloped profile achieved with ornate organic designs and...
Category

1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Majolica Orchid Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Orchid Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880 Height / 8 inches. Diameter / 10.5 inches.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Of Tall Gilt Bronze Altar Candlestick Lamps as Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Pair of Antique Altar Candle Sticks which have been electrified and shaded. Pair of tall, tripod footed lamps, with bobeche and single bu...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Other

Liberty & Co Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Corner Chair Style of Ford Maddox Brown
By Ford Madox Brown 1, Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. Regent St. London. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized corner armchair from the Argyll suite designed in 1884, after a Sussex chair design by Ford Maddox Brown...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Aesthetic Wakefield Rattan Co. Etagere, c.1880
Located in Savannah, GA
An Aesthetic Period Wakefield Rattan Co. etagere, circa 1880s.
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

19th Century Oil On Canvas Equestrian Scene by George Armfield
By George Armfield
Located in Dublin 8, IE
George Armfield (1808-1893) oil on canvas painting, depicting an atmospheric scene of three horses to foreground with a thunderstorm in the background. Dramatic tension is created by...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paint

Large Scale Gilt Bronze 6-Light Candelabra W/ Fox & Dog Hunting Scene
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, late 19th century. Good Quality Behold the epitome of grandeur and sophistication: a truly magnificent Large Scale Gilt Bronze 6-Light Candelabra, resplendent with an enchan...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880. Height / 9.5 inches. Diameter / 13 inches.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Circa 1880s Set of Fish Knives & Forks for 6, English
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A circa 1880s set of fish knives & forks for 6, English. Silverplate made by William Hutton & Sons, Sheffield. Aesthetic taste. Fine condition. Knife: 9.5" x 7/8" blade, Fork: 7 7/8"...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

13 Davenport 19th c. Dessert Set W/ Aesthetic Movement Teal Blue Fern Subjects
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 13 Aesthetic Movement dessert plates with matching serving compote, were made by Davenport ca. 1890's and feature hand decorated ferns surrounding the molded floral relie...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880. Height / 9 inches. Diameter / 13 inches.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century American Aesthetic Period Grain Painted Stool with Upholstered Seat
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
American Aesthetic Movement footstool on four tapered legs below a shaped and pierced apron, the legs connected with ball and ring turned x-stretcher centering a large red sphere wit...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Wood & Hughes Sterling Silver Zephyr Pattern Gravy or Sauce Ladles
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of silver gravy or sauce ladles. By Wood & Hughes. In sterling silver. In the Zephyr pattern. Each ladle with a gilt bowl and raised geometric decoration to the hand...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dutch Refectory Table From The 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
superb 19th century extending table in colonial wood from the 19th century from the Netherlands Very elegant table with straight legs which has very beautiful proportions with a bea...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

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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