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: Late 20th Century
Vintage Oval Coffee Table - Natural and White Botanical Theme
Located in Munster, IN
Whimsical and free, this vintage coffee table has never looked more fabulous. Delicate leafy vines surround a distinctly feminine facade. Stain on stain stenciling creates a natural ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
A large, shallow ceramic vase from France 1970s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A large, shallow ceramic vase from France, dating back to the 1970s, reminiscent of the work of Yves Mohy and the workshops of Virebent. It features abstract designs and exquisite en...
Category
1970s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Mirror 1970, style, Willy Rizzo
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Nice, FR
Rectangular mirror in speckled maple from the 1970s in the style of Willy Rizzo. In the center a mirror. Four in brass.
Beautiful workmanship. Very good above a chest of drawers or ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Glass and mirror pedestal table, asymmetrical, Fontana Arte style, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Round glass and mirror pedestal table with asymmetrical glass legs, mirrored top in the style of Fontana Arte from the 70s
Italian work, design
This pedestal table can be placed at t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror
Studio Crafted Claro Walnut End Table, 1970s
By Sam Maloof
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning, studio crafted end table constructed of solid Claro walnut, made by an unknown designer in the 1970s. The table features a large storage area, a small drawer and a pull o...
Category
1970s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rosella Glass Cake Plate by Mikasa
By Mikasa
Located in Bradenton, FL
A decorative glass plate in the Rosella pattern made by Mikasa of New Jersey. Frosted glass is etched with roses on the underside and decorated in pink, surrounded by delicate foliag...
Category
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Glass
Portuguese White Ceramic Lobster Platter
Located in Bradenton, FL
A white ceramic platter made by Sanor Ceramica of Portugal. Embossed with a coastal design, centered with a lobster amidst starfish and shells. Each end of the platter is embossed wi...
Category
Late 20th Century Portuguese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
19th-C. French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Pine & Marble Chest / Commode
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a personal favorite! This is a late 19th century French pine commode with white marble top. The marble is not attached. The piece does have dovetail construction. It is in ve...
Category
Late 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Marble
Maitland-Smith Faux Tortoise & Tooled Leather Bamboo Canterbury Magazine Rack
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking Maitland-Smith faux tortoise and tooled leather bamboo magazine rack. It is marked and in very good condition.
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Baccarat Decanter for Cognac Hennessy Paradise
By Baccarat
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding, rare and unique Richard Henessy Baccarat Cognac Decanter ,Open worked crystal bottle Crystal stopper, This is an old type Richard, no long...
Category
1990s French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Silver
Hat For Table Lamp
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/425 - Lamp hat embroidered in silver tinsel: unique piece. It is suitable for a high floor or table lamp.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silk
Lamp Hat Embroidered in Silver Tinsel
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/423 - Unique piece : lamp hat embroidered in silver tinsel - It is suitable for a high floor or table lamp.
The price is very interesting because I want to close my activities.
...
Category
1990s Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silk
Jaeger LeCoultre Vendome Atmos Clock
Located in Mérida, YU
A beautiful Jaeger LeCoultre mid century Vendome Atmos clock. This piece looks wonderful on a desk in a study, or on a mantelpiece or table. Very elegant. ...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate
Unique Pair of Faux Rosewood Clarinet Form Table Lamps
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Faux rosewood base. Clarinet body. 37 3/4" h x 5 1/2" diameter.
Condition
Good condition. We recommend all lighting be rewired.
Category
1970s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Lampe Onyx
Located in Nice, FR
onyx table lamp lit with two bulbs a white cotton lampshade this lamp can go very well on a desk on a chest of drawers on a console a bulb is placed inside the lamp to illuminate it....
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Onyx
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
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
Custom French Style Bird’S-Eye Maple Two Door Bar
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A custom French style birdseye maple two door bar having ribbed design. Finished on all sides.
Category
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Furstenberg Germany Vintage Flower Round Gold Leaf Trinket Plate
Located in BILBAO, ES
Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate
Perfect gift for your special someone.
Dimensions:
Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches)
A s...
Category
Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Lydie Eyraud, Mirror, circa 1980
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Lydie Eyraud
Mirror,
circa 1980
Wood and resin
Measures: 45.5 x 45.5cm
Signed at the bottom.
Category
1980s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Resin, Wood
"Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the "Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture, a stunning addition to any home or office space.
This exquisite sculpture features a pair of lovers embracing each other w...
Category
1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Granite
Furstenberg Germany Vintage Violet Flowers Round Gold Leaf Trinket Plate
Located in BILBAO, ES
Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate
Perfect gift for your special someone.
Dimensions:
Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches)
A s...
Category
Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
90s Pair of Japanese Ceramic Ware
Located in Clermont, FL
The pair includes two distinct pieces that perfectly complement each other. Their unique shapes and sizes make them versatile and suitable for various uses. The smooth and lustrous g...
Category
1990s Japanese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Decorative Flower and Vegetation Chinese Plate Signed WL, 1896
Located in BILBAO, ES
Ceramic decorative flower and vegetation chinese plate signed
Perfect gift for your special someone.
Dimensions:
Diameter 20 cm (37.86 inches)
A series of three make the matchin...
Category
Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Furstenberg Germany Vintage Flower Round Gold Leaf Trinket Plate
Located in BILBAO, ES
Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate
Perfect gift for your special someone.
Dimensions:
Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches)
A s...
Category
Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Daum Set of 6 Crystal Wine Glasses with Gold Edges
By Daum
Located in Mérida, YU
Set of 6 crystal wine glasses. Gold edges and a very elegant.
Comes with original Box. Impeccable.
Category
1990s French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Venetian Style Charles Pollock for William Switzer Tole Iron & Marble Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Venetian Style Charles Pollock for William Switzer tole iron & marble table
Priced each!
Additional information:
Materials: Iron, Marble, Tole
Color: Green
Brand: William Swi...
Category
Late 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
1980s Maitland-Smith English Style Burnt Bamboo Chinoiserie Armoire / Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale Maitland-Smith faux burnt bamboo armoire. This has English styling with its lacquered chinoiserie painted panels. The armoire has quite a bit of storage options...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Baccarat Crystal Panther
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Black crystal panther sculpture by Baccarat, circa 1980s. In excellent condition.
Category
1980s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Micro Mosaic Pen Holder
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Micro mosaic Moorish pen holder: simply beautiful ! Elegant sitting on Your desk.
It must not remain near heat sources because the mosaic could be dama...
Category
Late 20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Lighting Italy, Sconce, xx Th
Located in Nice, FR
a single light, brass structure, a very beautiful Murano glass plate. Application of a geometric design on the glass plate. Single model.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Coastal Wicker Chest by Whitecraft for Woodard Serpentine W/ Travertine Top
By Whitecraft
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wicker serpentine chest by WhiteCraft for Woodard. It has a travertine top that is not affixed to the piece. Note the fun wicker bun feet!.
Category
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Travertine
The Secular Furniture of E.W. Godwin - Catalogue Raisonné - 1st Edition 1999
Located in London, GB
First Edition, published for The Bard Graduate Center by Yale University Press, 1999. Text by Susan Weber Soros.
"The Secular Furniture of E. W. Godwin" is a fascinating exploration...
Category
1990s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paper
Trio of Tables, 1970, Italy
Located in Nice, FR
Series of three brass nesting tables. Smoked lenses. Italian work from the 70s. In good condition.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century Iron Faux Bois / Twig Floor Lamps, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 20th century iron faux bois or twig from floor lamps with interesting shades. They were candelabras that I had converted, so the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Diptych Oil Painting by Jan Saether
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful diptych oil painting by Jan Valentin Saether (1944-2018)
The piece shows 2 open boxes, one is empty and the second one shows a portrait of a man with long curly hair and a beard.
The painting shows great attention to detail and is very realistic.
Measurements:
59.50 inches wide x 37.75 inches high x 1.50 inches projection from the wall.
Each paitning is 26 inches high x 22 inches wide.
Jan Valentin Saether (1944-2018)
Fine artist Jan Isak Valentin Ben Abram Saether was born in Oslo, Norway in 1944. A student at both the National College of Applied Arts and at the National Academy of Fine Art in the 1960s and early 70s he received training in both sculpture and painting.
In 1973 Saether moved to Los Angeles, California with his first wife and two young daughters. He built a career as an artist there and established several schools; first in 1977 at the old firehouse in Venice together with Alan Katz...
Category
1980s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Late 20th-C. Bamboo, Wicker, and Rattan Etagere or Vanity by Palecek
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking late 20th century bamboo, wicker and rattan etagere or vanity by Palecek. It is very interesting piece and is in very ...
Category
1990s Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Wood, Bamboo
20th Century Chinese Burnt Bamboo Brighton Style Arm Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful Chinese Brighton style burnt bamboo arm chair. It has a vintage embroidered linen cushion that does show slight wear. It ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Bamboo
Folding Screen Art by Arthur Drooker "Photo-Quilts"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful folding screen art piece made by Arthur Drooker in 1991 and part of his "Photo-Quilts" work or collection. These screens are a beautiful piece of art, very geometric and fu...
Category
1990s North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Plexiglass, Wood
Aesthetic Style Carved Hoof Table with Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
One of a kind aesthetic style ebonized table with black marble top and turned spindled finial sphere base supported by four hand carved hooved legs.
Category
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Marble
Sculpted Bronze Sea Creatures Coffee Table with a Chiseled Glass Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful bronze and glass coffee table depicting a sea creatures playing around a piece of coral and sea weed leaves, there you can see a couple of fish, snails, clams and a sea star.
The bronze has beautiful patina and a glossy finish to mimic the wet underwater environment.
The glass top has a beautiful chiseled edge that supposed to represent the water and waves...
Category
1980s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Indian Runner with Old World Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77529, vintage Indian runner with Old World Traditional style. The architectural elements of naturalistic forms combined with a traditional style, this h...
Category
Late 20th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Asprey Carved Rock Crystal Gorilla Diamond Eye's and 18-Karat Gold Accents
Located in Westport, CT
Asprey one of a kind hand carved rock crystal Gorilla, with 18-karat gold accents and diamond eyes, together on the original petrified wood base, w...
Category
Late 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver
Model 17 Bentwood High Back Armchair by Michael Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
This model 17, bentwood side chair with a cane seat and back was designed by Michael Thonet for his own company in the 1860s. This example was produced in the 1970s and is in a very ...
Category
1970s Austrian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
El Artistico Jose Ignacio morales lantern Outdoor Sconces Arts And Crafts Copper
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Handmade at ‘El Artistico’ sconce pair.
Each has been rewired and ready for use.
Copper and metal construction with wonderful age patina and Verdis.
‘El Artistico ‘ founded b...
Category
Late 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Copper, Brass
20th-C. French Hand Painted Cabinet / Server / Buffet/ Sideboard By Grange
By Grange
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French hand painted cabinet by Grange. The body is an antique ivory distressed finish. The front is a landscape forrest scene. Th...
Category
Late 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
20th-C. Maitland -Smith Chinoiserie Faux Burnt Bamboo Desk And Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Perfect for that home office! This is a late 20th century faux burnt bamboo chinoiserie desk with coordinating chair. The chair’s blue upholste...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
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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