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
Recognized Seller Listings
Martin Brothers Loving Cup
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
5461
Martin Brothers Loving Cup with a crisp firing of an aquatic scene with twin handles.
The vessel, thrown and decorated by Edwin and Walter Martin features stylised decoration of 9 fish...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
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 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 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
Rare Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Center Table w/ Bronze Masks ca. 1870
By Pottier & Stymus
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A RARE AESTHETIC MOVEMENT EBONIZED MARQUETRY-INLAID PARCEL GILT CENTER TABLE WITH BRONZE MASKS OF DIANA OF ANET
In the manner of Pottier & Stymus of New York unmarked ca. 1870
Item...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Parcel Gilt Serving Spoon - J.E. Caldwell
Located in New York, NY
Large, beautiful, Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver, parcel gilt serving spoon (great for vegetables, cake/pie, desserts, potatoes, etc.), J.E. Caldwell, Philadelphia, Ca. 1880's. ...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver Olive Spoon with Pick
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver olive spoon. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1885. Cast stem with entwined leaf and olive. Shallow and pierced bowl with engraved leaves. At other end pick...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Heath & Middleton - Lotus Bowl - Antique Sterling Silver - London 1902
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1902 by Heath & Middleton, this wonderfully designed Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Bowl, takes the form of a blossoming lotus flower, supported on the stems o...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case by George Unite
By George Unite
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver calling card/business card case in original, velvet lined leather box, London, year-hallmarked for 1860, George ...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of Bobbin Turned Chairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of English late 19th Century ebonized and bobbin turned corner chairs with woven rush seats.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Rush, Beech
Antique Gorham Exotic Turkish Sterling Silver Coffeepot, 1900
Located in New York, NY
Fin-de-siecle exotic Turkish sterling silver coffeepot. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1900. Narrow ovoid bowl with cylindrical neck and round inset foot. High-looping snake scale h...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tiffany Exotic Sterling Silver 3-Piece Turkish Coffee Set
Located in New York, NY
Exotic sterling silver 3-piece Turkish coffee set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. This set comprises coffeepot, creamer, and sugar. Cof...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Bird’s Nest Sterling Silver Egg Spoon
Located in New York, NY
Bird’s Nest sterling silver egg spoon. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1880. Leafing twig stem and nest terminal lain with 3 eggs. Bowl elongated ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
Aesthetic style silver photograph frame
Located in London, GB
Rare and early Aesthetic style antique silver photograph frame from the late Victorian era. The border is hand hammered with a mottled effect. There is a cast central surround with a...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Numbered Napkin Rings Set of Six
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive set of six individually numbered antique Victorian English sterling silver Aesthetic style napkin rings - boxed; part of our silver dining collection
This exceptional, fine and impressive set of antique Victorian sterling silver napkin rings consists of six napkin rings, each with a rounded rectangular form.
The surfaces of these antique silver napkin rings...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Market-Fresh Tiffany Aesthetic Daisy Tea Kettle on Stand
Located in New York, NY
Market-fresh Aesthetic sterling silver tea kettle on stand. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Ovoid body with raised, flat, and hi...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
American Mission Adjustable Handel Floor Lamp
By Handel Co.
Located in New York, NY
American Mission bronze adjustable floor lamp having 3 supports resting on a shaped base holding an 8 sided stained glass shade with cattail design. (signed: HANDEL)
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Fern Wall Brackets
Located in New York, NY
American, circa 1850-1880.
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), with wire armature and composition ornament, gessoed
and gilded.
Measures: 14 1/8 in. high, 16 5/16 in. wide (at the sh...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Aesthetic Period & Design English Sterling Silver Bowl, London 1879
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1879 by Martin, Hall & Co., this stunning, Antique Sterling Silver Bowl, is in the Aesthetic taste, featuring cast and applied floral and butterfly detailing,...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
R.J. Horner Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Birdseye Maple Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement amber stained birdseye maple faux bamboo writing desk having an upper shelf with a central mirror and a tilted black leather writing surface whi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mirror, Wood, Maple
Very Attractive Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set in a Box, 1885
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1885 by Aldwinckle & Slater, this very attractive, Antique Sterling Silver Condiment Set, comprises a mustard pot and spoon, a salt shaker and a pepper shaker (engraved S...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
American Victorian Inlaid Circular Carved Wooden Plant Stand / Side Table
Located in New York, NY
American Victorian wooden plant stand / side table with circular top featuring a central inlaid medallion design, resting on a pedestal base with a ...
Category
1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Dozen Wedgwood Creamware Dinner Plates Thistle Design Made, Circa 1880
By Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this set of a dozen Wedgwood creamware dinner plates with a thistle design.
These English creamware dinner plates date to the late 19th century, circa 1880.
...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Creamware
Antique Gorham Victorian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Christening Mug
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Aesthetic sterling silver christening mug. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1894. Straight sides with gently curved base. Curvilinear frame with zigzag and wavy borders betw...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Victorian Black Tole Chuck Wagon Kitchen Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
American Victorian black tole decorated spice hanging cabinet with mirror and flour sifter and coffee grinder.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
R.J. Horner Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Birdseye Maple Full Bed
Located in New York, NY
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement carved birdseye maple faux bamboo full-size bed with a spindled crest, paneled head and foot-boards, and ball finials, and bracketed rails. (R.J...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Maple, Wood
Papier Mache Vase as Lamp
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine back and two tone gold chinoiserie decorated papier mache vase, now as lamp. Beautifully painted.
Category
19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paper
Rare 19th Century Pair of Black Lacquered Aesthetic Movement Étagère Tables
Located in London, GB
A pair of black lacquered Étagères
In the early aesthetic Manner
The circular tables having lacquered surfaces with a striking sheen, highlig...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Aesthetics Movement Faux Bamboo Needlepoint Stool
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetics Movement faux bamboo (English 19th Century) ebonized and gilt trimmed round stool/bench with a needlepoint seat.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Ebony
Aesthetic Period Silver Plated Tray - Circa 1880 - Engraved - 27.75" wide
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880, this stunning, Antique Silver Plated Tray, is in the Aesthetic design, with beautiful engraving to the centre. The tray mea...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
20th Century Bentwood Oak Cheval Mirror 'Manner of Michael Thonet'
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Bentwood (19th/20th Century) oak cheval mirror with ornate screw supports. (manner of Michael Thonet).
Category
20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak, Wood
White Painted Bentwood Cheval Mirror 'Manner of Michael Thonet'
Located in New York, NY
White painted 19th/20th century bentwood cheval mirror (in the manner of Michael Thonet).
Category
20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
Rare Tiffany Chrysanthemum Bouillon Bowls & Original Lenox Inserts
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Chrysanthemum sterling silver bouillon bowl holders. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Each: Curved and open sides comprising joined stem flowers. Flower-capped lo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
Sterling Silver Aesthetic Movement Mug/Cup by Wood & Hughes
Located in New York, NY
Sterling silver Aesthetic Movement mug/cup on pedestal base, New York, Ca. 1875, Wood and Hughes - makers. Lovely etched designs on mug. Handle is in the form of a swan (its long nec...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Silver Aesthetic Rose Bowl
Located in London, GB
This amazing antique Edwardian sterling silver bowl is entirely handmade and styled after a Chinese design. The reliefs of chrysanthemums and fighting cocks are exceptional, being ha...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
French Aesthetic Movement Bronze Champleve Urns
Located in Downingtown, PA
French Aesthetic Movement bronze champleve Urns,
Circa 1880
The pair of aesthetic movement champleve footed jardinieres with floral enameling over a ...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement Roll Top Desk
By Herter Brothers
Located in New York, 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
Aesthetic Movement Spelter and Majolica Six-Light Chandelier
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic Movement spelter and majolica six-light chandelier,
French, early 20th century
Height 120cm, diameter 74cm
This beautiful chandelier, which demonstrates some of the ta...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Tiffany Aesthetic Oval Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1909. Oval window in flat surround with acid-etched stylized ornament: Quatrefoils alternating with lea...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Style Silver Water Pitcher
Located in London, GB
Beautifully crafted antique American sterling silver water jug in the Aesthetic style, with a frosted surface decorated with the most delicate hand-eng...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug, Cantaloupe Glass by Thomas Webb
By W & C. Sissons 1, Thomas Webb & Sons
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1887 by W. & C. Sissons, this stunning, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug, is realistically modelled to look like a Cantaloupe melon, with the gla...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Nubian Dancer by Carl Kauba
By Carl Kauba
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exemplary of Art Nouveau elegance, the sensuous female form is the focus of this Viennese bronze by Austrian sculptor Carl Kauba (1865 - 1922). The intricately detailed bronze captures the supple form of an exotic Nubian dancer in a true representation of the era’s predominant aesthetic. Both classical and evocative, the nude figure is adorned by an array of bronze jewelry, including a stunning golden belt...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
26 Wedgwood Creamware Dinner Plates with Thistle Design Made, circa 1880
By Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
We are pleased to offer this set of 26 Wedgwood creamware dinner plates with a thistle design.
These English creamware dinner plates date to the late 19th century, circa 1880.
They ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Creamware
Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum by Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a textured base, and will hold 6 ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Period, Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum, Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a plain base, and will hold 6 can...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
English Aesthetic Movement Brass Hat Stand
Located in New York, NY
English Aesthetic Movement brass hat rack with circular top, three sets of hooks, and space for umbrellas in the base.
Category
Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Victorian Antique Centrepiece Vase, Ram Horn, Glass & Silverplate, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880, this striking, Victorian, antique silver plated centrepiece, stands on Ram horn legs, and features a varicoloured glass dish and trumpet vase. The centrepiece measur...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Aesthetic Sterling Tea Strainer, C.1890
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare Art Nouveau Aesthetic sterling tea strainer, probably American C.1890. Decorated with light vermeil floral leaf decoration surround to welle...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Tiffany Aesthetic Mixed Metal on Copper Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic mixed inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Bell-form copper body with reeded silver foot rim. Applied silver ornament including flower-inset guilloche band and tendr...
Category
Late 19th Century North American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver, Copper
Tiffany Exotic Silver and Copper Mixed Metal Ginger Jar Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
Exotic mixed metal tea caddy. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, circa 1910. Sterling silver ginger-jar with squat and tapering sides, short neck, an...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver, Copper
Tiffany Hand Hammered Japonesque Creamer and Sugar in Persian Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque sterling silver creamer and sugar. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York.
Each: Urn body on domed foot handles high looping. Interior gilt washed. Creamer has helmet mouth....
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ram's Skull Silver Plated
Located in Chicago, IL
Rams skull rests on plinth base. Marked "Made in France on underside from Wingate and Johnston"
Category
1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
Antique Aesthetic Style Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Wardrobe with Mirror
Located in London, GB
Antique Aesthetic style marquetry and gilt bronze wardrobe with mirror
Continental, early 20th century
Dimensions: Height 202cm, width 154cm, depth 61cm
This beautiful wardrobe ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Antique American Aesthetic Coin Silver Baby Cup by Chicago Maker
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic coin silver baby cup. Made by Juergens & Andersen in Chicago. Tapering and inset sides engraved with stylized ornament, including swags and scrolls, centered on oval frame ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester
Located in London, GB
An aesthetic movement chair
By Lamb of Manchester
designed by W.J. Estall
Of unique elegance and design, the black ebonised chair fashioned in the...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Aesthetics Movement Late Victorian Bamboo and Black Lacquered Étagère Bookcase
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th-early 20th century bamboo étagère with side shelves, glass door, and mirrored upper section with shaped black lacquered decorated top.
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, 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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