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.
19th Century Majolica Birds Jardinière Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica jardinière planter with 4 birds Delphin Massier, circa 1890. Height / 5 inches , 8 by 5 inches. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. ...
Ceramic
English Aesthetic Movement Tall Glass Front Bamboo Cabinet
Located in Troy, MI
A bamboo cabinet in a dark brown finish, with two glass doors, each fitted with an X-strut bamboo motif at the top and bottom. Interior fitted with four shelves creating five compart...
Grasscloth, Bamboo, Glass
Samuel Alcock The Battle Between The Greeks & Amazons Ceramic Vase 1856
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and rare antique Victorian Greek Revival Etruscan art pottery ewer shaped vase by renowned makers Samuel Alcock & Co and dating from around 1856 and modelled on an ancient...
Ceramic
Italian Bloomingdale’s Victorian Aesthetic Movement Style Burnt Bamboo Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Victorian Aesthetic Movement style burnt bamboo armoire cabinet crafted for Bloomingdale’s in the later part of the 20th century. The door is mirrored. The interior has she...
Mirror, Wood
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & Glass 8x10 Picture Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Tiffany & Co. large sterling silver frame. 4 Removable repoussè floral motif triangular corners set into beveled glass. Two of the four corners are stamped Tiffany & Co. sterling silver, as shown in photos. Unoriginal Tiffany storage box...
Sterling Silver
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo & Bird's-Eye Maple Full / ¾ Bed, c. 1880s
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo & Bird's-Eye Maple Full / ¾ Bed - c. 1880s An exceptional example of late 19th-century American Chinoiserie. This bed frame dates from the...
Birdseye Maple
ROYAL WORCESTER - Antique Porcelain Shell Form Wall Pocket - U.K. - Circa 1881
By James Hadley, Royal Worcester
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL WORCESTER (Manufacturer) - James Hadley (Designer 1837-1903) - Model Number 737 - Antique shell form and gilded coral branch porcelain wall pocket - featuring a realistically m...
Porcelain
19th Century English Aesthetic Era Bamboo Table with Marquetry and Painted Detai
Located in Troy, MI
Found and made in England, this bamboo framed side table dates from the 1870s. Framed in tortoise or spotted bamboo with a table top and lower shelf made of pine. The top features d...
Bamboo
Ridgway Ironstone Plate, Hand-Painted Fish Design, Aesthetic Period, Circa 1884
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a highly decorative, Earthenware (ironstone), Dinner Plate by Ridgway, dating to the Aesthetic period in the second half of the 19th Century, Victorian period, Circa 1884. T...
Ironstone
19th Century Square Majolica Mermaid Wall Plate
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 1880.
Ceramic
Petal Pendant made by hand from mouth blown Murano glass and hand tooled Brass
Located in London, GB
The Petal Pendant is a design by Andrew inspired by the Aesthetic Movement pendant lights of the late 19th Century where art in design was celebrated following Victorian mass produ...
Brass
Burmantofts Saffron Glazed Sunburst Pattern Dimple Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and stylish Burmantofts Faience art pottery vase decorated with sun burst patterning and with a saffron glazed finish dating from around 1890. This stunning and elegant lightl...
Earthenware
Carrie Bradshaw's English Aesthetic Bamboo Rattan Chest Dresser
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A stylish English Aeshtetic Movement style seven-drawer semainier or chest of drawers screen-used in Carrie Bradshaw's Gramercy Park, New York apartment in "And Just Like That…". Cra...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Wood, Raffia
Single arm swing arm Library Light in Antique Brass with Silk pleated shade
Located in London, GB
Designed by Andrew and produced by hand with care and attention to detail, the Double Swing Arm Library Light was introduced to the collection in 2013 and has been one of our best se...
Brass
Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French porcelain oyster plate with seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900.
Porcelain
Aesthetic Brass And Onyx Plant Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Brass with onyx top and shelf. In the a Aesthetic style.
Onyx, Brass
Swing arm Library Light in Antique Brass with matching Brass Lampshade
Located in London, GB
Designed by Andrew and produced by hand with care and attention to detail, the Double Swing Arm Library Light was introduced to the collection in 2013 and has been one of our best se...
Brass
Bench ceramic contemporary glaze green black square organic
Located in Rubi, Catalunya
Handmade stoneware Bench manufactured at the workshop of Apparatu in Barcelona. Different clay bodys are mixed with natural fibers like corn, straw, or heather straw. The pieces are ...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Burgundy Red Fur Blanket throw - Rex Rabbit Fur Customize to any size
Located in Dural, AU
Emily Barbara Fur Couture — Rex Rabbit Fur Blanket Throw Elevate your interior with the unmistakable luxury of the Emily Barbara Fur Couture Rex Fur Blanket Throw, an exceptional s...
Fur
Thonet Bentwood Standing Coat Rack Nr. 1, Austria, Early 20th Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant bentwood standing coat rack by Thonet, showcasing the firm’s mastery of steam-bent beechwood construction. The sculptural crown features a rhythmic arrangement of graceful...
Oak
Aesthetic Movement Wall Cabinet, Hand-Painted Floral, Walnut, 1890s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Aesthetic Movement wall cabinet. Striking English design from the 1890s. Solid walnut frame with original door and drawer. Overall original hand-painted floral d...
Walnut
$600 / item
19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Ceramic
English Faux Bamboo Aesthetic Movement Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined English late 19th century/early 20th century four-drawer faux bamboo fruitwood commode, chest of drawers, or dresser crafted in the Aesthetic Movement taste. The distinctiv...
Marble
George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895 Dimensions: 33" H × 16" W × 18" D Seat Height: 16" This rare and sculpturally articulated American side ...
Walnut, Leather
Belgium Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Belgium Majolica oyster plate with pink flowers & green leaves Wasmuel, circa 1890.
Ceramic
19th Century Plate Vieillard Bordeaux Service Nella
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Plate signed Vieillard Bordeaux service Nella. Naturalist plate with a kingfisher, an insect , water lilies
Ceramic, Faience
Low Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Art Deco Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A Restored Masterpiece from a Bygone Era Discover the charm of bygone eras with our meticulously restored antique chandelier, a true passion project fr...
Crystal, Brass
French Porcelain Six Well ‘Eyes’ Oyster Plate
By Limoges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French porcelain oyster plate, circa 1890 – 1910. Six shell shaped oyster wells with multicolored, hand painted ‘eyes’ surrounding a central, round sauce well, outlined in gold. ...
Porcelain
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Bamboo Hand Painted Lacquer Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Chinoiserie Table A striking 19th century Aesthetic Movement bamboo Chinoiserie table, featuring hand-painted birds in flight and perched amon...
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
Exceptional Pair Austro/Bohemian Majolica Twin Handled Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A exceptional, large and impressive pair antique twin handled majolica vases originating from one of the top Austrian or Bohemian makers and dating from the 19th century. Possibly ex...
Earthenware
Late 19th-C. French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Carved Pine Bed - F/Q
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely late 19th-C. French faux bamboo bed that includes the headboard, footboard, and two side rails. The footboard measurements are as follows: 51.5”L x 3”W x 41.5”H. T...
Pine
$3,650 / set
Pair 19th Century Japanese Wall Shelves
Located in Houston, TX
Late 19th Century Japanese carved wood wall shelves with inlay and painted foliage motifs.
Wood
$3,469Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Aesthetic Period Davenport, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Aesthetic Period Davenport. An English, walnut and bird's eye maple writing desk, dating to the Victorian era, circa 1880. A delightful example, with exquisite cr...
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Arm Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo arm chair.
Metal
French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1890. with shells.
Porcelain
Samuel Alcock Royal Palissy Majolica Footed Comport
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the coveted Royal Palissy line, a majolica glazed Fern and Floral footed comport, from Samuel Alcock & Co, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1850. This is a scarce example...
Earthenware
An English Brass 'Pullman' Lamp
Located in London, GB
An early 20th Century brass 'Pullman' lamp, circa 1910. The knopped column raised on a tripod base, with one extended leg drilled for wall mounting or table fixing. Unstamped but be...
Brass
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.
Faience
Frie Onnaing French Barbotine Majolica Cochon Au Jambon Pig & Ham Water Pitcher
By Onnaing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Classic French Barbotine Majolica pig water pitcher made by Frie Onnaing, circa 1921. Known as the “Cochon au Jambon,” a pig with a ham, the tan colo...
Earthenware
Aesthetic Movement Polished Steel Fire Screen Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement polished steel fire screen with barley-twist detail to frame on scrolled support feet. The screen features a densely latticed mesh riveted to the frame and a sh...
Steel
19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.
Ceramic, Majolica
1950s Saridis Headboard Super King Size Bed 180cm Wood Bedroom Midcentury
By Sardis
Located in London, GB
An exquisite and extremely well made hand carved headboard from the renowned manufacturer Saridis in Athens. The headboard is 180cm long which makes it a Super King Size Bed in UK s...
Fabric, Wood
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.
Leather, Wood
The Floating Cadence: A Vintage Turkish Kilim Masterpiece of Abstract Rhythm
By Le Corbusier, William Baziotes
Located in Dallas, TX
52624 Vintage Turkish Kilim Rug, 10'10 x 13'10. The Floating Cadence: A Vintage Turkish Kilim Masterpiece of Abstract Rhythm. There is a cultivated stillness within this handwoven wo...
Wool
$1,620 / item
Ceiba Table Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Pe...
Clay, Linen
19th Century Large Bird & Bamboo Art Pottery Chinese Egg Pot Jardinière Planter
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late 19th-century Chinese art pottery egg jar featuring elegant bird and bamboo motifs hand-applied around the body. Over 120 years old, these vessels were originally used to store b...
Ceramic
"Folded" Fruit Bowl of service Bracquemond-Rousseau / Faience Montereau
By Félix Bracquemond, Creil et Montereau
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare Japonism "Folded" Fruit Bowl from service "Bracquemond-Rousseau" of Faience Manufacture Creil et Montereau. This French earthenware Faience piece is part of the world-renowned...
Faience
A large sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, Italy 20th century
By Gianmaria Buccellati, Buccellati
Located in View Park, CA
A rare large maple leaf sterling silver centerpiece created by the famous Italian silversmith Buccellati, twentieth century. The centerpiece is composed of three large finely chisele...
Sterling Silver
Antique Keystone by Whiting Youth Sterling Silver Fork, Knife & Spoon Boxed Set
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine boxed youth utensil set. By Whiting. In sterling silver. In the Keystone pattern. Comprising a youth fork, knife, and spoon. Together with its original presentation box. ...
Sterling Silver
Austrian Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large unusual Austrian Majolica oyster plate, circa 1880.
Ceramic, Faience
$7,555Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Minton Majolica Cobalt-Blue Ground Reticulated Garden Seats, 1871
By Minton
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Pair of Minton Majolica Cobalt-Blue Ground Reticulated Garden Seats Shape no. 1364. Each hexagonal, with a paneled side pierced in the Aesthetic style with yellow-centered w...
Majolica
Aesthetic Movement Cabinet by T. E. Collcutt, Made by Collinson & Lock, London
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic Movement Cabinet Designed by T. E. Collcutt and Made by Collinson & Lock, London Collcutt designed a number of these cabinets for Collinson & Lock. The first example of thi...
Walnut
Lamb Of Manchester Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Gilt Chinoiserie Mirrored Sconces
By James Lamb, Lamb of Manchester
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exceptional pair of Lamb of Manchester Aesthetic Movement mirrored wall sconces, each constructed with an architectural ebonized frame, broken pediment crest, oval gilt decorated bac...
Mirror, Wood
Dr C Dresser Attr. Aesthetic Movement Incised, Gilded & Ebonized Display Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser attributed an Aesthetic Movement ebonized display cabinet with incised and gilded zig-zag decoration. Probably made for Bushloe House. I wa...
Walnut
19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th-Century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Ceramic
R J Horner Bird's Eye Maple and Faux Bamboo Chiffonier
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 19th Century American Bird's-Eye Maple Chiffonier/Chest of Drawers, attributed to R.J. Horner & Co., New York. This elegant tall chest features five graduated drawers adorne...
Faux Bamboo, Birdseye Maple
$5,246Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Scottish Aesthetic Movement Polished Cast Iron Fireplace Insert
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A large masculine and flamboyant example of a 19th century Scottish Aesthetic movement cast iron fireplace insert. A large outer plate with recessed fielded panels hosts an off set p...
Iron
$3,900 / set
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.
Rush, Beech
E.W. Godwin, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Octagonal Table with Crossed Stretcher
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin in the style of. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal centre or side table with arched apron below the top, he legs united by upper stretcher...
Walnut
Jas Shoolbred Attri, An Aesthetic Movement octagonal shaped centre table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred Attri, An Aesthetic Movement Octagonal Shaped Centre Table with lower shelf and turned cross stretchers below.
Oak