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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: 20th Century
Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French porcelain oyster plate with seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900. 12 plates available
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Carlton House Horn Desk by Maitland Smith
Located in Round Top, TX
Late 20th C. tessellated horn Carlton House desk by Maitland Smith. A wood frame, with applied horn and brass inlay detailing. Multiple cubbies and drawers, with cast brass drop pull...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Horn, Wood

1960's Berber Tikdift Zanagah Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79186 Vintage Tikdift Moroccan Rug, 05'02 x 08'00. A vivid expression of tribal imagination and pastoral lore, this hand-knotted wool vintage Berber Tikdift Moroccan rug from the Zan...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

French Majolica Bird Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica bird plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century Tropical Framed American Flamingo Print By John J. Audubon
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely framed print of the American flamingo by John James Audubon. It is one of his most iconic images and was part of his Gulf Bird studies from 1827 to 1838. It is nice...
Category

Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paper

Victor Hugo Castañeda Bronze Sculpture, Mexico 1988, Edition 1/20
By Victor Hugo Castaneda
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare bronze sculpture by renowned Mexican artist Victor Hugo Castañeda (b. 1947), signed and dated Victor H. Castañeda, 1988, and marked Edition 1 of 20. This intimate and contemplat...
Category

1980s Canadian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Aesthetics Movement S. Fielding Porcelain Oyster Plate, Ca. 1900
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Aesthetics Movement "S. Fielding" Porcelain Oyster Plate, Circa 1900's. One of our rarer plates--this multi-colored majolica piece was made by Simon Fielding & Co., o...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Bamboo, Wicker, Wood

French Oyster Plate Porcelain Flowers Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French Oyster Plate Porcelain Flowers Limoges circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

A large sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, Italy 20th century
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

1950's Signed Les Éditions d'Art de Rambouillet Medieval Hunting Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
78549 Vintage Les Éditions d'Art de Rambouillet French Tapestry, 04'09 x 05'01. Woven not merely with wool but with the legacy of French aristocracy, this signed vintage Les Éditions d’Art de Rambouillet tapestry...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table circa 1910. Fine quality side table, that would also function well in the hall or as a lamp table. Inlaid and strung bord...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Elm

Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

1940's Persian Farahan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
61368 Vintage Persian Farahan Rug, 04'06 x 06'07. This hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Farahan rug masterfully combines timeless elegance with a refined sense of formality, drawing...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Antique Keystone by Whiting Youth Sterling Silver Fork, Knife & Spoon Boxed Set
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. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

1980's Tibetan Odegard Carpet with Modern Cubist Bauhaus Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78203 Vintage Tibetan Odegard Rug, 08'03 x 10'04. This exquisite hand-knotted wool vintage Tibetan Odegard rug is a striking example of minimalist elegance...
Category

Late 20th Century Nepalese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

1920's Signed Persian Kermanshah Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78759 Rare Signed Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug, 09'08 x 11'02. A Symphony of Prestige: Signed Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug. From the cultural heart of Persia comes this signed ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Aesthetic Movement Tortiose Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two Tiered Wall Shelf
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Aesthetic Movement Victorian Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two-Tier Shelf, perfect for both display and storage. The shelf features a distinctive halved bamboo slat base, offering bot...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960's Zeki Muren Turkish Sivas Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
51963 Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug, 03’03 x 06’01. This hand-knotted wool distressed vintage Turkish Sivas rug presents an intricate all-over pattern featuring small geometri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Italian Adjustable Wooden Lounge Chair, Italy 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian adjustable wooden lounge chair with wave formed armrest in black tinted wood. Italy 1940s.  
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Antique Aesthestic Movement Bamboo Three Tier Shelf Etagere Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique three-tiered etagere/bookcase/shelving unit (ca. early 20th Century, USA). Composed of a bamboo frame with metal hardware supporting three walnut shelves and adorned with rou...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Walnut

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Ottoman ATTR: Herter Brothers *Please View Other Listings - Matching Side Chair and Piano Stool* Presenting an exceptional piece of...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Faux Bamboo

Aesthetic Movement Slag Glass Bronze Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
American Tiffany Studios Style Bronze and Slag Glass Table Lamp, early 20th century, with inset favrile turtleback tiles, the domed slag glass shade above a classical column, on a tr...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo and birds eye maple Bed
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement birds eye maple and birch bed, circa 1900. The inside of the headboard with faux bamboo turnings and a large birds eye maple inset panel, both inside and outside o...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Birdseye Maple

French Easel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An easel with a painting makes a statement in the room This one is particularly elegant th the swan heads on the sides.
Category

1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rosella Glass Cake Plate 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

Art Nouveau Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus dining chairs, Austria, 1970s, set of 6
Located in Buffalo, NY
Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1970s Fledermaus set in Art Nouveau style consisting of four chairs, executed by the company Wittmann. The design is by Josef Hoffman...
Category

1970s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Bentwood

Bamboo & rattan Side Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming three tier bamboo and rattan side table that dates to the early 20th century. We have designated its origin as English, but it could also be American. The table is...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Bamboo & rattan Side Table
Bamboo & rattan Side Table
$920 Sale Price
20% Off
French Faux Bamboo Miniature Armoire
Located in Queens, NY
French Faux bamboo maple miniature armoire with a large mirrored door above a drawer with a pediment top
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Rarest Arts & Crafts Beveled Glass & Brass Pendant Light Lantern w. Unique Chain
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted, beveled glass holding lantern with the original and unique triangle elements chain. If you are looking for the best and the rarest when it comes to European Arts and Cr...
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wire

C. 1950 Complete Boxed Set of "Harlequin" Coffee Spoons by Reed & Barton
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1950 complete boxed set of "Harlequin" coffee spoons by Reed & Barton. Also called demitasse spoons. Each is a different flower as noted in the box insert. Sterling silver with...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Anglo-Indian Carved Peacock Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century hand carved peacock chair.
Category

20th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

A pair of bronze panels / gates from a bank C 1910.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair bronze panels from a bank C 1910. Would make a great entry for your home or wine cellar. Each gate / panel / door comprised of 9 turned bars within a picture rail style frame.
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Bentwood Oak Cheval Mirror 'Manner of Michael Thonet'
Located in Queens, NY
Bentwood (19th/20th Century) oak cheval mirror with ornate screw supports. (manner of Michael Thonet).  
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Aesthetic Gilt Metal Cockatoo & Turtle Figural Cachepot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Aesthetic Gilt Metal Cockatoo & Turtle Figural Cachepot USa, circa 1900s Of large Size and scale, realistically cast and modeled of Cockatoo with in...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Pine Square Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this family friendly coffee table! From mountain to beach, it is a versatile option! This is a mid-century knotty pine faux bamboo coffee table. It is French and unmarked. It ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pine

Diminutive Antique Aesthestic Movement Bamboo Three Tier Shelf Etagere Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite antique three-tiered etagere/bookcase/shelving unit (ca. early 20th Century, USA). Composed of a bamboo frame with metal hardware supporting three walnut shelves and adorned w...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

A Pair of Jensen Style Serving Spoons, stately sized
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very impressive pair of Salad or Side Dish Servers in the style of George Jensen, the famous Danish Silver Smith. The serving pieces are large and practical for a Buffet Service. T...
Category

1950s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

English Aesthetic Tortoise Bamboo Hall Shelf Magazine Rack
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English aesthetic movement bookstand with a display shelf and a large magazine rack or canterbury. Beautifully crafted from tortoise shell bamboo poles. The stand has a smal...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Rare American Aesthetic Movement Six-Piece Silver-Plated Coffee and Tea Service
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Impressive and Rare American Aesthetic Movement Six-Piece Silver-Plated Coffee and Tea Service. The ornately designed service with griffon finials and raised on a tapered and foo...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

1950s Georgetown Galleries George III Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1950s George III Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table by iconic Georgetown Galleries. Features 4 pedestals all on original solid wheels. Recently refinished and in very good condi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Bronze Elephant Head Console Table (Base Only)
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century bronze elephant console table. This listing is for the base only and is shown with glass as inspiration. Dimensions are for base only.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1960's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
50561 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 07'00 x 10'01. As if touched by the twilight of a distant Anatolian memory, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug glows with a timeworn ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Rare c.1900 Grecian Pattern Historical Blue Royal Staffordshire Pottery Plate
Located in Louisville, KY
This rare Royal Staffordshire Pottery piece was part of the Aesthetic Movement, which started in England in the late 19th century. This plate has the historic Staffordshire markings ...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mersad Berber 'Bosnia, 1940-2012' Oil on Canvas, Woman with Flowers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Signed lower left. A lovely pensive woman dressed in 19th c. style holding flowers. She looks to the left with fruits in an abstract composition on a tab...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Antique Alabaster Carved Bird Bath With Putties
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique handcarved alabaster bird bath with birds and putties at base. Spectacular piece.
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Alabaster

French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Pansies Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with colorful pansies, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1910. Two pansy heads form the top handle, pansy blossom...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Red Pilkingtons Royal Lancastrian Miniature Vase
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A lovely red miniature vase made by Pilkingtons in 1909 in the Aesthetic taste. The English ceramic manufacturer Pilkingtons Lancastrian Pottery produced art pottery at the beginnin...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

A Rare Original Chair By Syrie Maugham ca' 1940's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare hand painted chair designed by Syrie Maugham and custom made for John Gerald, NYC ca' 1940's. What is rare is that the chair appears to have original upholstery and label unde...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

A Set of 10 Wedgwood & Barlaston of Etruria Green Glazed Majolica Cabbage Plates
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Set of 10 Wedgwood & Barlaston of Etruria Green Glazed Majolica Cabbage Plates Extremely popular during the Hollywood Regency period, now a classic. The mold shows an oversized ca...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Aesthetic Movement example of a charming writing desk fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet. The desk with a single drawer with ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wood

1950's Ingegerd Silow Swedish Scandinavian Röllakan
Located in Dallas, TX
79035 Ingegerd Silow Vintage Swedish Rollakan Rug, 04'07 x 06'08. Woven in the golden age of Swedish mid-century design, this handwoven wool vintage rollakan rug—“Örbyhus”—is an extr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Rare Walnut Copper and Parchment Side Chair by Carlo Bugatti.
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare carved walnut side chair by Carlo Bugatti upholstered with parchment and inlaid with pewter details and mounted with hammered copper decoration. Beauty & Mischief: The Design Al...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Rare Faux Bamboo Bench With 19Th. C Cashmere Shawl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a wonderful French 19Th. C. Cashmere Shawl that has been Upholstered on Faux Bamboo wood Bench The shall is circa 1880-1900, in very good condition, Very good condition, cons...
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Faux Bamboo

Aesthetic Movement Trinket Box, circa 1900
Located in Spencertown, NY
The box with scenes of lilliputian figures
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Round Ceramic Hand Painted Portugese Mirror by Jay Willfred for Andrea Sadek
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful round hand-painted ceramic mirror. This piece was hand-painted in Portugal by artist Jay Willfred for Andrea Sadek. It features a round cerami...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Mirror, Paint

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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