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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
Russian Icon with Processional Cross 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful Russian icon with a processional cross in its center from the 17th century We can see that the icon was created to accommodate the processional cross with the Chris...
Category

19th Century Belarusian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Italian Hardstone Cockatoo Figure
Located in New York, NY
Italian hardstone cockatoo figure, in the Faberge style in quartz with lapis beak and silver mounted feet, formerly on a perch or rock (lacking). Dimensions: 7.5" H x 6" W x 2.5" ...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Silver

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Category

1880s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 6 Green Majolica Wedgwood Sunflower Plates
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 6 green majolica glazed dinner plates in the ‘Sunflower’ pattern by Wedgwood, made circa 1880. The sunflower, alongside the calla lily and peacock feather, became an emblem...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery

Sarreguemines French Majolica Laughing Sow Absinthe Water Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Sarreguemines, a French Majolica pig pitcher known as True Rieuse, or the Laughing Sow, date marked 1904. This Barbotine majolica pitcher...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique oil painting "Flowers of the Field" signed, Second Half of the 19th century, France
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This splendid French oil painting was made with a remarkable painting technique that allows the artist to achieve a high degree of naturalistic rendering.Put in relation to the chron...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Antique Victorian silver scent bottle, Sampson and Mordan, Birds and Holly
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique sterling silver scent bottle. This is a cylindrical scent bottle made from sterling silver with a glass liner and stopper. It has the prettiest engraving of bir...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Doulton Lambeth Floral Design Art Pottery Jug by Edith Lupton
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and unusual Doulton Lambeth stoneware jug decorated with floral designs by renowned artist Edith D Lupton and believed to date from the early 1880’s. The jug stands on a w...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Walnut Barley Twist Library Armchair with Cane Seat & Rear 1850s
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Antique Walnut Barley Twist Library Armchair with Cane Seat & Rear Extra dimensions Seat width: 52cm I Seat depth: 47cm
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Art Pottery Vase by Emily Edwards 1875
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and exceptional Doulton Lambeth aesthetic movement stoneware vase decorated with stylized motifs by renowned designer and decorator Emily J Edwards and dated 1875. Emily Edwards...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Aubrey Beardsley, Brian Reade, Hardcover, 1998, Art Book
Located in Brugge, BE
Within the pages of this captivating art book, Aubrey Beardsley's iconic illustrations come alive, showcasing his unique and provocative style that challenged societal norms and capt...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Italian Painted Carved Wood Faux Bois Mirror With French Styling
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French style heavily carved Italian faux bois mirror with sprigs of leaves a berries throughout the branches. It is an ivory painted finish. It is unmarked and in very good...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Doulton Lambeth Silver Mounted Cream Jug by Francis E Lee, 1877
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Doulton Lambeth stoneware silver mounted leaf design jug and early work by renowned designer and decorator Frances E Lee and dated 1877. The jug ...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

Small 20th Century Satin Birch Writing Desk by Heal & Son London
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A beautiful Satin Birch writing desk by Heal & Son London. This little desk will light up any room, the satinwood birch has a wonderful texture and movement and a colour tone that o...
Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Satinwood

Aesthetic Movement Carved Wood Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement hardwood side or end table with top opening to reveal storage compartment, the front hand-carved with a geometric design, upon four rectangular legs. Dimensions: ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Rare Antique English Aesthetic Movt. Chased Copper Square Tea Kettle on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
Gorgeous Antique English Arts & Crafts or Aesthetic Movement hand chased copper and wrought iron square tea kettle on its original brass barley twist stan...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

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

Vintage Bamboo Corner Cabinet
Located in Summerland, CA
Very decorative fine English bamboo corner display cabinet. Etagere style with open shelves and glass door cabinet with over corner bevel mirrors..
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Victorian Iron Hall Stand Cross by Christopher Dresser for Coalbrookdale Foundry
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century Victorian iron hall stand cross by english author Christopher Dresser for Coalbrookdale Foundry By: Christopher Dresser, Coalbrookdale Foundry Material: iron, meta...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron, Metal

19th Century Aesthetic Victorian Parlor Set Settee & 4 Chairs By John Moyr Smith
Located in Long Branch, NJ
This parlor set was designed by John Moyr Smith in the 19th century UK. The panels are made by Minton designed by John Moyr Smith. The panels are excellently made and the chairs are ...
Category

19th Century Scottish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Oak

19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Category

1880s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE LEATHER ARMCHAIR FOR RESTORATION
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this original Aesthetic Movement style Victorian circa 1860 armchair for restoration with original brown lea...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Cast Iron and Brass Filigree Lamp
Located in Canton, MA
Cast iron and brass filigree lamp. May have been originally gas. completely restored, metals cleaned, polished brass and iron freshly painted in a ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Theresienthal enamel decanter and two liqueur glasses c1907
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Super Theresienthal set -a large clear and enamel decanter and two small liqueur glasses, decorated in green and yellow translucent enamel swags and garlands in a classic Aesthetic M...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

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

Thomas Webb English Cameo Glass Diminutive Vase
Located in New York, NY
Thomas Webb (English, 1804-1869) diminutive chartreuse cameo glass vase decorated with rope twist neck and poppies in white on green. Dimensions: 3" H x 3" diameter. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Pair Harriton Eglomise Painted Mirrors Signed
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1960s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Epergne in Silver Plate with Flowers Holders
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant antique silver plate épergne with low branches and 4 flowers holders. Discreet and delicate, it can be placed anywhere: in the m...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Rare Arthur Barlow Silver Mounted Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Jug / Pitcher
By Doulton Lambeth, Arthur Barlow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare English silver mounted stoneware pitcher by Arthur Boulton Barlow for Doulton Lambeth. The diminutive pitcher has incised leafwork throughout that is decorated in blue slip. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

18th Century Polished Iron Fireback with "Royal Coat of Arms of France"
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your fireplace or kitchen back splash with this elegant antique fire back. Crafted in France circa 1750 and almost square in shape embellished with an arched top, the ornate...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Aesthetic Movement Whieldon Glazed Maiden Pottery Snuff Bottle
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual antique pottery vessel molded with maiden’s heads and decorated in Whieldon glazes dating from the 19th century. Possibly a spill vase or table snuff bottle the vessel is ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Gorham Sterling Olive Bowl and Tongs
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1884, sterling, Gorham. This unequivocally charming serving piece embodies the relaxed refinement of the Victorian era. Complete with tongs, this rare example of a figural Gorham olive dish...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Doulton Lambeth Silver Plate Mounted Sugar Pot By Clara Barker 1878
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish early Doulton Lambeth stoneware sugar pot with silver plated mounts by renowned artist Clara S Barker and made in 1878. There is a further interesting artist mark to the base of this piece which is either that of Jane S Hurst...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Antique English Aesthetic Movement Side Chairs with Upholstered Seats
Located in Miami, FL
From the English Aesthetic Movement, a pair of finely-crafted side chairs in mahogany with ebonized line inlays. Featuring an exquisite choice of woods with concave high back with th...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Ebony

Pair of plaster lamps, in the manner of Jean Michel Franck
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of plaster lamps, in the style of decorators from the 1940s, French decorators They are accompanied by a custom-made straw lampshade. All electrified
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Collection of Three 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Pitchers
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A collection of English 19th century porcelain pitchers with a hand painted finish. Sold as a set, these decorative pitchers feature rich cobalt blue and deep red Asian aesthetic designs on creamware that offsets the hand painted gold highlights. Elegant ornamental patterns on classic pitchers with a wide base to ensure stability and comfortable, shaped blue handles. A combination of refinement, incredible ornamental details and craftsmanship. In great antique condition with minimal wear. This pitcher collection would make a wonderful addition to any interior. Be sure to view all the images to see the many details of these lovely antique pitchers...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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 20th C Huge Lot of Dinnerware by Homer Laughlin & Frederick Rhead 480 Pcs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous simple yet elegant design on this incredibly large set, 480+ pcs. Homer Laughlin a very prominent company with roots in the 19th century. Frederick Rhead...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold

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

James Shoolbread Occasional Chairs
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful pair of James Shoolbred occasional chairs in mahogany. The gothic style chairs have a square back with four vertical slats. Featuring Marlborough front legs and sabre l...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Mahogany

California Coastal Landscape by Rod Goebel (American 1946-1993)
Located in Dallas, TX
SPRING LIGHT, American West / California rocky Pacific coast oil on canvas landscape picture by American painter / artist Rod Goebel (1946-1993) impressionist style, signed front low...
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Syrian Octagonal Table, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Syrian octagonal table, 19th Century An octagonal Moorish table, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ebony set in geometric patterns. Late 19th C...
Category

Late 19th Century Syrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

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

Mid Century Abstract Ceramic Lamp in Cerise An unusual shape
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Mid Century Abstract Ceramic Lamp in Cerise An unusual shape with the light bulb concealed in the bottom of the lamp, this makes unusual and attractive patterns when lit The lamp is...
Category

1960s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Walnut Whatnot/ Shelves
Located in Cheltenham, GB
"Hutton-Clarke Antiques is delighted to present a distinctive Antique Walnut Whatnot or Shelves, dating back to approximately 1880. This piece stands out for its unique rectangular f...
Category

1860s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Austrian Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large unusual Austrian Majolica oyster plate, circa 1880.
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Christopher Dresser Richard Hodd & Sons Large Copper Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and exceptional aesthetic movement copper ale jug designed by renowned designer Christopher Dresser for Richard Hodd & Sons dating from around 1880....
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

George Hugo Tabor Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Large Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large, impressive and rare aesthetic movement Doulton Lambeth vase by renowned artists George Hugo Tabor, Eliza L Hubert and Ernest R. Bishop whose work is rare and dated 1883. The...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

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

19TH Century Aesthetic Era Library Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Designed with a slight Japonisme aesthetic, the piece is fashioned with an inset glass covered panel with a textile inset. Its side panels and cross stretchers are deeply carved wit...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Textile, Glass, Hardwood

English Bamboo Table or Stool with Tile Seat from the Aesthetic Movement Era
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English bamboo table or stool from the Aesthetic Movement period of the late 19th century, featuring a handsome patinated finish and square seat of bamboo with inset blue and ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Ceramic, Bamboo, Wood

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

Aesthetic Movement Three Tiered Cake Stand, 19th Century Victorian cake display
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE DISPLAY STAND Three removable porcelain circular plates decorated with floral motifs are inlaid in an ebonised and gilt faux bamboo woode...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Ceramic

19th C. French Walnut Carved Lyre Back Side Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Aesthetic Movement Style chair with fine form. A charming chair with carved openwork arch top back with a center lyre with bird heads within a scrolled frame. The turned sides with f...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Large 19th Century Majolica Vase with Birds Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Large rare Majolica triple vase with birds, very colorful signed Delphin Massier. Completely painted with flowers. Height / 18.8 inches. The Massier are known for the quality of thei...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

English Bamboo Round Occasional Table from the Aesthetic Movement
Located in Austin, TX
A fine collector's quality English bamboo round occasional or side table from the Aesthetic Movement period, c.1870-1910, featuring a circular top with bamboo fretwork surrounding a ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Christopher Dresser Henry Loveridge Copper & Brass Teaset
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare aesthetic movement three piece copper and brass teaset designed by Christopher Dresser for Henry Loveridge & Co in 1881. The set comprises of a teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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