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
Large Gateleg Table In Oak
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely oak table called Gateleg
Very beautiful table which has a very beautiful turned base
Beautiful top with a thickness of 3cm
the table can be used as a dining room table, as ...
Category
20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Majolica Seal Handled Ice-Cream Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Majolica green glazed- Seal-Molded Ice-Cream Tray, England – Date code EGH for 1878
A very scarce rectangular tray with the center molded as waves breaking...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
German Majolica Swallows Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
German majolica aqua plate with birds swallow and insect circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
1910 Faux Books Biscuit Tin by Huntley & Palmers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Faux books biscuit tin box by Huntley & Palmers, 1910, English. In the form of a strapped group of generic books old red & black paint with gilt work and tan strap. Overall wear comm...
Category
1910s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair, Aesthetic Movement Jeweled Bronze 2-Candle Wall Mirrors C. 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
Likely English, circa 1890.
A pair of heavy and good quality bronze 2-light wall sconces. Each with a pierced surface showing arrays of floral, foliate and inset with 4 beautiful je...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
French Porcelain 6-Well Oyster Plate, c.1890
By Limoges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French porcelain oyster plate, circa 1890.
Six shell shaped oyster wells with colorful, hand painted ‘eyes’ surround a central turquoise, round sauce well, outlined in gold.
The ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Globe Wernicke Bookcase In Fruit Wood Of 5 Elements With Drawer
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London bookcase in fruit wood from the end of the 19th century-early 20th century from England which has 5 elements and a drawer at the bottom.
The bookcase ...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
c. 1930s-40s Book Form Biscuit Tin by Huntley & Palmers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large scarlet book form biscuit tin box by Huntley & Palmers, c.1930s-40s, English. Scarlet with black & gilt cartouche & floral designs, with gilt "pages". The "front cover" in very...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Wedgwood Majolica Tortoise Glazed Scallop-Shell Seafood Server, 1889
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, an English majolica scallop shell shaped seafood serving dish, date marked 1889.
Showing the mottled tortoiseshell glazing of greens, amber, and brown. The mold refle...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
1911 Faux Dickens Books Biscuit Tin by Huntley & Palmers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Faux books biscuit tin box by Huntley & Palmers, 1911, English. In the form of a strapped group of novels by Charles Dickens in old green & red paint with gilt work and black strap. ...
Category
1910s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
fractals
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
John Brevard's new silk tufted rug collection is a masterful interplay of fractals and sacred geometries, each piece a testament to the elegance of mathematical symmetry in design. H...
Category
2010s Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silk
1810 Wedgwood Shadow Leaf Creamware Bowls, Set of 4
Located in Richmond, VA
Offered is an extremely rare set of 4 hand-painted 1790-1810 creamware shallow soup bowls, by famed English potter Josiah Wedgwood. Only a few pieces remain in this coveted pattern, ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Creamware
Bentwood Chair with arms Model No 14 Art Nouveau Chair Thonet Austria 1890
By Thonet
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Wonderful bentwood chair, produced by Thonet, this design originally dates from 1859. Made from bent solid and laminated Beech construction with moulded plywood seat.
This chair date...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Adams & Bromley English Majolica Cheese Tray, Buttercup & Fern Leaf Border
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, round Adams & Bromley English Majolica cheese tray, late 19th Century.
Adams & Bromley operated the Victoria Works in Broad Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent from 1873 to 1886...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Early 20th Century Satchel Form Biscuit Tin by Huntley & Palmers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A satchel purse form biscuit tin box by Huntley & Palmers, early 20th century, English. Faux snakeskin decoration with elegant details. Registration No. 48391L, 1908. All parts in go...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
c. 1930s-40s Scarlet Book Form Biscuit Tin by Huntley & Palmers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large scarlet book form biscuit tin box by Huntley & Palmers, c.1930s-40s, English. Scarlet with black & gilt cartouche & floral designs, with gilt "pages". Overall good condition gi...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Wedgwood Majolica Large Tortoiseshell Shell Shaped Server Majolica Serving Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, an English majolica scallop shell shaped seafood serving dish, date marked 1889.
Showing the mottled tortoiseshell glazing of greens, amber, and brown. The mold refl...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
French Fives-Lille De Bruyn Morning Glory & Butterfly Wall Pockets, 1890, a Pair
By Fives-Lille
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of majolica glazed French Morning Glory wall pockets, Fives-Lille, circa 1890.
Fives-Lille was founded by the Belgian potter, Antione Gustave De Bruyn. He opened his pottery...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
English Majolica Green Rimmed Round Begonia Leaf Plate, circa 1870-80
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English majolica Begonia plate, Adams & Bromley, circa 1870-1880.
Beautiful, bold glazing with bright green rims. The centers show a pattern of raised mold work, mimicking the c...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
19th C. Wedgwood Reticulated Basket Weave Oval Majolica Serving Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English majolica oval serving platter from Josiah Wedgwood, date marked R for the year 1889.
The server is edged with a delicate yellow ochre reticulated rim that imitates the ba...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Wedgwood English Majolica Aesthetic Taste Snail Shell and Ivy Pitcher circa 1870
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Wedgwood Majolica pitcher, an aesthetic movement mold showing a snail shell against sprays of climbing ivy on a tortoiseshell ground. A branch form handle, yellow ochre ri...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
St. Clement French Majolica Pottery Basket Weave Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica glazed oyster plates from the faïencerie of Saint-Clément, Circa 1890-1900.
Six white scallop shell shaped wells against a rich blue-green basket weave ground. The...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Antique Aesthetic Style Oak and Brass Umbrella Stand. C.1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A lovely oak and brass umbrella or stick stand.
Original patina
Nice colour of oak with brass hardware
Sturdy construction. Copper tray in the base is in good condition
Walking s...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Adams & Bromley English Majolica Overlapping Leaf on Basketweave Cheese Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English majolica glazed leaf and basketweave cheese tray, attributed to Adams & Bromley, circa 1880.
A pattern beautifully glazed with a strong graphic presence, six leaves alter...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Antique Black Lacquer Aesthetic Movement Slipper/Hall Chair With Velvet Seat
Located in Morristown, NJ
A very striking Antique English Aesthetic Movement black lacquered chair. The chair has an openwork wood back carved as a fan of styli...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th C Carved Lion wall shelf
Located in Hudson, NY
19th C carved and gilt lion wall shelf.
Amazing stylization. Whimsical. Faux marble painted top.
Carved in oak.
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Gillow and Co. Oak Octagonal Table, England, circa 1860
Located in Oxford, GB
Description
Stamped and numbered oak octagonal drum Gillow and Co. pedestal table, circa 1860. Untouched and 100% authentic with just shy of 160 years of...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Antique Victorian Brass Milk Glass Hanging Oil Lamp Chandelier Pendant Light
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique late 19th century Aesthetic Movement cieling mounted parlor light / chandelier featuring pierced brass design with pressed glass oil reservoir, mi...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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
French Porcelain Octagonal Hand-Painted Oyster Plate, c.1890
By Limoges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French porcelain oyster plate, circa 1890-1910.
Octagonal in shape and glazed in a lovely soft turquoise, the five oyster wells sit on a bed of stylized coral or sea weed.
The wh...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Bentwood Office Chair Model Number 704 J J Kohn For Thonet 1900s Jacob Joseph
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Wonderful bentwood chair, designed by Jacob and Joseph Kohn, Austria and produced by Thonet, dates from the early 1900s. Model Number 704
Retains the original embossed seat with won...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Tortoise Bamboo Settee
Located in Southampton, NJ
Aesthetic Movement Tortoise bamboo settee carefully curated to emulate Japanned bamboo furniture of the period, in the dark forest green Moha...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Bamboo
Aesthetic Period Porcelain Wall Bracket by Royal Worcester
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A marvellous 1870s period porcelain wall bracket by English maker Royal Worcester. The porcelain bracket has a rich turquoise ground which has been softened with a matte 'rust' glaze...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Liberty &Co Aesthetic Movement Thebes Corner Chair by Liberty & Co
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement rare ‘Thebes’ walnut corner chair
Red velvet seat
By Liberty & Co
Circa 1885
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Aesthetic Movement Woven Bamboo Occasional Table
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement Woven Bamboo Occasional Table, on four legs conjoined by an undertier. Provenance: From a Chelsea estate.
Category
20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Acorn Shaped Ice Bucket by Teghini Firenze 1960s
By Teghini
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Bold.
Figurative.
Sleek.
Teghini Firenze designed this lovely modernist silver plated ice bucket in the 1960s.
The piece features a rounded shape with an oversized stylized acorn d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Carl Tielsch Porcelain Oyster Plate, c.1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A German porcelain oyster plate by Carl Tielsch, Altwasswe, circa 1875-1900.
A beautiful turquoise ground model to resemble waves, six shell shaped wells surround a round central sa...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Stevens & Williams Aesthetic Movement Jewel Pattern Glass Bowl
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine quality aesthetic movement English glass bowl decorated in a Jewel pattern by renowned Stourbridge glass makers Stevens & Williams and dated 1886. The crystal glass bowl is of...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Set of 8 Royal Worcester Aesthetic Period Plates, 19th Century, England
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Set of 8 Royal Worcester Aesthetic Period Plates, 19th Century, England. A striking design in a blue and white pattern, banded with center medallion. Royal Worcester and date marks, ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Compotes/Tazza
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming pair of Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Compotes/Tazza originate from the United States, Circa 1895. Featuring a scalloped profile achieved with ornate org...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Fabulous Aesthetic Movement Blue Baccarat Crystal glass Prunus Gilded Vase c1890
By Baccarat
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A fabulous Aesthetic Movement bright blue and deeply gilded Baccarat Crystal vase. This bright blue was one of their signature colours -it is also deeply gilded in the Baccarat rais...
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Set of 16 Wedgwood Hand Painted Artist Signed Cobalt Gilt Fish Plates
By Wedgwood
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a large set of 16 hand painted and artist signed A. Holland, one of Wedgwood's famous and iconic artists. These fish plates are decorated with an unusual border incorporating...
Category
1930s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
1950s French Carved Giltwood And Painted Acorn And Leaf Sconces - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved giltwood French sconces that depict spiraling leaves with branches and acorns. They most likely date to the 1950s. The pair is not electrified.
Category
1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
An Arts & Crafts Semi-Circular Wrought Fire Basket with Heart-Shaped finials
Located in London, GB
An Arts & Crafts semi-circular wrought-iron fire basket with heart-shaped finials. The railed basket with cone and heart-shaped finials that flank the arched fireback...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Eclectic 19th century carved walnut desk and chair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century carved walnut desk and chair circa 1880.
Superb quality desk with original chair made by anders svensson of malmo. Svensson was a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Globe Wernicke Bookcases In Mahogany-19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant pair of large Globe Wernicke London mahogany bookcases from the end of the 19th century-early 20th century from England which has two adva...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Christopher Dresser Moon Flask Vase, circa 1870s
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A blue ground pilgrim flask-shaped vase by famed English designer Christopher Dresser for Minton, circa 1870s. The foliage motif was most likely hand-painted by William Mussill...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Single Large Gilt Bronze Curtain Tie-Back
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant single bronze (gilded with galvanic process) large tie-back for a large curtain, collected on one side, or for belt or scarf.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Low Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Art Deco Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A restored masterpiece from the past
Discover the charm of a bygone era with our carefully restored antique chandelier, a true labor of love from Berli...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Thomas Jeckyll Brass Fireplace Register
Located in London, GB
A beautiful polished brass Thomas Jeckyll register front with black-iron reeded fire bars and guillotine drafting mechanism. From the foundry of Barnard, Bishop and Barnards, this Th...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Set of 3 Graduating Scottish Aesthetic 'Views' Ironstone Pitchers, Circa 1875
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of 3 Graduating Scottish Aesthetic 'Views' Ironstone Pitchers, Circa 1875
By D. Methven & Sons
A captivating set of three graduating Scottish aesthetic 'Views' ironstone pitcher...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ironstone
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
Thomas Jeckyll Black-Iron Register Grate
Located in London, GB
From the foundry of Barnard, Bishop and Barnards, this Thomas Jeckyll black-iron register grate represents the very highest quality in fine casting. This asymmetric floral design is ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Eighteen piece hand painted porcelain dessert service by William Brownfield
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This very good quality eighteen piece hand painted porcelain dessert service by William Brownfield of Cobridge in Staffordshire consists of two high comports, four low comports and t...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique 1860s Silverplate Aesthetic Movement Nut Cheese Picks - Set of 8
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique 1868 Aesthetic Movement silver plate picks. Could be used for nuts, lobster or cheese. Marked Holmes, Booth & Haydens, Waterbury Connecticut, pattern is India. Dimensions...
Category
1860s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
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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