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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
Baccarat Aesthetic movement intaglio cut glass vase c 1880
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Fabulous, intaglio carved, Baccarat vase in the Aesthetic style dating around 1880. Depicting two classically dressed women arranging fruit and plants on a pedestal with a landscape ...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Christopher Dresser Mintons Chinoiserie Aesthetic Movement heart box inkwell
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Rare heart shaped inkwell designed by Christopher Dresser made by Mintons. Impressed markings OO / MINTON / 15 Pink version on line... Old Christies East labels
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Unique Pair of Faux Rosewood Clarinet Form Table Lamps
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Faux rosewood base. Clarinet body. 37 3/4" h x 5 1/2" diameter. Condition Good condition. We recommend all lighting be rewired.
Category

1970s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mark V Marshall Doulton Lambeth Abstract Leaf & Berry Design Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very rare and stylish Doulton Lambeth Marqueterie Ware blue and brown marbled art pottery saucer with gilded designs by Lambeth’s first Art Director Wilton Parker Rix (Doulton Lamb...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Set of 14 Wedgwood Green Majolica Aesthetic Movement Sunflower Plates
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 14 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

Syrian Inlaid Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderfully creative Levantine or Syrian cabinet that dates to the late 19th century. It's style is reminiscent of the work of Carlo Bugatti. This cabinet is intricately de...
Category

Late 19th Century Syrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold Circle Whirl
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of 12 Chinese Export Silver Spider Web Form Place Card Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Export, early 20th century. A set of 12 Chinese Export silverplate and sterling silver spider web model place card holders. Each piece has delicat...
Category

20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

1906 Set of Seven King Pattern Sterling Silver Knives by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 7 King pattern sterling silver hollow handle luncheon knives by Dominick & Haff, 1906. HHW monogram, engraved 1906 obverse. 8 3/8" x 3/4". Whitehall Antiques is a family busi...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

A 19th Century Antique French Pink Opaline Glass and Enamel Vase
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Antique French Pink Opaline cased glass hand decorated floral motif vase. The flared neck at the top flanked buy two handles with hand decorated enamel all over. The floral and butt...
Category

1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Opaline Glass

19th Century European Black Lacquered Chinoserie Painted Tea/Tobacco Caddy Jar
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A large English lacquered papier-mâché container from the Aesthetic Movement period, featuring a decorative chinoserie painting of stylized Asian figures, pagodas, and a garden bridg...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Papercord

Antique KARABAGH Runner
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
nr. 104 - A carpet that I love: it has elegance and personality. It deserves to be set in a situation where it can also be admired. Now with this good price because i'm closing acti...
Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

C1880 Mahogany Cane & Umbrella Stand with Copper Drip Tray
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and a unique form umbrella and cane holder in mahogany with it's original copper pan. Pan lifts out. Carved flowers on upper portion with turned posts. In very good original...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Copper

Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench. Circa 19th Century 1840-1849 Period. Aesthetic Movement. Featuring rope tied oak branches with leaves motif. This bench has seen many chan...
Category

1840s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Vintage Thai Burmese Kalaga Embroidery, Framed, Set of 2 Pcs
Located in Plainview, NY
A harmonious pair of vintage Thai Burmese Kalaga embroideries, each a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and rich tradition of Southeast Asian textile...
Category

20th Century Thai Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Silk, Glass, Wood

Large Scale Meiji Japanese Bronze Table Lamp W/ Floral Candelabra Mounts
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese, circa 1900. A pair of antique Japanese bronze table lamps. The lamps feature a detailed body showcasing applied lotus blossom and bird motifs to center, traditional Japanese motifs throughout and good quality guardian handles to each. These have a very unusual blossom floral and vine...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Victorian Continental Silver Pepperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Continental Silver Pepper Peperette In The Form of An Owl With Glass Eyes. A lovely 19th century (Victorian era) German silver pepperette or pounce pot (used to contain fine sand ...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Griffin Specimen Top Chess Table
By Herter Brothers, Gustave Herter
Located in Garnerville, NY
Outstanding ebonized specimen top chess table. This one of a kind find has all the bells and whistles of the ultimate luxury game table. Featuring the spectacular marble and semi-pre...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Griotte Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Marble, Quartz, Mala...

Kate Rogers Doulton Lambeth Pair Impasto Daisy Painted Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and fine pair Doulton Lambeth Impasto daisy painted vases by renowned Faience artist Kate Rogers and dated 1885. The stoneware vases are of tall bulbous shape standing r...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

19th c. Minton Aesthetic Movement "Aquarium" Fish Plate
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This Minton "Aquarium" plate was part of a fish service which is a rare and sought after pattern. The celadon green ground contrasts beautifully with the vibrant polychrome decoratio...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Boar and Stag Majolica Tureens
Located in Savannah, GA
A pair of Italian majolica boar and stag head tureens, mid 20th century. 16 ½ inches wide by 11 inches deep by 10 inches tall
Category

Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Piano Stool, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Piano Stool, ATTR: Herter Brothers *Please View Other Listings - Matching Chair and Ottoman* Presenting an exceptional piece of 19...
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Faux Bamboo

Belgium Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Belgium Majolica oyster plate with pink flowers and green leaves Wasmuel, circa 1890.
Category

1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Early 20th Century Set of Six "Kings" Pattern Sterling Silver Knives by Wallace
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 "Kings" pattern sterling silver hollow handle luncheon knives by Wallace, early 20th century. Original wide steel blades. Never engraved. 8 7/8" x 3/4". Whitehall Antiques ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aesthetic Movement Verdigris Gilt Bronze Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement verdigris gilt bronze mirror, the frame with geometric and beaded design surmounted by a scrolling foliate motif pediment, circa 1920s, apparently unsigned. Deale...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Doulton Lambeth Faience Floral Painted Jug Signed
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and impressive Doulton Lambeth Faience floral painted jug or pitcher by a listed but unidentified artist and dating from around 1880. The tall and ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Tapestry Signed Aubusson 2m10 By 1m80 Called Verdure
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful tapestry signed Aubusson from the 19th century Very beautiful verdure composed of numerous trees, animals and a house in the background Beautiful perspective and dimen...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Royal Worcester Shell and Coral Vases
Located in Great Barrington, MA
These rare examples of Aesthetic Movement ivory porcelain themed vases features a matching pair of realistically molded open shells nestled in coral branches. The translucent walls a...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th-C. English Sea Ship Captain W/ Child Watercolor on Paper In Burl Frame
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this! It is a framed English sea captain with his child dating to approximately 1850. It is a watercolor on paper. The frame is burl walnut, and both painting and frame show w...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Burl, Paper

Majolica Insect Wall Pocket Fives Lille, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica insect wall pocket Fives Lille signed, circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning brass baroque empire chandelier reminiscent of the classic style of the empire era. This is a new reproduction and there are several available to ensure you ca...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair 19th C. French Opaline & Gilt Bronze Aesthetic ' Fairy' Motif Cachepots France, Circa 1870s Attributed to Baccarat A captivating pair of 19th-century French Opaline & Gilt B...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Mediterranean Slag Stained Glass Bronze Lamp
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Slag glass and bronze lamp. Great proportion and balance. Nicely patinated. 3 Bulb function on individual pull chains for controlled ambiance and color control of slag panes. Lamp Fa...
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century "Kings" Pattern Sterling Silver Butter Spreaders by Wallace
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 8 "Kings" sterling silver butter spreaders by Wallace, early 20th century. Solid silver. Monogram "JLT". Crisp & well defined. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Early 20th Century Marquetry Panel of a Terrace Scene by Pierre Rosenau
By Pierre Rosenau
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th century marquetry panel by Pierre Rosenau portrays a captivating classical scene of a terrace and garden set against the backdrop of an ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Aesthetic Movement Mixed Metal Desk Organizer C1870
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Aesthetic Movement desk organizer offers mixed metal construction with two boxes on footed tray and having embossed bird and flower design, c1870 Measures- 2.5''H x 10.25...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Schumacher Pattee & Luna 20" Pillow
Located in New York, NY
This pillow features Pattee on the front with Luna on the back by Molly Mahon for Schumacher with a knife edge finish. Fabric is hand-block printed in Indi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Linen

Majolica Insect Wall Pocket Fives Lille, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica insect wall pocket Fives Lille signed, circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Russian, Hammered Brass & Copper Serving Tray
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A RUSSIAN HAMMERED BRASS SERVING TRAY Late 19th century. Rectangular hammered brass rimmed serving tray. Handles attached with co...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Small Colonial Chest - 18th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little colonial chest from the 18th century Very beautiful little chest with very interesting dimensions since it's smaller than the usual chests in perfect condition and with...
Category

18th Century Indian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Chestnut

Doulton Lambeth Art Union of London Floral Vase by Emily E Stormer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth floral design Vase made for the Art Union of London by renowned artist Emily E Stormer and dating from around 1885. The stoneware va...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Pear Fruit Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood and in the color way known as Argenta, a fruit plate, England, circa 1875. Showing a central red and orange pear and leaves along with a branch of purple plums and red...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Set of 12 Wedgwood Green Majolica Aesthetic Movement Sunflower Plates
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 12 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

c. 1900 Set of 12 Sterling Silver Seafood Forks by Dominick & Haff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 sterling silver seafood forks "King" pattern by Dominick & Haff, circa 1900. Retailed by Bailey, Banks & Biddle. Pattern patent c.1880. Monogram "W". Crisp condition. 5.95 ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aesthetic Movement Tiger Bamboo Bat Wing Bar
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early 20th century Aesthetic Movement tiger bamboo small 2 person bat wing bar with a unique batwing bar top and small 2 shelf cabinet along the back.  
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Gillows of Lancaster Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Burr Walnut Occasional Table
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare, fully restored, super quality Gillows of Lancaster & London Amboyna wood & burr walnut eboni...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair, Royal Crown Derby "Exotic Birds" Jewel Encrusted Moon Flask Vases C. 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
Royal Crown Derby (England, founded 1756) Circa 1877-1890 made in the Osmaston Road Factory. Introducing a truly remarkable pair of Royal Crown Derby "Exotic Birds" Jewel Encrusted...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

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

Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Otto Wagner for Jacob and Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair, with Pierced Vase Splat & Branded Stamp to Chair Underside Made in Vienna Austria Jacob & Josef Ko...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood, Velvet

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

George Jones Aesthetic Majolica Cat & Bird Figural Dish, England, 1876
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Jones Aesthetic Majolica Cat & Bird Figural Dish, England, 1876 Registry Date marked for January 22, 1876 A truly exceptional piece of antique majolica pottery: the George Jo...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Portuguese Pedestal Table -19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Portuguese oak pedestal table from the 19th century Very beautiful center table which with its rustic side stands out from the usual pedestal tables Very beautiful one-piece...
Category

19th Century Portuguese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

American Aesthetic Movement Birds Eye Maple Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Chinese and Japanese bamboo style furniture reached the height of popularity after the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. As the Aesthetic...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Small Ceramic Fabric Bowl
Located in Fullerton, CA
Exquisitely crafted, our windswept bowl is a testament to artisanal excellence. Meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in our studio, it emerges from pure white clay, resulting in...
Category

2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo

Hand Painted Antique Large Screen
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
M/781 - Interesting large hand painted on wood high screen : from France, mid '800. It can be the background of an entire wall: an imaginary garden with flowers' triumph; on the o...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

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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