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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
Unusual 19th Century Large Eel Form Majolica Pottery Pitcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
European, 19th century. An incredibly unusual and interesting majolica pitcher. The water pitcher features a finely detailed Eel, with scales, eyes and a wonderful tail.
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Medium 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

Mid-Century set of 4 Large Scale Four Seasons Paintings
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century set of 4 Large Scale Four Seasons Paintings were designed for a French bakery, and beautifully and colorfully represent the Four Seasons, with the seasons' names painted ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paint

Champlevé Enamel Mantel Clock
Located in Amersham, GB
A charming enamel and brass mantel clock with champlevé enamel decoration, corinthian columns and foliate finials to the case. Housing an eight day movement, with original platform e...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

A Champlevé Repeating Carriage Clock be E.Maurice & Cie Paris
Located in Amersham, GB
A charming repeating carriage clock in champleve enamel case by one of the great Parisian makers. This eight day two train movement with an English lever platform escapement striking...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

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

English Bamboo Bookcase Cabinet with Gallery Top and Two Glazed Doors
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome tall English bamboo bookcase from the Aesthetic Movement period, featuring a decorative gallery top of bamboo with japan-lacquered panel, over two framed-glass doors with ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

RAIN- Gray throw pillow in imported fabrics that resemble rain by Mar de Doce
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing our exclusive "Rain" pillow, a masterpiece that brings the beauty of rainfall into your home with unparalleled sophistication. Meticulously crafted using fabrics designed...
Category

2010s American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Polyester

Fine & Unusual 19th Century Chinoiserie Decorated Gilt Bamboo Fire Screen
Located in Atlanta, GA
English or French, 19th century. Behold the exquisite charm of the 19th century brought to life in this fine and unusual Chinoiserie decorated gilt bamboo fire screen. A testament to the fascination with the Orient that characterized this era, this piece combines artistic prowess with functional elegance in a way that is both rare and captivating. Crafted in the 1800s, this fire screen showcases the intricate artistry of Chinoiserie, a design style heavily influenced by Chinese motifs and aesthetics. The bamboo frame, painstakingly adorned with gilt detailing, emulates the opulence associated with the Victorian era. The Chinoiserie decoration, rendered in vibrant colors and delicate brushwork, features enchanting scenes inspired by Chinese landscapes and mythology. This exceptional work of art is framed by the bamboo's organic elegance, creating a striking juxtaposition between the exotic and the natural. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this fire screen served a practical purpose, shielding the room from the heat of the fireplace. Its folding design allows for easy placement and storage when not in use, making it a versatile and functional piece of decor. This piece comes from a Bellevue Ave home...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Giltwood, Lacquer

Doulton Lambeth Rare Marked Trailing Vine Jug by Mark V Marshall
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unusual Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery jug carved and decorated in relief with trailing fruiting vines by renowned and gifted modeler, designer and decorator Mark V Marshall ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Johnson Hartig Libertine Le Grand Tour Floral Screen
Located in Houston, TX
Custom six panel screen with Johnson Hartig of Libertine Le Grand Tour Floral Wallpaper (reverse side Architecture Teal Wallpaper) by Schumacher. Each p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

Distressed Persian Vintage Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Rug Measures: 2'10'' x 4'1''.
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Palissy Style Majolica Crab Motif Plate, Portugal, C. 1940s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Palissy Style Majolica Crab Motif Plate, Portugal, C. 1940s Portugal, Circa 1940s Presenting an exquisite Palissy Style Majolica Crab Motif Plate, from ...
Category

20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Painting By H. Coulon-19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
oil on canvas representing a still life with fruits, flowers and game in a wooden frame signed H.Coulon Large model In good condition and beautiful patina
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large 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

c. 1900 Brass Book Slide by Judd Mfg. Co., CT.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Expanding, folding brass book slide with cast iron camels by Judd Mfg. Co., CT., c.1900. The camels cold painted with patinated bases symbolic of pharaonic Egypt. Brass & steel mecha...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Triple Silver Plated Tea Urn from Chas. W. Hamill & Co, Baltimore, MD, 1876-1884
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique silver plated tea urn, with ornate arms and lid, from the late 1800's, manufactured in Baltimore, MD, by Chas. Hamill & Co. Lovely vessel to stash all kinds of goodies, thoug...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Jaeger LeCoultre Vendome Atmos Clock
Located in Mérida, YU
A beautiful Jaeger LeCoultre mid century Vendome Atmos clock. This piece looks wonderful on a desk in a study, or on a mantelpiece or table. Very elegant. ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate

A Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted White Opaline Vases
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of hand blown and hand painted white opaline vases, France, Circa 1870' The vases, 15 inches tall with floral and leaf decoration with round pedestal bases.
Category

1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Opaline Glass

c. 1870 Scrolled Verdigris Iron 6-Light Chandelier
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1870 scrolled verdigris iron 6-light chandelier, French. Bold iron work accented by gilt acanthus leaves, bobeches & central floret drop. Simple armorial decorations. Chandelie...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

American Sterling Aesthetic 'Sailors Knot' Brush, Attributed Dominick & Haff
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Sterling Aesthetic 'Sailors Knot' Brush, Attributed Dominick & Haff USA, CIRCA 1880S Hallmarked 'STERLING', Attributed Dominick & Haff Silver Company. A remarkable America...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

c. 1900 Pair of Camel Cast Iron Bookends
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A pair of recumbent camel bookends, English, c.1900. Cast iron. 5 7/8" x 2.25" x 4.5" h. Whitehall Antiques is a family business that has been a major ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Doulton Lambeth Unusual Winged Foot Vase by Jane S Hurst 1880
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and stylish Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery vase decorated with ivy and winged feet by highly renowned artist Jane S Hurst dated 1880. The stoneware vas...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Oak Platform Rocking Chair Rocker Beehive
Located in Dayton, OH
An intriguing Aesthetic Periiod platform rocking chair. Made from oak with a spindled back, ribbed and graduated (beehive) finials, bentwood and turned arms and a cloth seat. Dim...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Possibly by E W Godwin, Japanned Ebonized Cane Folding Chair, Gilt Highlights
Located in High Wycombe, GB
An Aesthetic Movement small walnut low folding decorative chairs with cane seats, in the manner of E.W. Godwin. Circa 1870s. Extra dimensions: Depth of seat 31cm
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Collinson & Lock Mahogany Cabinet
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular superstructure with brass gallery and column supports over a rectangular top over a pair of doors one stamped 'Collinson & Lock" London 6143. Enclosing sliding she...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century, Faux Bois Majolica Ewer W/ Acorn & Foliate Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
Continental, 19th century. A finely detailed continental majolica or palissy ware pitcher. The ewer has hand applied foliate and acorn motifs the body. The handle constructed of an ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Lemon 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 yellow lemon and leaves along with a branch of pears and walnuts, all on a...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Melon 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 green and orange melon and leaves along with a branch of plums and strawbe...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Lampe Onyx
Located in Nice, FR
onyx table lamp lit with two bulbs a white cotton lampshade this lamp can go very well on a desk on a chest of drawers on a console a bulb is placed inside the lamp to illuminate it....
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Onyx

Wedgwood Argenta Majolica Apple 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 greenish apple and leaves along with a branch of apricots and haze...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Set of 12 Rare Signed Sinclaire Hand Blown Crystal Engraved Fish Soup Bowls
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is an extremely rare set of signed hand blown crystal rimmed soup bowls made by the iconic H. P. Sinclaire Co, Ca. 1910-20's. Each crystal clear bowl is uniquely decorated with...
Category

1910s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Minton Majolica Purple Grape Cluster on Green Leaf Covered Box, date marked 1861
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We rarely use the term rare … here we have a VERY rare covered majolica box in the form of a cluster of grapes on a leaf tray, made by Minton in England, date marked 1861. One of on...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Chair & Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair and Ottoman, ATTR: Herter Brothers This listing is for the TWO PIECES. *Please View Other Listings - Matching Piano Sto...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wood

ANTiQUE CIRCA 1880 AESTHETIC MOVEMENT BAMBOO CARVED CHINESE MAGAZINE PAPER RACK
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly collectable Aesthetic Movement Chinese ha...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Gorham Bird’s Nest Sterling Silver Egg Spoon
Located in New York, NY
Bird’s Nest sterling silver egg spoon. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1880. Leafing twig stem and nest terminal lain with 3 eggs. Bowl elongated ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Faux Bamboo White Marble Top Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A charming chest of drawers with faux bamboo columns and moldings. Four roomy drawers. The marble which is original is in good antique condition. Original wood handles, pine wood carved faux bamboo columns on corners. White Marble Top...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Antique Aesthetic Movement Multi Toned Gilt Framed Mirror
Located in Malibu, CA
Late 19th Century/early 20th century Aesthetic Movement giltwood frame with gilt flower & leaf motif set between a small repeat pattern of crossed square on the inner & outer frame. ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Mirror, Gesso

English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Upholstered Sofa or Bench Circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
English, circa 1920. An antique English Aesthetic movement bamboo bench for two. The bench is upholstered with a traditional fabric that brings stunning lines to accent the beautiful...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

English Antique Silver Plate Epergne
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Antique English silver plate épergne with side candy holders for sweets, to complete the central tray. There are many stamps, including an elephant (that I don't know). It 's perfect...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Val Saint Lambert Cobalt Blue Cut To Clear Crystal Vase Birds & Flowers
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This Val Saint Lambert vase is a rare example of a pattern that was only used for goblets and most likely a custom order. It is hand blown crystal with cobalt blue overlay cut to cle...
Category

1930s Belgian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

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

SMALL ANTiQUE CIRCA 1880 AESTHETIC MOVEMENT BAMBOO CARVED CHINESE FOOTSTOOL
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly collectable Aesthetic Movement Chinese ha...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

Liberty & Company Mahogany Thebes Stool
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with new leather with tacks. With label from Liberty on base. From a Bunny Williams designed Palm Beach home.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Pair Framed Silk Stevengraphs The Present Time & The Good Old Days
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine pair framed silk Stevengraphs, one titled The Present Time and the other The Good Old Days, by Thomas Stevens and dating from 1875. The rectangular silk sewn panels portray t...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silk

Frank A Butler Early Doulton Lambeth Leaf Design Salt Glazed Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish and early Doulton Lambeth Art Pottery jug decorated with stylized scrolling leaf designs by highly renowned artist Frank A Butler and dated 1873. The stoneware jug is...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Lacquered Bamboo Wall Mirror / Shelf
Located in Atlanta, GA
English, late 19th century. A fantastic 19th century Victorian era bamboo wall mirror decorated with chinoiserie lacquer detailing and three sturdy shelves. The bamboo frame is sturd...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Mirror

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

Ceramic, Pottery, Bamboo, Wood

Aesthetic Movement Antique Chimneypiece in Pencil Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
An elegant and large Aesthetic Movement, bordering on Reformed Gothic, antique fireplace surround in Pencil Statuary Marble with a wide moulded shelf. The main body of the fireplace,...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Statuary Marble

Victorian Designer E W Godwin Aesthetic Movement Jappaned Low Elbow ArmChair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
E W Godwin Aesthetic Movement Jappaned Low Elbow Arm Chair With Anglo Japonesque Geometric Back On Hand Turned Legs Auctioneer has given attribution. Victorian architect-designer E....
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by G. Remmerie is an interesting take on the classic landscape painting, where the artist has captured a low lying marshy area under an overcast...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Fine Bronze Bust of a Man in Manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British 1880-1959)
By Jacob Epstein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Bronze Bust of a man in the manner of Sir Jacob Epstein (British, 1880-1959), artist unknown. This beautifully executed green-patinated bronze somewhat resembles the style of ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Aesthetic Movement Emerald Green Glass Leaf Plates
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Discover the epitome of elegance and refinement with our exquisite collection of a set of 4 emerald green glass leaf plates. The delicate gree...
Category

20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

Scottish Wool Upholstered Stools
Located in Greenwich, CT
Two early 20th century aesthetic movement stools in ebonized beech with new lettuce green 100% scottish wool upholstered tops with brass stud detailing, both with box spindle stretch...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Pair of Carved Nordic Monk Chairs
Located in Malibu, CA
Unique pair of solid oak monk chairs with intricate carvings in Norse style. Hand crafted and unique with removable double sided upholstered cushions. Norw...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Splendid Brown Transferware Cake stand, England, 1880s
Located in Milan, IT
Beautiful Gardens scene Brown Transferware Cake stand, England, 1880s
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

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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