Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
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
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Pair of 19th Century Galle Faience Lion Candleholder with Silver Candelabra
By Émile Gallé
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of signed Emile Galle (French, 1846-1904) rampant lion faience candleholders
Heraldic lion holding a castle tower in rampart also holding silvered bronze candelabra
Signed...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Three-Piece French Enamelled Glass Garniture, Attributed to Baccarat
Located in Montreal, QC
This garniture is painted with birds and flowers on a pale blue ground. The oblong footed bowl has a shaped gilt rim ,with white jewelling and centering palmettes. The flanking vases...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Opaline Glass
Royal Worcester Aesthetic Period Japonesque Style Porcelain Lotus Flower Bowl
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine and unusual antique Aesthetic Period Oriental pattern Lotus flower shaped porcelain bowl by Royal Worcester and dating from around 1875. The bowl of rounded shape is modelled as an open Lotus Flower raised on an open work intertwined stem and leaf shaped base with foliage. The bowl is hand painted in tones of blue on a white ground, the inner bowl with a stork in flight with flowering stems and bamboo shoots. The bowl has an impressed Royal Worcester mark for the year 1875.
Royal Worcester’s Art Director Richard Binns of the Kerr Binns...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
1900s Cold-Painted Statue of Arab
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand painted figure of an Arab man. Early 1900s. European. Not sure of origin. Signed by artist: "WEEGON" Some losses to the original paint. Very handsome figure.
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
French Silver Mounted Blue
White Pottery Faience Inkwell
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual French silver mounted faience pottery inkwell hand painted with blue and white designs dating from the 19th century. The domed shape inkwell stands on a rounded base with ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Vase terracotta
Located in Nice, FR
Black earthenware object, a three-legged bowl, also called a tripod, with a traditional aesthetic. It is a circular bowl with three conical feet, which gives it increased stability.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
$838
Pair of Belgium Bronze Busts by Georges Van Der Straaten
Located in Belmont, MA
The Belgium artist Georges van der Straaten (born 1856) designed the two bronze busts at the end of the 19th century. One is titled "Bergere" (shepher...
Category
1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
A Pair of Paris Porcelain Bird Vases Circa 1880
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A wonderful pair of French porcelain hand painted vases. The pair with hand painted black sparrows on one side, facing each other and the other side white doves. The body in the shape of an egg in a soft ecru color with pink tops...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
$2,250 / set
John Tuska Lidded Stoneware Vessel
By John Tuska
Located in Palm Springs, CA
John Tuska lidded stoneware vessel in a striking green glaze.
John Tuska, full name John Regis Tuska, (1931–1998) was an American artist and educator. H...
Category
20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
$1,760 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver Calla Lily Basket 1874
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver basket. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1874. Oval bowl on domed foot. Strap handle buckled to loop mounts threaded with calla lilies that wrap around baske...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Takis ( Panayotis Vassilakis) Sculpture Signal Red Greece 1990 Signed
Located in Paris, FR
Takis
1925 - 2019
"Signal Rouge"
stamped with the artist's signature, numbered 12 (on the base) lamp on metal rod with painted base 224 × 21 × 21 cm ; 92 ⅛ x 8 ¼ x 8 ¼ in.
A certifi...
Category
20th Century Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Limoges Jmmet Seignolles plates
box Souvenir de son Vogage a Lourdes
By Limoges
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Set of Elegant vintage Limoges box and two plates.
Marked on base as “Jammet Seignolles Souvenir de mon voyage á Lourdes”.
-Memories of my trip ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Gold Leaf
Bronze sculpture " Golfer" on green marble base. Levan Vardosanidze. 1990s.
Located in Köln, NW
Elegant and abstract Bronze sculpture "Golfer" on a green marble base by Levan Vardosanidze, Georgia 1999.
The georgian sculptor, born 1957 in Tiflis studied at the Academy there.
He...
Category
1990s Baltic Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Dr C Dresser Attri, Aesthetic Movement Walnut Coal Scuttle with Stylized Mounts
Located in London, GB
Dr. C Dresser attributed. Made by Benham and Froud.
An Aesthetic movement walnut coal scuttle with applied chrome-plated stylized carry handle and foliate decorative mounts and a side holster to hold a coal shovel.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Chrome
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Silver-plated Metal And Oak Tray
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine 19th-century English silver-plated and oak tray.
A beautiful piece with two handles. Superb oak with a magnificent patina and a central silver-plated medallion.
In perfect con...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Oak
Ansonia Pair of Silver 5-Light Candelabra from Aesthetic Movement 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Ansonia silver-plated 5-light candelabra in a style reminiscent of the Aesthetic Movement and from the 19th century. They measure 20'' in height by 11 1/2'' from arm to arm and appear to be unmarked.
The Ansonia Clock Company was a clock manufacturing business founded in Ansonia, Connecticut, in 1851, as a subsidiary of the Ansonia Brass Company by Phelps and two Bristol, Connecticut, clockmakers, Theodore Terry and Franklin C. Andrews. Terry & Andrews were the largest clock manufacturers in Bristol, with more than 50 employees using 58 tons of brass in the production of about 25,000 clocks in 1849. The company has produced hundreds of different clock models, including Gingerbread, Porcelain, and Crystal Regulator styles. Ansonia clocks were exhibited at the U.S. Centennial exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876.
In 1877 the clock company purchased a factory in New York and moved most of its production there after being spun off from the brass company. Henry J. Davies of Brooklyn, himself a clockmaker, inventor and case designer, joined the newly reconstituted company as one of its founders. As President, he is thought to have been largely responsible for the figurine clocks, swing clocks...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver, Silver Plate
Signed German Wooden Sculpture of a Mother And Her Child, "Muller 1943"
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Artistically significant hand carved sculpture of nude mother and child, completed during the Second World War.
Category
Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
$880 Sale Price
69% Off
Asprey Carved Rock Crystal Gorilla Diamond Eye
s and 18-Karat Gold Accents
Located in Westport, CT
Asprey one of a kind hand carved rock crystal Gorilla, with 18-karat gold accents and diamond eyes, together on the original petrified wood base, w...
Category
Late 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver
19th Century Bronze pair of candlesticks with bears of Christophe Fratin
Located in Paris, FR
Here is a stunning pair of finely chiseled, bronze candlesticks from the mid-19th century. These bronze candelabras, with a body resembling a tree trunk adorned with oak leaves and a...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Ceramic Decorative Flower and Vegetation Chinese Plate Signed WL, 1896
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ceramic decorative flower and vegetation chinese plate signed
Perfect gift for your special someone.
Dimensions:
Diameter 20 cm (37.86 inches)
A series of three make the matchin...
Category
Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Tall Turned Rosewood Prickett Candleholders
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of tall, 27 inches turned Rosewood with a triangular base on ball feet. Beautifully turned and a very interesting grain pattern from light to dark. Lead filled base for...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Lead
Aesthetic Design Antique Sterling Silver Chamberstick by Heath
Middleton 1891
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1891 by Heath & Middleton, this enchanting Victorian, Antique, Sterling Silver Chamberstick is a superb example of the naturalistic bark effect popularise...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Minton Hollins 6-Inch Terracotta Profile Portrait Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A superb antique 6-inch dust-pressed terracotta tile by Minton Hollins & Co. (stamped) depicting a profile portrait in the aesthetic movement style. Such is this tiles beauty, that the back is equally as interesting as the front, showcasing how the portrait profile is pressed into the terracotta to bring life and shape to the relief figure at the front.
Dating from the mid-late 19th century, the figure is carved with ornate Celtic style dress before a plentiful scrolling background impressed with the name ‘GAEL’ to the top. Ex British collection, this original Minton Hollins tile...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay, Terracotta
Aesthetic Movement Ruby glass vase, gilt decoration Christopher Dresser style
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Fine quality Aesthetic Movement ruby glass vase made around 1880. The vase has stylised gilt bird decoration very much in the manner of Dr Christopher Dresser. It is in good original...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Aesthetic Movement Enameled Plate Attributed to Elkington and A. Willms, c. 1875
By W. Albert Willms, Elkington
Co.
Located in PARIS, FR
Important tray made in gilded bronze and “cloisonné” enamel attributed to Elkington and Willms. Ornamented with a centering polychrome enameled peacock plaque, made of very high standard quality, mounted on a gilt-bronze dish, decorated in relief with Japanese Nô theater masks.
The great Birmingham firm of Elkingtons, was largely the creation of George Richards Elkington (1800-1865), who worked from 1824 in Birmingham as a manufacturer of silver-mounted scent bottles. By 1829 the business had expanded sufficiently for a branch to have been established in London. In the late 1830s the Elkingtons began making experiments to apply the principles of electro-metallurgy to gilding and plating with silver and in 1840 the patent was at last taken out. Elkingtons owed their rise to a position amongst the most important silversmiths of the country to their exploitation of this new process and the two of the most famous designers then employed, both of them French, Albert Wilms (1827-1899) and Morel-Ladeuil (1820-1888), who helped to make Elkingtons’ reputation with their elaborate exhibition pieces.
Albert Willms was apprenticed as modeler and engraver to Klagman, Dieterle and Constant in Paris before working for Morel & Co. in London in 1848. On his return to Paris he was employed by the great Parisian silversmiths including Christofle and Froment-Meurice, for whom he designed pieces to be presented at the 1855 Universal Exhibition in Paris. It was during this period that he joined the firm of Elkington in London as head decorator. Elkington was soon to become one of the first to produce refined pieces in “champlevé” enamel in the Chinese and Japanese styles, which were presented with great success at the London Universal Exhibition in 1862 (see Masterpieces of Industrial Art & Sculpture at the International Exhibition 1862, J.B. Waring, London, 1863, III, pl. 211). Willms’ “champlevé” enamels could not be compared, however, with the delicate “cloisonné” enamels exhibited by Japan at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867. This explains why Elkington adapted the ancient Japanese technique to produce pieces according to European taste and custom. Followings the 1867 Exhibition all the major European artists rivaled in ingenuity for the 1873 Universal Exhibition in Vienna. In London Albert Willms presented his luxurious vases and cups in “cloisonné” enamel for Elkington (see Illustrations of Art Manufacturers in the Precious Metals exhibited by Elkington & Co., Inventors, Patentees and Manufactures of electroplate, 1873), whilst in Paris, Ferdinand Thesmar (1843-1912) produced in the workshops of Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) a tray decorated with a golden pheasant in “cloisonné” enamel on copper...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Bronze
Stevens
Williams All-Over Willow Pattern Vase
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare handblown crystal vase made by Stevens and Williams, England, circa 1910. The 12.25" tall and elegant proportion makes this a stand alone piece of art as well as a fun...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
A Pair Of Late Victorian Aesthetic Brass Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A Beautiful Pair of Late Victorian Aesthetic Brass Candlesticks (Circa 1880–1900)
This exquisite pair of brass candlesticks exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and decorative flai...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Monumental Japanese Aesthetic Vase
Located in Litchfield, CT
This exceptional hand-painted porcelain vase by George Jones & Sons features magnificent sparrows flitting amongst lush trees and billowing clouds, circa 1880s. A superb example of the Japanese Aesthetic...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Flaired Lip Swedish Art Glass Vase
By Kosta Boda
Located in New York, NY
Bring artistry and charm to your home decor with this brightly colored Swedish Art Glass Vase, hand crafted by glass maker Kjell Engman for renowned glass house Kosta Boda. Resembl...
Category
1990s Swedish Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Aesthetic Period
Design English Sterling Silver Bowl, London 1879
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1879 by Martin, Hall & Co., this stunning, Antique Sterling Silver Bowl, is in the Aesthetic taste, featuring cast and applied floral and butterfly detailing,...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Doulton Burslem Figural Grape Stand Centerpiece
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This figural porcelain grape stand and holder is decorated with whimsical mushrooms encircling the "faux branch" to hold the grapes. It is embellished with...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Handblown Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Rose Pink Crystal Vases
By Bohemia
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a well matched pair of Bohemian or French handblown vases shading from a subtle pale rose to a slightly darker shade as it reaches the top rim. They are decorated with an Aes...
Category
19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
$862 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Black Porcelain Vase with Gold
Platinum
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is an extraordinary example of "Aesthetic Movement" decoration, finely rendered on black glazed porcelain. The well detailed and beautifully painted subject, depicts a hunter wi...
Category
19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
An Elegant Pair of Antique French, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figure Candelabra
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An elegant pair of antique French, guilt and patinated bronze figure candelabra from the 1870s the pair with two different patinated bronze bust centers with the rest in its brillian...
Category
1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Dripglaze Heavily Potted Floral Vase
Located in NYC, NY
A beautifully potted vase with raised delicate floral decoration with a burnt orange flower in a subtle Japanese aesthetic typical of aesthetic movement po...
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Mantel Clock Attributed to Lewis Foreman Day
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Aesthetic Movement mantel clock, with an ebonised mahogany case and an exquisitely painted dial. The case embodies the style of the Aesthetic Movement, with an arched a...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Late 19th Century French Tole Painted Bronze Urn
Flower Form Candelabra
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of candelabra made in the form of urns holding floral arrangements are French and were cast in bronze in the 1870s. It’s possible that at one time they were gilded but they...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum by Hukin
Heath, Circa 1880
By Hukin
Heath
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a textured base, and will hold 6 ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Period, Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum, Hukin
Heath, Circa 1880
By Hukin
Heath
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a plain base, and will hold 6 can...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Movement decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Doulton Lambeth, Royal Worcester, Delphin Massier, and Minton. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $138 and tops out at $35,000 while the average work can sell for $1,362.
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