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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
A Pair of Jensen Style Serving Spoons, stately sized
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very impressive pair of Salad or Side Dish Servers in the style of George Jensen, the famous Danish Silver Smith. The serving pieces are large and practical for a Buffet Service. T...
Category

1950s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

1920 s Signed Persian Kermanshah Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78759 Rare Signed Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug, 09'08 x 11'02. A Symphony of Prestige: Signed Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug. From the cultural heart of Persia comes this signed ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Art Nouveau Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus dining chairs, Austria, 1970s, set of 6
Located in Buffalo, NY
Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1970s Fledermaus set in Art Nouveau style consisting of four chairs, executed by the company Wittmann. The design is by Josef Hoffman...
Category

1970s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Bentwood

Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table circa 1910. Fine quality side table, that would also function well in the hall or as a lamp table. Inlaid and strung bord...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Elm

48 piece Rosenthal Bjorn Wiinblad Motif collection Dinner ware
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a nice set of dinner ware by Rosenthal. The set is called the Motif Collection which was designed by Bjorn Wiinblad. It has a lace pattern in a soft white. Its a fine bone ch...
Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Bronze Elephant Head Console Table (Base Only)
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century bronze elephant console table. This listing is for the base only and is shown with glass as inspiration. Dimensions are for base only.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A rare Rosewood side chair with finely carved and turned details
Located in London, GB
Collinson and Lock. A rare Aesthetic Movement Rosewood side chair with finely carved and turned details to the back supports with exagerated disc turned front legs and conforming sid...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Liberty Co., attri. An Aesthetic Movement Hexagonal Side Table
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co., attributed An Aesthetic Movement hexagonal side table with herringbone inlay to the edge of the top and a molded edge with shaped aprons below, standing on six legs un...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Side Table W/ Shell Transferware Mosaic Top
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an English burnt bamboo side table with a mosaic top comprised of 19th century transwferware. It has a shell motif. The second shelf is grasscloth. It is in very good antique...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Grasscloth, Bamboo

Aesthetic Movement bamboo and Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
With a bamboo pediment with an inset lacquer panel, lacquered top, raffia sides, a bamboo framed glass door with 3 shelves, resting on bamboo legs.
Category

1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Raffia, Lacquer, Paint

Gregory Co, H W Batley Attri, an English Walnut Aesthetic Movement Sideboard
Located in London, GB
Gregory and Co. Regent Street. London. Stamped mark to a door, and no. 1479. H W Batley attributed. An English walnut Aesthetic Movement sideboard with a t...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th C. Burled Walnut Oval Table In Aesthetic Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With a book matched burled top, inlaid scrolled decorated banding, and a burled apron. Raised on four turned supports with a turned finial. Mounted on four carved leafy scrolled oak ...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass, Satinwood, Walnut, Burl

Aesthetic Movement English Oak Side Table
Located in Faversham, GB
A charming Aesthetic movement oak side table by British architect and furniture designer Charles Locke Eastlake. The table in the Gothic manner displays a generous top raised on fou...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Gillows attr, An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut eight leg centre table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed, in the style of H W Batley. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal Mahogany eight leg centre table with shaped supports below the top and four ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mersad Berber Bosnia, 1940-2012 Oil on Canvas, Woman with Flowers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Signed lower left. A lovely pensive woman dressed in 19th c. style holding flowers. She looks to the left with fruits in an abstract composition on a tab...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Indigo Blue Beni Mrirt Berber Moroccan Rug with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
20935 Vintage Blue Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug, 06'01 x 09'03. A vision of rarity and refinement, this hand-knotted wool vintage Beni Mrirt Moroccan rug transcends its tribal origins to ...
Category

Late 20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Burmantofts Rare Saffron Glazed Sunburst Pattern Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and stylish Burmantofts Faience art pottery vase decorated with sun burst patterning and with a saffron glazed finish dating from around 1890. This stunning and elegant lightl...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Burmantofts Turquoise Glazed Solifleur Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A tall and elegant Burmantofts Faience art pottery solifleur vase decorated in bright turquoise glazes dating from around 1890. This stunning lightly potted earthenware vase stands o...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Anglo-Indian Carved Peacock Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century hand carved peacock chair.
Category

20th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Longchamp s Wild Majolica Menagerie: French Majolica Palissy Dish
Located in Downingtown, PA
Longchamp's Wild Majolica Menagerie: French Majolica Palissy Dish Maker: Longchamp Pottery, France Date: Circa 1880 Medium: Earthenware, multi-colored lead glazes (Majolica/Barboti...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Pottery

Rare c.1900 Grecian Pattern Historical Blue Royal Staffordshire Pottery Plate
Located in Louisville, KY
This rare Royal Staffordshire Pottery piece was part of the Aesthetic Movement, which started in England in the late 19th century. This plate has the historic Staffordshire markings ...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany Studios New York Signed Bronze Base and Globes Double Student Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite Tiffany Studios Bronze & Art Glass Lamp is a remarkable piece of early 20th-century craftsmanship, embodying the timeless elegance and artistry synonymous with Tiffany...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Aesthetic Movement Tortiose Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two Tiered Wall Shelf
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Aesthetic Movement Victorian Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two-Tier Shelf, perfect for both display and storage. The shelf features a distinctive halved bamboo slat base, offering bot...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

c. 1860s Japanese Scalloped Imari Chop Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860s Scalloped Imari Chop Plate, Japanese. The boldly scalloped design creating two cartouches with flowering gardens decoration flanking the central floral urn reserve with f...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver-Gilt Calling Card/Business Card Case
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period/Aesthetic Movement calling card/business card case with hinged lid and original chain, Gorham Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode island, Ca. 1875. The case is...
Category

1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver

Schumann Bavaria Large Snow Scene Cabin German Moriage Porcelain Gilt Rim Vase
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stunning and sizeable German Porcelain Vase by Schumann Bavaria circa 1950. It features a Moriage raised porcelain texture to create the effect of the scene through falling snow. Fea...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Mahogany

Antique Moroccan Architectural Inlaid Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century Moroccan center table crafted in walnut having a rectangular top with a center medallion, diamond form corners and a border with inlaid geometric forms of bon...
Category

19th Century Moroccan Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Ebony, Walnut

19th-C. French Pine Faux Bamboo Marble Top Stand / Pedestal / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century French pine faux bamboo two tier marble top wash stand. This would make a lovely side table or pedestal as well. It a single drawer over single door. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

Royal Worcester Floral Painted Twin Handled Porcelain Vase
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine Aesthetic Movement Royal Worcester twin handled vase hand painted with floral designs dated 1899. The small, elegant porcelain vase stands raised on a square pedestal bas...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Bentwood Scroll Café Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
84 Bentwood café side chairs with hairpin scroll design open back and wood seat. From BILLY'S 1890 RESTAURANT, NY. (84 - PRICED EACH)
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

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

Jas Shoolbred attri. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut side table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal Walnut centre table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross stretchers.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Cabinet by William Watt in the Style of E. W. Godwin
Located in London, GB
Attributed to William Watt, in the style of E. W. Godwin. An Aesthetic Movement ebonised walnut cabinet with carved floral decoration throughout. The upper section has an open displa...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th-C. Victorian Era Aesthetic Movement Burnt Bamboo Side Table Faux Bois Paper
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Victorian Era English burnt bamboo side table. Both tiers have been papered in a tree motif wall paper that is in keeping with the Aesthetic Movement period. It is in very ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Paper

Selection of Antiqued Gilt Mirrors
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of antiqued gilt mirrors #5, circa mid-20th century. They are: 1) Spanish gilt mirror, circa 1940s. Retains original antiqued mirror. I...
Category

20th Century Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Samuel Alcock Royal Palissy Majolica Footed Comport
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the coveted Royal Palissy line, a majolica glazed Fern and Floral footed comport, from Samuel Alcock & Co, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1850. This is a scarce example...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Mid-Century French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Pine Square Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this family friendly coffee table! From mountain to beach, it is a versatile option! This is a mid-century knotty pine faux bamboo coffee table. It is French and unmarked. It ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.   
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Gillows. A fine Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels
Located in London, GB
Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels to the doors and drawers; with a turned gallery to the top and to the lower shelf.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Faux Bamboo Miniature Armoire
Located in Queens, NY
French Faux bamboo maple miniature armoire with a large mirrored door above a drawer with a pediment top
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

19th Century Mahogany Side Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th century square walnut side table raised on four exquisite barley twist legs. Detailed, carved stretchers with urn-shaped carved finial and brass ball and claw...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stephen Webb, by Collinson and Lock. Aesthetic Movement octagonal centre table
Located in London, GB
Stephen Webb, made by Collinson and Lock. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal centre table with floral inlay to the top and shaped aprons below, with eight turned uprights uniting a spid...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19Th. Century French Bamboo Lacquer Cabinet Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this large and rare 19Th. Century French Bamboo Lacquer Cabinet Etagere in the style of Perret et Vibert,. This cabinet has a large mirro...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer, Paper

18th Century Framed Oil Painting on Canvas of Nativity ~ Flemish School
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Framed Oil Painting on Canvas of Nativity ~ Flemish School is an amazingly inspirational work, displaying the influences of the Old Masters in the setting, composition, ...
Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

19th century French mahogany chiffonier sideboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century French mahogany chiffonier sideboard circa 1880. Chiffonier with aesthetic movement influences, made in rich mahogany. Comprising of 2 sections. The top section with c...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Victorian Glass Ball and Claw Black Ebonized Oak Table, circa 1870s
Located in Hastings, GB
Victorian glass ball and claw ebonised table C'1870's Beautiful ebonised side table with turned bobbin legs. There are 4 brass eagle claws holding ...
Category

1870s British 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

Jérôme Massier Purple and Yellow Bearded Iris Vase Vallauris France, 1860-1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century French majolica glazed earthenware tall vase modeled as a Bearded Iris. Three purple and yellow cascading petals surround the head of the Iris. The footing is mol...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Bench ceramic contemporary glaze
Located in Rubi, Catalunya
Handmade earthanware 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 ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay

Antique German Sheppard Bronze Sculptures Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of solid bronze German Shepherd sculpture bookends or door stops. Dating to the 1920s or 1930s. Original felt on the bottom and a nice age ap...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

The Epic of Persepolis: Vintage Persian Najafabad Masterpiece of Myth Majesty
Located in Dallas, TX
61437 Vintage Persian Najafabad Pictorial Rug, 09'08 x 13'02. From the heart of Persia’s golden artistic lineage emerges this hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Najafabad pictorial ru...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch. 14k yellow gold filled. Case #6590704 by Keystone Watch Case Co. (also marked J. Boss 14k). Seaside movement #9344440 and marked Americ...
Category

1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold

Circa 1815-30 Large "Mason s Patent Ironstone China" Pitcher or Jug
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1815-30 large "Mason's Patent Ironstone China" pitcher or jug, English. Octagonal; Japan Basket pattern. Well printed painted. Ferocious hydra head handle is exceptional ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Ironstone

Aesthetic Movement Oak Pipe Rack with a Japanese Style Brass Fretwork Backplate
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic Movement. An oak pipe rack with a Japanese-style brass fretwork backplate, and a tobacco draw with brass handle.
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Bamboo Over Mantle or Wall Mirror - Aesthetic Movement (H 46 x W 48)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English bamboo over mantel or wall mirror with a beautiful Aesthetic Movement design, circa 1870-1910, featuring a bamboo frame with lovely bamboo fretwork around the circumfe...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer, Glass

Victorian Black Tole Chuck Wagon Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian black tole decorated spice hanging cabinet with mirror and flour sifter and coffee grinder.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Plaster light, Giacometti style with four branches
Located in Nice, FR
Plaster lamp in the style of Giacometti Composed of four branches. The luminaire is electrified in working order. Base E 27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

The Gilded Orchard: A Persian Mahal Rug of Timeless Grandeur
Located in Dallas, TX
72297 Vintage Persian Mahal Rug, 13'08 x 20'08. A one-of-a-kind masterpiece of elegance and heritage, this hand-knotted wool Persian Mahal palace rug captures the essence of refined ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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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