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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
19th Century Majolica Snail Platter Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Majolica Snail Platter attributed to Luneville. Diameter / 11.3 inches . one chip on the back, hairline ( picture )
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

New Scandinavian Green Swedish Inspired Kilim Röllakan
Located in Dallas, TX
31117 New Scandinavian Modern Green Swedish Inspired Kilim Rug, 10'04 x 13'10. Infused with Scandinavian elegance and earth-tone poise, this exceptional, handwoven wool Swedish-inspi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

An Aesthetic Movement Amboyna and Ebonized Music Cabinet with gilt decoration
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement amboyna and ebonized music cabinet with incised and gilt decoration. The open top with amboyna and incised gilt decoration...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set 5 Antique Whiting Aesthetic Sterling Silver Seahorse Cocktail Seafood Forks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of 5 fine antique seafood forks. In sterling silver. By Whiting. Each fork's handle is decorated with a raised seahorse and ocean plants. Simply a wonderful group set of an...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large English Bamboo Over Mantle or Wall Mirror (H 42 3/4 x W 51 1/2)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English bamboo over mantel or wall mirror with a period Aesthetic Movement design, circa 1870-1910, featuring a bamboo frame with lovely bamboo fretwork around the circumferen...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass, Bamboo, Lacquer, Wood, Mirror

Japanese Satsuma Earthenware Four-Panel Tea Caddy, Ryuzan - Kyoto, Meiji-Taisho
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese Satsuma Earthenware Four-Panel Tea Caddy Attributed to Ryuzan Studio (龍山), Kyoto, Meiji–Taisho Period, circa 1900–1920 A finely painted Japanese Satsuma earthenware tea cad...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. An octagonal walnut center table with central shelf, carved circular scroll details to the legs on castors, united by lower cross stretchers.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Bruce Talbert attri. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered love or twin window seat
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered love or twin window seat made from stained Beech with turned and rounded finials and tramline details to the back headrest...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Vintage Boho Tortoise Bamboo Hall Tree
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a stunning first impression with this exceptional vintage tortoise bamboo hall tree. A brilliant example of Chinoiserie chic, this piece recalls the artistic spirit of the Aesth...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror

An Aesthetic Movement ebonized walnut two tier side table with a pierced gallery
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized two-tier side table with turned legs, the lower shelf with raised pierced circular details.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Christopher Dresser Designed Minton Co. Encaustic Tile
Located in Sharon, CT
Christopher Dresser designed geometric encaustic tile. Manufactured from 1870-85 by Minton and Company, Stoke upon Trent. Fully signed on bottom. A ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

R.J. Horner Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Birdseye Maple Full Bed
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement carved birdseye maple faux bamboo full-size bed with a spindled crest, paneled head and foot-boards, and ball finials, and bracketed rails. (R.J...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Maple

Antique Victorian Wire Domed Birdcage
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique Victorian domed wired bird cage with gold accents.
Category

1940s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wire

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

1880s Nashua Vernacular Brass Passage Doorknob Set
Located in New York, NY
Antique eight-fold Vernacular brass doorknob set made by Nashua in the 1886 catalog. It is part of the K-21000 group. The original mounting screws are not available. Priced as two do...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

New Contemporary Turkish Oushak Rug with Modern Transitional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53157 New Modern Earth-Tone Turkish Oushak Rug, 11'08 x 15'03. A tranquil harmony of earth and sky unfolds in this hand-knotted wool magnificent Turkish Oushak rug, where nature’s su...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Dr C Dresser Attr. Aesthetic Movement Incised, Gilded Ebonized Display Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser attributed an Aesthetic Movement ebonized display cabinet with incised and gilded zig-zag decoration. Probably made for Bushloe House. I wa...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

English Majolica Greenware Acorn Oak Leaf Twig Handled Deep Dish Server
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Majolica green glazed leaf pattern deep server, England, circa 1870. A serrate edged rectangular platter with open work twig form double handles. Beautiful mold work showing four ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of Michael Thonet Folding Deck Chairs
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Model: Fireside chair model 1 (Kaminsessel) designed in 1866 The chairs need restoration, only the wood, the wicker cane webbing is in good condition on both pieces. MOMA New York ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

1900 s Caucasian Shirvan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76782 Antique Caucasian Shirvan Rug, 03'10 x 06'07. This hand-knotted wool antique Caucasian Shirvan rug is a vibrant testament to the enduring craftsmanship of the Caucasus region. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

A Rare Original Chair By Syrie Maugham ca 1940 s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare hand painted chair designed by Syrie Maugham and custom made for John Gerald, NYC ca' 1940's. What is rare is that the chair appears to have original upholstery and label unde...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Théodore deck (1823-1891), A Gourd Shape Enameled Faïence Vase, circa 1885
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Théodore Deck (1823-1891) Gourd shape vase with a spherical body and straight neck Polychrome glazed earthenware designed on both sides with a bird, butterflies, a bee, and flowers o...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

Sarreguemines French Barbotine Majolica Trompe l Oeil Melon Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the shape of a trompe l’oeil melon by Sarreguemines, circa 1900. Molded in the form of a large yellow melon with green vines and leaves. The li...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Wedgwood English Majolica Snail Shell and Ivy Pitcher date marked 1870
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English Wedgwood Majolica pitcher, an aesthetic movement mold showing a snail shell against sprays of climbing ivy on a tortoiseshell ground. A branch form handle, yellow ochre ri...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

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

19th Century Continental School Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Continental, likely German, 19th century. Oil on canvas, housed in a gilt oval frame. A town scene, unsigned.
Category

19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Dr Christopher Dresser for Benham and Froud. A pair of brass fire dogs
Located in London, GB
C Dresser for Benham & Froud, a pair of brass fire implement rests.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Majolica Asparagus Plate Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century rare Majolica asparagus plate, Luneville unsigned. Rare brown color. Every important French manufactures produced at the end of the 19th century asparagus and artichoke ...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Leather Giraffe 20th Century, England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb leather giraffe from England from the 20th century from the 50's Very nice giraffe in superb condition which has a very beautiful patina. The bl...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather

Classic Masonic Temple Flush Mount Lamp
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a hard to find and classic flush mounted lamp. The seeded and frosted glass is all original. The frame is a dark oil rubbed finish with a simple pattern dark light pattern ov...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Victorian 19th Century NJ-made Aesthetic Period / Movement Oak Corner Stand
Located in Southampton, NJ
A stunning dark oak aesthetic period corner table with New Jersey history. According to the tag that was affixed in the 1950s the table was made by Henry Forsyth. What I love about t...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Monumental Italian 1950s Wrought Iron Wall Lamp
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Italian 1950s wrought iron wall lamp.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Victorian Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Ebonised Glass Double Door Pier Cabinet
Located in King s Lynn, GB
A Victorian amboyna and ebonised pier cabinet in the Aesthetic Movement style, circa 1870–1890. The cabinet is fitted with a pair of glazed doors, flanked by ebonised and gilt-carved...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Ford Tupper Gilded Age Sterling Silver Barrel Form Ice Bucket / Cooler
By Ford Tupper, Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Gilded Age American figural ice bucket. By Ford & Tupper, the renowned 19th Century New York City silversmiths. In the faux bois form of a...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bentwood Mahogany Twin Bed
Located in Queens, NY
Bentwood (19/20th Century) mahogany stained twin size bed with fluted frame (includes: headboard, footboard, rails). (Irregular size, check measurements).
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Pr. English Fireplace Tool Rests
Located in New York, NY
Pr. solid brass tool stands, designed to hold fireplace tools, shovel, poker etc. Very decorative, well made, clean original condition.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gorham Co Aesthetic Movement Copper and Silver Tray
Located in Paris, FR
Astonishing and precious this mixed metals tray is very rare, from American Aesthetic Movement inspired by the Japonism style. The base of the tray ...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver, Copper

1960 s Berber Tikdift Zanagah Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79186 Vintage Tikdift Moroccan Rug, 05'02 x 08'00. A vivid expression of tribal imagination and pastoral lore, this hand-knotted wool vintage Berber Tikdift Moroccan rug from the Zan...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Phillip Webb for Morris Co. English Aesthetic Movement oak reclining armchair
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co. Designed in C1866. A rare Aesthetic movement oak adjustable reclining armchair with good quality tan leather button back u...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Gillow s of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Armoire Wardrobe Compactum
Located in London, GB
Gillow's of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement walnut armoire wardrobe compactum with lots of useful storage space. The moulded cornice and b...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Attributed to Philip Webb Aesthetic Movement original rush seat Sussex chair
Located in London, GB
Morris & Co. Attributed to Philip Webb An Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair with original rush seat and retaining the rush seat side panels. This chair has been totally ...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rush

The Desert Geometry: A Rare Early 20th-Century Southwestern Crystal Masterwork
Located in Dallas, TX
78723 Rare Antique Southwestern Crystal-Style Rug, 02'06 x 05'05. Woven in the early 20th century, this precious antique Southwestern rug reflects the stylistic influence of the Crys...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique oil painting "Flowers of the Field" signed, Second Half of the 19th century, France
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This splendid French oil painting was made with a remarkable painting technique that allows the artist to achieve a high degree of naturalistic rendering.Put in relation to the chron...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

"After the Rain" Original Painting by Ira Barkhoff
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Oil on canvas signed in the lower left and inscribed in verso. Measuring 37.5" x 37.5" with the frame and 30" x 30" canvas only. It is in excellent condition and ready to hang. Bo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Paint

George Tinworth Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Pottery Bowl, 1879
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and decorative Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth early stoneware bowl decorated with scrolling seaweed and rosette designs by renowned artist George Tinworth and dated 1...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Aesthetic Movement Table Lamp in Japonisme Style
Located in Houston, TX
This very special table lamp is of the Japonisme or Aesthetic Movement Style. The Japanese lamp is intricately painted with some moriage and some gold. The paint is an enamel-like ...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

EXQUISITE ANTIQUE BURR WALNUT AESTHETiC MOVEMENT SALON SOFA GRAND TOUR PLAQUE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale very rare, highly collectable Burr Walnut & Ebony framed Victorian Aesthetic Movement Salon sofa with a inse...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Walnut

German Majolica Wild Boar Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce German majolica glazed earthenware Wild Boar plate, circa 1890-1900. Unusual both for the subject matter and for the lighter glaze coloring, this delightful plate is playful and amusing. The dark glazing of the wild boar shows him in contrast to the more pastel coloring of the background. Raised mold work defines the landscape. A slightly scalloped rim. 9 inches in diameter x 1 inch high. Marked with an inscribed mold number – possibly attributing this plate to the Zell pottery...
Category

1890s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Mintons Majolica Glazed John Henk Monumental Rooster, England 1910
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Minton, a monumental and scarce Rooster figure, Stoke-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1910. A mold designed by John Henk, this faithful representation of a proud roos...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Carafe in Engraved Crystal and Silver
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Very elegant French carafe in engraved crystal and silver. On your table or in your bar area it's the most beautiful object to admire. It's perfect and r...
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo side chair.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century Games Box In Walnut And Boxwood
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely 19th century walnut and boxwood game box. Very beautiful, unusual box with light wood inlays forming a checkerboard on the top and decorations on the side. Inside, a backgammo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Late 19th Century Persian Kermanshah Carpet with Rustic Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74990 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug with Traditional Style 16'00 x 18'03. A beautifully detailed antique Persian Kermanshah boasts an intricate small center medall...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Moser Aesthetic Enameled Cordial/ Liquor Set, 15-Pieces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Moser Aesthetic enameled Cordial/ liquor set,15-pieces. Subtle olive green glass, with naturalistic enamel work with gilt highlights. Consisting of two handled decanters with stopper...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

19thc Ebonised Piano Stool by Henry Brooks Co London W/Howard Son Upholstery
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An ebonised piano stool by Henry Brooks & Co London. Beautifully made, well proportioned stool with cushioned seat leading to four turned legs with hoof like feet and delicate turned...
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Majolica Plate Flowers Dragonfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Plate Flowers & Dragonfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880. Baby blue background with lily of the valley. 8 inches diameter.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1890. with shells.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

B J Talbert Aesthetic Movement Carved Gilt Wall Shelf with Mythical Creatures.
Located in London, GB
Bruce J Talbert, probably made by Gillows. A rare Aesthetic Movement carved and gilt wall shelf with carved florets to the top center with gilt decorat...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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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