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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
Wedgwood Majolica Strawberry Dishes, Set of 6, dated 1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, a delightful set of six majolica glazed Fruit Dishes, in the Strawberry pattern, date marked 1880. On the Argenta white ground, a wide rim...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Oversize 19th Century English Chinoiserie Platter Bates Gildea Walker
Located in Austin, TX
Oversize 19th century English Chinoiserie ironstone platter bates gildea & walker. Kioto Pattern. Earthenware and porcelain manufacturer at the Dale Hall Works, Longport, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1878 James Gildea joined the partnership of Bates and Walker...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

1960 s Berber Tikdift Zanagah Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79187 Vintage Tikdift Moroccan Rug, 03'05 x 05'03. A joyful ode to pastoral life and tribal memory, this hand-knotted wool vintage Tikdift Moroccan rug from the Zanagah tribe radiate...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Aesthetic Movement Tiger Maple Occasional Table English, 19th Century
Located in Lomita, CA
The beaded lunettes on this oval maple table are reminiscent of Moorish architecture; which the appraiser says was an influence of Aesthetic Movement furniture in England, which is w...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Maple

Morris and Co. An Aesthetic Movement cane seated armchair
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement cane seated armchair by Morris and Co with circular cane seat. A variant is illustrated in the Liberty Yuletide Gifts catalogue.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cane

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

Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th century Swedish bookcase cabinet by Sandberg Co
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish bookcase cabinet by Sandberg & co circa 1910. Good quality 1 piece bookcase cabinet by Swedish furniture makers sandberg of linköping. Stepped top surfac...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass, Birch

Aesthetic Movement Side Table by C. Fischer Amsterdam, 1900s.
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Aesthetic Movement side table. Design by C. Fischer Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with original solid oak top. Marked with manu...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Elaborate Scrolled Set Of Andirons, Log Holder And Fire Tools
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elaborated crafted set of andirons, fire tools and log holder. Pair of large intricately scrolled and pierced andirons each in a black-painted finish. The tops each garnished with a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

1940’s Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53076 Distressed Vintage Turkish Oushak Prayer Rug, 02'09 x 04'02. This hand-knotted wool distressed vintage Turkish Oushak prayer rug embodies the enduring spirit of Anatolian weavi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Aesthetic Movement Carved Cherry Faceted Mirrored Corner Cabinet c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique aesthetic movement corner cabinet offers cherry construction in faceted form with carved foliate frieze surmounting cast with single beveled glass door opening to shelved ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid 20th Century aesthetic movement inspired brass hall cushion mirror
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality cushion mirror in the aesthetic movement taste, circa 1950. Pressed brass decorative surface with florals and moulding. Raised cushion mirror with single door to the fr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

1960 s Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
50561 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 07'00 x 10'01. As if touched by the twilight of a distant Anatolian memory, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug glows with a timeworn ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Morris Co. Phillip Webb Attri. Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair
Located in London, GB
Morris & Co. Attributed to Philip Webb An Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair with newly laid rush seat. This chair has been totally restored and had new rush professional...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

An Aesthetic Movement low side chair with fretwork to the lower back rest
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement low side chair with fretwork to the lower back rest, this has shrunk and cracked a little but still quite useable. With unusual high, turned stretcher supports ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Blue and White English Porcelain Vases Aesthetic Period Circa 1870
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of blue and white Aesthetic Movement 'Japonism' vases dates to circa 1870. They are square and intricately decorated in blue with cranes beneath towering bamboo. The blue d...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Style Brass Crystal Chandelier Gold Art Deco 1920
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our Exquisite Antik Chandelier – a masterpiece of elegance and style that seamlessly complements any space with a touch of timeless beauty. With its stunning details and ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Jas Shoolbred and Co (attributed) An octagonal oak side table with central shelf
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal oak side table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross stretchers.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Mid-19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver

Porcelain Half Moon Pink Shell on Baby Blue Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century, French porcelain, crescent or half-moon shaped oyster plate, five pink blush oyster wells on a baby blue ground. Shown behind the main wells are the brown glazed...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Side Cabinet with Carved panels of Putti Putti playing music.
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement part ebonized side cabinet with carved and gilt sunflower florets to the back and carved walnut panels to the doors cabinet with fine well-carved panels of Putt...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Minton Majolica Cobalt-Blue Ground Reticulated Garden Seats, 1871
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Pair of Minton Majolica Cobalt-Blue Ground Reticulated Garden Seats Shape no. 1364. Each hexagonal, with a paneled side pierced in the Aesthetic style with yellow-centered w...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica

Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

John Rose Coalport Prince of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Coalport parian bust of the Prince of Wales sculpted by John Rose and dated 1863. Probably made to commemorate the forthcoming marriage of Albert Edward Prince...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Giltwood Rectangular Display Case
Located in Astoria, NY
Giltwood Rectangular Display Case, early 20th century, fitted with a door to one end, enclosing three glass adjustable shelves, on a molded stepped plinth, with interior lighting. 59...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

Aesthetic Movement Tromp L Oeil Basket
Located in Montreal, QC
An American Aesthetic Movement Basket, naturalistically modeled as a bird perched on a a leafy twig, above a shallow dish simulating cloth, decorated with gilt and silvered leaves an...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Wedgwood Majolica Large Tortoiseshell Shell Shaped Server Majolica Serving Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, an English majolica scallop shell shaped seafood serving dish, date marked 1889. Showing the mottled tortoiseshell glazing of greens, amber, and brown. The mold refl...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Victorian Carved Ebonized Oak Torchiere Floor Lamp, England, c. 1890s
Located in Glasgow, GB
An elegant expression of late Victorian craftsmanship, this antique torchiere floor lamp—dating to the 1890s—is carved from solid oak and finished with a deeply ebonized surface. Cra...
Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Sheffield Dickinson El Dorado Steel and Wood Handled Long Butchers Knife
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A 16 inch long butchers knife, a carbon steel blade with an unusual carved wood tapered handle, Sheffield, England. The blade is marked: The El Dorado...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cut Steel

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Bijar Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76785 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Bijar Rug, 13'00 x 22'08. Woven in the rugged mountains of western Iran during the final decades of the 19th century, this rare and regal anti...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Aesthetic Movement side table with sunflower curved straight side stretchers
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement walnut side table with two curved upper stretchers that unite to a central sunflower and a lower straight sided H stretcher that unites to the bottom of the...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Zabihi Collection Turkish Narrow Runner dated 1912
Located in New York, NY
A one of a kind Turkish Runner dated 1912 Details rug no. 30817 size 2' 2" x 11' 2" (66 x 340 cm)
Category

20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Piano Sponnagel Circa 1900 With Its Seat
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Sponnagel piano circa 1900 with its seat Very beautiful work of sculpture and beautiful work of wooden marquetry Very beautiful patina and in very good condition The piano is in wo...
Category

Late 19th Century Polish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Collinson Lock EW Godwin attri. An Aesthetic Movement walnut side cabinet.
Located in London, GB
Collinson and Lock EW Godwin attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany side cabinet, the upper cupboard doors with contrasting fruit wood panels and little ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo Pagoda Wall Shelf Cabinet Att. To Maitland -Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a burnt bamboo pagoda form wall shelf attributed to Maitland-Smith. The shelf measures 28.5”L x 8”W x 27”H. It has two mirrored sections. It is unmarked and in very good condit...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Wood

Garnet Sons of Warrington. Aesthetic Movement Oak Side or Cricket Table
By Garnett Sons
Located in London, GB
Garnet & Sons of Warrington A good quality Aesthetic Movement oak side or cricket table with a circular quarter sawn top gives wonderful figuring to the grain, with a shaped and scro...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Majolica Pond Life Ewer Wilhelm Schiller Son, circa 1885
Located in Austin, TX
Monumental 19th Century Majolica ewer with crawfish handle, dragonfly snail, grasshopper, frog and aquatics plants, signed Wilhelm Schiller...
Category

1880s Czech Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience

Dr C Dresser An Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Stick Stand Made By Coalbrookdale
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser An Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Stick Stand with stylised floral details. Made By Coalbrookdale Iron Works. (The width is measured to the edges of the little lions paw ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Dante Rossetti for Morris and Co. A pair of rush seated armchairs
By Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Morris Co.
Located in London, GB
A pair of Morris and Co rush seated armchairs, designed by Dante Gabriel Rossetti with newly laid rush seats.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rush

Maitland-Smith Faux Tortoise Tooled Leather Bamboo Canterbury Magazine Rack
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking Maitland-Smith faux tortoise and tooled leather bamboo magazine rack. It is marked and in very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Round Ceramic Hand Painted Portugese Mirror by Jay Willfred for Andrea Sadek
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful round hand-painted ceramic mirror. This piece was hand-painted in Portugal by artist Jay Willfred for Andrea Sadek. It features a round cerami...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Mirror, Paint

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case by George Unite
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver calling card/business card case in original, velvet lined leather box, London, year-hallmarked for 1860, George ...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinoiserie Ochre Yellow Dragon Vase by Lambeth Doulton Faience, England 1880s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Elegantly adorned with intricate chinoiserie dragon detailing, this ceramic ochre yellow vase from Lambeth Doulton Faience exudes timeless charm and ex...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

19th Century Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Bamboo Sewing Side Table
Located in Forney, TX
Add a touch of elegant sophistication, romantic warmth, and authentic antique character with this absolutely exquisite 150 year old Victorian era sewing stand work table (today it wo...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Italian Adjustable Wooden Lounge Chair, Italy 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian adjustable wooden lounge chair with wave formed armrest in black tinted wood. Italy 1940s.  
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

C. 1880 Dutch Repousse Brass Jardiniere
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1880 large round repousse brass jardiniere, Dutch. Great lion mask & ring handles. Raised on copper trefoil topped flat tapered feet. Repousse design of a handsome work horse p...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

T. Elsley attri. Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert w. upper central peacock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Elsley attributed. A rare Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert with an upper central peacock and Japanese basket weave decoration around it. Each side is designed to display t...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Doulton Lambeth Winged Satyr Handled Stoneware Jug
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and unusual Doulton Lambeth art pottery jug with a winged satyr handle dating from around 1895. The stoneware jug is of tall tapered cylindrical shape standing on a slightly w...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Burnt Bamboo Root Bamboo Details Desk Chair c.1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this perfect example of an Antique Burnt Bamboo and Root Bamboo Desk Chair. The finials and the feet of the chair are in the root of the bamboo This chair is late 19Th cen...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Linen, Bamboo

Signed Late 19th Century Antique Persian Kerman Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
61187 Late 19th Century Signed Antique Persian Kerman Rug, 11'02 x 16'09. Woven with the echoes of Persia’s grand artistic legacy, this magnificent Late 19th Century Persian Kerman rug pays homage to one of the most celebrated masterpieces in textile history—the Ardabil carpet...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Majolica Paradise Bird Flowers Salins Plate, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Paradise bird & flowers Salins plate, circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

E W Godwin attr, for Collinson Lock. An Aesthetic Movement mahogany side table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, attributed, made by Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic movement mahogany side table with spiral-turned legs on out swept feet.With the original lock and key to the drawer.Col...
Category

1880s Indian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique American Pennsylvania Church Vitrage 1920 Stained Glass
Located in Boca Raton, FL
American antique Pennsylvania church stained glass with crown . Great collectible and decorative piece.
Category

1920s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

English Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Marble Top Buffet Sideboard
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand english late 19th century buffet sideboard or server featuring an Italian Carrara marble inlay top. The case is crafted from rare fruitwood in the aesthetic movement taste with...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

New Contemporary Turkish Oushak Rug with Aesthetic Movement Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79113 New Modern Turkish Oushak Rug, 09'05 x 12'08. This hand-knotted wool modern Turkish Oushak rug presents a mesmerizing blend of traditional Anatolian artistry and contemporary e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish 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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