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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
Period: 19th Century
Place of Origin: European
19th Century Plate Vieillard Bordeaux Service Nella
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Plate signed Vieillard Bordeaux service Nella. Naturalist plate with a kingfisher, an insect , water lilies
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

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

Majolica, Ceramic

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

Late 19th Century British Sofa with Tiles by John Moyr Smith, England circa 1875
Located in Greven, DE
Sofa Bench with Tiles by John Moyr Smith England Ebonised wood, mother-of-pearl, brass, ceramic tiles circa 1875 Dimensions: H × W × D: 99 × 157 × 70 cm, seat height: 45 cm Descri...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Fine Antique Rosewood Aesthetic Style Table by Edwards And Roberts/ London
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Edwards and Roberts produced furniture starting in 1845 in London, England. Their name became synonymous with expert craftsmanship, style and quality. This superb and rare Rosewood table bears a partial paper label identifying the esteemed furniture house attached to the underside. This fine Aesthetic Style table...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

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

Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Side Table or Window Table
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An exceptional Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Side Table, a superb example of craftsmanship that embodies the elegance of the era. This exquisite piece, possibly cr...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech, Amboyna

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

Bellevue Rye Floral Design Art Pottery Teapot Cover
By Rye Pottery
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare antique art pottery teapot and cover decorated with floral designs from the Bellevue pottery in Rye, Sussex and dating from the 19th century. Typical of Rye pottery...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Bruce Talbert, by Gillows Co. Aesthetic Movement chess table
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, made by Gillows and Co. An exceptional exhibition-quality Aesthetic Movement chess table inlaid with boxwood to the chessboard top, with three baluster legs incised an...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Boxwood, 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

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

Three Melbourne Graduating Aesthetic Movement Brown White Ironstone
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three 'Melbourne' graduating Aesthetic Movement brown & white ironstone platters, by Gildea & Walker. A rare and early set of three fully marked and nic...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ironstone

Exceptional Pair Austro/Bohemian Majolica Twin Handled Vases
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A exceptional, large and impressive pair antique twin handled majolica vases originating from one of the top Austrian or Bohemian makers and dating from the 19th century. Possibly ex...
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

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

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

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

FULLY RESTORED AESTHETIC MOVEMENT AMBOYNA EBONY ANTiQUE VICTORIAN DRESSING TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, hand made in England Aesthetic Movement Dressing table...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Amboyna

Polychrome Wooden Rocking Horse - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb 19th-century polychrome wooden rocking horse. A superb example, probably the finest we have seen, with a beautiful patina. Magnificent leather saddle, mane and small tail made...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Victorian William Godwin Ebonised Low Walnut Jappenned Folding Decorative Chair
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Victorian Aesthetic Movement Hand Crafted Ebonised Low Walnut Folding Decorative Chair with A Pale Upholstered Seat Chair Executed In The Manner of E.W. Godwin Circa 1870's Extra ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Italian Female Nude Bronze Sculpture by Vincenzo Aurisicchio from 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Bronze sculpture of a beautiful female nude, created by Vincenzo Aurisicchio in the second part of the 19th century. The bronze sculpture is in really good conditions. Ø cm 23 Ø cm...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Phillip Webb A large Aesthetic Movement bobbin turned Satinwood chaise lounge
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co attributed. A larger than usual Aesthetic Movement bobbin turned Satinwood chaise lounge or day bed, the upper turned armrests with typical Morris and ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Satinwood

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

A little pair of Aesthetic Movement oak Thebe stools with leather studded seats
Located in London, GB
A little pair of Aesthetic Movement oak stools with leather studded seats, on Thebes style mushroom feet.
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Late Victorian Aesthetic Movement upholstered Bench or Hall Seat
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Pretty Aesthetic Movement mahogany, upholstered small scale upholstered bench with low galleried back and finely ring turned legs circa 1880. It has been newly re-upholstered.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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

Good Quality Aesthetic Movement Brass Fire Fender with Turned Details Finials
Located in London, GB
A good quality Aesthetic Movement brass fire fender with turned details and finials above, protective mesh to the lower part all stood on a solid brass plinth.
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Aesthetic Movement Oak Mantle Clock by Howell James with Blue Tile Insets
Located in London, GB
Howell & James, in the style of Lewis Foreman Day. An Aesthetic Movement oak mantle clock with a carved cresting to the top and fan-shaped detail, framed by incised decoration and a ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE TiLED TOP CHESSBOARD CHESS TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning antique Victorian Mahogany games table with Chessboard Tiled top and stamped to the base with ...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Christopher Dresser "Studies in Design"
Located in Sharon, CT
This is the original and complete edition of the Classic. Contains all 60 plates.
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Dr C Dresser, Important Aesthetic Movement Marble Fire Surround with Bull Rushes
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser. An important and probably unique Aesthetic movement black marble fire surround, with stylized bull rushes and floral incised g...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

Vienna Austrian Hand-Painted Porcelain Chocolate Pot Stand
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional antique Austian hand-painted porcelain chocolate pot and stand by the renowned Vienna factory and dating from the 19th century. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Antique English Aesthetics Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century English desk handcrafted in bamboo in a Japonisme form featuring lacquered panels hand decorated with flowers and birds, the original brass hardware, leather ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

19th Century Enamelled Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Le Scarabee Paris No 1
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
19th Century Enamelled Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Le Scarabee Paris No 1 Beautifully made enamel cast iron wood burning stove, dating from 1860 / 1880, in the form of a scarab beet...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Art Pottery Vase by Emily Edwards 1875
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and exceptional Doulton Lambeth aesthetic movement stoneware vase decorated with stylized motifs by renowned designer and decorator Emily J Edwards and dated 1875. Emily Edwards...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Oak Table Or Desk - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely 19th century farmhouse table in oak and chestnut from France. Very beautiful table with two drawers in the belt that can be used as a dining room table or desk. Very beautif...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

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

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

19th Century Bamboo Table with Découpage Fish Decoration
Located in Atlanta, GA
Découpaged bamboo end or side table, probably English, circa 1880s.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Bamboo

An Aesthetic Movement walnut drop leaf side table on four turned incised legs
Located in London, GB
A small Aesthetic Movement Walnut drop leaf side table on four turned and incised legs united by a lower stretcher with a turned gallery arround on original brass and ceramic castors...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Mirror, Hardwood

Small 19th Century Cherry Wood Farmhouse Table
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little 19th century farmhouse table in cherry wood fromFrance with a length of 1.42m long and width of 69cm Small knife drawer in the belt. Very beautiful top with a superb p...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Thomas Jeckyll Register Stove Front Grate
Located in London, GB
A black-iron Thomas Jeckyll register stove front grate front from the foundry of Barnard, Bishop and Barnards. The full surround with asymmetric floral design, roundels with four bee...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Silver-plated candlesticks by William Tonks and Sons, late 19th century
Located in London, GB
William Tonks & Sons Pair of Late 19th Century Silver Plated Table Candlesticks A finely crafted pair of late 19th-century silver plated candlesticks by William Tonks & Sons, renow...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel, Iron, Silver Plate

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

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

Large French Majolica Vase with Flowers Edouard Gilles, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica vase with flowers signed Edouard Gilles, circa 1880. Painted flowers, impressionist period..   
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

19th Century Blue White Daisy Platter Minton
Located in Austin, TX
19th century blue & white daisy platter signed Minton.
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

French Faience Sunflower Tureen Creil et Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant and Rare French Faience sunflower Tureen Creil et Montereau Circa 1890. Signed C&M Le Soleil. Lemon handle.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

Watcombe Torquay Art pottery Brown Glazed Novelty Frog Shell Sauce Boat
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful and scarce Watcombe Torquay Aesthetic Movement art pottery novelty sauce boat modelled as a frog pulling a shell dating between 1880 and 1890. Probably made for Liberty ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

19th-C. English Victorian Carved Oak Eagle Form Console Table / Credenza
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a unique English Victorian carved oak eagle form console table or credenza. The back has a carved lion cartouche. The supports are opposing eagles. It is in very good conditi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Dr Christopher Dresser An ebonized and gilded pedestal torchère
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and gilded pedestal torchère in the style of Dr C Dresser. The circular top has a Greek key pattern band, the main octagonal column has incised and gil...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Large Majolica Shell Vase Nautilus Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica Shell Nautilus Vase Urn signed Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890. The base is decorated with shells and coral. H / 8 inches , W / 10 inches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

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

Large English Papier-Mâché Tray (H 20 x W 26 5/8)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine large English black lacquered papier-mâché tray from the Aesthetic Movement period, featuring a decorative painting of flowers and gilt rococo scrolls. Measures: H 20 in x W...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Paint, Paper

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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