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Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

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
1950 s Signed Les Éditions d Art de Rambouillet Medieval Hunting Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
78549 Vintage Les Éditions d'Art de Rambouillet French Tapestry, 04'09 x 05'01. Woven not merely with wool but with the legacy of French aristocracy, this signed vintage Les Éditions d’Art de Rambouillet tapestry...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Nordic Firelight: A Rare Scandinavian Swedish Rya Masterpiece in Full Bloom
Located in Dallas, TX
79051 Vintage Scandinavian Swedish Rya, 05'03 x 07'06. Immerse yourself in the magnetic vibrancy of this hand-knotted wool Swedish rya rug—a dazzling artifact of mid-20th century Sca...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Vintage Turkish Silk Hereke Rug with Metallic Threads and Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79238 Vintage Turkish Silk Hereke Rug, 03'00 x 04'00. Radiating with the opulence of imperial craftsmanship, this exclusive hand knotted vintage Turkish silk Hereke rug is a lyrical ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Metallic Thread

18th Century Indo-portuguese Embroidery In Gold Thread On Velvet
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Spectacular 18th century Indo-Portuguese embroidery gold thread work on burgundy silk velvet decorated with elephants, birds and floral motifs, e...
Category

18th Century Portuguese Antique Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Silk

The Garden of Paradise: A Signed Turkish Silk Hereke Tree of Life Masterpiece
Located in Dallas, TX
79321 Signed Vintage Turkish Silk Hereke Rug, 02'02 x 03'03. In the grand tradition of Ottoman imperial artistry, this hand-knotted vintage Turkish silk Hereke rug is an exquisite te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Metallic Thread

1950 s Persian Shiraz Pictorial Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79097 Vintage Persian Shiraz Pictorial Rug, 03'10 x 06'04. This extraordinary hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Shiraz rug presents a captivating pictorial narrative, vividly depicti...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Wool

The Sultan’s Muse: A Handwoven Orientalist Tapestry of Desire and Dynasty
Located in Dallas, TX
73695 Imperial Harem Odalisque Renoir Reproduction Tapestry, 04'08 x 06'04. Evoking the opulence of 19th-century Orientalist art, this Imperial Harem Odalisque tapestry is a handwove...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Large Embroidery Kingdom Of Siam 19th Century 3m35-1m85
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and unique large embroidery from the end of the 19th century representing numerous characters, animals and two trees. Superb quality work on a black background which really b...
Category

19th Century Thai Antique Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Silk

Thai Embroidery - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely large embroidery from the end of the 19th century representing 8 Thai dancers. We can find on both sides the portrait of the dancers. Below 8 elephant medallions and above 8 b...
Category

19th Century Thai Antique Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

Materials

Cotton, Silk

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Vintage Turkish Silk Hereke Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful vintage Turkish Hereke rug made from 100% silk, and woven with a beautiful multi-colored tree-of-life pattern in the center surrounded by a wide borer containing multiple...
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Late 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

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Vintage Turkish Silk Hereke Rug
Vintage Turkish Silk Hereke Rug
$1,850
W 18 in L 26 in
Pure Silk Hereke Ozipek Turkish Rug Signed
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Very fine Turkish pure silk Hereke prayer rug from the famous Ozipek workshop. Fine Hereke Silk Rug – Ozipek Workshop Signed 101 x 76 cm (3.31 x 2.49 ft / 39.8 x 29.9 in) Late 20th Century Origin: Hereke, Turkey Manufacture: Ozipek (Özipek) workshop Period: 4th quarter of the 20th century (circa 1975–1999) Signature: Yes, signed in cartouche Condition: Excellent, collectible condition This exquisite Hereke silk rug, handwoven in the famous weaving town of Hereke, Turkey, is a masterclass in elegance, symmetry, and artistic finesse. Measuring 101 x 76 cm (3.31 x 2.49 ft / 39.8 x 29.9 in), it is a signed work from the renowned Ozipek (Özipek) workshop, one of the most respected names in modern Hereke silk weaving. Historical Background – Hereke & Imperial Ties: The town of Hereke, located near Istanbul, rose to prominence in the mid-19th century when Sultan Abdulmecid I founded the Imperial Hereke Weaving Factory in 1843. The goal was to produce the finest carpets for the Ottoman palaces, using silk, wool, and gold threads. These carpets were not only for domestic splendor but also served as diplomatic gifts. In the late 19th century, Hereke carpets gained recognition across Europe — especially in Germany, where Kaiser Wilhelm II became an admirer. On his visits to the Ottoman Empire, the Kaiser received several Hereke rugs as official gifts and reportedly commissioned carpets for his palaces, including Neues Palais in Potsdam. This cross-cultural appreciation helped cement Hereke’s reputation as a producer of imperial-quality rugs. Ozipek Workshop: The Ozipek workshop (sometimes spelled Özipek), active from the mid-20th century onward, continued the Hereke tradition of ultra-fine silk weaving. They are known for their high knot density, refined drawing, and classical Ottoman-Persian motifs. Rugs from this workshop are often signed, as seen in this piece, and are highly valued by collectors. Design & Pattern: This Hereke silk rug features a classic central medallion surrounded by an elegant arrangement of floral motifs, birds and delicate arabesques, creating a perfect symmetry. The field is richly detailed with scrolling vines, lotus blossoms, and stylized palmettes. The border is framed by narrow guard bands with complementary floral accents, enhancing the refined structure of the composition. This type of design reflects a synthesis of Persian Safavid influence and Ottoman decorative aesthetics, which is typical of elite Hereke production. Dominant Colors (Pantone Approximation): Royal Red – Pantone 7621 C (Main field and floral accents) Champagne Gold – Pantone 7506 C (Medallion and border highlights) Midnight Navy – Pantone 2766 C (Outlines and field contrast) Ivory Silk – Pantone 7527 C (Background and border fill) Technical Details: Material: 100% natural silk (warp, weft, and pile) Technique: Hand-knotted (double knot / Turkish knot) Knot Density: Exceptionally fine – often 1,000,000+ knots/m² (up to 654 knots/in²) Use: Collector's item, wall hanging, or luxury décor Signed: Yes, within the border This signed Hereke silk rug by Ozipek is not merely a decorative piece but a testament to imperial textile heritage, offering a tangible connection to the grandeur of the Ottoman court and its European patrons. Its fine craftsmanship, intricate design, and luxurious silk composition make it a sought-after treasure for connoisseurs of fine textiles and classical Turkish weaving. Production method: Hand-knotted Shape: Rectangular Colors: brown-red, gold, beige, black Pile height: approx. 2 – 3 mm Knot density: per m² 1,000,000, kpsi 654 inch² A+ export quality Made in Hereke, Türkiye by the Özipek workshop Usage: Tapestry, Floor Carpet Sustainable: Yes, from natural products Fair Trade: Yes, Label Step Fair Trade Carpets, no child labor, ecologically compatible production. We are Label Step Fair Trade Partners. Hereke silk carpets have always been among the exquisite works of art in carpet production. Its origins go back to the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I, who founded the Hereke Imperial Manufactory to produce all the textiles for his Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus. Due to the friendship between the German Empire and the Ottoman Empire, there were plenty of contacts between the oriental art of weaving and European customers. As is well known, a particularly great admirer of Hereke carpets was Kaiser Wilhelm II, who brought an impressive collection of exquisite carpets from Hereke with him in 1894. In the 20th century Hereke has developed into the most important production site for exquisite silk carpets. Floral carpets and prayer rugs in sizes 90 x 60 cm, 120 x 80 cm, 150 x 100 cm and 200 x 130 cm are common. Larger carpets are also available, but due to their high price these are much rarer. Simple qualities in wool on cotton warp start with a knot density of approx. 300,000 knots per m², particularly fine pieces reach fineness of over 4,000,000 knots per m². A floral drawing or floral repeat is typical. Well-known weaving masters or manufacturers are Ozipek, Derin, Han Hali. Turkish Hereke silk rugs are the most exclusive and highly priced rugs of all silk rugs...
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Bobyrug’s Nice Vintage Turkish Silk Kayseri Rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
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Antique 17th Century Baroque Italian Silk, Metallic Thread Embroidery Panel
Located in New York, NY
Fine 17th century Baroque period silk and metallic thread embroidery panel. Excellent vibrant colors of bold burgundy, pale cream and beautiful, elegant teal with a border of textur...
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18th Century European Hand Embroidered Silk and Gilt Threads Textile Panel
Located in Barrington, IL
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Early 18th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

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Antique 17th Century Baroque Italian Silk, Metallic Thread Embroidery Panel
Located in New York, NY
Fine 17th century Baroque period silk and metallic thread embroidery panel. Excellent vibrant colors of bold burgundy, pale cream and beautiful, elegant teal with a border of textur...
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Indo-Portuguese Embroidered Linen Wall Hanging, 18th Century
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Indo-Portuguese Embroidered Silk and Linen Wall Hanging, 18th Century. Some edge losses to linen otherwise in good condition. Fast shipping worldwide.
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Late 18th Century Indian Antique Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

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Pretty vintage Aubusson style Jacquard tapestry medieval design “the view”
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Discover the elegance of "La Dame à la Licorne" titled “The view”– a beautiful late 20th-century tapestry echoing the 15th-century masterpiece at the Cluny Museum in Paris. Woven wi...
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Late 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

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pretty antique French medieval design Aubusson style Jacquard tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
"Experience the timeless elegance of 'Scènes Galantes,' a stunning early 20th century French tapestry featuring a medieval design inspired by the 15th-century masterpiece from the Cl...
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handmade Silk Hereke Rug, Turkey, 20th Century
Located in London, GB
Exquisite design and quality workmanship silk Hereke rug - a true masterpiece that will elevate the decor of any space. This rug has been hand-knotted with great care and precision t...
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20th Century Silk Hereke Rug - Vintage Turkish Silk Rug, Hereke Silk Rug
Located in Sultanahmet, 34
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New Scandinavian Design Handwoven Flat Rug Kilim
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful new Kilim with geometrical Scandinavian design and light colors, entirely handwoven with wool on cotton foundation. Size: 170 x 240 cm.
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New Scandinavian Design Handwoven Flat Rug Kilim
New Scandinavian Design Handwoven Flat Rug Kilim
$2,395 / item
W 66.93 in L 94.49 in
Previously Available Items
Tapestry Signed Aubusson 2m10 By 1m80 Called Verdure
Located in Brussels, Brussels
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Asafo Flag
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Located in Glasgow, GB
This is a fine Asafo Flag from the Fante people of the Cape Coast of Ghana . This exceptional example is by renowned documented Flag maker 'Kwamina Amoaku '. Kwamina Amoaku lived and...
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Asafo Flag
Asafo Flag
H 0.4 in W 48.43 in D 36.23 in
19th Century Thai Embroidery
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Beautiful 19th century Thai embroidery in cotton and silk Very beautiful subject and in superb condition.
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19th Century Thai Antique Aesthetic Movement Tapestries

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19th Century Thai Embroidery
19th Century Thai Embroidery
H 36.62 in W 49.61 in D 1.19 in
Late 19th Century Antique Persian Kerman Dervish Pictorial Carpet w/Nastaliq
Located in Dallas, TX
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Aesthetic Movement tapestries for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement tapestries for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tapestries created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement tapestries made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 tapestries differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,786 and tops out at $3,786 while the average work can sell for $3,786.

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