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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
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

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

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

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

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

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Dr C Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box with stylized brass panels
Located in London, GB
Dr Christopher Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box on shaped feat set at an angle with a stylized decorative brass panel designed perfectly to shovel your coal. With origi...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut six leg octagonal two tier center table with fine turned legs and out swept feet. The construction has radiating stretchers ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Coalbrookdale. Lily Pad pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches
Located in London, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches, known as the Lily pad design, with fine fern leaf detailing, and smaller Lily-style leaves to the angular legs.Price per benchC...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Berlin Iron

David Waddington. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk with cantered corners and incized floral decoration and a tower turned gallery. Stamped David Waddington Ulphosterer Bolto...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

H W Batley attr. Jas Shoolbred Pair of Aesthetic Movement cane seat beech chairs
By Jas Shoolbred & Co., Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley attributed for Jas Shoolbred & Co. A pair of Aesthetic Movement cane seat beech side chairs. Stamped under the seat Jas Shoolbred and the production number 820
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

Charles Bevan. Marsh & Jones. Aesthetic Movement button back chaise lounge
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan for Marsh and Jones of Leeds Late Kendal works. A good Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized button back chaise lounge with carved rosettes to the front upright and subtle...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

J P Seddon attri. An Aesthetic Movement oak side chair with ebonized circles
Located in London, GB
J P Seddon attributed. An Aesthetic Movement oak side chair with ebonized circles to the backrests and carved decoration with through exsposed tenonsn joints. Seat Height: 45 cm
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century English Tortoise Bamboo Trompe L'oeil Centre Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical 19th century English aesthetic movement occasional table, center table, or games table crafted from radiant tortoise shell bamboo. The two-tier table features a trompe l'oeil decorated top on both tiers with decoupage playing cards on a black background with a rope border. The top of the games table is square with clipped corners. The legs are crafted from thick bamboo poles...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Paper

Classical 19th C. Brass Fireplace Fender
Located in New York, NY
Classical Victorian, Aesthetic Movement brass fireplace fender. The fender features two repeating brass rails, with decorative fluted ball spaces. late 19th century vintage, this e...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Antique French Chinoiserie Majolica Faience Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of unique antique (early 20th century) polychrome glazed earthenware (faience) vases mounted on brass pedestals for use as table lamps, featuring song birds in relief on a latt...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair 19 century French Gilt Bronze Aestethic Urn Form Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt and patinated and git bronze table lamps with urn shape with looping handles and raised gilt designs of blooming tree branches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Small Oval Table or Stool Bobbin Turned Legs, 19th Century Spain
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
This small table or stool is raised on a base composed of four bobbin turned Legs and a stretcher, also turned. Oval antique wine or side table of the 19th century. Wood with bo...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique German Hartleben's Volks Atlas Book World Maps
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique circa 1900 A. Hartleben's Volks-Atlas. Published by A. Hartleben's, Germany. Folio hardcover with decorated olive cloth binding and brown leather spine. Gilt title to spine...
Category

Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

An Exceptional Set of Aesthetic Movement Wrought-Iron Fire Tools with Scrollwork
Located in London, GB
An exceptional set of Aesthetic movement wrought-iron fire tools with scrollwork. The set comprises of a set of tongs, poker and shovel. The handles with carefully scrolled finials, ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Gorham Persian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Pierced Ladle
Located in New York, NY
Persian sterling silver pierced ladle. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1871. Pointed ovoid terminal with stylized leaf and scroll ornament mounted to round stem with reeded bands se...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid 20th Century Silver Kiddush, Eliyahu Hanavi cup by Bezalel School Jerusalem
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Important Handmade sterling silver Kiddush (eliyahu hanavi cup) goblet by Bezalel School, Jerusalem, circa 1948. On round base decorated with silver filigree and Cabouchon shaped o...
Category

1940s Israeli Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Agate, Silver

Early 20th Century French Bamboo Swivel Stool
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century French bamboo swivel stool newly upholstered in a saddle colored suede.
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

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

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Round Table Bobbin Turned Legs, 19th Century Spain
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
This table is raised on a base composed of four bobbin turned Legs and a optogonal star stretcher, also turned. Oval antique wine or side table of the 19th century. Wood with bobbin...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

1913 Huntley & Palmers Japanese Screen Form Biscuit Tin Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1913 Huntley & Palmers Japanese screen form biscuit tin box. Aesthetic Movement design 4-panel screen complete with faux leather trim - each panel well decorated. Regd No. 611071. St...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Tin

Attributed Herter Brothers Antique Aesthetic Movement Carved Slipper Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
The firm of Herter Brothers, (working 1864–1906), was founded by German immigrants Gustave (1830–1898) and Christian Herter (1839–1883) in New York City. An antique late 19th centur...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

1967 Aubrey Beardsley Book
Located in Seguin, TX
Aubrey Beardsley by Brian Reade. Published by The Viking Press, New York, 1967. An illuminating biography, and an engrossing analysis of Beardsley's aims and achievements as an art...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

"The Red Barn" by Gershon Benjamin
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Watercolor on paper presented in a contemporary frame measuring 19" x 25" overall. This work by Gershon Benjamin is signed in the lower right and features a classic red barn. An ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

Antique Tiffany Aesthetic Exotic Sterling Silver Turkish Coffeepot
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver Turkish coffeepot. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Upward tapering neck and round bowl. Ball-cover hinge-mounted to c-scroll...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Josiah Wedgwood Majolica Multi-Color Leaf on Basket Handled Server
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica multi-colored glazed fringed leaf on basket weave handled server, Josiah Wedgwood, Burslem, England – circa 1870. A leaf shaped molded shallow bowl with a pierced twig ha...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

French Bent Bamboo Mirror & Cane Hall Tree / Umbrella Stand / Coat Rack
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is one of my favorite hall trees! It is a 1950s French bent bamboo piece. It has four octagonal mirrors, multiple hooks and a lined base for umbrellas. It is in very good condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane, Mirror, Bentwood

19th Century French Majolica Chesnut Pitcher Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Rare French Majolica chesnut pitcher Salins ( East of France ), circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

Wedgwood Grape Leaf Majolica Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Wedgwood majolica glazed Grape Leaf Pitcher, date marked 1935. Decorated in the round, a raised pattern showing bunches of purple grapes, greens leaves, and brown vining branches. The interior is finished in a deep yellow ochre, a brown applied handle. This mold is most often seen glazed in all green or all white, the multicolored version is more difficult to come by. This is the largest of the jugs Wedgwood produced in this pattern under the Etruria mark. 7.75 inches High x 6.5 inches from the handle to spout x 5.25 inches wide. Marked Wedgwood Etruria England...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Wicker and Oak Library Table by Heywood Wakefield With Original Label
Located in Hudson, NY
Heywood Wakefield library table. With quarter sawn, oak top and woven wicker pedestal legs, apron, and stretcher. This wicker table drew on the Aesthetic Movement and Japanese influe...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Oak

Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo and birds eye maple Bed
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement birds eye maple and birch bed, circa 1900. The inside of the headboard with faux bamboo turnings and a large birds eye maple inset panel, both inside and outside o...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Birdseye Maple

Falkirk, an Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Stick Stand with Mythical Dragons
Located in London, GB
Falkirk. An aesthetic movement cast iron stick stand with flowing finial, a semi-circular stick retainer flanked by coronets with a wonderful pai...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

American Aesthetic Oak Partners Desk manner Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Buffalo, NY
American Aesthetic Oak Partners Desk manner Louis Comfort Tiffany.. Large and handsome antique oak partner's desk, Gorgeous grain, brass hard...
Category

1920s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Oyster Plate Porcelain with Turkey Pattern Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
Antique 19th Century French porcelain oyster plate with the turkey pattern signed Limoges Haviland.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement Table Lamp by Christopher Dresser
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A table lamp converted from a terracotta vase attributed to Christopher Dresser and Watcombe Terra-Cotta Co., of Torquay, Devon, England, circa 1875. The matte finish vase has been d...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Tea Set, 3 pieces silver plated, 19th Century Japonism
Located in Paris, FR
An exquisite 19th-century Japanese Silver-Plated Tea Set, a true embodiment of the enchanting charm of the Meiji era, which greatly influenced English designers. This three-piece ens...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Cubist square Tea Set by James W. Tufts, Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated
Located in Paris, FR
The teapot, part of a set including a creamer and sugar bowl, features a truncated pyramid shape with a square base and a flat hinged lid. The design includes faux bamboo handles and...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

A Library Terrestrial Globe With Wrought Iron Base
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine library terrestrial globe from the 60s made in Italy Very beautiful wrought iron base of good quality resting on a tripod base The globe is removable on its cradle for trans...
Category

20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Highly Unusual French Majolica Rope Twist Vase or Jardiniere
Located in Atlanta, GA
Aubagne France, early 20th century. A highly unusual French ceramic piece with beautiful brown glazed exterior and a polychrome glazed interior. The vase or jardiniere features a li...
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

French Victorian Glazed Aesthetic Period Centerpiece Planter
Located in Norwood, NJ
Finest quality French aesthetic movement glazed ceramic centerpiece planter, fourth quarter 19th century, Japanese inspired decorating throughout the oval-bodied vessel. The medium ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Vase Coalport England Hand Painted with Jeweling and Raised Gilt
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming vase by the storied English firm of Coalport. This sweetie features 2 handles, and an interesting hand painted scene with river, mountains, flora fauna accented with white...
Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Gold

Black Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb chesterfield sofa in anthracite black leather from the 60s, made in England Very beautiful sofa from the 60s made in England in Nothingham Beautiful quality leather Sofa call...
Category

20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather

Pair Of Tall Gilt Bronze Altar Candlestick Lamps as Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Pair of Antique Altar Candle Sticks which have been electrified and shaded. Pair of tall, tripod footed lamps, with bobeche and single bu...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Other

Giacometti Style Plaster Light Fixture, 6 Lights, France
Located in Nice, FR
Plaster luminaire with 6 branches (E27 base) in the style of Giacometti. Elegant and sober. The luminaire is electrified.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

PAIR OF BURR WALNUT AESTHETIC MOVEMENT LIBRARY ARMCHAIRS WITH GRAND TOUR PLAQUEs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale pair of very rare, highly collectable Burr Walnut & Ebony framed Victorian Aesthetic Movement armchairs wit...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Walnut

EXQUISITE ANTIQUE BURR WALNUT AESTHETiC MOVEMENT SALON SOFA GRAND TOUR PLAQUE
Located in GB
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

19th Century Pair of KPM Attributed Porcelain Painted Plaques of Woman & Boy
Located in Long Branch, NJ
19th Century Pair of KPM Attributed Porcelain Painted Plaques of Woman & Boy Dimensions : Frame - 16" Tall X 14" Wide X 2" Deep Porcelain 6.5" Tall This gorgeous pair of KPM Attrib...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

French Aesthetic Movement Patinated Bronze Figural Bowl/Basket
Located in Norwood, NJ
French aesthetic movement patinated and gilt bronze figural center bowl/basket, third quarter 19th century, formed as a large stylized woven basket. With leaves and vines as well as ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Secretary/davenport In Bamboo And Lacquer With Asian Decor - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
superb and unique secretary called davenport in bamboo and Chinese lacquer with Asian decoration from the 19th century from England Very beautiful little secretary, the first we ha...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

French Faience Tureen Creil et Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience Saint Cloud Tureen signed Creil et Montereau Circa 1890. Painted roses and wild roses , shell handle. Saint-Cloud is a commune in the western suburbs of Paris, France,...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

19th Century Victorian Bamboo Headboard with lacquered chinoiserie panels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A highly decorative Aesthetic movement Bamboo headboard with hand painted lacquer panels. The natural finished bamboo frame with chinoiserie panels resting on brass castors . The t...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

FOUR FINE BURR WALNUT AESTHETIC MOVEMENT DINING CHAIRS WITH GRAND TOUR PLAQUEs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this suite of four very rare, highly collectable Burr Walnut & Ebony framed Victorian Aesthetic Movement di...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Walnut

VM-Plaster Mirror 70"
Located in BOGOTÁ, CO
Plaster mirror with solid oak wood structure and finished in smooth plaster, dimensions 36"x 70" or 24"x 20"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster, Oak

VM-Martini Table
Located in BOGOTÁ, CO
Beatiful and delicate Martini side table, hammered solid black metal oiled finished 8"dia x 26"H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

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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