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Aesthetic Movement Lighting

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
Ceiba Table Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Peninsula, renowned as the C...
Category

2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Clay, Linen

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 Lighting

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 Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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 Lighting

Materials

Terracotta

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau Brass Chandelier Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite Art Nouveau brass chandelier chandelier ceiling light - a real rarity and an antique jewel. This vintage chandelier was lovingly and professionally res...
Category

1910s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Art Nouveau Style Brass Crystal Chandelier Gold Foliage
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisite Chandelier – a masterpiece of elegance and style that seamlessly complements any space. With its stunning details and compact dimensions, this chandelier in...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Late 19th Century Antique Bronze Champleve Table Lamp
Located in Canton, MA
Asian Antique Champleve table lamp. Totem like design Beautifully patinated bronze with Champleve in a band around the vase and with spears pointing down. The Champleve design in ver...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Bronze

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 Lighting

Materials

Plaster

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 Lighting

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 Lighting

Materials

Plaster

Big Lustre A Cage Antique Chandelier Crystal Brass
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Antique Chandelier: A Testament to Craftsmanship and Grace Behold the splendor of the past revitalized in our meticulously restored old chandelier, a true masterpiece that e...
Category

1880s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

19th C Bronze pendant with Bats
Located in Hudson, NY
Amazing. Bronze. Possibly Austrian. Wonderful patina. This is not currently wired. If you have any questions or would like it wired please reach out.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Antique Art Pottery Stoneware Dalton Lambeth Oil Lamp Signed Edith Lupton 1884
Located in Portland, OR
An exhibition quality Doulton Lambeth stoneware Aesthetic Movement oil lamp, Edith D Lupton, signed & dated 1884. This very fine & large oil lamp was d...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Brass Milk Glass Hanging Oil Lamp Chandelier Pendant Light
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique late 19th century Aesthetic Movement cieling mounted parlor light / chandelier featuring pierced brass design with pressed glass oil reservoir, mi...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Low Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Art Deco Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A restored masterpiece from the past Discover the charm of a bygone era with our carefully restored antique chandelier, a true labor of love from Berli...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

1950s French Carved Giltwood And Painted Acorn And Leaf Sconces - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved giltwood French sconces that depict spiraling leaves with branches and acorns. They most likely date to the 1950s. The pair is not electrified.
Category

1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Giltwood

1880 Longwy Aesthetic Movement, Eastlake Converted Gas Newel Post Table Lamp
Located in Mississauga, CA
Stunning original 1880s converted gas newel post. This is the largest we have ever had in over 40 years as an antique lighting dealer. Original porcelain inserts are attributed to Lo...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Antique 1880s Mitchell Vance & Co. Eastlake Lantern
Located in Mississauga, CA
Elegant 1880s converted gas lantern made by the Mitchell Vance & Co. New York. Made of cast bronze with beveled glass panels, the lantern was originally gas and has been converted to electricity. True Aesthetic Movement / Eastlake light...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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 Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

1887 Aesthetic Movement Combination Gas Electric Chandelier
Located in Mississauga, CA
Now this is a fascinating light and an incredible historic artifact from the very early days of electricity. It was originally a gas and electric light with the gas burners pointing ...
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Art Nouveau Brass Crystal Chandelier Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisite smaller chandelier - a masterpiece of elegance and style that will fit seamlessly into any room. With its compact dimensions and stunning details, this chan...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Orientalist Chandelier, France, Circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare chandelier in gilded and patinated bronze with eighteen lights, finely decorated with stylized oriental motifs in polychrome red and blue cold enamel. Surmounted by an elegant c...
Category

1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Unique Pair of Faux Rosewood Clarinet Form Table Lamps
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Faux rosewood base. Clarinet body. 37 3/4" h x 5 1/2" diameter. Condition Good condition. We recommend all lighting be rewired.
Category

1970s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Walnut

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold Circle Whirl
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold Circle Whirl
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Large Scale Meiji Japanese Bronze Table Lamp W/ Floral Candelabra Mounts
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese, circa 1900. A pair of antique Japanese bronze table lamps. The lamps feature a detailed body showcasing applied lotus blossom and bird motifs to center, traditional Japanese motifs throughout and good quality guardian handles to each. These have a very unusual blossom floral and vine...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Bronze

c. 1870 Scrolled Verdigris Iron 6-Light Chandelier
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1870 scrolled verdigris iron 6-light chandelier, French. Bold iron work accented by gilt acanthus leaves, bobeches & central floret drop. Simple armorial decorations. Chandelie...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Iron

Lampe Onyx
Located in Nice, FR
onyx table lamp lit with two bulbs a white cotton lampshade this lamp can go very well on a desk on a chest of drawers on a console a bulb is placed inside the lamp to illuminate it....
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Onyx

Mediterranean Slag Stained Glass Bronze Lamp
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Slag glass and bronze lamp. Great proportion and balance. Nicely patinated. 3 Bulb function on individual pull chains for controlled ambiance and color control of slag panes. Lamp Fa...
Category

20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Metal

Cast Iron and Brass Filigree Lamp
Located in Canton, MA
Cast iron and brass filigree lamp. May have been originally gas. completely restored, metals cleaned, polished brass and iron freshly painted in a ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Iron

Pair of plaster lamps, in the manner of Jean Michel Franck
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of plaster lamps, in the style of decorators from the 1940s, French decorators They are accompanied by a custom-made straw lampshade. All electrified
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Plaster

Mid Century Abstract Ceramic Lamp in Cerise An unusual shape
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Mid Century Abstract Ceramic Lamp in Cerise An unusual shape with the light bulb concealed in the bottom of the lamp, this makes unusual and attractive patterns when lit The lamp is...
Category

1960s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Lamps, Murano Glass, Pebbles, 20th
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of Murano glass lamps, emerald color, similar to pebbles. They are mounted in lamps with a white lampshade. An E 27 base bulb. Pair of very elegant lamps.The originality is the...
Category

20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Murano Lamps, Amethyst
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of lamps from Murano, Amethyst color. The lamps are electrified and sold with their lampshade. To please you, I can take care of the packaging for better transport security. ...
Category

20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Mediterranean Slag Stained Glass Bronze Pendant Chandelier
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Slag glass and bronze swag pendant. Great proportion and balance. Nicely patinated. 3 Bulb function on individual pull chains for controlled ambiance and color control of slag panes....
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Ceramic Table Lamp by Jie Ceramics, Sweden
Located in London, GB
Unusual ceramic table lamp in cobalt blue and brown ceramic. The cobalt blue background has a high glaze and the climbing figures are in brown unglazed ceramic. This beautiful design...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Ceramic

Flower Chandelier Amber Crysatal Glass Candelabrum Brass Bronze Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Vintage Chandelier: A Fusion of History and Elegance Step into a realm of timeless beauty with our meticulously restored old chandelier, a testament to the skilled craftsman...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

Tiffany Studios New York Student Lamp Signed Bronze Base and Artglass Globes
Located in Savannah, GA
Two bell shaped art glass signed iridescent shades are supported by an adjustable bronze two arm base with bell sockets. The twin paddle knob sockets are stamped GE CO. The base is s...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

African bead pendants with mouth blown milk glass shades
By Csaba Markus
Located in Berkeley, CA
We have created three new pendants using rolled African ash beads, earth and stone mixed. They can be a symbol and celebration of womanhood, sexuality, femininity, fertility, healing, spirituality, protection, seduction, and wealth, The milk glass was blown by our Bay Area super star Alex Abajian at Glow studios. We value these unique lights...
Category

2010s Botswanan Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Coade Stone, Art Glass

Martin Brothers Early Stoneware Oil Lamp Base with Butterflies
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and early stoneware oil lamp base incised with butterflies by Robert Wallace Martin for the Martin Brothers dating from around 1873 when Martin Brothers were founded. The tall oil lamp...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Stoneware

Articulating Brass Reading Floor Lamp in the Classical Style, C. 1900- 1930's
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural articulating floor, reading lamp, having a tri- part footed spade foot base, with three segment vertical pole. The lower, and longest sec...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Lighting Italy, Sconce, xx Th
Located in Nice, FR
a single light, brass structure, a very beautiful Murano glass plate. Application of a geometric design on the glass plate. Single model.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique French Sconces
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/3746 - Antique French pair of sconces in massive bronze, with the original glasses (rare !). They are so special! And the price is good because I would like to close my business ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Iron Faux Bois / Twig Floor Lamps, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 20th century iron faux bois or twig from floor lamps with interesting shades. They were candelabras that I had converted, so the ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Iron

Aesthetic Style Stained Glass Harp Lantern
Located in Canton, MA
Stained glass harp lantern. Originally Gas. Completely restored and rewired, ready to hang. American C. 1885 Dimensions: height: 33 width (diameter): 9.
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair of Plaster Lamps, Cubist , moderniste
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of plaster lamps, cubist, XX th, work done at home, artist's creation. They sold with the lampshade. Base E 27.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Plaster

Papier Mache Vase as Lamp
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine back and two tone gold chinoiserie decorated papier mache vase, now as lamp. Beautifully painted.
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Paper

Pair Lamps, Murano, Toso, Modern, Smoked Brown
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of smoked brown lamps, Murano, brass structure, Modern, with lampshade. The lamps are signed Toso Murano.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Textured Glass, Brass and Steel Pendant in the Style of Stilnovo-Ipso Facto
Located in Nice, FR
Stylnovo Ipso facto metal lantern with crackle glass globe, from Italy, 1960. Green color. Interesting metal work.
Category

20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern, Murano Glass & Brass Floor Lamps
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of floor lamps, Murano, gray blue color, Modern, Brass structure. It is possible to dismantle the luminaire for transport. Base E 27 light bulb each. Each lamp has an incandesce...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Late 19th Century Eclectic Cameo Table Lamp
Located in Canton, MA
This lamp is porcelain in a dark crimson with a hand painted cameo on one side and instruments on the other. The arms and base are metal. It was ori...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Glazed 19th C, Aesthetic Lantern Pendants with Gothic Stained Glass
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A wonderful pair of 19th century aesthetic Hall Lanterns with floral decorative motifs, foliage and scrollwork. Featuring five glazed stained glass panels which date to 1860. A matc...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Aesthetic Movement Copper, Brass, Painted Glass Library Oil Lamp Pendant Light
Located in San Francisco, CA
A lengthy, hanging, library oil lamp from the mid 1880s, in a striking Eastlake Victorian style; now electrified. A copper and brass, multitiered desi...
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass, Copper

Italian Murano Glass Vintage Table Lamp
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
The true Murano artistically engraved glass table lamp: elegant and settable anywhere. It is NOT necessary to change the power supply, but also use Your lamps with 110 W - 12 V. Now...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Art Glass

Three Light Aesthetic Movement Gasolier
Located in Canton, MA
Late 19th century three light Satyr Aesthetic Movement gasolier. Porcelain break with a Satyr. Can be used with crystals or without. Simple tubular arms and curved decorative element...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Lighting

Materials

Brass

Aesthetic Movement lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement lighting 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 lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement lighting made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include Csaba Markus, Champeleve, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Elkington & Co.. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $408 and tops out at $32,500 while the average work can sell for $2,800.

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