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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
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 Furniture

Materials

Clay, Linen

19th Century Large Cast Iron Garden Urn Aesthetic Movement
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular cast iron Victorian Aesthetic Movement Garden Urn. In excellent antique condition with tons of patina, and no breaks or bad repairs. Amazing pair of handles all original ...
Category

1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Antique Ebonised Aesthetic Movement Side Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
Antique Victorian Upholstered Parlour Chairs Ebonised frames with turned and carved details very much in the Aesthetic style. c.1880s in date. Unsigned but very much in the style of designs by Bruce Talbot for March, Jones & Cribb or Gillows. Upholstered in faded Liberty ‘Ianthe...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Early Victorian Ebonised Inlay Pier Cabinet Glazed Bookcase Velvet Lined
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A well proportioned Victorian peer cabinet, ebonised with fruitwood inlay and standing on four turned bobbin feet. Two opening glazed doors, retaining its original lock and key, ope...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood, Mahogany

19th Century Victorian Iron Aesthetic Manner Fire Grate Basket and Original Hood
Located in Edinburgh, GB
An original antique 19th century -Victorian wrought iron fire grate basket in the Aesthetic Manner with its original sweeping chimney hood. A high Cartouche shaped fire back with a c...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Aesthetic Movement Tiger Bamboo Bat Wing Bar
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early 20th century Aesthetic Movement tiger bamboo small 2 person bat wing bar with a unique batwing bar top and small 2 shelf cabinet along the back.  
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Lydie Eyraud, Mirror, circa 1980
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Lydie Eyraud Mirror, circa 1980 Wood and resin Measures: 45.5 x 45.5cm Signed at the bottom.    
Category

1980s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Resin, Wood

Aesthetic Movement Scissor Action Drop Leaf Side Table Made from Hungarian Ash
Located in London, GB
A Continental Aesthetic Movement scissor action drop leaf side table with a wild grain Hungarian Ash top. A secret drawer that has a button underneath to...
Category

1890s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ash

American Aestheticism, Griffoul Foundry Sculptural Bronze Bookends, Early XX C.
By M. Peinlich
Located in New York, NY
A charming set of bronze bookends. One of the bookends depicts a figure of a young girl with a questioning face expression, holding a bouquet; and the other a cupid, who peeks around...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Studio Crafted Claro Walnut End Table, 1970s
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning, studio crafted end table constructed of solid Claro walnut, made by an unknown designer in the 1970s. The table features a large storage area, a small drawer and a pull o...
Category

1970s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Mantel Clock Attributed to Lewis Foreman Day
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Aesthetic Movement mantel clock, with an ebonised mahogany case and an exquisitely painted dial. The case embodies the style of the Aesthetic Movement, with an arched a...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Aesthetic Movement Antique Chimneypiece in Pencil Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
An elegant and large Aesthetic Movement, bordering on Reformed Gothic, antique fireplace surround in Pencil Statuary Marble with a wide moulded shelf. The main body of the fireplace,...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Statuary Marble

"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

Small Oval Table or Stool Bobbin Turned Legs, 19th Century Spain
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
This table is raised on a base composed of six 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

Heywood Wakefield Wicker and Oak Table 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

1940s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Oak

Round Walnut Extension Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Round walnut extension dining table. The tabletop features a beautiful star design constructed of walnut and white oak veneer, and it sits upon a base...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Doulton Lambeth Frank Butler Stylized Pattern Candlestick
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Doulton Lambeth saucer shape stylized leaf design candlestick with brass fittings by Frank Butler and dating from around 1890. The candle stick...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Martin Brothers Loving Cup
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
5461 Martin Brothers Loving Cup with a crisp firing of an aquatic scene with twin handles. The vessel, thrown and decorated by Edwin and Walter Martin features stylised decoration of 9 fish...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Set of Six "King's" Pattern Sterling Silver Five O'Clock Spoons
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 sterling silver five o'clock spoons "King's" pattern retailed by Isaac Dixon. Probably made by Dominick & Haff. Double monogram sets: CGD & MD 1891 obverse. 3.20 troy oz. 4 ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Christopher Dresser Watcombe Aesthetic Movement Twin Handled Persian Taste Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Aesthetic Movement flow glaze twin handled vase in the ‘Persian Taste’ by renowned British designer Christopher Dresser (British, 1834 – 1904) for Watcombe Torquay...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Bentwood & Cane Settee, Attributed to Michael Thonet, C1900-1920s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this Bentwood and Cane back Settee.This settee is attributed to Michael then the Austrian-German Cabinet maker well known for is skilled work of bentwood, c1900-1920 It coul...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

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

Early 20th-C. Chinese Bamboo Cabinet / Etagere / Bookcase With Ornate Fretwork
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is such a versatile piece! It is an antique Chinese bamboo cabinet with ornate fretwork and original hardware. I love that the bottom portion opens to storage. The shelves are s...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Large Mid 20th Century Italian White Blanc De Chine Creamware Fruit Topiary
Located in Charleston, SC
Glazed Terracotta Majolica Fruit Tower Centerpiece A stunning large 21” Mid-Century Italian Blanc de Chine creamware glazed ceramic handmade fruit topiary in a pedestal basket. This...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

George Tinworth Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Pottery Bowl, 1879
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and decorative Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth early stoneware bowl decorated with scrolling seaweed and rosette designs by renowned artist George Tinworth and dated 1...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

1970s Maison Jansen Inspired Gilt Metal Faux Bois Etageres / Bookcases - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of gilt metal Maison Jansen inspired faux bois etageres dating approximately to the 1970s. They are unmarked and in very good condition. My shipping is for the Conti...
Category

Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

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 exquisite craftsmanship. Two meti...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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....
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

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

Bentwood Office Chair Model Number 704 J J Kohn For Thonet 1900s Jacob Joseph
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Wonderful bentwood chair, designed by Jacob and Joseph Kohn, Austria and produced by Thonet, dates from the early 1900s. Model Number 704 Retains the original embossed seat with won...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

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

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

Attributed Herter Brothers Antique Aesthetic Movement Carved Slipper Chair
By Herter Brothers
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

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

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

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

Large 19th Century Cherry Wood Refectory Table With A Width Of 100cm
Located in Brussels, Brussels
superb large 19th century refectory table in cherry from Vendée region in France very beautiful top with a beautiful patina and a frame which is unusual and gives it a lot of chara...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cherry

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 hardware.carving to the massive feet.Drawers ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Windsor Armchair In Chestnut Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant English Windsor armchair from the beginning of the 19th century in chestnut Very beautiful patina and in superb condition. Very elegant armchair which stands out by its bac...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Chestnut

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

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

A Set Of 4 Globe Wernicke Bookcases In Mahogany-19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant set of four large Globe Wernicke London mahogany bookcases from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century from England which have two lower advanced part (the two lowe...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 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

French Porcelain 6-Well Oyster Plate, c.1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French porcelain oyster plate, circa 1890. Six shell shaped oyster wells with colorful, hand painted ‘eyes’ surround a central turquoise, round sauce well, outlined in gold. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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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