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.
1,499
40
31
to
269
866
650
1,570
1,551
1,557
190,629
114,236
41,651
31,717
15,912
11,557
10,337
10,205
9,355
8,553
7,174
6,643
6,176
6,121
5,786
5,324
5,019
3,579
13
1,097
389
71
186
88
53
51
10
11
10
5
13
12
15
6
9
511
497
429
170
138
1,176
715
598
242
212
35
31
28
21
19
Style: Aesthetic Movement
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Bench With Rush Seats By Heals
By Heal's
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement ebonised beech settle with rush double seat
Heals - after the ‘Sussex’ design by Morris & Co
Previously unrecorded settle version
Circa 1890
Height 90cm. Width...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
Unusual Mahogany Armchair, George Jakob Hunzinger, New York City, circa 1880s
Located in Buffalo, NY
An American 'Aesthetic Movement' mahogany armchair, circa 1880's, attributed to avant garde New York City furniture maker and designer, George Jakob Hunzinger, the padded back and se...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Globe Wernicke Waterfall Bookcase In Light Oak - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
exceptional set of three Globe Wernicke London oak bookcases from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century from England
rare bookcase called waterfall since the elements hav...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Set of 3 Orientalist Painting, 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a highly decorative grouping of three Orientalist oil-on-board paintings that date to the late 19th century. Although the paintings are not signed, they appear to be painted ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
Original Christopher Dresser teapot Elkington & Co
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Silver plated Victorian teapot by Elkington & Co designed By Dr Christopher Dresser. A stylish design years ahead of its time. In good condition and becoming increasingly rare.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Mexican Antique Flower Pot Ceramic Vase
Located in Mérida, YU
Amazing looks and patina of these vases. Nice texture. Blue ornamental motif.
With or without plants this ceramics fill a room with elegance.
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Clay
1622-1722 Kangxi Chinese Export Porcelain Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1622-1722 Kangxi blue & white porcelain plate, Chinese export. Charming 6-panel border, artemisia marked. Each border reserve & the central reserve feature ...
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Circa 1970 Sterling Silver Flatware Service in Old Maryland Engraved by Kirk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage sterling silver Old Maryland Engraved pattern flatware service by Kirk. Monogram HSH. Service for 8: dinner knives, luncheon knives, dinner forks, luncheon forks, salad forks...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
18th Century Framed Oil Painting on Canvas of Nativity ~ Flemish School
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Framed Oil Painting on Canvas of Nativity ~ Flemish School is an amazingly inspirational work, displaying the influences of the Old Masters in the setting, composition, ...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
Circa 1815-30 Large "Mason's Patent Ironstone China" Pitcher or Jug
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1815-30 large "Mason's Patent Ironstone China" pitcher or jug, English. Octagonal; Japan Basket pattern. Well printed & painted. Ferocious hydra head handle is exceptional in d...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Ironstone
Pair Of Globe Wernicke Bookcases In Oak -19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant pair of large Globe Wernicke London bookcases in oak from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century from England
The two bookcases are made up of 5 elements
The book...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
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 Pe...
Category
2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Clay, Linen
Syrian Inlaid Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderfully creative Levantine or Syrian cabinet that dates to the late 19th century. It's style is reminiscent of the work of Carlo Bugatti. This cabinet is intricately de...
Category
Late 19th Century Syrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Victorian Glass Ball and Claw Black Ebonized Oak Table, circa 1870s
Located in Hastings, GB
Victorian glass ball and claw ebonised table
C'1870's
Beautiful ebonised side table with turned bobbin legs. There are 4 brass eagle claws holding ...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench. Circa 19th Century 1840-1849 Period. Aesthetic Movement. Featuring rope tied oak branches with leaves motif. This bench has seen many chan...
Category
1840s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Liberty & Company Mahogany Thebes Stool
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with new leather with tacks. With label from Liberty on base. From a Bunny Williams designed Palm Beach home.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
California Coastal Landscape by Rod Goebel (American 1946-1993)
By Rod Goebel
Located in Dallas, TX
SPRING LIGHT, American West / California rocky Pacific coast oil on canvas landscape picture by American painter / artist Rod Goebel (1946-1993) impressionist style, signed front low...
Category
20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Russian Icon with Processional Cross 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful Russian icon with a processional cross in its center from the 17th century
We can see that the icon was created to accommodate the processional cross with the Chris...
Category
19th Century Belarusian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Ceramic, Majolica
R. J. Horner Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good example of an R.J. Horner & Co. Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo bed. The bed is beautifully designed utilizing various type of maple--bi...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Maple
Majolica Oyster Plates by Minton, 1876
By Minton
Located in Paris, FR
These Minton majolica oyster plates were produced in different colors. Delicate turquoise color with iridescent green tones on the middle of the plate. Decorated with refined shells,...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Majolica
Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French porcelain oyster plate with seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Sarreguemines French Majolica Trompe L’Oeil Greek Key Border Napkin Bread Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Sarreguemines Majolica line, a trompe l’oeil napkin bread tray, France, circa 1885-1890.
An earthenware, faïence bread tray modeled as a cloth napkin with a floral and chec...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Powell Bishop & Stoner English Aesthetic Movement Transferware Platter Honfleur
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An Aesthetic Movement transferware platter by Powell, Bishop & Stonier, Hanley, Staffordshire, England, showing the English Registry nu...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Aesthetic Movement Japanesque Cabinet Plate Attributed to Christopher Dresser
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine Aesthetic Movement porcelain cabinet plate decorated in the Japanesque style attributed to Christopher Dresser and dated 1877. The plate, possibly Minton, is finely made ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Majolica Elephant Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Elephant Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Measures: Height / 5.4 inches.
Length / 6.7 inches.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Townsend & Co Aesthetic Movement Brass and Copper Bamboo Candlesticks
By Townsend & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish pair Townsend & Co Aesthetic Movement candlesticks with mock bamboo supports dating from circa 1890. The candlesticks are finely made with rounded stepped domed heavy ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Falkirk, an Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Stick Stand with Mythical Dragons
By Falkirk
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
Samuel Alcock Mask & Ivy Cobalt Blue & Green Majolica Pitcher, England, 1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarely found English Majolica mask handled and climbing Ivy water pitcher, marked Samuel Alcock & Co. circa 1875.
A round bellied cobalt blue body ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Bruce Talbert Style, Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chair with Elongated Turnings
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert in the style of. Probably made by Gillows of Lancaster.
A good quality Aesthetic Movement dining or side chair with elongated turnings to the back.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese Mahogany Armchair with Lattice Work Details
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese mahogany armchair with sweeping arms and vertical supports below following down past the seat forming lattice wo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case by George Unite
By George Unite
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver calling card/business card case in original, velvet lined leather box, London, year-hallmarked for 1860, George ...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Aesthetic Movement Bronze Andirons in Christopher Dresser Style
Located in Sharon, CT
Pair of large (22") cast bronze andirons constructed of multiple Aesthetic Movement devices.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Silver Mounted Blue & White Pottery Faience Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual French silver mounted faience pottery inkwell hand painted with blue and white designs dating from the 19th century. The domed shape inkwell stands on a rounded base with ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
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
Wedgwood Palissy Majolica Snail Shell and Coral Open Salt Cellar, Dated 1872
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very rarely seen Wedgwood Majolica glazed shell and coral open salt cellar molded in the Palissy style – date marked 1872.
The globose snail shel...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Vintage Persian Sarouk Scatter Rug with American Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75657 Vintage Persian Sarouk Scatter rug with American Traditional style. Rich in color with beguiling beauty, this hand knotted wool vintage Persia...
Category
Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
E.W. Godwin, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Octagonal Table with Crossed Stretcher
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin in the style of.
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal centre or side table with arched apron below the top, he legs united by upper stretcher...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique American Aesthetic Coin Silver Baby Cup by Chicago Maker
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic coin silver baby cup. Made by Juergens & Andersen in Chicago. Tapering and inset sides engraved with stylized ornament, including swags and scrolls, centered on oval frame ...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
Gregory & Co. An Aesthetic Movement nursing chair with stylized carved sunflower
Located in London, GB
Gregory and Co. Regent St. London.
An aesthetic movement nursing chair with a stylized sunflower carving to the top, cup handle to the back flanked by turned finials with turned upr...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Luigi Melchiorre Italian Gilded Bronze Bust of Child in Bonnet
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique Italian gilded bronze sculptural bust of a young child wearing a bonnet signed by Luigi Melchiorre (1859-c.1908). The bust sits on a dr...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Set of 8 Antique Worcester Porcelain Cabinet Plates with Enamel Flowers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredibly fine set of 8 Worcester porcelain plates.
With raised, enameled flowers to the borders on a custard colored ground.
Each flower is layered. The bottom layer has ...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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
19th Century Carved Oak and Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century carved oak and gilt wall mirror
A good rectangular mirror with poker work carving highlighted in gold
The mirror is in good condition and has its original beveled gl...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Lg. Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Engraved Flowers & Birds
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very large and substantial silver plated serving tray is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in the United States in approximately 1900 in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The tray has a very ornate stylized floral border with ornate handles with applied figural birds. The serving tray surface is very detailed with geometrically partitioned panels...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Christopher Dresser Design Minton's 4 Dinner Plates
Located in Sharon, CT
4 beautiful Minton's Aesthetic Movement plates with Japanese designs by Christopher Dresser.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Erphila Czechoslovakia Spring Green Floral Biscuit Barrel with Rattan Handle
By Erphila
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A charming, brightly glazed biscuit barrel with a rattan handle, made in Czechoslovakia for Erphila importers, circa 1918-1920.
The barrel and lid are hand painted in an incredible spring green and dotted with flowers and leaves glazed in pink, blue and yellow. The upper rim is glazed in a bold contrasting lavender. The lid has a top knob also formed as a yellow petaled flower. Knobbed side handles hold the removable, swing handle, woven in a tan rattan with a darker brown stripe.
Erphila was an import company owned by Theodore Ebeling and Frederick Reuss of Philadelphia, who emigrated to the US from Germany. In 1886, they established a company to import porcelain, earthenware, and ironstone from several Bohemian...
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Aesthetic Movement Coal Scuttle Tinder Box, London, by H. Loveridge
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Ebonized tin, copper and brass coal scuttle, London by H. Loveridge, 1870s The model is the Edinburg featuring a high relief copper panel...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper, Metal
Mezzotint Two Nudes on the Seashore by Alessandro, Mastro Valerio
Located in Toledo, OH
Mezzotint two nudes on the seashore lounging on a rock by Alessandro - Mastro Valerio 1887-1953. Signed lower right. Number 27/35. Hinged to backerboard...
Category
20th Century North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paper
English Minton Aesthetic Movement Majolica Pineapple Palissy Pitcher
By Minton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Minton pottery in Staffordshire, England, a Majolica glazed pitcher in the Palissy style, formed as a pineapple, registered and dated October 5th, 1858.
From a set of thr...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
John Broad Doulton Lambeth Rare Art Pottery Beaker Vase Dated 1880
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and exceptional Doulton Lambeth art pottery beaker shaped vessel beautifully decorated with floral panels by renowned artist John Broad and dated 1880. This unusually finely m...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Silver Flower Basket Place Card Holders Set of 6
Located in Stamford, CT
1950s Brazilian 900 silver basket place card holders. Each holder features a “bouquet” of semi precious stones. Twisted round silver holder. Each hol...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Silver
French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Grapes Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with bunches of grapes, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1920.
A grape vine branch forms the top handle, grape b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Sheffield Dickinson El Dorado Steel and Wood Handled Long Butchers Knife
By Dickinson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A 16 inch long butchers knife, a carbon steel blade with an unusual carved wood tapered handle, Sheffield, England.
The blade is marked: The El Dorado...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Cut Steel
Auguste Louis Lalouette French Bronze Figure of a Young Sacristan
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and large antique bronze figure of a young Sacristan smelling an incense container by acclaimed French Sculptor August Louis Lalouette (1826-1883), believed to date from t...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Creil et Montereau French Majolica Trompe L'oeil Asparagus Server, circa 1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica asparagus server made by Creil et Montereau, circa 1890. This large oval earthenware master serving platter, although made in one piece, has the trompe l’oeil effec...
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Headrest Ceramic
Hermes Cigarette
Hermes Oak
Indian Silver Clad
Isola Gabetti
Italian Copper Pots
Italian Majolica Planter
Jack Bailey
Jack Spade
Jacques Adnet Couch
Jacques Le Meme
Japanese Needlework
Japanese Outdoor Bench
Japanese Panels Relief Sculpture
Jena Glass
Joan Miro Carpet
Josephine Bonaparte
Knoll Model 75