In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.
ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.
The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking, and Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau.
The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own variants.
In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers.
The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.
Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass.
Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).
Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.
There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.
Art Nouveau Majolica Platter Gustavsberg Sweden 1860-1890
Located in Uppsala , SE
The plate is a piece of antique Swedish majolica produced by the Gustavsberg porcelain factory, dating back to the late 19th century. This specific pattern is a variations of the p...
Majolica
Art Nouveau 800 Silver Fish Servers Serving Set Fork & Knife Vintage, Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Art Nouveau fish servers serving set of a fork & knife, vintage Sweden. These serving pieces as in a rare and antique design. Made of 800 si...
Silver Plate
Antique Art Nouveau Sarreguemines Faience Tray in Metal Framing, Edelweiss Decor
Located in Bochum, NRW
Sarreguemines faience oval plate with metal frame, rich floral pattern Righi decor. Model not specified but corresponds to the Alpine flowers of the famous Righi model. Oval shape, w...
Metal
Maxim’s de Paris Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 2 Art Nouveau Style
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Maxim’s de Paris Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 2, Art Nouveau Style A charming set of espresso cups and saucers from Maxim's de Paris, the legendary Parisian restaurant...
Porcelain
French Set of 6 Majolica Flowers Egg Cup Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 6 French Majolica Egg Cup Circa 1890. Manufacture Saint-Clément ( East of France ) Purple lavender flowers shape.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Majolica Swan Trivet Art Nouveau
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica swan and yellow iris trivet inset in a footed wood frame, circa 1900.
Ceramic, Wood
$2,510Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Antique Art Nouveau Knife Set, Silver Plated 12 Fruit Knifes & Decor Stand
Located in Wembley, GB
An eye-catching antique WMF knife stand accompanied by twelve decorative knives, combining practical tableware with the sculptural appeal of Art Nouveau design. This antique fruit kn...
Metal, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Other
$875Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Roycroft Art Nouveau Trilium Craft Hammered Copper Smoking Set Tray
By Roycroft
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Roycroft Arts & Crafts / Art Nouveau Trilium pattern hammered copper smoking set featuring round plate / tray, match box holder, ashtray, cup, and shot glass. The trilli...
Copper
Art Nouveau Majolica Trivet Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica trivet in a footed wood frame, circa 1900. Geometric floral pattern. 9.5" by 9.5"
Ceramic, Wood
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Covered Pewter Osiris 909 Isis Egg and Chicken Dish
WMF Jugendstil brass fruit bowl vienna around 1908 ( marked on Bottom )
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Wien, Au
WMF Jugendstil brass fruit bowl vienna around 1908 ( marked on Bottom ) Polished and stove enameled
Brass
Martin Mayer German Dachshund Silver Mounted Glass Pepperette
By Martin Mayer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and stunning novelty silver and glass pepperette modelled as a Dachshund by renowned silversmith Martin Mayer (German, 1888-1939) operating from Mainz, Germany and dating from...
Silver
Big Pair of Candelabras, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Sign, Christofle 2825098
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Majolica Trivet Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica trivet in a footed wood frame, circa 1900. Purple flower passion flower or passiflora. 7.5" by 7.5"
Ceramic, Wood
Art Nouveau WMF Double Small Cup Holder Silver Plated
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Art Nouveau WMF double small cup holder silver plated.
Crystal, Silver Plate
Centerpiece WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, Numbered 457
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Caviar Server and Spoon , Att. Marionnet, 1900s
Located in MOUGINS, FR
An exuberant small caviar server cup with its original spoon in golden-patinated bronze, attributed to Albert Marionnet (1852-1910). The naturalist design and Art Nouveau style are ...
Bronze
Austrian Majolica Art Nouveau Wire Basket Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Austrian Majolica Art Nouveau Wire Basket Circa 1900. Representing a woman with flowers.
Metal
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, France, 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Majolica Morning Glory Trivet Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica trivet in a footed wood frame, circa 1900. Morning Glory 7.5" by 7.5"
Ceramic, Wood
Art Nouveau Small Breakfast Utensils Meat Fork, Butter Knife, Spoon German 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and elegant dining addition, this delightful set of Bakelite and metal serving pieces brings vintage warmth and style to any table. The collection includes two small meat...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Centerpieces WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, WMF, German Page: 56 in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcover. Sign number: 544 ...
Crystal, Silver Plate
German Majolica Wire Basket circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
German Majolica Wire Basket circa 1890. With daisies.
Metal
Centerpiece WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, Numbered 457
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, WMF, German WMF G with ostrich: The first WMF brand of printing, used from 1880 to 1925 for silver-plated metal items, and until 1930 for export items. The company from ...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$375Sale Price|40% Off
Gold Gilt Compote Tazza Art Nouveau Style
Located in New York, NY
A gold gilt compote or tazza in the Art Nouveau style, circa early 20th century. Piece is decorated with a raised relief of strawberry fruit, vines, leaves and flowers. Dimensions: 7...
Metal
Incredible Large Art Nouveau Mahogany & Silk Embroidery Serving Tray
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Rare and gorgeous very large art nouveau tray having mahogany border and lovely silk embroidery under glass.
Silk, Mahogany
Big Pair of vases Orivit , German, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1895
By Orivit
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplaces, Orivit, German The company was founded in 1894 as "Rheinische Broncegieserei fur Kleinplastiken" in Koln-Ehrenfeld, Germany. "Orivit" was initially a trade name (regis...
Crystal, Silver Plate
WMF set of Centerpiece WMF, German, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplaces, WMF, German The two small centers: 40 cm (15.74 inch) high x 30 cm (11.81 inch) diameter Page 70 WMF book (Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from Wurttembergische Metallwa...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Brass Tray Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte Austrian Jugendstil circa 1915
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Brass tray Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte ca. 1915 marked Austrian Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann was one of the leading designers of the Wiener Werkstatte...
Brass
Antique tray with Art Nouveau tile panel with Florale decoration, 1905s
Located in Verviers, BE
In very nice used condition, circa 1900. Beautiful Art Nouveau glazed porcelain tableau framed by Oak. Handles with brass details. A whole is in a beautiful state!. No cracks or ...
Porcelain, Oak
Circa 1900 French Majolica Asparagus Serving Tray with Drainer & Sauce Boat
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1900 French majolica asparagus serving tray with drainer & sauce boat. By Five-Lille, pattern 1305 by Gustave DeBruyn. Ribbon tied asparagus spears create the drainer for the p...
Majolica
Art Nouveau Majolica Ivy Trivet Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica trivet in a footed wood frame, circa 1900. ivy pattern. 7.5" by 7.5"
Ceramic, Wood
Antique Nippon Hand Painted Pink Wisteria Flower Porcelain Dish w / Handles
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Nippon Hand Painted Gold Trim Pink Wisteria Flower Porcelain Dish w / Handles. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 2.25" H x 11.25" W x 8.75" D.
Porcelain
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, Sign: Christofle, Number: 1631705
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Bronze
$865Sale Price|20% Off
Wiskemann, Louis the 16th Style Bottle Holder, Silver Plated, Belgian, Circ 1900
By Wiskemann
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This Louis the 16th style bottle holder is made of silver plated. This is a Belgian work marked by Wiskemann, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, 1855, Sign: Christofle N: 1286382
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, Sign: Christofle n: 1286382 Book: 150 Ans D´orfévrerie Christofle silversmith since 1830 page: 60 Author: Henri Bouilhet Metal: Silver plated Christofle is a manufactu...
Silver Plate
René Lalique Deux Figurines Menu Holders - Set of 8
By René Lalique
Located in Franklin Park, IL
René Lalique Deux Figurines Menu Holders - Set of 8 Each menu holder measures: 2.25 wide x 2 deep x 2.25 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We ta...
Glass
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Austrian Ruby & 24K Gold Etched Wine Glasses and Decanter, Set of 7
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite Austrian Art Nouveau set from the 1920s, featuring radiant ruby hues kissed by the opulence of 24k gold. The wine glasses are adorned with intricate floral etchings tha...
Gold Leaf
$9,606Sale Price / set|20% Off
Masons Arbor Patent Ironstone China, Antique Dinner Service, circa 1890
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This charming 23-piece antique dinner service by Mason’s Ironstone features the delightful “Arbor” pattern, a cheerful floral design typical of ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pair of Centerpiece WMF, German, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, WMF, German Number 124 Page 76 WMF book (Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from Wurttembergische Metallwaren Fabrik) WMF G: Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interes...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Vintage Tin Jug by Harald Buchrucker, Germany, 1920
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Tin Jug is an original decorative object realized between the 1920s. Created by Harald Buchrucker; made in Germany. The signature and the monogr...
Tin
L. Posen 800 Silver Sauce Boat
By L. Posen
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage early 20th century ornamental 800 silver sauce boat is beautifully designed by the German silversmith, Lazarus Posen. This exceptionally crafted silver sauce boat is des...
Silver
Big Pair of Candelabras, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, 1900, Sign, Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, Sign: Christofle Metal: Silver plated We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at you...
Silver Plate
Pair of vases WMF, German, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$5,881Sale Price / set|34% Off
Emile Gallé, Smoker Set Enameled Topaz Glass 3 Pieces, Thistles
By Émile Gallé
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Smoker set "Chardons " made in topaz glass with enameled design of thistles by Émile Gallé. Each piece is signed “E.Gallé”. All parts are in perfect con...
Enamel
Jugendstil Pewter Pitcher with Wood Handle, Germany, Early 1900s
Located in Roma, IT
Jugendstil Pewter pitcher is an original decorative object realized in the first years of the 20th century. Original pewter with braided w...
Pewter
Children Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German, 1900, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Electro- Wurtemberg Plate Company in Geislingen, Germany, internationally known today as 'WMF' initials of the company Württembergische Metal...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Large Art Nouveau Style Hildesheim Rose Silver Plate Flatware Cake Shovel 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful silver-plated cake server showing the decor of the Hildesheim rose. The pattern can be found on the handle. The shovel in leaf design. With this vintage cake server you c...
Metal, Silver Plate
Vintage BW Buenilum Silver Plated Aluminum Art Nouveau Covered Serving Dish
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage BW Buenilum Silver Plated Aluminum Art Nouveau Covered Serving Dish with Removable Glass Divided Liner. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 11" Diameter
Silver Plate
$1,184Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass Cake Stand
Located in Norwich, England
An Art Nouveau period copper and brass hand-beaten three tier cake stand. English - circa 1900. There are some knocks and marks with age. Some of the edging to the tiers has been ...
Brass, Copper
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, Sign: Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Crystal, Bronze
Antique 1933 Art Nouveau Style Sterling Silver Cream Jug / Creamer
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver cream jug in the Art Nouveau style; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This impressive George V antique s...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Centerpiece, Sign Gallia, in Silver Plated, Art Nouveau, Liberty, France, 1900
By Gallia
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Gallia centerpiece. It was exhibited in the original Miami beach antique show and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)" . We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale. Gallia Created at the turn of the 20th century, at the time of the famous 1900 Paris World Fair, the Gallia collection takes its name from a tin alloy of enormous importance in its time. With its name harkening back to "Gaul" and the Gallic rooster as its mark and symbol, Gallia metal...
Metal
WMF Silver Art Nouveau Dinnerware in its Original Jugendstil Case, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
WMF Silver Art Nouveau Dinnerware in its Original Jugendstil Case, Germany, circa 1900-1910 Elegant silver Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) dinnerware by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), Germany, from the early 20th century, circa 1900-1910. The dinnerware is presented in its original wooden case, featuring striking Jugendstil brass fittings and embellishments. The domed case retains its interior with individual compartments and original fabric lining, offering practical storage and exceptional decorative appeal. The set comprises approximately 90 silver pieces, including a variety of dinnerware, dessert, and serving pieces. The pieces showcase the refined craftsmanship and organic design sensibility that characterize WMF's celebrated Art Nouveau production. Although incomplete, the dinnerware remains an impressive and substantial set, especially valuable to collectors of German Jugendstil decorative arts. The preservation of the original custom-made chest significantly enhances its historical interest and value as a display piece. Manufacturer: WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Origin: Germany Period: Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Date: circa 1900–1910 Materials: Silver-plated metal, wood, brass fittings, fabric-lined interior Number of pieces: Approximately 90 Condition: Good antique condition, with age-related wear, minor losses, and patina consistent with age and use. Some pieces of the original service are missing. The original chest is preserved. An attractive and increasingly rare Art Nouveau dinner service...
Metal, Brass
Pair of vases WMF, German, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplaces, WMF, German Page 93 WMF book (Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from Wurttembergische Metallwaren Fabrik) ox: Oxidized. The impresse decoration is blackened with a solu...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Visiting Card Tray, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Fruit or Sweet dish, Centerplace, WMF, German Page 173: in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcove...
Silver Plate
Pair of vases WMF, German, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplaces, WMF, German Number: 665 A WMF G: Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interests of improved legibility, especially of the very small marks. The company´s choice of...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Majolica Platter Gustavsberg Sweden 1860-1890
Located in Uppsala , SE
The plate is a piece of antique Swedish majolica produced by the Gustavsberg porcelain factory, dating back to the late 19th century. This specific pattern is a variations of the p...
Majolica
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte Shot-Server, Silver Plated, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte shot-server, silver plated, Re edition Hammered brass-silver plated
Silver Plate, Brass
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, 1900, Sign: Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, Sign: Christofle Metal: Silver plated We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at yo...
Silver Plate