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.
Pair of Candelabras with Deer, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Sign, Christofle 2440657
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
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, 1900, Sign: Christofle N: 2364323
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, Sign: Christofle n: 2364323 Metal: Silver plated Christofle Christofle is a manufacturer of fine silverware and home accessories based in France. Christofle's origins...
Silver Plate
3 Centerpieces, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, France, 1900, Sign:Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
3 pieces Christofle Measures: Big Centerplace 65 cm (24.80 inch) long x 18 (7.08) High x 39 (15,35) depth (cm) Silver plated bronze and crystal Sign: Christofle , Number: 1391742 2...
Crystal, Bronze
$624Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century French Silver Lamb Carving Set with Monogrammed Handles
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very charming vintage French lamb carving set with solid silver handles, comprising a carving knife, carving fork and leg-bone holder. Each implement features a beautifully fluted handle, entwined with a spray of olive leaves, and emblazoned with the engraved monogram 'PB'. The knife blade is steel. The leg bone holder is an unusual item...
Silver, Steel
Jugendstil brass ( silvered ) cake server austria 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil brass ( silvered ) cake server austria 1908 Only Polished
Brass
Set Art Nouveau Hildesheim Rose Silver Plate Flatware Cake Shovel & Sugar Tongs
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful silver-plated cake server and sugar tongs feature the Hildesheim Rose design. The pattern is found on both the handle and the scoop. With this vintage cake server and ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Centerplace, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1898, Sign: Orivit 2638
By Orivit
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
Big Tray, German, 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...
Silver Plate
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, 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
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, 1900, 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...
Metal
Centerpiece WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1905
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
Saint-Clement Art Nouveau Ceramic Cheese Dish, Poppy Design, 1900s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This rare and highly decorative French ceramic cheese dish by Saint-Clément, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, is a charming example of French tableware from the trans...
Ceramic
Centerpiece WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, WMF, German Page: 91 in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcover. *= Export-ware ...
Crystal, 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 Page 346 WMF book (Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from Wurttembergische Metallwaren Fabrik) ox: Oxidized. The impresse decoration is blackened with a sol...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Antique Butterfly Tray
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Antique Butterfly Tray This exquisite antique tray showcases a stunning geometric design created beneath glass, featuring carefully arranged,...
Boxwood, Walnut
Set of Three Art Nouveau Silver Plate Flatware Cake Shovel, Germany 1890 - 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful silver-plated cake server set of three shows the decor of the Art Nouveau era. The pattern can be found on the handle and on the shovel. With this antique cake server...
Metal, Silver Plate
Antique Imperial Russian Solid Silver Gilt Cloisonne Enamel Kovsh Moscow 1908
Located in Portland, OR
A very good antique Imperial Russian silver-gilt cloisonne enamel kovsh, Moscow, circa 1908. The kovsh of traditional shape with all over muti-color cloisonne enamel decoration, the ...
Silver, Enamel
French Majolica Red Daisy Card Holder Delphin Massier, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Red Daisy Card Holder Delphin Massier, Circa 1890.
Ceramic
Set of Two Art Nouveau Hildesheim Rose Silver Plate Flatware Cake Shovel, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful silver-plated cake server set of two shows the decor of the Hildesheim rose. The pattern can be found on the handle and on the shovel. With this vintage cake server yo...
Metal, Silver Plate
Antique Imperial Russian Silver Gilt Cloisonne Kovsh Nikolay Strulev Moscow 1908
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Imperial Russian silver-gilt & cloisonne kovsh, Nikolay Strulev, Moscow, circa 1908. The kovsh with all over floral cloisonne enamel decoration to the bowl and the top...
Silver, Enamel
Antique French Embossed Brass Bread Basket w. Gladiator
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Embossed Basket in Brass suitable for bread, fruits or vanity purposes. Distinct art nouveau styling and a center motif or a riding gladiator. Made in France circa 1900-1920. Measure...
Brass
Set of Two Art Nouveau Hildesheim Rose Silver Plate Flatware Cake Shovel, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful silver-plated cake server set of two shows the decor of the Hildesheim rose. The pattern can be found on the handle and on the shovel. With this vintage cake server yo...
Metal, Silver Plate
Wrought Iron Decanter with Vine Leaves Decoration on a Marble Base
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice and decorative decanter decorated with Vine leaves is made of wrought iron on a marble base. This is a French work. Circa 1920
Marble, Iron
Charles Duchene French Silver Plated Dessert Service Cutlery, 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Silver Plated Dessert Service Cutlery by Charles DUCHÊNE, Paris, 1900s. This exquisite French silver plated dessert service cutlery set, crafted by renowned Parisian goldsmith...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Champagne Glasses Signed Kaizerzinn Model 4910 No 5 Germany
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Champagne glasses Signed Kaizerzinn 4910 No 5 Company Germany Jugendstil period. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any fur...
Pewter
Large Antique Buffet Food Warmer From The Household Supply Bond St. London
Located in Morristown, NJ
London, England C. 1884 a Boyd's Patent Campaign Cooker Food Warmer, also known as The Universal Heater. This unit is larger than others, having four openings for warmers. It has a removable top with a scalloped edge, is silverplate and has interlocking monogram engraved on the top (the initials are LW/WL with a crown symbol). The stand bottom is marked, "BOYD'S PATENT" and has six turned wooden bun feet. The underside also has a plaque reading "THE HOUSEHOLD SUPPLY AND ATMOSPHERIC CHURN COMP'Y LTD, 119 NEW BOND ST, W". While missing the original spirit burners, modern day sternos would work well. This is a very attractive and decorative item that could be used for a variety of purposes including food warming and display, a unique charcuterie board, for floral display and so on. I have seen copper versions that comprised a cooker/warmer , two spirit burners with snuffer caps and a cast iron...
Silver Plate, Copper
$475Sale Price / set|47% Off
This is a vintage blown Murano glass service from Manifattura Di Murano
Located in Birmingham, AL
This is a vintage blown Murano glass service from Manifattura Di Murano, likely from the 1950s. The set features ruby red glass with rich gildin...
Blown Glass
Georg Jensen Serving Fork
By Georg Jensen
Located in Riverdale, NY
Georg Jensen sterling serving fork, #83 pattern with openwork stem and Art Nouveau floral cap. Measures: 7.5" x 1.5". "W" monogram, hidden on ba...
Sterling Silver
Antique & Extra Large Arts & Crafts Hand Painted Flower Decor, Tile Serving Tray
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully hand painted and glazed, porcelain tile in superb branches frame serving tray. This beautiful quality and marvelous design tile serving tray is another one of o...
Porcelain, Wood
Antique & Beautiful Arts & Crafts Hand Painted Waterlily Decor Tile Serving Tray
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully hand painted porcelain tile in chrome metal frame serving tray. This beautiful quality, oval shaped tile serving tray is an ...
Chrome
20th Century Art Nouveau Copper Serving Tray, Gilt Brass Handles, AT circa 1900
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Eye-catching 20th century Art Nouveau copper tray with gilt brass handles from the very early period in Austria. Elaborately handcrafted around 1900, this one of a kind Vienna secess...
Brass, Copper
Art Nouveau Majolica Grapes Trivet Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica trivet in a footed wood frame, circa 1900. Grapes pattern. 7.5" by 7.5"
Ceramic, Wood
French Majolica Fleur-De-Lis Coaster
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Fleur-De-Lis Coaster.
Ceramic, Wood
Argentor serving plate ( marked ) vienna around 1910s
Located in Wien, Au
Argentor serving plate ( marked ) vienna around 1910s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
Keller & Guerin St Clément Luneville Trompe L’Oeil Art Nouveau Asparagus Server
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An Aesthetic Movement French Faïence trompe l’oeil asparagus server, Keller & Guerin St. Clément, circa 1890-1900, in the Art Nouveau style. Molded to imitate a fringed and floral...
Earthenware
Set of 5 French Faience Orchid Place Holders circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Very rare Set of 5 French Faience orchid place holders circa 1900. Attributed to Saint Clement.
Faience
Set of 3 Majolica Butterflies Place Card Holder Choisy Le roi Circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Very rare set of 3 Majolica Butterflies place card holder or menu holder signed Choisy Le Roi circa 1880.
Ceramic
Set of Six Art Nouveau Continental Silver (.800) Caviar/Hors d'Oeuvres Spreaders
Located in New York, NY
Set of six, Art Nouveau, Continental Silver (.800) caviar/hors d' oeuvres spreaders, Germany, Ca. 1895-1910. Both sides of spreading surface are rose-gold gilded. Decorated with Art...
Gold, Sterling Silver
$341Sale Price|42% Off
Argentor Serving Plate, 1930s
Located in Wien, Au
Argentor serving plate, 1930s. Brass polished and stove enamelled. Painted ceramic.
Brass
$227Sale Price|28% Off
Sugar Bowl with Cut Glass
Located in Wien, Au
Sugar bowl with cut glass polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Vintage Denmark Art Nouveau Round Silver Plated Dish with Scrolling Handles
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Denmark Art Nouveau Round Silver Plated Dish with Scrolling Handles. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 1" H x 11" W x 9.5" D.
Silver Plate
Double Fruit or Sweet Dish, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900, WMF
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...
Silver Plate
Antique English Art Nouveau Silver Plated Covered Butter Serving Dish w / Birds
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Art Nouveau Silver Plated Covered Butter Serving Dish w / Birds. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 10.5" H x 8" W x 6" D.
Silver Plate
Hammered and Painted Copper Tray Decorated with Green Leaves and Colored Berries
Located in Milan, IT
Hammered and Painted Copper Tray Decorated with Green Leaves and Colored Berries On four feet.
Copper
Antique German Art Nouveau Brass Metal Pickle Castor w/ Etched Glass Insert
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique German Art Nouveau Brass Metal Pickle Castor w/ Etched Glass Insert. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 14" H x 7" W x 4.75" D.
Brass
Exceptional French Silver & Daum Glass Wine Ewer / Claret Jug, France Circa 1900
By Daum
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A truly exceptional French silver (.950 fine) & art glass wine ewer, showing a flattened ovoid body with a partial matte surface decorated with etched thistle motifs highlighted in g...
Silver
1920 Bohemian Crystal Set of five Cups and Jug Gold Leaf Paint
By Bohemia
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
1920 Bohemian crystal set of five cups and jug gold leaf paint. The jug is 20 cm high the cups 4 cm and the diameter is 10 cm for both.
Crystal, Gold Leaf
Jugendstil Cast pewter wine bottle holder marked Urania 1075, ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
The Netherlands / 1910 / Bottle Stand / Urania 1075 / pewter / Jugendstil / Art Nouveau / Art Deco A charming bottle stand by Urania Maastricht, The Netherlands. The design of this ...
Pewter
Évora Serving Tray, Green Onyx and Brass, Organic Shape
Located in Lisboa, PT
Évora is a serving tray cut from a single slab of green onyx in a soft teardrop outline, rounded at one end and drawn to a point at the other, with rails of brass that rise on turned...
Onyx, Brass
$619Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Beechwood and Brass Tray, Germany, Polished, Circa 1900
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful small tray from the Art Nouveau period made of beech wood with brass and beech handles. Practical small and very decorative. Very good restored condition, newly hand polished.
Brass
$338Sale Price|24% Off
Passaic by Unger Sterling Silver Asparagus Fork, circa 1900
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Passaic by Unger sterling silver asparagus fork gold washed circa 1900. Good large Serving Fork, partial gold wash. Length: 8.75 inches. Weight: 81 grams. Very minor wear to original...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Tile Panel with Florale Decoration with Carafe and 6 Shot Glasses
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau tile panel with Florale Decoration with Carafe and 6 Shot Glasses In very nice used condition, circa 1900. Beautiful Art Nouveau glazed porcelain tableau framed by Meta...
Chrome
Set of 3 Early Georg Jensen Silver Coffee Service 88, 1915
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
An early silver Georg Jensen three-piece coffee service, design #88 by Georg Jensen, dating to 1915. The coffee pot features an elegant organic bean-shaped body supported by a large ...
Silver
Centerpiece, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German, 1910, Sign: WMF 334
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, wmf, German Firms: WMF G: The so-called “bee-hive” mark was introduced on the 1st July 1909 at the express wish of the French customs authorities: all WMF articles, even...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Art nouveau lunch box, 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Art Nouveau lunch box made in Germany. made for storing bread.
Metal, Enamel
Centerpiece, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German, 1900, WMF
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
Antique Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Tomato Server with Floral Repousse
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Tomato Server with Floral Repousse. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 1" H x 8.5" W x 2.75" D.
Sterling Silver
$109Sale Price / item|43% Off
Art Nouveau Plate in Earthenware with a Green and Pink Flower Decor
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Art Nouveau plate with a flower decor. 1900s-1910s.
Ceramic
Sterling Les Six Fleurs Ladle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are delighted to offer this sterling silver ladle by Reed & Barton in the famous “Les Six Fleurs” pattern. One of Reed & Barton’s most iconic patterns, it i...
Sterling Silver
Centerpiece Sign: A. Perron, Art nouveau, Jugendstil, Moderismo, Liberty, 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Sign: A. Perron Charles Théodore Perron, born in 1862, is primarily known for his traditional silverware (objects made of solid silver or silver-plated for domestic use). He was a hi...
Silver Plate