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.
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière. This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th Century.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Small Majolica Daisy Cache Pot Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare small majolica daisy cache pot signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Austrian Majolica Lily Jardinière Greiner & Sohn, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Austrian Majolica Lily Jardinière Julius Greiner & Sohn Bodenbach, circa 1900. Art Nouveau.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Small Majolica Cache Pot Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French purple Majolica Cache Pot Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1890. Height / 3.8 inches. Diameter / 5.8 inches.
Ceramic
Victor SAGLIER French Art Nouveau Silverplate Planter Centerpiece, 1890
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Centerpiece Planter by Victor Saglier, 12 rue d’Enghien, Paris, France, ca. 1890 Silverplate metal with a finely applied black patina in the recessed areas, enhan...
Metal
Majolica Violet Cache Pot Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Purple flower Violet Cache Pot signed Delphin Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic
French Majolica Cache Pot Jérôme Massier Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica tulip Cache Pot Jérôme Massier Circa 1890 Height / 7 inches. Diameter / 10 inches.
Ceramic
Original Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstatte Vienna Secessonist Flower Stand
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A typical work from the early period of the Wiener Werkstatte. Punched iron sheet, white lacquered. See similar items - Wiener Werkstatte pattern books as displayed. No signature.
Metal
Antique French Zinc Grape Hod Wine Cellar Harvest Bucket Basket Planter c. 1900
Located in Tyler, TX
EXCELLENT Antique French Zinc Grape Hod~~c. 1900 Beautiful decorative zinc grape hod, harvest bucket or basket~~perfect for kitchen or wine cellar decor or use it as a planter for f...
Zinc
French Art Nouveau Ceramic Planter or Vase circa 1910
Located in Miami, FL
Art Nouveau Ceramic Planter or Vase circa 1910 Spectacular jardinière or centerpiece with relief flowers and leaves on the two sides
Ceramic
Jugendstil Sea Horse Planter by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Oxidized copper (green sections). Chased and hammered. Note: We do not ship pieces uninsured. We require shipping through 1stDibs, for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the default quote does not include packing and insurance and we do not ship uninsured. 1stDibs shipping provides a level of value, protection, and care that aligns with our commitment to safeguarding historic artworks and providing excellent client service. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Shortly before the foundation of WMF, Daniel Straub had founded his first manufacturing company, Maschinenfabrik Geislingen, in connection with his participation in the construction of the Geislinger Steige, the steepest railway line in Europe at the time. As experienced metal spinners, the brothers Friedrich and Louis Schweizer were able to contribute their technical expertise to the project. Most early designs for the company looked to past historical styles although early recognition of the quality of its products included the award of a Gold Medal at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. The company showroom, established in Berlin in 1868, was its first retailing outlet and marked the beginnings of a rapid development in scale. By 1880, when the company merged with Ritter & Co. to form the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, the company employed about 200 and had a range of nearly 1,000 products, many of them electroplated. In the late 19th century the company was also involved in architectural decoration, ornaments for the home and replicas of works of art and archaeology, including the reproduction of Lorenzo Ghiberti's famous early Italian Renaissance doors...
Brass, Copper
Art Nouveau WMF Brass Punch Bowl, Germany, 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Antique brass bowl with original glass insert, a decorative piece from the Art Nouveau period Elegant design made of solid brass with two large hand...
Brass
Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves Cache Pots Luneville Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of Majolica Flowers & Leaves signed Luneville Cache Pots Circa 1890, H / 7 inches , D / 9 inches by 7 inches.
Ceramic, Majolica
Weller Pottery Roma Rose Planter or Compote
Located in Redding, CT
In 1872, Samuel A. Weller founded Weller Pottery in Fultonham, Ohio, United States. Originally, his business consisted of a small cabin and one beehive kiln, and Weller produced flow...
Ceramic, Clay
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Column with Ceramic Vase
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this splendid column vase, made in Italy, dating back to the early 20th century. The vase is crafted from polychrome glazed ceramic. The eye-catching decoration captures t...
Ceramic
Glazed Art Nouveau Centerpiece Planter Jardinière, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Brilliant handmade hand glazed Art Nouveau planter jardinière, 1930s Wonderful Art Nouveau period/ monumental ceramic planter jardinière, handmade and hand-glazed in brilliant blue ...
Majolica
Art Nouveau Handmade and Hand Glazed Planter Jardinière, Stamp: Belgium
By Thulin
Located in Verviers, BE
Brilliant handmade hand-glazed Art Nouveau planter jardinière, 1930. Stamp: Belgium Handmade and hand-glazed in brilliant colored details. Made in Belgium Art Nouveau period 193...
Ceramic
$1,900Sale Price|51% Off
Vintage Art Deco Face Vase Pot Pink Composition Ladies
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely vintage Art Deco pot urn planter. Has a lovely pink tint overall with a yellow tint to the handles. Very heavy. Some sort of composition. No chips ...
Composition
Late Victorian Blue and White Porcelain Jardinière on Stand
Located in Altrincham, GB
Late Victorian Blue and White Porcelain Jardinière on Stand, with lobed floral panels, Staffordshire in the Art Nouveau manner 13" diam x 31"h
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century Majolica Floral Jardinières
Located in Austin, TX
19th century pair of French Majolica pink flowers jardinières. Sand background.
Ceramic
Antique German Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand with Angel and Cherub Motif
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning antique German cast iron Christmas tree stand features a richly detailed design, adorned with angel and cherub motifs. The cylindrical ...
Iron
Robert Hanke Art Nouveau Porcelain Double Handled Hydrangea Motif Antique Vase
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional ceramic Art Nouveau vase was created by the esteemed Austrian potter Robert Hanke circa 1900. It features a cylindrical body with a cinch...
Porcelain
Early Turned Wooden Umbrella Stand / Walking Stick Rack Germany, circa 1900
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Tall and large wooden 'Jugendstil' umbrella stand / holder made in Germany, circa 1890 -1910. Made of beech wood and beautifully carved / turned on a lathe to look a little like bamboo wood or almost beehive like, which finishes the piece perfectly. Organic and sustainable materials - this antique umbrella stand would also make a wonderful holder for a collection of antique walking sticks...
Wood, Beech
Art Nouveau Zsolnay "Pheasants" Jardinière
By Zsolnay
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Zsolnay jardiniere features a pair of golden pheasants with richly striated plumage in shimmering shades of gold, green, blue, and magenta. As lifelong mates, golden p...
Earthenware
19th Century Majolica Chesnut Jardinière Saint Clement
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Majolica Chesnut attributed to Jardinière Saint Clement.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Exquisite jardiniere planter, copper-plated metal, rose Art Nouveau 1900, France
Located in Wien, AT
Incredibly detailed jardiniere, made of copper-plated metal with the original brass insert, rich rose blossom decor, made around 1900, Art Nouveau, in Italy (or France). This fasci...
Metal, Brass, Copper
Exceptional Art Nouveau Barbotine Majolica Jardiniere Flowerpot Thistle Motif
By Gustave De Bruyn, Fives-Lille
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A highly decorative and vividly colored Art Nouveau Majolica jardinière or flowerpot, dating from circa 1900. This exuberant barbotine piece features an ornate relief design dominate...
Ceramic, Majolica
Hector Guimard for Faïencerie de Bruyn Faience (glazed earthenware
By Bernard De Bruyne, Hector Guimard
Located in Verviers, BE
HECTOR GUIMARD, RARE LARGE CERAMIC, DE BRUYN ED., CIRCA 1900 In the 18th century, Jean Bernard De Bruyn already ran a pottery in Louvain, Belgium. After his death in 1805, his son M...
Majolica, Faience
Large Majolica Pansy Cache Pot Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Large Majolica Pansy Cache Pot signed Delphin Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic
Majolica Iris Jardiniere Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica oval jardiniere attributed to Delphin Massier, circa 1890. The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. They produced an incre...
Ceramic, Majolica
$649Sale Price|20% Off
Exceptional French Art Nouveau Barbotine Majolica Planter Jardiniere Green Man
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This cachepot is crafted from high-quality ceramic, typically Majolica or Barbotine, known for its vibrant, glossy glaze. The glaze gives the piece a lustrous sheen and adds depth an...
Ceramic, Majolica
Original and Published Otto Prutscher Pedestal, Flower-Stand Made by Thonet
By Woka Lamps, Otto Prutscher, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Otto Prutscher has designed several flower-stands for Thonet, this special design is extremely rare. Literature: J. Ulihr, Semper Sursum, Olmütz 2003, ill p124.
Beech
French Majolica Jardiniere Hollyhocks Delphin Massier, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Jardiniere Hollyhocks Delphin Massier, Circa 1890. Known in French as roses trémières.
Ceramic
Important flowervase Secession Julius Dressler Art Nouveau 1900 Austro-Hungarian
Located in Wien, AT
Important flower vase, designed by the famous Julius Dressler, manufactured by Biela Bodenbach, around 1900, pure Art Nouveau / Jugendstil. Even the basic form is extraordinary: a r...
Ceramic
19th Century Majolica Roses and Butterfly Jardinière Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
This is one of the most lovely Majolica Art Nouveau cachepot jardinière signed by Delphin Massier, inspired by the nature with roses and three different butterflies. The Massier fami...
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Art Nouveau Floral Cachepot by Henrik Darilek for Zsolnay
By Zsolnay, Henrik Darilek
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Established in 1853 by Miklós Zsolnay, Zsolnay began as a small business producing basic stoneware and earthenware. Ten years later Miklós’ son, Vilmos, joined the company and led it...
Earthenware
19th Century Majolica Chesnut Jardinière Onnaing
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
19th century Majolica chesnut handled jardinière signed Onnaing. This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th century.
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
French Majolica Jardiniere Delphin Massier, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica pink parrot tulip Jardiniere Delphin Massier, Circa 1890.
Ceramic
19th Century Majolica Orchid Cache Pot Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Very rare unique 19th century Majolica orchid cache pot signed Delphin Massier, the three sides have different colors. The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique e...
Ceramic
Glazed ceramic planter, Art Nouveau period, Italy, circa 1920.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Glazed ceramic planter, Art Nouveau period, Italy, circa 1920.
Ceramic
Exquisite important fan jardiniere, bow, 1900 Art Nouveau, Sarreguemines, France
Located in Wien, AT
A particularly important jardiniere, an original from the Art Nouveau period in the extraordinary shape of a fan with a bow, from the world-famous ceramics manufactory Sarreguemines ...
Ceramic
Rare French Art Nouveau Brass and Opalescent Glass Cachepot, Late 19th Century
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally elegant French Art Nouveau cachepot, dating from the late 19th century, featuring a striking "whiplash" brass structure and rare opalescent glass. The frame appears ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Floral-Decorated Majolica Jardiniere with Tall Pedestal
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite French Art Nouveau majolica jardiniere and pedestal, crafted by Jean Massier Cie. of Vallauris around 1900, exemplifies the flowing lines and naturalistic motifs chara...
Porcelain, Paint
Large Majolica Orchid Cache Pot Fives Lille, circa 1890
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica cache pot in two parts decorated with orchids Fives Lille, circa 1890. H / 9.5 inches , D / 10.5 inches. Rare size.
Ceramic
19th Century French Majolica Iris Jardiniere Onnaing
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
Small 19th century French Majolica Iris Jardiniere Onnaing.
Ceramic
Pair of Glazed Ceramic Butterflies Planters by Delphin Massier, France, c. 1890
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of Glazed Ceramic butterflies planters by Delphin Massier. France, circa 1890. Signed Delphin Massier Vallauris. Art Nouveau period.
Ceramic
Style of Delphin Massier Majolica Jardinière 'Planter and Stand Number. 7825
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Majolica jardinière, planter with stand This stylish piece is an early example by a renowned maker, showing the main inspirations of Art Nouveau, applying curved, design...
Majolica
Rare Majolica Orchid Jardiniere Delphin Massier, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica Orchid Jardiniere attributed to Delphin Massier, circa 1890. Measures: W / 17 inches , H / 8.3 inches. The Massier family are known f...
Ceramic, Majolica
Large French Art Nouveau “Femme-Fleur” Bronze & Cobalt Porcelain Centerpiece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large French Art Nouveau “Femme-Fleur” (Poppy-Wreathed Maiden), Bronze and Cobalt, circa 1900 An evocative and finely cast French Art Nouveau centerpiece, featuring a richly patinat...
Bronze
Rare Small Majolica Daisy Cache Pot Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare small majolica daisy cache pot signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Large French Art Deco Stoneware Planter by Denbac, Flambé Glaze, 1910s
By Denbac
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large French Art Deco Stoneware Planter by Denert & Balichon (Denbac), France, 1910s — Model No. 122. This impressive large French Art Deco stoneware planter was created in the ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
French Majolica Carnation Cache Pot Jérôme Massier Fils , Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica Carnation Cache Pot Jérôme Massier Fils , Circa 1890 Height / 9.3 inches. Diameter / 12 inches.
Ceramic
$11,944Sale Price / set|30% Off
Very Rare Villeroy Boch / Mettlach Jardiniere on Flower Columns, 1890
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair of very rare Villeroy Boch / Mettlach jardiniere on flower columns circa .1890. Richly decorated with ornaments, heads and colors. Very good quality...
Majolica
Rare pure Art Nouveau Jugendstil flower jardiniere 1900 Julius Dressler, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Fantastic, rare, pure Art Nouveau jardiniere, made by the well-known Julius Dressler, according to the mark, before 1910, in Austria/Bohemia. This outstanding planter is handcrafted...
Ceramic
Large Copper Kettle Jardinière Flowerpot Griffin Brass
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful and large antique copper or brass kettle, jardinière, or flowerpot with a heavy handle and hanger, featuring two griffin-shaped handles on either side. The object stands on...
Brass
Large 1910s Alf Wallander Art Nouveau Jardinère for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Jerome Massier, Alf Wallander, Sarreguemines, Galileo Chini, Rörstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
X-Large Swedish antique Art Nouveau period jardinère by Alf Wallander (1862-1914) for Rörstrand. Cream white glaze with a band of orange ochre fish on shiny kobalt blue background. O...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
19th Century French Majolica Purple & Pink Iris Cache Pot
Located in Austin, TX
19th French Majolica purple and pink iris cache pot. H / 8.5 inches D / 10 to 8.8 inches.
Ceramic
Rare Set of 5 Small 19th Century Majolica Flowers Vases Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Set of 5 Small 19th Century Majolica Flowers Vases Delphin Massier. 2 pansies, 2 wild roses , 1 daisy. Table vases decorations , very rare form and size. Around 4 inches height ...
Ceramic, Majolica
Majolica White Swan Jardinière Jerome Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Small Majolica white swan jardinière signed Jerome Massier Vallauris, circa 1890.
Majolica, Ceramic
Large Wiener Werkstaette Koloman Moser Flower Stand, Jardiniere, Re-Edition
By Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed and originally manufactured for the early showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette in Vienna VII, Neustiftgasse 32-34 - Model# M 0182 The diameter of the pots is 16cm Punched i...
Iron