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.
$245Sale Price|30% Off
HOMMET - Vintage Silver Plate & Cloisonné Enamel Salt Cellar - Russia - C. 1970
Located in Chatham, ON
HOMMET - Vintage silver plate and cloisonné enamel salt cellar with removable glass liner - featuring colorful berries and foliage to the perimeter of the frame - signed on the metal...
Silver Plate, Enamel
Art Nouveau Engraved Silverplate Trophy with Oak Leaves and Acorns
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a trophy shaped in a classic "loving cup" style. Going back centuries, the shape is identifiable by its deep bowl and twin sweeping handles, ready to be passed around at ...
Silver Plate
Three Art Nouveau Silver Plate Serving Tongs for Cake Pastry Meat German, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of three beautiful Art Nouveau serving tongs for pastry, cake, candy or meat. These serving piece are in a beautiful design. Made of silver plated metal, it will make a nice ad...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Hildesheim Rose Silver Plate Cake Fork Flatware Set German, 6 Pieces
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Art Nouveau flatware set of 6 cake forks. Made of silver plate metal, it will make a nice addition to any table. Forks 5 1/4" high. The set included 6 flatware pieces and...
Silver Plate
$420Sale Price|30% Off
c. 1920 Electroplated Nickel Silver Salver by S.B. & Co.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Electroplated salver, circa 1920, made in London by S.B. & Co. Electroplated nickle silver marks. Marked Made in England. Fine condition - the border design repeated in the vine & gr...
Nickel
Silver Plated and Glass Honey Pot Bee by Mappin & Webb, England, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
A rare and charming Edwardian-style honey pot in the shape of a bee, crafted in silver plate and ruby red glass by the esteemed English silversmith Mappin & Webb, circa 1910. This wh...
Silver Plate
Silver Plated and Red Glass Honey Pot Bee, England, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Silver plated and red glass honey pot bee. England, early 20th century. Marked Elkington Plate and makred by the shop that sold it in Montevideo (Uruguay) Broqua & Scholberg Montevid...
Bronze
Antique silver on copper teapot by Theodore B. Starr, USA, the 19th century
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique silver on copper teapot by Theodore B. Starr made in the USA, end of the 19th century. Theodore B. Starr was a company of silversmiths founded in New York in 1862 by Theodo...
Silver Plate, Copper
Walker & Hall 1906 Sheffield England Silverplate Salver Footed Tray Plateau
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is an elegant fine quality three footed Walker & Hall Sheffield salver with a lovely art nouveau raised floral and foliate decoration edging the ...
Silver Plate
WMF Rare Art Nouveau Silver Plated Cutlery Set for 24 Persons
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare WMF silver plated cutlery set for 18 persons, comprising approximately 256 pieces. Housed in its original Art Nouveau cabinet with silver plated organic stylised mounts, this remarkable ensemble retains the complete original Art Nouveau cutlery...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Jugendstil Silver Plate One Shot Cup, Austria circa 1910
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite silver plate cup is a refined example of Austrian Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) craftsmanship, created circa 1910. The body is adorned with a beautifully executed raised fl...
Silver Plate, Metal
Silver Plated and Glass Honey Pot Bee by Mappin & Webb, England, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver Plated and Glass Honey Pot Bee by Mappin & Webb, England, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
$541Sale Price / item|30% Off
Antique English Silver-Plated Decorative Charger Tea/Coffee Tray, Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique English Silver-Plated Decorative Charger Tea/Coffee Tray, 35 cm Bring timeless elegance into your interior with this exquisite antique English silver-plated charger tray, ric...
Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Other
Silver Plate Tea and Coffee Set, Bamboo Model by Christofle, France, circa 1890
By Christofle
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver-plate tea and coffee set, bamboo model by Christofle, France, circa 1890. 1 tray, 1 samovar, 1 teapot, 1 coffeepot, 1 sugar bowl and 1 milk jug. All pieces are signed.
Silver Plate
Antique English Silver Plated Tipping Hot Water Kettle with Chased Floral Motif
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hot water tipping kettle is unsigned by a maker, but originated from England and dates to approximately 1900 and done in an Art Nouveau style. The kettle and stand...
Silver Plate
Large Silver Plate Champagne & Wine Chiller Cooler, 3 Hole Lid European
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Large and impressive champagne cooler / centre piece in silver plate metal. In very good condition. Made probably in the 1950s or older. Marked with manufactory logo. Fount at an Es...
Silver Plate, Metal
Christofle Coffee Tea Set Bamboo Style Art Nouveaux ca' 1890
By Christofle
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A stylish Art Nouveaux, bamboo coffee/tea set by Christofle, ca' late 1890's. Comprising of five pieces in total including the tray. Original condition with tarnishing, could be poli...
Silver Plate
Baptism Set, Consisting Of A Cup, Fork, Spoon, And Napkin Ring.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Baptism set, consisting of a cup, fork, spoon, and napkin ring. Baptism set in its original silver-plated metal box, early 20th century, consisting of a cup, fork, spoon, and napkin...
Silver Plate
Vintage Silver Plate Candy Dish Basket Tray, 1910s, Germany or Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Art Nouveau Candy Dish Basket with two handles. Hallmarked with numbers.Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Nice addition to any table.
Metal, Silver Plate
Art Nouveau / Jugendstil water jug and tumbler set
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
An Art Nouveau period Jugendstil silver-plated water jug and tumbler set circa 1905. All pieces embossed with a stylized floral design. the set includes a large pitcher and six drink...
Silver Plate
WMF Art Nouveau German Silver-Plated Metal Sugar Bowl.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Exceptional and very distinctive German silver-plated metal sugar bowl...
Silver Plate
$3,950 / set
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Tea Service and Trey
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Sarasota, FL
WMF WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK Art Nouveau Jugendstil tea and coffee service with the tray. All pieces marked with the WMF ostrich mark, G for Geslingen city of manufacture, ...
Silver Plate
An Art Nouveau Engraved Silver plated English Tea Service by Skinner & co.
By James Dixon & Sons, Skinner & Co. 1
Located in Catania, Sicilia
Unusual Art Nouveau silver plate tea set by Skinner & co., Sheffield, circa 1890, oriental shape, good conditions overall, nice engraving in all fo...
Silver Plate
English Sheffield Mapping & Webb's Prince's Plate Silver Serving Piece
Located in Verviers, BE
English Sheffield Mapping & Webb's Prince's Plate Silver Serving Piece
Silver Plate
Rare Pair of ART NOUVEAU Vases by WMF, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in TEYJAT, FR
Rare Pair of Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Vases by WMF (c.1900) A striking and rare pair of silver-plated Art Nouveau vases by WMF (Württe...
Metal, Silver Plate
Pair of German Late 19th Century Jugendstil Silver Plated WMF Cherub Candelabras
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of German Jugendstil late 19th century silver plated candelabras from the Wurtemberg Metalware Factory, with cherubs holding the bobèches. Born in Germany in the Württembergis...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Silverplated Coffee Urn with Lion Feet, France, 25 Inches
Located in Birmingham, AL
silver plate/ silver soldered and brass, coffee urn/ dispenser with lion feet and ornate finial. it has very interesting history , I was told that the owner of a fancy restaurant in ...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Cruet Set Victorian Antique European, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Continental silver plated cruet, most likely English or Italian and dating to the early 20th century. Exquisitely crafted, standing on 4 animal shaped feet, with 3 glass bottles with...
Metal, Silver Plate
Pair of Art Nouveau Silver Plated Decanters with Nude Female & Vine Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of crystal decanters date from circa 1900 from the Art Nouveau period, and have their origins from Europe, and most likely Austria....
Crystal, Silver
Sculptural Art Nouveau Jardinière With Butterflies And Tendrils, WMF, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
Elaborately designed vessel in an oval base shape standing on four cantilevered feet, openwork wall with symmetrically laid ribbons, bows and tendrils with berries, playing around tw...
Metal, Silver Plate
W.M.F. Silver Plate Punch Bowl with Glass, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
W.M.F. silver plate punch bowl with glass and spoon. Jugendstil period, Germany, circa 1900.
Silver Plate
Double Table Salt Cellar Silver Plated Metal With 2 Glasses, Antique Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous silver-plated open salt cellar or spice pot, dating from the 1920s or possibly earlier. This charming table accessory features a delicately formed silver-plated stand hold...
Metal, Silver Plate
Silver Plate Mirror, Art Nouveau Period. France, circa 1890
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver plate mirror, Art Nouveau period. France, circa 1890.
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Wellner Chrome Fish Flatware Set, German, 12 Pieces for Six Persons
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Art Nouveau flatware set of 6 knife and 6 forks. A total of 12 pieces, made by Wellner in a beautiful Art Nouveau design. Made of chrome plate metal, it will make a nice ...
Chrome
Art Nouveau Silver Plate Cut Glass Center Bowl W/Candleholder Germany EP
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a wonderfully decorative clear cut glass bowl with a fun art nouveau style silver plate candleholder in the center and base made by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik in Germ...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Bronze Mirrored Plateau with Jardinière Centerpiece
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine Art Nouveau Silverplated over bronze mirrored Surtout de table (Plateau) and Jardinière Centerpiece, having a foliate sinuous form....
Bronze
Vintage silver plated teapot and tray by Royal Sheffield, England, 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Elegant vintage teapot and tray featuring a beautiful heraldic-style "Royal Sheffield" mark on the base. Likely produced in the mid-20th century, this ...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Silver Plate Sugar Tongs & Bowl with Butterfly Set, Antique 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This Art Nouveau belgian silver-plated dish is not just a functional item; it's a celebration of artistry and style. Whether you're a collector of Art Nouveau pieces or someone who a...
Silver Plate
Christofle Gilt & Silvered "Empreinte" Tray
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Very rare two-colors Christofle rectangular tray. Made with the "Empreinte" technique, created in the late 19th century by Christofle to capture the beauty of nature, allowing to imp...
Silver Plate
Orfèvrerie Gallia Art Nouveau Christofle Silverplate Lg Serving/Display Bowl
By Gallia
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is a fantastic, exceptional quality large open bowl with a fabulous art nouveau design. It would work well as an elegant serving piece but would also be a fabulous display for g...
Silver Plate
Pair of Antique English Art Nouveau Candlesticks c.1900, Art Nouveau
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning pair of antique English silver plated candlesticks, quite stunning with a stylized naturalistic design with a definite Art Nouveau flair dating to c.1890/1900. They com...
Silver Plate
Albert Mayer WMF Art Nouveau Early 1900 Silver Metal ware Female Figure
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Albert Mayer
Located in Brescia, IT
Original early 1900 Excellent condition "WMF" mark impressed.
Metal
Rose Pattern Silver Plated Tea Cookies Basket Bowl Vintage, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful tea cookies or small fruit bowl basket. It is in a nice 'Rose and Leaf' design. Made of silver plated metal, it will make a nice addition ...
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century Wiskemann Art Nouveau Silverplate Belgian Tea Set, 3 Pieces
By Wiskemann
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A stylist art nouveau three pieces tea set made in Belgium by famous manufacturer Wiskemann, it's marked on the bottom.
Silver Plate
$2,089 / set
Art Nouveau by Krupp Silver Alpacca Box Set of 2
Located in Brescia, IT
Rare set. Silver metal. Perfect condiction Measures: H 14 x 30 x 20 cm, H 16 x 27 x 16 cm.
Metal
Antique Reed & Barton Art Nouveau Deco Lily Pad Leaf 20" Trinket Dish Bar Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Reed & Barton Art Nouveau/Art Deco Lily Pad Leaf 20" Trinket Dish Bar Tray. Item features a larger impressive size, embossed lily leaf pattern, very nice antique item, engrav...
Silver Plate
English Wine Bottle Holder with Art Nouveau Floral Design
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome English wine and champagne bottle display holder or coaster of fine plate silver, featuring a rolled top edge, stylish opposing handles, an e...
Metal, Silver Plate
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau 'Wave' Motif Silver on Copper Flagon by Kayserzinn
By Kayserzinn 1
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Nouveau 'Wave' Motif Silver on Copper Flagon by Kayserzinn Germany, circa 1900s This is a fine example of Art Nouveau with this exquisite 'Wave' motif silver on copper flagon by...
Copper
Art Nouveau French Silverplate Wine Tester Christofle's 'Paiva Strawberry Spoon'
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
Art Nouveau french silverplate sommelier wine tester Christofle's 'Paiva Strawberry Spoon' By: Chirstofle Material: silver, copper, sheffield plate, sterling silver, silver plate, m...
Silver, Sheffield Plate, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Copper, Metal
$427Sale Price / set|30% Off
25 Antique Spoon English Silver Demitasse Coffee Tea Spoons 4 Set of 6
Located in Wembley, GB
4 Set of 6 English Silver Plated Espresso Coffee or Tea Demitasse Spoons Four beautiful sets of six English sterling silver espresso coffee o...
Metal, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Three-Tier Cake Stand, England, 1900
Located in Montreal, QC
This an outstanding example. It is unusually tall and of distinctly Art Nouveau style with curling tendril-like supports. The ring-form plate supports are in graduated sizes. I assoc...
Silver Plate
Pair of Art Nouveau Silver Plated Vases with Stylized Female Figures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This matched pair of silver plated vases each depicting a stylized robed female with outstretched arms were mostly likely made in France, although are unmarked. The arms function as ...
Silver Plate
W.M.F. Silver Plate Jardinière with Mirror Plateau, Jugendstil Period
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
W.M.F. Silver Plate jardinière with mirror plateau, Jugendstil period, circa 1900. With gondolier. Mirror plateau dimensions: 4 cm height, 60...
Silver Plate
$464Sale Price|20% Off
Kayser Engelbert, Sheffield Serving Tray, Art Nouveau, Germany, Late 19th C
Located in Torino, IT
KAYSER Engelbert Sheffield serving tray Art Nouveau, Jugendstil ORIGIN Köln, Germania PERIOD Late 19th c., very early 20th c. BRA...
Silver Plate
Wonderful Art Nouveau Silver Plated Ewer Etched Glass Carafe Decater WMF
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Art Nouveau Silver Plated Ewer Etched Glass Carafe Decanter In The Manner And Style Of WMF
Silver Plate
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
WMF Art Nouveau Plate
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Vienna, AT
WMF Art Nouveau plate silver plated brass Germany about 1900-1910
Silver Plate, Brass
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Plated Oval Serving Tray with Raised Floral Motif
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated oval serving tray is completely unsigned, but believed to have been made in England in circa 1920 in the Art Nouveau style. The tray has an elongated oval ...
Copper
$835Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Kettle on Stand circa 1910
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Investing in a Scandinavian Kettle on Stand from circa 1910 is not just acquiring a piece of history but embracing an enduring symbol of Scandinavian design ethos and craftsmanship. ...
Silver Plate
$1,195Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Silver Plated Vases
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Art Nouveau Silver Plated Vases