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.
Antique Sterling Silver & Glass Vanity Jars, Set of Five
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of five antique sterling silver and glass vanity jars. Various repoussè floral designs. each sterling lid is stamped sterling. Large j...
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Repoussè Hand Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique sterling silver repoussè hand mirror. Stamped sterling, as shown in photos. Beveled inset mirror is possibly not original.
Sterling Silver
Garrard & Co Art Nouveau Cased Set Six Silver Goblets by Hancocks & Co
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning original art nouveau cased set of six silver goblets retailed by Garrard & Co and made by London silversmiths Frederick Hancock and dated 1913. The set of six heavy gauge ...
Silver
1909 Set of 12 Sterling Silver Teaspoons by Reed & Barton
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 sterling silver teaspoons, Chambord 1909 pattern by Reed & Barton. Monogram "MC". 7.60 troy oz. 5 5/8" x 1 3/16" x 7/8". We are a family business that has been a major sou...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau - Style Sterling Silver Pedestal, Based Vase by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau-Style, sterling silver, pedestal-based vase, Gorham Mfg. Company, Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1923. Hammered in design and chased with flowers. Measures...
Sterling Silver
An early 20th century art nouveau style silver overlaid glass flask
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Antique Sterling Silver Overlay Glass Flask with Repoussé Foliate Decoration in the Art Nouveau style A charming antique glass flask encased in an intricately worked sterling silver...
Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Repoussé Vesta / Match Safe
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant sterling silver vesta case featuring flowing repoussé floral and scrolling decoration with a softly asymmetrical Art Nouveau silhouette. The hinged lid opens cleanly and the ...
Sterling Silver
Fuchsia by Georg Jensen Klokke Sterling Flatware Set for 12 Dinner 170 Pieces
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
The "Fuchsia" or Klokke" Art Nouveau pattern was designed by Georg Jensen himself in the year 1906. Georg Jensen is one of the world's most significant silversmiths, who formed an in...
Sterling Silver
English Sterling Silver Walking Stick with Classical Fluted Finial
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver English Walking Stick with Classic Fluted Finial An elegant English walking stick crafted from sterling silver features a finely crafted decorative...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Floral Gorham Sterling Silver Overlay Flask
By Gorham
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Gorham sterling silver overlay flask featuring an 1/8 Pint glass jar with a fancy engraved leafy vine art nouveau silver overlay design, a removab...
Sterling Silver
$285Sale Price|40% Off
Art Nouveau Glass Perfume Bottle with English Sterling Silver Filigree Overlay
Located in Sheffield, MA
The Art Nouveau glass perfume bottle is embellished with an English sterling (stamped and with rampant lion) silver filigree overlay and cap....
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in VALENZA, IT
Sterling silver photo frame. The frame was made in Italy by the Argenteria Raddi of Florence. The design is typically Libeerty with the characteristic flowers, festoons and ribbons...
Sterling Silver
Rare Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Gorham Martele Footed Inkstand with Hinged Lid
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous, rare, sterling silver (.950) Art Nouveau, Martele inkstand with ball feet and hinged lid, the Gorham Manufacturing Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1905. According to the PTB mark on the underside, most probably, the Gorham silversmith who made it...
Sterling Silver
Pendant perfume holder Silver Sterling ivy leaves engraved and fire Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Pendant perfume holder in the shape of a cruet in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with screwed cap and branch with ivy leaves engraved and fire enamelled on both sides. Art Nouv...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
Antique Forbes Silver Co Art Nouveau Floral Monogramed Silver Plated Shaving Mug
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Forbes Silver Co Art Nouveau Floral Silver Plated Shaving Mug Monogramed "Hortense". Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 3" H x 4" W x 3" D.
Silver Plate
Antique English Clock Diary Carriage Companion in Sterling Silver
By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING The carriage companion is designed as a combined timekeeping and stationery accessory, intended for use while travelling by horse drawn carriage. The exterio...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Blossom Sugar Bowl in Hammered Sterling Silver, Dated 1925-1932
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen Blossom sugar bowl in hammered sterling silver. Model 2D. Dated 1925-1932. Measures: 11.5 x 10.2 cm. In excellent condition. Minimal age-related wear. Stamped. Our...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Duhme & Co Sterling Silver 925 Pin Tray Dish 44g 5.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique Art Nouveau Duhme & Co sterling silver 925/1000 vanity dresser dish / pin jewelry tray featuring a repoussé floral and gadrooned border with scalloped edges. The center...
Sterling Silver
Large Antique English Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Tray - Reynold's Angels - 1907
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning large Art Nouveau dressing table tray with a wonderful organic shape and the centre featuring the very famous Reynold's Angels, always highly collectible; five charming wi...
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Liberty Art Nouveau Lost Wax Casting Frame
By Brumal
Located in VALENZA, IT
Silver frame made with the lost wax casting technique. The frame is in Art Nouveau style and the verifiable weight is all in silver, except for the wooden back. The decorations are...
Sterling Silver
Very rare coffee and tea service. In solid silver by A. Gorham, Art Nouveau.
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Very rare coffee and tea service. In solid silver by Gorham, Art Nouveau model circa 1908, 7 pieces in total make up this set consisting of a coffee pot, a chocolate pot, a sugar bow...
Silver
Gorham Sterling Silver Bookmark
By Gorham CO.
Located in Northport, MI
The bookmark is in very nice condition showing only age appropriate minor wear/scratching. There is a lovely patina to the bookmark. . The bookmark measures approximately 1 7/8" x 2...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Griffin Vesta / Match Safe, circa 1900
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional antique Art Nouveau sterling silver vesta case or match safe featuring an ornate repoussé design with flowing organic scrollwork surrounding a central blank cartouche and...
Sterling Silver
Unusual Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Lidded 'with Lion Motif' Powder Jar
By Eastwood-Park Co.
Located in New York, NY
Unusual, Art Nouveau, sterling silver-lidded, cut crystal powder jar, Eastwood-Park Co., Jew Jersey, circa 1909-1915. The lid has a motif of two lions rampant holding a central carto...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Belt Buckle by Gustav Gaudernack (1865-1914) David Andersen Norway, C.1895-1900.
By Gustav Gaudernack, David Andersen
Located in Valby, 84
Art Nouveau Belt Buckle by Gustav Gaudernack (1865–1914), 830 Silver, Executed by David Andersen, Norway, ca. 1895–1900. Belt Buckle of rectangular form in pierced and cast 830 silv...
Silver
Art Nouveau Sterling Vanity Instruments, Set of 3
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 3 Art Nouveau Sterling silver vanity tools. American circa 1900. Each piece features a female figurine. Tools include, button hook, shoe horn with brass horn and roller. Weighted Sterling...
Sterling Silver, Brass
Art Nouveau Silver Cigarette Case, Three Beauties By The Sea, Germany, Ca. 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Rectangular silver cigarette case in a grooved, guilloché finish with a double lid: Beneath the outer lid, a further cover featuring the finest, partly iridescent enamel painting – d...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Art Nouveau Silver Cutlery Set For 12 People By V.C. Dub for A. Einspinner, 1915
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant cutlery set made of solid silver for twelve people consisting of 173 Parts in original wooden box. Date of manufactory: circa 1915 Material: Massive silver '800', Stain...
Silver
Photo Frame White Enamel and Hand Painted Flower Garlands Sterling Silver Salimb
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with hand-painted floral miniature by the painter Renato Dainelli, fire-enamelled on a white background in Art Nouveau...
Gold Plate, Enamel, Sterling Silver
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Louis Kuppenheim Silver Kitten Vanity Compact with Rubies
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Antique Louis Kuppenheim Silver and Rubies Cat Vanity Compact Magnificent antique German minaudière in solid silver adorned with a silver cat engraved in deep relief on the front of ...
Sterling Silver
c1900 Edwardian Era Sterling Silver Overlay Whiskey Flask with Swirl Motif
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptional c1900 sterling overlay hip flask attributed to Gorham. The quality of the engraving is on par with their output of the period. Marked "STERLING" on the neck of the fla...
Sterling Silver
Table Box hand-engraved wood grain with Coral Salimbeni.
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Table Box wood style and Coral is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Table Box wood style and Coral has transparent brown fired enamel over hand-engraved wood grain. Table Box wood style a...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique French Silver and Ceramic Door Bell Push, Bell Ringer
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful, rare vintage Silver and Ceramic door bell push. This gorgeous piece is made from silver with a ceramic body, the push shaped like a flower bud, the ceramic body delic...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Cosmos Sterling Silver 8 P Tea & Coffee Set 1920, 45 Tray Denmark
By Georg Jensen
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Danish Georg Jensen 8 piece Tea and Coffee set in the Cosmos Pattern. The set comprises of a Kettle on Stand, Coffee Pot, Tea Pot, two Milk / Cream Jugs and two lidded ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Reticulated String or Thread Holder
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique string holder. In sterling silver. By the Gorham Manufacturing Company. Retailed by Bailey, Banks, & Biddle. With a reticulate...
Sterling Silver
Unger Brothers ‘Douvaine’ Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Sugar Tongs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of ornate sterling silver sugar tongs, in the Art Nouveau pattern called ‘ Douvaine” made by Unger Bros. Silver, circa 1903-1906. Unger Brothers (1872–1910) was a renowned Ne...
Sterling Silver
Travel Picture Frame rectangular Sterling Silver Enamel for 4 photos Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular travel photo frame with a hinged booklet, for 4 photos in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché in Art Nouveau Style. Closed dim...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Table Box Enamel Sterling Silver w/ floral miniature and Blue stripes Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with fired enamels, with a fine floral miniature fired enamelled on a white background on a guilloché pattern, edge enamelled w...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$2,587Sale Price|25% Off
HORTON & ALLDAY 1890 Art Nouveau Enameled Perfume Bottle In Sterling Silver
By HORTON & ALLDAY OF BIRMINGHAM (1888-1933)
Located in Miami, FL
A scent perfume bottle designed by Horton & Allday. This is a superb and very rare scent perfume-bottle created in Chester England by the silversmith company of Horton & Allday, bac...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau German Sterling Fantasy Fish Motif Oil Lamp/Cigar Lighter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Nouveau German Sterling Fantasy Fish Motif Oil Lamp/Cigar Lighter German, Late 19th Century, Unmarked, .800 Silver Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Art Nouveau with this captivating German sterling fantasy fish motif oil lamp/cigar lighter. Dating back to the late 19th century, this piece is a true testament to the creativity and artistry of the era. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the lamp is a fantastical, caricature-like fish cast and engraved realistically. The fish rests on its back, supported by its fins and dorsal fin, with wide-opened eyes and an open mouth revealing the oil lamp's wick. The turned-up tail serves as the handle for this ingeniously designed oil lamp and cigar lighter. Made of unmarked .800 silver, this piece embodies the quality and craftsmanship of German silversmithing. With dimensions of 4 inches in height, 3.5 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth, this lamp is a statement piece that will captivate any observer. Weighing 3.5 ounces, it exudes a substantial and luxurious feel. Step into the enchanting world of Art Nouveau with this captivating German oil lamp...
Sterling Silver
William B. Durgin Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon Pattern DUS18, c1890
Located in valatie, NY
William B. Durgin Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon Pattern DUS18, c1890. A beautiful pattern with reticulated bowl and shell motifs on bowl and handle. Also can be used to serve berries...
Sterling Silver
Set of Eight Sterling Silver Blossom Spoons by Georg Jensen, Denmark
By Georg Jensen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of Eight Sterling Silver Blossom Spoons by Georg Jensen, Denmark Designed in 1905 by Georg Jensen, the Blossom cutlery pattern is delicate and genteel - representative of Jensen...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Silver, Crystal, and Pate De Verre Table Centrepiece by Falize
Located in London, GB
Art Nouveau silver, crystal, and pate de verre table centrepiece by Falize, French, 1902 Measures: Height 35.5cm, width 150cm, depth 52cm This...
Crystal, Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Jardiniere / Centrepiece Bowl Germany c. 1900
Located in London, GB
A large Antique Art Nouveau Solid Silver Centrepiece with a removable gilt metal liner. This Silver Centrepiece is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau design with elegant floral and f...
Silver, Silver Plate
Set of Eight Sterling Silver Blossom Salad Forks by Georg Jensen, Denmark
By Georg Jensen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of Eight Sterling Silver Blossom Salad Forks by Georg Jensen, Denmark Designed in 1905 by Georg Jensen, the Blossom cutlery pattern is delicate and genteel - representative of J...
Sterling Silver
Antique Lily Pattern Whiting Sterling Silver Sauce or Cream Ladle
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique sauce or cream ladle. In sterling silver. By Whiting. In the Lily pattern. With a scalloped bowl and a figural handle. Marked to the reverse. Simply wonderful Am...
Sterling Silver
Picture Frame Silver shaped Enamel on guilloché and floral miniatures Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Guilloché Enamel Frame by Renato Salimbeni Oval shaped external photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and floral miniatures...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Art Nouveau Silver 6-Piece Coffee & Tea Set, Ludwig Politzer, Vienna, Circa 1900
By Ludwig Politzer, Viennese Manufactory
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Art Nouveau silver service comprising six pieces: a coffee pot, a teapot, a cocoa or hot water pot, a cream jug, a sugar bowl and a tray. Vessels with an oval base and smooth...
Silver
$20,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Silver 800 Cutlery Set for 12 People, Düsseldorf, Germany, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver 800 cutlery set for 12 people. Düsseldorf, Germany, late 19th century. Jugendstil period. Complete for 12 people. A total of 164 pieces: 12 ...
Sterling Silver
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Silver Card Case Aide Memoire Purse Birmingham 1908 William Haseler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Antique silver card case in form of Aide Memoire Purse, Birmingham 1908, William Hair Haseler. Art Nouveau elaborate border surround, monogram possibly H....
Sterling Silver
Antique American Art Nouveau Silver Overlay 5-Inch Trivet
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau trivet, ca 1910. Glass with silver overlay in form of whiplash scrollwork; solid central rondel engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is clear. Silver has Bosto...
Silver
Pair of English Sterling Silver Chick Pincushions
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Pair of English Sterling Silver Chick Pincushions A charming pair of English sterling silver chick pincushions, crafted with delicate featherwork and expressive sculptural modeling....
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver English Walking Stick with Duck Head
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Sterling Silver English Walking Stick with Duck Head A stunning sterling silver English walking stick with a finely crafted duck head handle, elegantly sculpted with smooth contours ...
Sterling Silver
Table Box 925 Silver translucent Enamel on guilloche and miniature Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table box in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on the guilloche and, on the corners, miniature of floral shoots hand-painted by the painter Romano B...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Floral Decorated Bowl, C.1900
By Gorham
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gorham large Art Nouveau sterling silver Floral decorated bowl C.1900. The deep bowl of round scalloped form beautifully embossed and chased with overlap...
Sterling Silver
Edwardian Sterling Silver and Tortoiseshell Vanity Case – London, 1910
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Edwardian Sterling Silver and Tortoiseshell Vanity Case – London, 1910 A refined Edwardian sterling silver and genuine tortoiseshell vanity case, hallmarked in London and dating to ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Repoussé Sterling Silver Pedestal Bowl Fruit and Flower Motif
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This exquisite early 20th century Loring Andrews sterling silver footed bowl features hand chased repoussé decoration consisting of multiple flowers, strawberries and grape clusters ...
Sterling Silver
Exquisite French Art Nouveau Decanter / Pitcher by J. Barian Silver Glass 1900
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Breathtaking French antique Art Nouveau decanter / pitcher in silver plate with enamel painted glass by Jules Barian 1900. Exquisite Art Nouveau...
Silver Plate
$612Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Art Nouveau Silver Overlay Flask
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century American Art Nouveau glass flask with engraved silver overlay. Flat front and concave back; sides curved and bottom flat. Short neck in silver collar and hinged a...
Silver
A Silver Decalogue Pendant by Henryk Winograd, Judaica, New York, 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A striking silver Judaica pendant by renowned repoussé artist Henryk Winograd, crafted in a bold, stepped triangular form, solid and weighty, demonstrating Winograd’s distinct repous...
Sterling Silver