Emerging in reaction to industrialization and mass production, the Arts and Crafts movement celebrated handcrafted design as a part of daily life. The history of Arts and Crafts furniture has roots in 1860s England with an emphasis on natural motifs and simple flourishes like mosaics and carvings. This work is characterized by plain construction that showcases the hand of the artisan.
The earliest American Arts and Crafts furniture dates back to the start of the 20th century. Designers working in this style in the United States initially looked to ideas put forth by The Craftsman, a magazine published by Wisconsin native Gustav Stickley, a furniture maker and founder of the Craftsman style. Stickley’s furniture was practical and largely free of ornament. His Craftsman style drew on French Art Nouveau as well as the work he encountered on his travels in England. There, the leading designers of the Arts and Crafts movement included William Morris, who revived historical techniques such as embroidery and printed fabrics in his furnishings, and Charles Voysey, whose minimal approach was in contrast to the ornamentation favored in the Victorian era.
American Arts and Crafts work would come to involve a range of influences unified by an elevation of traditional craftsmanship. The furniture was often built from sturdy woods like oak and mahogany while featuring details such as inlaid metal, tooled leather and ceramic tiles. The style in the United States was led by Stickley, whose clean-lined chairs and benches showcased the grain of the wood, and furniture maker Charles Rohlfs, who was informed by international influences like East Asian and French Art Nouveau design.
Hubs in America included several utopian communities such as Rose Valley in Pennsylvania and the Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony in New York, where craftspeople made furniture that prioritized function over any decoration. Their work would influence designers and architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, who built some of the most elegant and iconic structures in the United States and likewise embraced a thoughtful use of materials in his furniture.
Find antique Arts and Crafts chairs, tables, cabinets and other authentic period furniture on 1stDibs.
Wrought Iron Folk Art Tulip Candleabra
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming hand wrought iron Folk Art Tulip Candleabra from the 1930's. Heavy enough to use as doorstop as well. Beautifully rendered. 1930's USA. Measures: Height 20", width 17", bas...
Wrought Iron
American Rare Arts And Crafts Pyrography Leather Photo Album 1920s
Located in South Burlington, VT
An attractive and hard to find hand made, hand burned leather pyrography album using early hand crafting techniques for photographs. In this instance we acquired this album with n...
Leather
Set of 2 Vintage Christmas Figures Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of 2 vintage boy and girl christmas figures from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kin...
Wood
Russian Arts And Crafts Antique Pyrography Kustar Painted Tobacco Box, 1930
Located in South Burlington, VT
From a New England collection and a unique find Russian antique pyrography Kustar painted and incised tobacco box 1930 An all original work of art sig...
Wood, Pine
Round Stool with Artisan Embroidery
Located in HUIXQUILUCAN, MX
At Casa Ocampo conscious of Mexico's cultural wealth and the vulnerable state of the artisans, we look to enhance and market the ethnical commerce of contemporary design, produced un...
Pine
American Rare Pair Photographs Pyrography School Workshop 1920s
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare pair of original black and white photographs circa 1920's depicting a school pyrography workshop believed to be from the Albany, New York area. Frames were added later and were ...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Folk Art Sterling Silver and Brass on Wood Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid-Century Modern artists created this enameled on brass and sterling silver zodiac symbols. This is a one of a kind mirror as well. The frame is a heavy wood base.
Bronze, Silver
Early 20th C. Liberty & Co. Arts & Crafts Log Box Once Owned by Hollywood Star
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 20th c., England, a hammered and repousse decorated copper sheet metal over wood box, the hinged slated lid decorated with in Arts & Crafts style. A wonderful Liberty & Co. A...
Copper
American Folk Art Beauty Painting Signed J.W. Fosdick 1903
Located in South Burlington, VT
American Folk Art Pyrography At Its Finest This is an original and beautiful 23 inch by 19.25 inch hand-painted and hand incised work of art on board of ...
Wood
Arts and Crafts 19th Century Shield Trophy with NIKE the Goddess of Victory
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts 19th Century Shield Trophy with Nike the Goddess of Victory The is an Arts and Crafts piece, the Oval Oak shield has an embossed Cope...
Pair of Very Large Antler Horn Bases Artist Signed Table Lamps Folk Art Modern
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of very large Antler horn bases Artist signed table lamps Folk Art Modern.
Brass
Folk Art Adam and Eve from Midwest Lodge
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic hand-painted and carved lodge piece from the Midwest. Painting depicts Eve picking the apple from the snakes mouth. The Stand has a hand-carved snake that wraps around the ...
Wood
Vintage Wood Pen Holder and Lighter Set, Italian Design, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage wood pen holder and lighter is an original object realized in the 1970s. Original wood and metal. Made in Italy. The set includes: a geometr...
Metal
Lake George Vintage Photograph, circa 1910
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual photograph, circa 1910-1920 where the letters Lake George are made of cutout photographs. Original frame-really a unique object with character and timeless character. Lak...
Paper
Rare Pair of Fireman's Axe Parade Torches
Located in York County, PA
Rare pair of fireman’s axe parade torches, 1860-1880: Pair of fireman’s axe parade torches with traditional wooden axe handles and the heads made o...
Mexican Abrijes Figurine Set Folk Art Wooden Toy
By Agustin Cruz Prudencio
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
A set of colorful Mexican alebrije figurines depicting four animal friends drinking "Corona" beer and having a good time. This humorous Folk Art piec...
Acrylic, Wood
Victorian Folk Art House Table or Wall Art
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa late 1800s, wood, and glass, American, possibly New York. Charming beyond belief, this polychrome Folk Art House was originally made to feature a ...
Wood
$317 / set
H 5.5 in W 7 in D 1.5 in
French Vintage Gobelin Set of Clutch Handbag and Coin Purse, circa 1920
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Vintage Gobelin set of clutch handbag and coin purse, black base with floral embroidery on both sides, enameled brass frame and chain strap. The interior is lined in black silk with ...
Tapestry
Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Bear Inkwell German Vintage, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and glass eyes. Found at...
Wood
$317 / set
H 5.5 in W 7 in D 1.5 in
French Vintage Gobelin Set of Clutch Handbag and Coin Purse, circa 1920
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Vintage Gobelin set of clutch handbag and coin purse, black base with floral embroidery on both sides, enameled brass frame and chain strap. The interior is lined in black silk with ...
Tapestry
$540
H 18.9 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
Midcentury brutalist artisanal rustic handcrafted pine stool, France 1960s
Located in Zaandam, NL
Gorgeous and rare artisanal stool, France 1960s. This beautiful stool could also be used as a plant stand or small side table. It's in a lovely vintage worn and patinated condition a...
Pine
$1,300 / set
H 49 in W 17 in D 19.25 in
Vintage Artisan Twisted Wrought Iron Verdigris Shell Bar Stools - a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer this distinctive pair of bar stools, circa late 20th century, featuring hand-formed metal frames with a beautifully aged verdigris patina. Each stool is ...
Wrought Iron
$2,250
H 59 in W 33.5 in D 0.125 in
1920s Navajo Double Saddle Blanket with Maltese Cross & Checkerboard Design
Located in Denver, CO
This early 20th-century Navajo double saddle blanket, woven circa 1920s, is a remarkable example of traditional Southwestern textile artistry. Ha...
Wool
Convolute of 20 Nuremberg tinsel angels from the 40th
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Convolute of Nuremberg tinsel angels. Christmas tree decorations for hanging. about 1940 Turned and painted wooden head and embossed or folded metal paper. Slightly variying decor Ra...
Wood
Vintage Christmas Music Box Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage wooden music box from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of wooden christmas decorations, where intricate carving ...
Wood
Vintage Christmas Music Box Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage christmas music box from Switzerland. Made from wood with the holy family in the house. Playing silent night. Beautiful Christmas ...
Wood
Set of 7 Vintage Christmas Figures Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of 11 vintage wooden skier and winter figures from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of handcrafted christmas decora...
Wood
Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Figure Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage wooden nutcracker figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, where intricate carving has been ...
Wood
Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Figure Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage wooden nutcracker figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, where intricate carving has been ...
Wood
Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Figure Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage wooden nutcracker figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, where intricate carving has been ...
Wood
Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Figure Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage wooden nutcracker figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, ...
Wood
Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Figure Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage wooden nutcracker figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, ...
Wood
Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Wood Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage wooden nutcracker figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, where intricate carving has been ...
Wood
Sold
H 0.69 in Dm 7.68 in
English Newlyn Attributed Arts & Crafts Hand Beaten Copper Plaque with Heron
By Newlyn Industrial School
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish English Arts & Crafts hand-crafted beaten copper plaque or dish with a heron attributed to renowned Cornish workshop Newlyn and dating from around 1900. The dish is ha...
Copper
Arts & Crafts Hand Carved Oak Framed Needlework After Wheatley
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and rare Arts & Crafts framed needlework of a young girl with sheep dating from the latter 19th Century. The needlework is very finely c...
Silk, Glass, Oak