Inspired by the Arts & Crafts style in England, which rebelled against the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution with a proud emphasis on handcrafted design, American Craftsman style similarly pushed against the lavishness of the Victorian era. Coined by Wisconsin-born Gustav Stickley, a furniture designer and publisher of The Craftsman magazine, American Craftsman furniture would influence homegrown styles that followed, such as Mission and the Prairie School.
Like the popular early 20th-century Craftsman houses — which feature meticulous woodwork on everything from built-in bookcases in the living room and cabinetry in the kitchen to earth-toned exteriors with exposed rafters — American Craftsman furniture was all about handmade storage cabinets, bedroom furniture, chairs and other pieces built with organic materials. “Simplicity and straightforwardness of construction has always been the leading characteristic of Craftsman furniture,” Stickley stated. And while he is often credited with most of the designs at the Craftsman Workshops in Eastwood, New York, others such as Harvey Ellis were influential in shaping the straight-backed chairs, beds with vertical slats and tables with exposed joinery that came to define the style.
Highly utilitarian with no unnecessary flair, American Craftsman furniture was designed to emphasize the essence of its modest construction and promote the natural beauty of the wood. Solid oak, cherry, walnut and mahogany were all favored by the movement’s principal figures. Another attribute commonly associated with the style is the integration of subtle details like tooled leather, inlaid metal and hammered iron handles.
Owing to the outbreak of World War I, the popularity of American Craftsman style waned as consumer spending dropped and furniture companies shifted to the production of wartime materials and goods specified in government contracts. Yet, by the 1960s, there was a renewed appreciation for this foundational modern American style, with Stickley and his contemporaries in demand for the clean, simple lines and sturdy construction of American Craftsman furniture.
Find a collection of antique American Craftsman chests, nightstands, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage T.C. Wheaton Co Glass Embossed Apothecary Bottles Set of 4
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of 4 vintage apothecary bottles with stoppers and embossed. Classic and unique, these beautiful bottles sparkle in vintage gl...
Glass
Poul Soldner Raku-Fired Crazed Pedestal Piece
By Paul Soldner
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Soldner Raku-Fired Crazed Pedestal Piece, Exhibited and published in Paul Soldner "A Retrospective" 1991 Page 97, Pedestal Piece (84-49) 1984, c...
Ceramic
Turned Wood Bottle in Rosewood Assembled in Three Pieces
Located in Ferndale, MI
Fine example of wood turning. Three sections of turned rosewood put together to form a wine bottle. I believe this to be early 20th century.
Rosewood
hand-crafted Raku-fired Wabi Sabi Miniature Moon Vase
By MONDAYS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One-of-a-kind Raku-fired vase. Imperfectly round. Made in our Brooklyn studio then fired in a New Jersey back yard, All dimensions are approximate as each piece is handmade. Slig...
Ceramic
$595
H 3.5 in W 3 in D 3 in
Rude Osolnik Signed Mid-Century Modern Locust Wood Turned Vessel Bud Weed Vase
By Rude Osolnik
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully executed, handmade, wood-turned weed vase by master woodturner Rude Osolnik who is widely regarded, along with Bob Stocksdale, as one of the finest woodturners in American woodturning history. In 1992, he was presented by then-Kentucky Governor Brereton Jones, with the Milner Award, the Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement. The vase is made from locust wood, quite rare for Osolnik, features highlighted striped areas of dark and light. It is signed "Osolnik Originals...
Wood
Rare Empire French Fire Gilded Center Piece Tazza Warrior Horses Harp
By Thomire & Cie., Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
More than 200 years old showpiece for on the table. Made from glass, fire-gilt bronze and green veined marble. Beautiful horses with a warrior and mythological figures with harp and ...
Marble, Bronze
Set of Murano Glass Perfume Bottles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Murano glass perfume bottles, Made in Italy, 1960's. Some still have the original sticker. Dimensions: Large bottle: 11"H x 5.5"W x 2.5"...
Murano Glass
Art Nouveau Weller Style Iridescent Amber & Gold Raku Fired Vase, Pair
By Samuel A. Weller
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original pair of Raku-fired Art Nouveau-style vases, reminiscent of Weller Pottery's design enchant with their iridescent dual-tone glaze. The Raku firing process imparts unique, unp...
Pottery
$1,203Sale Price / item|10% Off
H 11.82 in W 7.88 in D 10.24 in
Moor Head Vase, Handmade in Sicily, Gold Leaf, Colors Customizable, Centerpiece
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Gold Leaf
$3,750 / set
H 6.19 in Dm 3.94 in
Cenedese Rare Vintage Set of 5 Green Glass Apothecary Lidded Jars Murano Italy
By Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare set of five Venetian Murano green colored / coloured glass Apothecary jars or urns with lids. Wonderful vintage Mid-Century Italian glass and perfect for the storage sweets or snacks in the kitchen or for cotton wool buds or cosmetics in a bathroom or for make-up or jewellery or cotton wool buds and such accessoires. Similar in style to the original designs of apothecary jars from the 19th and early 20th century. Measurements are circa: Large jar - 15.7cm tall by 10cm wide Medium jar - 12.5cm tall by 10cm wide Small jar - 9.5cm tall by 10cm wide. Rare set of jars...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Set of 3 Murano Glass Perfume Bottles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 3 Italian Murano glass perfume bottles with pink and white filigrana, made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: height 4/5 inches, diameter 2/3 inches 1 set available in stock in I...
Murano Glass
Alexandre Noll 1930s Turned Wood Bowl
Located in New York, NY
An original 1930s turned wood sculptural wood bowl by famed French craftsman, Alexandre Noll. Signed
Hardwood
Paul Soldner Abstract Expressionist Studio Ceramic Vase
By Paul Soldner
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Paul Soldner (1921-2010) abstract expressionist pottery vase. Glaze in black and brown, partly unglazed. Excellent design, mint condition. Signed Soldner on the bottom. Measures: 10" H x 8 3/4" W. Paul Soldner (1921-2011) was an American ceramic artist, noted for his experimentation with the 16th...
Clay
$1,203Sale Price / item|10% Off
H 11.82 in W 7.88 in D 9.85 in
Moorish Heads Vases "Catania Bronze", Handmade in Italy, 2019, Unique Design
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...
Gold Leaf
Hand-built Raku-fired Wabi Sabi Ikebana Vase
By MONDAYS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One-of-a-kind raku-fired vase. Wide and low with a small foot, and small opening. Made in our Brooklyn studio then fired in a New Jersey back yard, All dimensions are approximate...
Ceramic
Pair of Vintage Small USA Pottery Stoneware Jugs Circa 1940s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of Vintage Miniature USA Pottery Stoneware Jugs Circa 1940s. These charming jugs exude timeless appeal and are perfect for collectors, decor enthusiasts, or anyone seeking to infuse their space with a touch of vintage rustic Americana. Mini Crockery Jug Pottery Crock Small Pottery Jug Brown Top Glaze. Antique Miniature Stoneware...
Pottery
Hand-Turned American Wood Bowl with Thick Rim
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand-turned American wood bowl from one piece of wood.
Beech
1970s Collection Boardwalk Souvenir 7up Bottle Carnival Game Mid-Century Vintage
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unusual collection, a set of five old Ocean City or Virginia Beach boardwalk game prizes. These measure each about 20 inches high.
Glass