Pair of French Majolica Iris Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large pair of French Majolica Iris vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1880.
1880s French Antique Art Nouveau Furniture
Ceramic, Faience
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.
Pair of French Majolica Iris Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large pair of French Majolica Iris vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1880.
Ceramic, Faience
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Style Gentleman’s Shaving Grooming Stand, Tilting Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Tiger Oak, Original Mirror, Brass Pulls Style: French Art Nouveau This early 1900s Art Nouveau–style gentleman’s shaving stand captures the charm of old-world daily rituals, when grooming was a slow, intentional moment built into the rhythm of the morning. Crafted in the United States from richly figured tiger oak, it features its original tilting mirror mounted on a cast-metal arm, allowing a man to angle the glass perfectly in natural light before indoor bathrooms were common. The upper drawers and lower shelves once held razors, brushes, soaps, and water bowls, reflecting a time when personal care stations were elegant pieces of furniture rather than fixtures attached to walls. Brass pulls and soft Art Nouveau curves give the stand a refined presence, blending beauty with the practical craftsmanship that defined early 20th-century life. It remains in original vintage condition, carrying with it the warm patina and nostalgic character of a bygone era. Fun Historical Fact: Before the rise of modern plumbing, grooming stands like this acted as a personal “bathroom corner,” offering a dedicated space for shaving, washing, and preparing for the day. The adjustable mirror was a luxury innovation, allowing men to catch the best light from nearby windows for a safer and closer shave. Tiger oak furniture...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette brass and Silk Floorlamp floor lamp Jugendstil
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
The Villa Ast, is one of the most important private houses from the 20th century in Carinthia USA and CAN: Most electrical components according to the UL reg...
Brass
Silver Lady Woman Ex Voto religious Folk Art, Antique European, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A cute petite religious Ex Voto. I do not know what it is made of, thin and light filigree silver or silver plated metal. It is handmade, embossed an...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
2 bronze wall sconces with palm leaves by Josef Hoffmann for Bakalowits
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
The Palm Tree lamp series was designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1914 and manufactured by Bakalowits. These two lamps are original pieces from that period. Solid cast bronze and cut gla...
Crystal, Bronze
Emile Galle water Lily Cameo Glass Vase Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
Emile Galle Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase Water Lily Vase Circa 1900, France Cameo glass Height: 15.75 inches (40.0 cm) Marks: Gallé PROVENANCE: Morphy Auctions, Denver, Pennsylvan...
Art Glass
Antique Vintage Ladys Ormolu Bronze Dore German Jewelery Box Casket Art Nouveau
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A beautiful quality Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Jewelry Casket, made in Germany in c. 1900, firmly attributed to renowned maker Erhard & Sohne. The highly elaborate ormolu metal case...
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
$3,576Sale Price|29% Off
Art Nouveau Italian Brass Double Bed, Early 1900s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Large Italian double bed from the early 20th century. Fabulous quality object and gilded brass decoration. Bed decorated with plaques depicting female characters and neoclassical che...
Brass
19th Century French Bamboo Side Table with Octagonal Top
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France with an octagonal shaped top. This table is darling! The top has bamboo molded edges, surrounding a seagrass top, and supported ...
Bamboo, Rush
French Art Nouveau Heavy Brass Etched Glass Lantern Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Classic French gilded brass Art Nouveau hall lantern. Brass frame and gallery with balloon-shaped etched glass. Around 1900-1930 Height including chain and canopy: 75 cm / 29.53 in...
Brass, Gold Plate
Art Nouveau Marquetry Side Table by Émile Gallé, Walnut, France, 1900s
By Émile Gallé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau marquetry side table. Design by Émile Gallé Original solid walnut base with four tapered legs. The original table top, which has been slightly bended...
Macassar, Walnut
French Elm Side Table Writing Table Turned Wood, circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French antique elm side or writing table, circa 1900. Turned legs, one drawer. Good antique condition Shipping: P 53 / 81 / 72 cm 14.2 kg
Elm
$976Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Longwy Turquoise Enameled Ceramic Platter
By Faïenceries et Emaux de Longwy
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite 19th-century, ceramic plate is a stunning creation from the renowned Longwy manufactory, celebrated for its mastery of decorative ceramics. The plate features a capti...
Enamel
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble Top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900
Located in Chappaqua, NY
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900. Ornate molded cast iron base with rectangular marble top. Weathered red paint on base. Makers mark st...
Marble, Iron
$581Sale Price|35% Off
Jugendstil Pendant, circa 1910
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil pendant, circa 1910 Polished and stove enamelled Glass sticks replaced (new).
Brass
Art Deco stool by Jindrich Halabala in Red Dedar Velvet
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This early 20th-century stool is a refined example of Czechoslovak Art Deco design, bearing the signature of Jindřich Halabala and UP Závody. The solid beechwood construction ensures...
Velvet
Art Nouveau French Advertising Lithograph Poster Printed by G. Delattre & Cie.
Located in Savannah, GA
This large, colorful advertising poster is a classic French lithograph, circa 1900. and was printted by the renowned Imprimerie G. Delattre et Cie in Paris with French tax stamp visi...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Cameo Glass Banjo Vase, by Emile Galle Décor Begonias, France, circa 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
An excellent French Art Nouveau Vase in a classic banjo shape, with a deep red flowering landscape etched and acid cut against a yellow background, with fine color and detail. Rare ...
Glass
Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica plate two parakeets on a blue background with oranges Salins, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Majolica
Art Nouveau Art Glass Grape Pendant Light with 2 Shades
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Art Nouveau Art Glass Grape Pendant Light of European origin with 2 sets of art glass grape clusters in yellow and uranium green glass. Elab...
Brass
$1,394Sale Price|20% Off
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 JONES
Located in Palermo, Sicily
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 JONES
Metal
Josef Hoffmann "Palme Kobe" Jugendstil Chandelier, Re Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Variation of the great Palme designed by Josef Hoffmann in circa 1918 Different Variations of the chandelier are available - see our pictures below Total drop custom made. All compo...
Crystal, Brass
$7,560Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Art Nouveau Large Bronze Sculptural Floor/ Table Lamp by Gustave Gurshner
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Monumental 19thc Austrian Art Nouveau Bronze Figural Floor/ Table Lamp. Featuring original Tiffany style tiled Art Glass Shade. Signed by Artist Gustave Gurschner. Large and heavy Sc...
Bronze
Lamp, "Fiori di Luce" 8-light metal and frosted glass, Italy, 1970s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Gorgeous floor lamp with floral design, made of wrought iron with decorative details and flower-shaped worked glass diffusers. The structure recalls an elegant bouquet, making it a t...
Metal
Brass silvered jugendstil candle holder for 3 candles vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Brass silvered jugendstil candle holder for 3 candles vienna around 1908 Original condition
Brass
Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks Model 1201. Arts & Crafts, circa 1910
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A sculptural pair of American Arts & Crafts bronze candlesticks produced by Tiffany Studios, New York, circa 1905–1915. Model number 1201, cast in heavy bronze and finished with ...
Bronze
French Iron Base Dining Table & Painted Wood Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Allow yourself to become lost in the expressive Art Nouveau details on this vintage French dining table featuring a large, cast iron base topped with a (French gray) painted wood sur...
Iron
$790Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Beech Bentwood Hat and Coat Stand, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau hat and coat stand. Design in the style of Thonet and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Striking French design from the 1900s. Stained beech and bentwood frame w...
Beech
Bentwood rocking chair attr. Thonet, late 19th century
By Thonet
Located in View Park, CA
A bentwood rocker attributed to Thonet, designed late 19th or early 20th century. Featuring art nouveau whiplash curves and real wicker caning. Made in Poland (possibly at the Radoms...
Wicker, Bentwood
Art Nouveau French Brass and Pink Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, pink pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international s...
Brass
$1,685 / set
2 wall lamps Adolf Loos style
By Adolf Loos
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Two wall lamps designed during the Art Nouveau period. Adolf Loos frequently used lamps like these: Loosbar, Villa Steiner, Haus Brummel in Pilsen. Probably made by Kalmar in the 1...
Brass
Exquisite Tiffany Studios Bronze & Leaded Glass "Feather" Table Lamp, Circa 1915
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This superb Tiffany Studios table lamp, dating to circa 1915, represents the height of American decorative artistry in the early twentieth century. With its refined conical leaded gl...
Cast Stone, Bronze
Fratelli Toso Murano Antique Fenicio Blue Orange White Italian Art Glass Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown cobalt and sky blue, orange, and white Italian art glass decorative double handle cabinet vase. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso compa...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
$115 / item
Large Quantity Glazed Antique Tiles, 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique handmade border tiles. It shows a beautiful handdrawn illustration in a green and red-brown color on a light background. These tiles would be charm...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Cabinet attributed to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Belgium, circa 1900
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
An exeptional Art Nouveau cabinet attributed to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, produced in Belgium around 1900. Executed in oak, the piece combines leaded stained glass, green and yellow fa...
Brass
Original Antique 3 Lite Lily Table Lamp, Gilt Bronze Base, ca.1905
Located in Petaluma, CA
This stunning lamp was conceived and manufactured by the most famous of all American lamp makers, Tiffany Studios. The detailed cast and gilt bronze base is accompanied by 3 matchin...
Bronze
Jugendstil Armchair Attributed to Thorvald Bindesbøll, Denmark, ca. 1900
Located in Valby, 84
Armchair in solid oak, the continuously curved and gently arched crest rail terminating in carved square corner blocks with applied foliate ornament, supported by vertical back splat...
Leather, Oak
French Majolica Wild Rose Pitcher Fives Lille, circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica wild rose pitcher fives Lille, circa 1900.
Ceramic
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Art Nouveau Chandelier, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Before the funding of the historical Wiener Werkstätte, four pieces of this lamp were designed and manufactured for the Hochstetter Apartment. Now manufactured at the Woka Lamps Work...
Brass
Austrian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, wood and fabric table lamp designed and produced in Vienna, Austria, c. 1930s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 32.75“ H x 13.125” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-2...
Brass
French White Mat Glass Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French frosted glass pendant lights Brass top with 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton flex More in stock 50x, small differences in the edges. Good to combine. Weight 0.50 kg / 1.1 lb...
Brass
Late 19th Century Cupid Cherub Angel Figurine Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic late 1890s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture sho...
Bronze
Pair Of Art Nouveau Sconces In The Taste of WAS Benson
By Was Benson
Located in NANTES, FR
Pair of art nouveau wall lights circa 1900. In the style of Was Benson, in copper and brass. Floral tulip in opalescent glass. In perfect condition, electrified. Width: 12,5 cm Hei...
Brass, Copper
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werksaette Silk/Brass Chandelier
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. Comes in all sizes Total drop custom made - 55 cm DM Most components according to the UL re...
Crystal, Brass
Gilt Bronze Tiffany "Puddlestick" Candlestick New York 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tiffany Studios gilt bronze "Puddlestick" candlestick. Signed with stamped signature "Tiffany Studios New York 1213" to bottom.
Bronze
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
Rare Art Nouveau Jugendstil Single Drawer Writing Desk Cabriole Louis Majorelle
Located in Peoria, AZ
EXQUISITE! JUGENDSTIL SINGLE DRAWER WRITING DESK UNIQUE CABRIOLE LEGS OAK & VARIOUS WOODS MAGNIFICENT! (DIMENSIONS: Approximately 29" Tall By 18" Wide By 18" Deep) H...
Fruitwood, Oak
Set of 4 French Bentwood Bistro Dining Chairs, Provence, Mid-20th Century
By Thonet
Located in Astoria, NY
Sourced in Provence, this set of four French bentwood bistro chairs captures the quiet elegance of classic café seating. The frames are crafted in steam-bent beechwood, featuring a g...
Beech, Bentwood
Antique English Art Nouveau Liberty & Co. Inlaid Oak Wall Mirror C. 1900
Located in London, GB
Antique English Art Nouveau Wall Mirror, Oak with Inlaid Stylised Flower Motifs, C.1900 A solid golden oak wall mirror in the manner of Liberty & Co. London. The broad chamfered fr...
Oak
Antique Monumental Hand Carved Alabaster Plafonnier in Cast Bronze Ring
Located in Nottingham, GB
Antique Monumental Hand Carved Alabaster Plafonnier in Cast Bronze Ring A monumental carved alabaster plafonnier of the highest quality, the deep alabaster bowl suspended within a f...
Alabaster, Bronze
Tall Antique White Ironstone Dairy Pitcher, Boch Freres, Belgium, circa 1890
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Tall Antique White Ironstone Dairy Pitcher, Boch Freres, Belgium, circa 1890. Grand size pitcher with raised bands and impressed faux bois design, evoking a wooden pitcher.
Ironstone
Early German Art Deco Milk and Frosted Glass Luzette Pendant , 1900s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
An early German art nouveau milk and frosted pendant with brass mount, ca.1900s. Socket: one E27 or E26 (US) for standrad screw bulb.
Brass
Art Nouveau French Brass and Yellow Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, yellow pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international...
Brass
Emile Gallé Important Vase "Ficoïdes Marins Rouges"
By Émile Gallé
Located in NANCY, FR
Spectaculaire vase ovoïde à panse méplate et col navette sur piédouche en verre triple. Magnifique décor gravé en très fines réserves à l’acide et repris à la roue, de feuillages et ...
pate de verre
Mid-Century Ruscha Art Vase
By Ruscha
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Beautiful art pottery and unusual piece by Ruscha with a strong art nouveau influence in its shape and decoration. It is glazed in a dark brown with variegated purple and light grey ...
Ceramic
Antique Vase in Pressed Ruby Red Glass by Fyens Glasværk, 1920s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A 1920s flower vase in pressed ryby/deep red glass. Made at Fyens Glasværk (later Holmegaard) in the early 1920s. It's a substantial and tall piece measuring 28 cm in height. Suitabl...
Glass
Table Lamp in the Style of Jugendstil 'nickel'
Located in Wien, Au
Table lamp in the style of Jugendstil This is a reproduction. We have also the same in brass Opal glass. Depending on the order quantit...
Opal, Nickel
Brown Bronze Pig Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Early 20th century bronze pig sculpture in brown patinated bronze, mounted on a green marble base. This animal sculpture represents a standing dom...
Marble, Bronze
Vintage Gold plate Cigar Cutter by Donatus, Western Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A superb vintage Donatus cigar cutter from Solingen, Germany, dating to the 1960s. Expertly crafted in gilded metal, this piece exemplifies the exceptional quality and precision for ...
Metal, Gold Plate
Antique Chromolithograph Pair, Ceramics Through the Ages, 1898
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Chromolithograph Pair, Ceramics Through the Ages, Meyers 1898 This attractive pair of original chromolithographs illustrates the history and artistic development of ceramics...
Paper