The Aesthetic Movement in Britain (1860 – 1900) aimed to escape the ugliness and materialism of the Industrial Age, by focusing instead on producing art that was beautiful rather than having a deeper meaning – ‘Art for Art’s sake’. Reference: Victoria and Albert Museum
Below are some examples and price guides of ceramics from the aesthetic movement including a Minton vase and a Christopher Dresser plate.
Minton Aesthetic-style Porcelain Vase,
England, c. 1873,
vibrant bleu celeste ground with enameled and gilded blossoms with birds and butterflies, impressed mark, ht. 12 1/2 in.
Sold for US$892.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
Royal Worcester Company Ltd. Aesthetic Movement Gilt and Enameled Porcelain Beverage Set
Comprising two graduated pitchers with elephant head handles, height of taller 7 3/4 inches; a tapering cylindrical beaker, height 4 3/4 inches; and a shaped triangular tray, length 10 3/8 inches;
Together with Two Similar Royal Worcester Aesthetic Movement Gilt and Enameled Porcelain Graduated Ewers. Height of taller 7 3/4 inches.
Sold for $157 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2022
Christopher Dresser for Minton, an Aesthetic Movement plate, circa 1870, the central panel enamelled and gilded with cloisonne type Japonesque still life of flowers and bonsai, within a geometric chevron and honeysuckle border, printed marks for Cauldwell, Philadelphia, 24cm diameter
Sold for £350 at Kinghams Auctioneers in 2022
