Q: What is the history of Art Deco?

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 1

How do I identify Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco, look for the characteristics of the period. Furniture produced at the time is generally lacquered metal with a mirror-like glossy finish. Wooden items should be an exotic wood. Most items feature symmetrical designs, and geometric forms were popular motifs during the period. In addition, Art Deco often shows the influence of Hellenistic, Egyptian and Asian designs. Shop a variety of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is an Art Deco lamp?

Accepted Answer

An Art Deco lamp is any lamp that’s made in the styles of the Art Deco movement, which was dominant in the 1920s and 1930s. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of Art Deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 3

What is art deco ring?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco rings were made during the early 20th century. Named for a design movement that originated at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, Art Deco rings are generally quite geometric, symmetrical and incorporate a variety of gemstones — especially sapphires and emeralds. Find a wide variety of Art Deco rings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is the history of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.

Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.

The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 5

What defines Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

A few things define Art Deco. Date is one factor, as the style emerged in the 1920s and remained popular during the 1930s. Art Deco design usually includes bold geometric lines and forms or intricate repeating floral motifs. Designers working in this style tended to use expensive materials, such as shagreen or marble, as well as exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Furniture often featured metal accents, mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 6

When did Art Deco originate?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco period originated in France. Its name comes from the title of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, credited with introducing the style to the world. It was informed by ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession and went on to influence the Streamline Moderne and mid-century modern movements. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What was Art Deco influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco was influenced by a number of things. The discovery of ancient tombs around the turn of the century led to a renewed interest in Egyptian furniture and architecture that inspired Art Deco designers. Art Deco was also informed by Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI style, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession. Shop a large collection of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is art deco jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco jewelry was popular during the design movement of the 1920s and 30s. Art Deco jewelry is typically characterized by geometric patterns and gemstones of contrasting colors.

Question 9

What is an art deco watch?

Accepted Answer

An art deco watch is defined by its geometric case, which is either circular or rectangular. The watch style was highly popular between 1920 and 1950, and is still sought after today. You’ll find a collection of art deco watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs

Question 10

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that the former is detailed and ornate, and the latter is sharp and geometrical. When the movement started at the end of the 19th century, Art Nouveau was heavily influenced by nature and the curved lines of flowers. Art Deco, which became popular in the beginning of the 20th century, was inspired by the geometric abstraction of cubism.

Question 11

What are art deco lamps made of?

Accepted Answer

Art deco lamps come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Vintage art deco-style lamps were made of natural materials such as metal, glass and pottery. You’ll find a variety of art deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Is Toulouse-Lautrec Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The work of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec falls into the Art Nouveau style, which was prevalent approximately during the period of 1890-1910. Following the Art Nouveau period was the Art Deco era, which is usually defined as the era between 1920 and 1930. Toulouse-Lautrec died in 1901 putting his art in the era of Art Nouveau, but certain aspects of it definitely hint at the coming Art Deco style considering the definite overlap of the two movements. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 13

How was Art Deco furniture made?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco furniture was largely made by hand. Crafters often employed exotic hardwood like zebra wood, rosewood and Macassar ebony. Many pieces had a polished Japanese lacquer finish, which gave a high-gloss shine to the wood. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco furniture.

Question 14

What are the main features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main features of Art Deco are geometry-influenced shapes, bright color schemes and bold patterns. Art Deco architecture and design are both heavily influenced by the Cubism movement, which relied on the use of non-traditional angles and shapes.

Question 15

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco features bold geometric designs, clean lines and vibrant colors.

Question 16

How do I know if my ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To know if a ring is Art Deco, examine its style. The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. Makers often incorporated geometric motifs in jewelry designs. Materials may also provide a clue about the era of the piece. Platinum, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were some of the most common precious metals and gemstones used at the time. Keep in mind that there are many convincing reproductions of Art Deco rings and other high-quality pieces inspired by originals. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or expert within the field of antique jewelry design to evaluate the ring. Shop a selection of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is Art Deco style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco style furniture appeared right before the start of World War I and is defined by sharp lines, vibrant colors and bold patterns. Heavily influenced by geometry, Art Deco furniture was born out of the Cubism movement.

Question 18

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco furniture, first look for maker's markings in inconspicuous areas. Once you've found them, use trusted online resources to research the manufacturer and determine whether they were active during the Art Deco era, which spanned from the 1920s through the 1930s. You can also look for classic characteristics of Art Deco furniture, such as bold geometric lines and forms, intricate floral motifs, metal accents, mirrored finishes and fine materials such as shagreen, marble, mahogany wood, zebra wood, ebony, exotic animal hides, onyx and mother-of-pearl. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can also assist you with making identifications. Shop a collection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What are Art Deco engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco engagement rings are accessories that were produced during the 1920s and '30s and are characterized by details associated with the Art Deco style. They're often very colorful and feature bold geometric lines as well as gemstones cut in nontraditional ways. While the style got its name from an arts exhibition in Paris in 1925, Art Deco was inspired by Cubism and a shift from Art Nouveau's floral aesthetic. The modern look of Art Deco engagement rings reflects an evolution in fashion, visual art and more, as well as the sweeping societal changes taking hold at the time. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage Art Deco engagement rings.

Question 20

Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Art Deco jewelry is valuable. Jewelry from the 1920s and ’30s has remained consistently popular. It experienced a major revival in the 1960s, and even today, jewelry makers continue to be inspired by the period. As a result, demand for Art Deco jewelry is typically high, but the actual value of a piece depends on its style, maker, age and condition. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help you determine how much your jewelry is worth. Explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry on 1stDibs.

Art Deco Samovar

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Sterling Silver

Art Deco Silver Samovar

Early 20th Century Art Deco Serving Pieces

Gorham Co Figural Silver Plated Art Deco Ball Form Samovar Hot Water Dispenser

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Pitchers

Kitchen Range Copper Hot Water Urn Samovar This very practical piece

Early 20th Century Persian Serapi Persian Rugs

Antique Persian Serapi Rug

Late 20th Century Persian Arts and Crafts Persian Rugs

Arts & Crafts Style Vintage Persian Bijar Runner, Hallway Runner

Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Vintage Persian Heriz Rug

Mid-20th Century Turkish Spanish Colonial Turkish Rugs

Vintage Turkish Oushak Wide Hallway Runner with Spanish Revival Style

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Tea Sets

Boin-Taburet: 6pc. Antique French 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set - Like New!

Late 20th Century Indian Tabriz Indian Rugs

Vintage Persian Tabriz Style Indian Runner

Late 20th Century Turkish Heriz Serapi Turkish Rugs

Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Heriz-Serapi Design and French Provincial Style

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Oushak Turkish Rugs

New Contemporary Oushak Style Rug with Arts & Crafts Style

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Oushak Turkish Rugs

New Contemporary Oushak Style Rug with Arts & Crafts Style

People Also Browsed

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches

21st Century Contemporary Minimal White Velvet Bench With Black Lacquered Base

2010s Italian Modern Cabinets

Contemporary Italian Wine Storage Cabinet in Solid Walnut

21st Century and Contemporary Northern Irish Art Deco Fireplaces and Man...

Ryan & Smith Mackintosh, Art Deco Style Carrara Marble Fireplace

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Western European Rugs

Contemporary Abstract Shape Rug with Surrealist Motifs Black & White in Wool

Antique Early 1600s Italian Romantic Cabinets

17th Century Italian Four Doors Pine Wood Big Shelves Cupboards

Antique Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Persian Rugs

19th Century Antique Serapi Handmade Wool Rug In Orange-Rust Color

Vintage 1940s Persian Persian Rugs

1940s Antique Persian Rug Bakhtiar Design with ‘Tree of Life’ Floral Patterns

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Architectural Elements

Art Nouveau Curved Stained Glass & Bronze Panel/ Window, Attributed to Tiffany

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Cabinets

French Breakfront Library or Cupboard Cabinet

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Cabinets

Oak and Mahogany 36-Drawer Museum Collector’s Cabinet

Early 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage

Extremely Rare, 20th Century Arthur Conan Doyle Goyard Desk Trunk

20th Century French Country Barware

Fine Important Lady De Rothschild Hermes Paris Farming Wicker Chrome Picnic Set

Antique 1870s British Bookcases

19thC Monumental English Oak Open Library Bookcase

Vintage 1930s French Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Pair of Armchairs from the 1930s in the Style of Michel Dufet French Art Deco

Early 20th Century American Country Benches

Antique Sofa Bench Settee Loveseat Chair Red Upholstery Oak Western Farmhouse

Vintage 1960s French Space Age Architectural Elements

1969, Prefab Space Age Algeco Mod. 2002

Recent Sales

20th Century Danish Art Deco Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Samovar Tea Kettle

Antique 1820s Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique English Silver Plate Samovar Tea Coffee Urn Sheffield Silver Plate

20th Century American Art Deco Decorative Objects

American Art Deco Samovar

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Tea Sets

Silver Art Deco Samovar of Finest Quality Czech Republic circa 1921-28

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

Samovar Cristofle

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Sterling Silver

Elegant Solid Silver Sterling Tiffany & Co Tea Kettle Samovar 2009g Art Deco

Early 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Antique Persian Heriz Runner with Tudor Manor House Style

Mid-20th Century Turkish Industrial Turkish Rugs

Distressed Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug with Industrial Style

Late 20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Vintage Persian Heriz Rug with Warm Mid-Century Modern Rustic Style

Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Vintage Persian Mahal Rug with English Country Cottage Style

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Tea Sets