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

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 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 was the Art Deco movement?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco movement was a decorative style popular during the 1920s and ’30s. Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design, celebrating society's growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu. The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects.

Question 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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.

Question 15

Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The answer to whether Eileen Gray's designs were Art Deco depends on which piece you're considering. Gray was ever-evolving as a designer. By the early 1920s, she was creating geometric works that embodied the essence of Art Deco and the nascent modernist design movement. Some pieces, like her Bricks screen, employ the planar forms favored by Gerrit Rietveld and other De Stijl architects of the Netherlands. Others feature the tubular chrome framing used by Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who are associated with the mid-century modern design style. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Eileen Gray furniture.

Question 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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

Celluloid Art Deco

Mid-20th Century British Art Deco Vanity Items

Art Deco 'Flapper Lady' Powder Compact, c1930

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Empire State Building Florescent Table Lamp

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco Celluloid Grape Brooch

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco Celluloid Soldier Boys

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Drop Earrings

Art Deco Celluloid Pave Earrings

Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco Celluloid 1930s Novelty Brooch

Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco Celluloid 1930s Novelty Brooch

Vintage 1920s American Drop Necklaces

Art Deco Celluloid Heart Chain

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco Celluloid Dragonfly Insect Brooch Pin

1920s French Decorative Objects

Art Deco French Celluloid Necessaire

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Bookends

Art Deco Black and White Galalith Eagle Figural Bookends, 1930s

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Bangles

Deco Celluloid Cobra Armlet

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Celluloid and Brass Table Lamp

1930s German Curiosities

Art Deco Celluloid Golfer Tape Measure

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Side Tables

Art Deco Side Table In Celluloid – France 1925

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Celluloid Carved Bracelet Bangle Floral Design

Antique 1890s Belle Époque More Jewelry

Art Deco Baby Rattle Silver Celluloid

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Asian-Inspired Design

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Pink Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Floral Design

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Red Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Floral Design

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Celluloid Carved Bracelet Bangle LadyBug and Flower

1930s French Hats

Art Deco French Celluloid Marguerite Hair Comb

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

Art Deco Red Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Asian-Inspired Design

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Black Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Leaves Design

1930s Jewelry Boxes

Art Deco Cream Celluloid Box circa 1930s

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Celluloid Bracelet Bangle Geometric and Floral Carving

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Black Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Gold Paint Branches

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

Art Deco Green Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Floral Design, France 1920s

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Purple and Red Design

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Green Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Asian-Inspired Design

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco Celluloid 'Black Cherry' Brooch with Rhinestones, Unsigned, circa 1930s

1920s French Hats

Art Deco Pierced Celluloid and Citrine Paste Comb

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Celluloid Empire State Building Shaped Florescent Table Lamp

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

French Art Deco Celluloid Bracelet Bangle with Blue and Pink Sponge Design

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Collectible Jewelry

1930s Art Deco Bakelite + Celluloid Linked Necklace Dark Green Arching Dangles

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Jewelry Boxes

Art Deco French Ivory 'Celluloid' Vanity Jewelry Box Set Pyralin Du Barry

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Accessories

Art Nouveau Celluloid and Diamonte Hair Comb

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Decorative Boxes

rare 1930s 40s celluloid pull-out SEWING BOX art deco early plastic collector's

1930s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières

Art Deco Black Celluloid and Rhinestone Dagger Lipstick Minaudière, 1930s

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Prints

Edouard Benedictus
'Variations, 10' — 1920s French Art Deco Pochoir, 1923