Question 1

What are amphorae in history?

Accepted Answer

Historically, amphorae are vessels made of pottery that feature elongated bodies and curved handles on either side of their necks. The Ancient Greeks used amphorae to store grain and liquids like oil, milk and wine. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of amphorae.

Question 2

What is the history of Kartell?

Accepted Answer

The history of Kartell starts with an Italian chemical engineer named Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. The couple founded Kartell in Milan as an industrial design firm, producing utilitarian items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa were making Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly, and Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work in 1972, when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" opened at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, in 1988, and since then, Luti has expanded the company's roster of designers. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Kartell furniture.

Question 3

What is the history of Wedgwood?

Accepted Answer

Wedgwood is a fine china and porcelain manufacturer. Established in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood in England, Wedgwood is known for its unglazed stoneware that features contrasting colors. Find a variety of Wedgwood fine china from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is the history of Gucci?

Accepted Answer

The history of Gucci begins in 1921, when Guccio Gucci opened a leather goods shop in Florence, Italy. In 1938, he brought three of his sons (Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo) into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan.

In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand's signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The use of bamboo for handles and locks originated after World War II, when leather and metal were in short supply. In 1947, the founder used the incredibly durable material for the first time in his Gucci Bamboo bag. In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York's 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72.

The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo's son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family's involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.

The new millennium brought new ownership and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward. Michele exited Gucci in 2022 and was eventually replaced by Sabato De Sarno.

On 1stDibs, shop vintage Gucci bags, clothing and accessories.

Question 5

Why are kachina dolls called dolls?

Accepted Answer

Kachina dolls are called dolls because their size and shape makes them resemble dolls. However, the figurines produced by the Hopi indigenous people have spiritual meaning and are used for religious purposes not as toys. On 1stDibs, shop a range of kachina dolls.

Question 6

What is the history of the Fred brand?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Fred brand begins in 1936. That year, a young jeweler named Fred Samuel founded a shop in Paris, France.

Samuel was known for his casual yet sophisticated style, working with diamonds, pearls and colored gemstones to create smart jewelry for all occasions. The sign above his storefront on rue Royale initially was branded with the founder's full name, but during the 1940s, the "Samuel" part came down. Samuel created his famous Force 10 bracelet in 1966, and it became one of the brand's signature pieces. Inspired by its creator's love for the sea, the Force 10 bracelet features a braided steel sailing cable and a gold buckle.

In 1996, Fred Paris was acquired by the luxury holding company LVMH. Fred Samuel passed away in 2006, but Fred Paris continued his legacy in jewelry. The 2016 Chance Infinie line paid homage to the creativity and playfulness of the company's founder.

Find a collection of Fred Paris jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is the history of Harmony House?

Accepted Answer

The history of Harmony House begins in 1940, when Sears introduced the brand. From the start, the guiding vision of Harmony House was to create furniture and decorative objects in coordinating colors and styles in order to make it easy for everyday people to decorate their homes. A number of manufacturers produced pieces for Harmony House during the decade that followed. Among them were Magic Float, Bunting, Logan, Schott and Warmack. The Harmony House line continued until the late 1950s. Find a selection of Harmony House furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is the history of a signet ring?

Accepted Answer

Signet rings originated around 3500 BC in Mesopotamia and featured a sign that was used to seal documents by pressing the ring into sealing wax. They could also be used to stamp a family crest and were considered as authentic as a signature. Shop a collection of vintage signet rings from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the history of crazy quilts?

Accepted Answer

The history of crazy quilts dates back to the late 1800s when people began producing quilts using pieces of irregularly shaped fabric. This style of quilting remained popular into the early 20th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of crazy quilts.

Question 10

What is the history of the Plia chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Plia chair begins in 1967. It was then that Giancarlo Pirretti unveiled his unique folding chair at the Milan Furniture Fair in Italy. Its combination of a steel frame and polypropylene seat and backrest caught the eye of attendees. After Anonima Castelli s.p.a. began its mass production in 1969, the chair's unique ability to stack and fold quickly made it popular among consumers. Since then, more than four million Plia chairs have been sold. In 1971, the design received the BIO 5 Ljubljana prize, and it won the Gute Form prize in Germany in 1973. During the 21st century, the chair's popularity once again soared, particularly after it was featured in a Yves Saint Laurent commercial. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of chairs.

Question 11

What is the history of the Knoll sofa?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Knoll sofa began in 1954. The sofa was made during American designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll’s direction of the Knoll Planning Unit, the company's pioneering "design consultant service" that would define the look of the postwar workplace. The versatile Florence Knoll sofa, with its angular silhouette and tasteful mix of textures, could as easily fit into the glass lobby of a skyscraper as the living room of a home. That same year, Florence Knoll also introduced a companion lounge chair that coordinated with the sofa. Knoll, Inc. continues to produce the Florence Knoll sofa over half a century after it was introduced, and vintage models are still prized for their sturdy construction and timeless qualities. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Florence Knoll sofas.

Question 12

What is the history of Marbro lamps?

Accepted Answer

The history of Marbro lamps dates back to 1934, when brothers Morris and Elliott Markoff founded the Marbro Lamp Company. The brothers relocated from Chicago to southern California after the end of World War II and set up an assembly plant in the garment district of Los Angeles. Vases and objets d'art sourced from all over the world were used as lamp bases. The brass bases came from India, alabaster from Italy, porcelain from Japan and China and crystal from Germany and France. Murano glass and whimsical bronze figurines were two of the more popular base materials. Marbro lamps were one of a kind and took between 75 and 90 days to complete. Occasionally, they were made from sculptures that customers brought into the factory. Highly skilled woodturners and shade-makers crafted lampshades and wooden bases in Marbro's shop. The company's best-known products were these table lamps, but it also produced a wide variety of decorative objects. The Masco Corporation acquired the Marbro Lamp Company in 1987. Its Los Angeles assembly plant shuttered its doors in 1990. Its equipment and remaining inventory were moved to LaBarge Mirrors — a Masco subsidiary — in Michigan. Shortly after, the production of Marbro lamps ended. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Marbro lamps.

Question 13

What is the history of Martinsville furniture?

Accepted Answer

The history of Martinsville furniture starts with the founding of the company in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1906 by Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, a pair of former tobacco farmers. They launched their business with $30,000 in capital and began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company. In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings with a range of dining room sets. By the 1950s, the company’s name had been changed to American of Martinsville, and it had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as a variety of furniture styles. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul László, the brand innovated with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company's most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun's most popular line was Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Find a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is a cage doll?

Accepted Answer

A cage doll, also called a Santos doll, is a doll that was used to create an altar in the home, especially in areas that did not have their own priest. These European dolls often resemble a religious figure, like Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint. The body is typical of a doll, while the base is a frame that looks like a cage. Shop an array of vintage cage dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is a Ndebele doll?

Accepted Answer

A Ndebele doll is a type of colorful doll produced by the Ndebele people of Southern Africa. Traditionally, a man will place one outside of a woman's hut when he wishes to marry her. If she accepts the proposal, she takes the doll inside and gives it a name. Shop a range of Ndebele dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is a fertility doll?

Accepted Answer

Akua'ba (also spelled Akwaba or Akuba) are wooden fertility dolls from Southern Ghana and the surrounding regions. These dolls are traditionally carried on the backs of young ladies who are trying to have a child or who want to ensure that the child they are carrying is attractive. Shop a variety of fertility dolls from 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is a pincushion doll?

Accepted Answer

A pincushion doll, or half doll, is a porcelain figurine from the late 19th century. The top half was a doll resembling a woman, and the bottom half was a pincushion made to look like her skirt. On 1stDibs, find a collection of pincushion dolls from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 18

What is a geisha doll?

Accepted Answer

Geisha dolls are sculptural representations of geishas, which refers to a class of Japanese female entertainers. Geishas are women with training in various Japanese arts, including singing, dancing and poetry. They typically wear ornately decorated silk dresses and makeup that makes their faces appear very pale.

Question 19

What is the history of Louis Vuitton?

Accepted Answer

The history of Louis Vuitton began in 1854 when Louis Vuitton opened a shop on rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris. He started off packing valuables for wealthy clients and went on to design steamer trunks for travel. In 1896, the company introduced its still-famous monogram print, and it continued to produce bags and luggage for the next 100 years. When Marc Jacobs took over as creative director in 1997, he created the first ready-to-wear line for Louis Vuitton. During the 2000s and 2010s, the brand introduced a number of iconic handbag designs, including the Multicolore and the Twist. Shop a collection of Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world's best boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is the history of Phoenix Glass?

Accepted Answer

The history of Phoenix Glass began with the founding of the company in Monaca, Pennsylvania, in 1880. Initially, the company produced only shades for oil and glass lamps, but its offerings gradually expanded to include a wide range of lighting fixtures. By the end of the 1890s, the company had earned acclaim for its colored glassware, including its mother of pearl glass, which it received a patent for in 1885. In 1933, Phoenix unveiled its Sculpted Art Glass, which was blown into specially designed molds to eliminate lines. The popular Sculpted Art Glass line remained in production through 1958. In 1970, Anchor Hocking purchased Phoenix Glass, leading to the end of the Phoenix brand. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Phoenix glassware.

History Of Dolls

Early 20th Century English Toys and Dolls

Liberty of London King Henry the VIII Doll

Vintage 1910s German Toys and Dolls

Antique Group of 6 Skookum Dolls, 1913s

Early 20th Century American Toys and Dolls

Vintage 1930s HANDMADE Hawaiian Doll.

Mid-20th Century Finnish Toys and Dolls

Atelier Fauni, Hemulen, Figure Doll

Vintage 1930s American Native American Toys and Dolls

1930s Skookum Native American Dolls Mix Match Set of 4

Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Antique Paper Mache Doll, France, 1930s

1990s Italian Modern Toys and Dolls

Barbie Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood Legends Collection Doll

Mid-20th Century Japanese Toys and Dolls

Japanese Ichimatsu Doll of a Little Boy Dressed in a City Kimono, circa 1950

Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Girl in beautiful Dress, Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Toys and Dolls

Japanese Taisho Period Sitting Doll with Silk Clothing and Ornate Headdress

Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Boy dressed in Sailor Outfit Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s

20th Century Toys and Dolls

Elegant Vintage Porcelain Doll, Blue and White Beauty from the 20th century 2C05

Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Lot of Eight Miniature Antique German Dollhouse Toys Accessories 1900s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

Collection of Die Cast Toys Made in England C.1950s

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Toys and Dolls

Pair of Articulated Toys / Rabbit & Bear in Pale Oak by Kay Bojesen

Vintage 1960s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

Set of Two Antique Middle East Hand-Painted Wooden Stick Figures, circa 1960

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Tiger Circus Toy c.1903-1935

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Dark Lion Circus Toy c.1903-1935

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Lion Circus Toy c.1903-1935

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Lion Circus Toy c.1903-1935

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Giraffe Circus Toy c.1903-1935

1990s Italian Modern Toys and Dolls

Barbie 1994 Scarlett O'Hara Gone with the Wind by Mattel

Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Miniature Corner Shelf Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s

Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Miniature Bimini Glass Antique German Hand-blown Decanter Set for Dollhouse

Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

2 Miniature Picture Frames Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s

Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Miniature Flower Stand Basket Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s

1990s Italian Modern Toys and Dolls

Mattel The Great Eras Collection Barbie Victorian Lady 1996

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Mid-century Strato Moon Rocket Mechanical Bank c.1950 (FREE SHIPPING)

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Vintage Astro Rocket Ship Savings Bank c.1957 (FREE SHIPPING)

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Vintage Brooke Bond Tea and Coffee Cast Iron Horse and Wagon with Driver

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Early 20th c. French Elephant Pull Toy c.1920

20th Century Toys and Dolls

Melodic Elegance: Antique German Sheet Music Book - Early 20th Century, 2C06

Antique 1830s Italian Neoclassical Toys and Dolls

Antique wooden Roulette game wheel with applied figures

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Handmade Rajasthani Kathputli Dancing Puppet Couple Jaipur India 1950s

Early 20th Century American Industrial Toys and Dolls

Early 20th c. Wood and Leather Horse Pull Toy c.1930

Early 20th Century German Arts and Crafts Toys and Dolls

Antique Handcrafted German Railroad / Train Station Ticket Booth By Bing Bavaria

21st Century and Contemporary French Toys and Dolls

Rare Limited Edition Louis Vuitton "Doudou" Teddy Bear, c.2020

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Toys and Dolls

Articulated Toy Elephant by Kay Bojesen

Early 20th Century Indian Toys and Dolls

Early 20th Century Brass Indian Temple Toy on Wheels

Vintage 1920s British Late Victorian Toys and Dolls

Jerry Peil
Surrealist Doll Composition

Lia Cook
Doll Face Pillow, 2010

Bruno
Surrealist Composition with Dolls

Diana Thorneycroft
A People’s History (Fire-swept Algoma), 2009

Tyler Shields
Tyler Shields - Doll House, Photography 2022, Printed After, 2022

Walter Spitzer
Polish French Jewish Artist Oil Painting Girl with Doll, School of Paris Judaica, 1967

Ryan O'Donoghue
Plastic Head: 35th Anniversary Barbie Doll, rare, vintage, collectable, comic, 2024

Don Crowley
"AFTER GLOW" NATIVE AMERICAN GIRL W/DOLL (1926-2019) Arizona / California , Circa 1990Don Crowley (1926-2019) Arizona / California Western Artist Image Size: 11 x 13 Frame Size: 18 x 20 Medium: Gouache Study "After Glow" Indian Girl with her Doll