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

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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.

Question 15

What is the history of Bitossi pottery?

Accepted Answer

The history of Bitossi pottery began in 1926, when Guido Bitossi founded his shop in Montelupo Fiorentino, near Florence, Italy. He descended from a long line of artisans, including painters, sculptors and potters. His son Londi became the creative director of Bitossi in 1946 and was responsible for introducing the colorful glazes that Bitossi has become famous for during his 50-year tenure. During the 1950s, Ettore Sottsass began to design unique pieces for Bitossi, and his geometric bowls and vases redefined the art form of pottery and set major trends during the mid-century period. After Londi Bitossi stepped down, a new generation of the family took over, with Guido's granddaughter Cinzia Bitossi serving as artistic director and his great-granddaughter Ginevra Bocin acting as CEO. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Bitossi pottery.

Question 16

What is the history of Dresden Porcelain?

Accepted Answer

The history of Dresden Porcelain began with the founding of Sächsische Porzellanmanufaktur Dresden by Carl-Johann Gottlob Thieme in 1872 in the city of Freital, Saxony. During the decades that followed, his son-in-law Carl August Kuntzsch joined the company and pioneered the process of adding ornate floral ornamentation to porcelain. When Thieme died in 1912, Kuntzsch took up the reins of Dresden Porcelain. The company saw a decline during World War I and II. During the period after the Second World War, the Soviet Union gradually assumed control of Dresden Porcelain, renaming it VEB Sächsische Porzellan-Manufaktur Dresden. The reunification of Germany in 1990 allowed the company to return to private ownership. A French investor group purchased it in 1991 and then sold it to the Dresden IPV group, led by art patron Jürgen Wegener, in 1993. Gunther Seifert and Klaus-Peter Arnold bought out the group following its bankruptcy in 1998, only to resell it to Geschwister Hillebrand GmbH in 2005. Explore a selection of Dresden Porcelain on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is the history of H. Stern?

Accepted Answer

The history of H. Stern begins with Hans Stern, who fled with his parents to Rio de Janeiro at the onset of World War II. There, he landed a job working for the precious stone and mineral exporter Cristab, regularly visiting mines on horseback. At the remote mines of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, he cultivated relationships with many of the miners, developing professional connections that would endure for decades. He also developed a fascination with the colorful semi-precious stones found in the area. In 1945, he started his own company, H. Stern, with the goal of marketing Brazilian gemstones. Though the company began as a trader in gemstones, it soon expanded to jewelry, with Stern assembling and training a team of young jewelers. In 1949, H. Stern opened its first jewelry shop in Rio de Janeiro. During the 1980s, the brand debuted its first celebrity collaboration with French actress Catherine Deneuve. By the mid-1990s, the company was opening stores abroad and selling jewelry at international department stores. Today, the company is run by Stern's son, Roberto, who has introduced a broad range of new collections and styles. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of H. Stern jewelry.

Question 18

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 19

What is the history of Fred jewelry?

Accepted Answer

The history of Fred jewelry began when Fred Samuel moved from Argentina to Paris for an apprenticeship and later opened his own jewelry shop in 1936. Samuel was known for his casual yet sophisticated style, working with diamonds, pearls and colored gemstones. Some of his high-profile clients included Princess Grace of Monaco and the King and Queen of Nepal. The sign above his storefront on rue Royale was initially branded with the founder's full name, but during the 1940s, the "Samuel" part came down. Today, jewelry lovers commonly know the company as Fred, a brand operated by Fred Paris. In 1996, Fred Paris was acquired by luxury holding company LVMH (which went on to purchase Tiffany & Co. and Bvlgari). Fred Samuel died in 2006, but Fred Paris continues his legacy in jewelry. Explore a diverse assortment of Fred Paris jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is the natural world?

Accepted Answer

The natural world refers to any part of nature untouched by man. A few examples of the natural world include the ocean, forests and mountains.

History Of The World

2010s Contemporary Mixed Media

Donald McPartlandHistory of the World, Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 2011

1990s American Expressionist Books

Skyscrapers: a History of the World's Most Famous and Important Skyscrapers

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mark Masyga"A History of the World in Six Easy Installments", Large Scale Abstract Painting, 2018

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mark Masyga"A History of the World in Six Easy Installments", Large Scale Abstract Painting, 2018

1970s North American For The Desk

Parker 75 Custom Insignia writing set with case, 14k gold plated, 70's

Vintage 1950s French Modern Books

History of The American People, French Book in 2 Volumes by André Maurois, 1955

Vintage 1980s French Modern Books

Normandie, The Epic of the Giant of the Seas, French Book by Bruno Foucart, 1985

Late 19th Century Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Lydia Purdy HessView of the Swedish Building / World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago History, 1893

Early 2000s French Modern Books

The Industrial Heritage of the United States French Book by Louis Bergeron, 2000

Early 2000s French Modern Books

The Industrial Heritage of The United States, French Book by Louis Bergeron 2000

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Antique Map of Russia in Asia by Tallis, '1851'

21st Century and Contemporary European Pullovers

Raf Simons AW05 “History Of My World” Alamo Crewneck

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Antique Map of Russia in Europe by Tallis, '1851'

Antique Mid-19th Century European Maps

Antique Map of New South Wales in Australia, ca. 1850

20th Century American Modern Books

A History of Ballet and Dance in the Western World Book by Alexander Bland

21st Century and Contemporary American Books

Jewels That Made History: 101 Stones, Myths, and Legends

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

A Trip to the Moon Chest of Drawers Cabinet by Matteo Cibic

Early 2000s French Modern Books

The Cars in Posters, French Book by Thierry Favre, 2007

Vintage 1980s French Modern Books

Paris in the Thirties, French Book by Jacques Lanzmann, 1987

Vintage 1970s French Modern Books

The United States 1898 to 1933, French Book by Y.H. Nouailhat, 1973

21st Century and Contemporary North American Agra Books

Wonders of the World Book

2010s Desk Accessories

"The History of Jewelry" Published by Rizzoli

Antique 1850s Maps

Original Antique Map of the Channel Islands, Incl. Decorative Vignettes, 1851

Antique 1850s Maps

Map of Russia with Vignettes of the Neoskoi Prospect, St. Petersburg, ca.1851

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Beau CareyThe Shining World, 2022

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Beau CareySigns Preceding the End of the World #1, 2022

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Beau CareySigns Preceding the End of the World #2, 2022

Antique 1730s Prints

Original Antique Copper Engraving of the Plant Named Dudaim Melon, 1731

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Olga MichiScars of History, 2017

Vintage 1970s German Country Prints

Vintage Poster Countrycore Wall Chart A Way through 2000 Years of World History

Late 20th Century Romantic Figurative Prints

Graham Clarke"Waterloo Volunteers" From the suite "History of England", 1985

Antique 1850s Maps

Decorative Antique Map of the Malay Archipelago or East Indies Island, 1851

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

David RathmanDelta Women Think the World of Me, 2024

20th Century British Post-Modern Posters

Original 1982 Large Cinema Movie Poster Blazing Saddles Mel Brooks Film

Antique Early 17th Century English Books

Pliny, Gaius Secundus: HISTORIE OF THE WORLD

Vintage 1960s Maps

The History of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Published in 1966

Antique 18th Century Prints

Antique Print of a Timeline of the Biblical History, 1732

Antique Mid-19th Century European Maps

Antique Map of Victoria, or Port Phillip in Australia, ca. 1850

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Books

The Blue Planet a Natural History of the Oceans Hardcover Book

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Donald McPartland
History of the World, Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 2011

Mark Masyga
"A History of the World in Six Easy Installments", Large Scale Abstract Painting, 2018

Mark Masyga
"A History of the World in Six Easy Installments", Large Scale Abstract Painting, 2018

Lydia Purdy Hess
View of the Swedish Building / World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago History, 1893

Beau Carey
The Shining World, 2022

Beau Carey
Signs Preceding the End of the World #1, 2022

Beau Carey
Signs Preceding the End of the World #2, 2022

Olga Michi
Scars of History, 2017

Graham Clarke
"Waterloo Volunteers" From the suite "History of England", 1985

David Rathman
Delta Women Think the World of Me, 2024

Duke Windsor
Impressionist Portrait Painting, "Savior of the World", 2022

Alex Ross
Batman The Legend by Alex Ross, Circa 1990's

Neil MARSHALL
To the New World

Richard Thomas Scott
"The Abolitionist" - Contemporary History Painting - Vermeer

Craig Campbell
On Top of the World, 8" high bronze, 2019