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

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 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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 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 Versace V2?

Accepted Answer

The history of Versace V2 starts with a partnership formed between the Gianni Versace company and Ermenegildo Zegna in the late 1980s. Versace saw the need to create a diffusion line that would produce menswear in larger quantities and a lower price than the norm for his haute couture line, and the collaboration with Zenga made his vision a reality. In 1990, Versace V2 launched in the U.S., and it debuted in Italy the following year. Then, in 1996, the Versace V2 brand expanded to include womenswear. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Versace apparel and accessories.

Question 18

What is the history of the Wegner Shell chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Wegner Shell Chair begins in 1963. Hans J. Wegner unveiled the chair at the Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Often described as being "wing-like," the chair's radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic at the time. Initially, mixed reviews from critics and the general public, as well as production difficulties, resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner's 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention (a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog). In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece's reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released, and it has felt relevant ever since. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hans Wegner Shell chairs.

Question 19

What did Jules Cheret contribute to poster history?

Accepted Answer

Jules Cheret contributed to poster history by changing how the art world viewed posters. In 1884, he showed his works in the first-ever gallery exhibition of posters, helping to elevate the art form. Find a variety of Jules Cheret art on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is the history of Eero Saarinen's Womb chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of Eero Saarinen's Womb Chair dates back to the late 1940s. It was then that designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll challenged her friend, Eero Saarinen, to create the most comfortable chair ever made. To succeed at the task, Saarinen sought to evoke what he imagined was the comfortable, secure feeling of being in the womb and set out to design the now iconic chair. Production of the Womb chair began in 1948, and it didn't take long for the seat to become a cultural phenomenon. In the decade following its release, it appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial, a New Yorker magazine cartoon and a Norman Rockwell painting on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. Today, Knoll offers the seat in 15 upholstery options, and when Saarinen's famous TWA terminal reopened as a hotel in 2019, Womb chairs were featured prominently in the guest rooms. Explore a collection of Eero Saarinen Womb chairs on 1stDibs.

History Of Tiffany

Antique 19th Century British Serving Pieces

Brownfield's for Tiffany & Company Porcelain Oyster Plate

Antique Late 19th Century American Sterling Silver

Japanese by Tiffany & Co. Sterling Kettle on Stand with Birds and Foliage

20th Century American Art Deco Sterling Silver

Set of 12 Tiffany Art Deco Sterling Goblets

Antique 1890s American Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Tiffany Mug

Early 20th Century American Flatware and Serving Pieces

Tiffany & Co. Asparagus Tongs

Antique 1880s American Victorian Sterling Silver

1882 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Flask of Victorian Equestrian Riding Scene

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Vases

Tiffany & Co. 1900 Charles L Tiffany Edwardian Art Nouveau Sterling Trumpet Vase

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Candelabras

Tiffany & Co. 1902 New York Art Nouveau Pair of Convertible Candelabras Sterling

Vintage 1960s Retro Brooches

Tiffany & Co. France Gold Knot Brooch

Early 20th Century American Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Coquille Dishes

20th Century Art Deco Wrist Watches

Tiffany & Co. Blue Sapphire And Diamond Watch

Late 20th Century American Brooches

Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Platinum Swirl Brooch

20th Century American Art Nouveau Serving Pieces

Chrysanthemum Silver Gilt Tazze by Tiffany & Co.

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Bangles

Tiffany & Co. Lock Bangle in Yellow Gold 70185636

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Rare Tiffany Studios “Jade Ring” Table Lamp

Vintage 1980s Cufflinks

Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold Golf Motif Cufflinks

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Deco Barware

19th Century Sterling Silver Tiffany & Co. Flask

Early 20th Century American Table Lamps

Tiffany Studios New York "Peony" Table Lamp

Vintage 1940s American Retro Brooches

14K Gold Tiffany & Co. Retro Safety Pin Brooch

20th Century American Belle Époque Sterling Silver

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Flatiron Building NY NY, Bookmark

20th Century American Neoclassical Sterling Silver

Tiffany Co. Sterling Neoclassical Interchangeable Covered Vegetable Dish/ Tureen

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

Tiffany Studios New York Five-Light Tulip Ceiling Fixture

Mid-20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Tiffany & Co. Jadeite Jade Ring Midcentury Circa 1950-1960

21st Century and Contemporary Bangles

Tiffany & Co. Lock Bangle White Gold Full Pave Diamonds 70424967

Vintage 1980s Modern Link Bracelets

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet

Antique Late 18th Century Pendant Necklaces

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Pocket Watch on Long Gold Chain

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Tableware/ Barware Serving Dish

20th Century American Vases

Louis Comfort Tiffany Art Glass Floriform Vase

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Bangles

Tiffany & Co. Lock Bangle in Rose Gold with Diamond Accents 70185296

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Cufflinks

Tiffany Co Vintage Polished Sterling Silver Bullet-Back Oval Shaped Cufflinks

20th Century American Contemporary Band Rings

Vintage 1996 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co Bamboo Band Ring

Vintage 1950s French Pocket Watches

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Pocket Watch Pendant Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Cufflinks

Tiffany Co Vintage Sterling Silver Football Bullet-Back 0.50 Inch Cufflinks

Antique Late 19th Century American Sterling Silver

Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Chafing Dish with Warmer, 19th Century

Vintage 1950s German Bangles

Vintage Tiffany & Co Brushed 14k Yellow Gold Etched Wave Motif Bangle

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Antique Edwardian Tiffany and Co Platinum Guilloche Enamel Diamond Watch Pendant

21st Century and Contemporary Bangles

Tiffany & Co. Lock Bangle in Yellow Gold with Full Pavé Diamonds 70158264

21st Century and Contemporary Cufflinks

18K Gold Tiffany & Co. Cuff Links Inset with Malachite & Black Onyx

Antique 1890s Belle Époque Link Bracelets

Tiffany & Co Belle Epoque Carved Jade Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Multi-Strand Necklaces