Micromosaic Parrot
Antique 1790s Italian Classical Roman Models and Miniatures
Art Glass, Cut Glass
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Decorative Art
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Sofas
Leather
Antique 18th Century European Baroque Screens and Room Dividers
Wood
18th Century Renaissance Portrait Paintings
Tempera, Panel
Antique Early 1900s Victorian Serving Pieces
Silver Plate
Antique 1880s French Classical Roman Animal Sculptures
Iron
Antique 19th Century British Centerpieces
Sterling Silver
Antique 1860s British Sterling Silver
Silver
Antique 1840s English Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Pitchers
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Wine Coolers
Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Baroque Paintings
Canvas
Antique 1790s English Neoclassical Tea Sets
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sterling Silver
Silver
Antique 1870s British Victorian Sterling Silver
Silver
Finding the Right models-miniatures for You
There’s a place in every room for antique and vintage models and miniatures to fit in as small pieces of decor with character. Given their diversity of design, they are well suited to fit any style of space. From boats and spaceships to animals and race cars, there is a model for every taste.
Among the earliest known uses of miniatures are models found in Egypt dating back to 3,000 B.C. They were placed in pyramids as part of religious ceremonies. Elsewhere in the ancient world, small-scale architectural models were used in burial rituals. Since then, people have made miniaturized models for a variety of purposes.
Around the turn of the last century, toy companies created sought-after miniatures like trains. In the 1930s, airplane model kits took off in popularity. Later, Pop artists helped turn these kid treasures into a higher art form, such as Andy Warhol’s 1983 Toy Paintings.
Many people now use miniatures to decorate. Miniatures and models can be a playful accent, especially in areas of leisure, like a living room, salon or bedroom. Some collect miniatures to show off a range of favorite passions, while others focus on one type of model to add sophistication to their home.
Models can depict animals, people or places — as they do for an interactive project called Gulliver’s Gate in New York — and can contribute to the curation of a space or express a personality. Connoisseurs can find folk art and historical miniatures from every era. They have been created in classic and modern designs ranging from kitsch collectibles to old-world oddities.
Explore the collection of models and miniatures on 1stDibs today to build your collection and bring whimsical joy to your home.