Art Deco Curiosity
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Religious Items
Bronze
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Religious Items
Metal
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Nautical Objects
Chrome
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Religious Items
Bronze
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Religious Items
Marble, Bronze
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Religious Items
Onyx, Bronze
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Religious Items
Marble, Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Models and Miniatures
Plaster
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Models and Miniatures
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1930s North American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Chrome, Enamel, Steel
Vintage 1930s North American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Enamel, Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Religious Items
Ceramic
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1970s Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1970s European Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Steel
Vintage 1930s North American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Steel, Enamel
Vintage 1930s North American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Steel
Vintage 1920s Japanese Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Glass, Porcelain
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1980s Japanese Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Bronze, Copper
Vintage 1920s Polish Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Walnut
20th Century French Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Wood
20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Nickel, Brass
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Historical Memorabilia
Chrome
Vintage 1920s North American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Silver, Sterling Silver, Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1940s Central American Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Metal
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Aviation Objects
Metal
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Glass
20th Century Italian Art Deco Games
Glass, Pine
20th Century French Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Copper, Wrought Iron
1990s American Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Books
Paper
20th Century Italian Art Deco Games
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Chrome
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Silver
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Crocodile
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Platinum
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Enamel
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Brass, Iron
Vintage 1920s African Art Deco Taxidermy
Horn
Mid-20th Century Central American Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Bakelite
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Metal
20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Metal
Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Books
Paper
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Books
Paper
Early 20th Century Art Deco Historical Memorabilia
Metal, Enamel
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Tobacco Accessories
Chrome
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Collectible Jewelry
Silver
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Art Deco Curiosity For Sale on 1stDibs
Finding the Right collectibles-curiosities for You
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
- What is art deco jewelry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Art 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.
- What is an art deco watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An 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
- How do I identify Art Deco?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
- What is an Art Deco lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An 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.
- What is art deco ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Art 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.
- When did Art Deco originate?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024The 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.
- What is the history of Art Deco?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024The 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. - What defines Art Deco?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024A 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
- Are Art Deco rings timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2023Yes, Art Deco rings are timeless by many people's standards. Inspired by architecture, Art Deco jewelry pieces show off intricate geometric designs that have remained stylish decade after decade. Plus, the most commonly used materials during the Art Deco period, like platinum and 14-karat yellow gold, are classics. Shop a variety of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.
- What era was Art Deco rings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023Art Deco rings are from the era of the 1920s and 1930s. While Art Deco began to emerge a bit earlier than that, the style truly gained momentum after the end of World War I. Rings from the time period often feature geometric motifs, bold colors and designs that were influenced by Cubism, Futurism and other movements in visual art. Diamonds were exceptionally popular, while accent gems such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies brought vivid color to engagement rings and added sophistication and glamour. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco rings.
- What is Art Deco’s time period?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
The Art Deco era is 1925 to 1940.
- What does Art Deco ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023The term Art Deco ring means a ring produced in the Art Deco style. Most Art Deco jewelry dates back to the 1920s and 30s and features defined lines and geometric motifs. While a lot of Art Deco rings were black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Art Deco rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Art Deco is characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, visual drama and metallic finishes.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a few tell-tale signs you can look for to determine if a ring is from the Art Deco period. The first big sign is if it has a geometric element to it, as this was a big element of all Art Deco designs. Colored stones were also very popular in the period and it’s not uncommon to see sapphires or rubies taking center stage, rather than a diamond. During the Art Deco period, yellow gold was not very common, instead, jewelers crafted pieces of white gold or platinum. Shop a collection of authentic Art Deco jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Among the key Art Deco designers were Tamara de Lempicka, Erté, René Lalique, Le Corbusier, Jean Dunand, Léon Bakst, Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Sonia Delaunay, Georges Lepape and Jean Després.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023The simplest way to make an Art Deco bedroom is to purchase authentic furniture and decorative accents from the 1920s and ‘30s. Top designers from the period include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne and Jules Leleu. Pair authentic Art Deco pieces with a bedding set in a colorful, intricate floral print, or dress up the walls with wallpaper in a geometric motif with hints of gold. The iconic Art Deco movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Find a selection of Art Deco furniture and decor from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024The years between 1920 and 1939 are generally considered to be the age of Art Deco. However, the name of the movement didn't arrive until 1925, when the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, France, introduced Art Deco design to the world. After the 1930s, Art Deco continued to have an impact, influencing the Streamline Moderne and mid-century modern styles. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry, furniture and decorative objects.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024In its time, Art Deco went out of style due to shifts in trends. After World War II, designers became more interested in modernism and creating pieces with an emphasis on function and simplicity, a move away from the embellishment and adornment that characterized the Art Deco style. It's important to note that Art Deco never fully disappeared. In fact, many present-day collectors have a passion for pieces produced during the 1920s and ’30s. Shop a large selection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.
- What are art deco lamps made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Art 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.