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 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 2

How do I identify Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To 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.

Question 3

What was Art Deco influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco was influenced by a number of things. The discovery of ancient tombs around the turn of the century led to a renewed interest in Egyptian furniture and architecture that inspired Art Deco designers. Art Deco was also informed by Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI style, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession. Shop a large collection of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is an Art Deco lamp?

Accepted Answer

An 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.

Question 5

What is art deco ring?

Accepted Answer

Art 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.

Question 6

When did Art Deco originate?

Accepted Answer

The 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.

Question 7

What defines Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

A 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.

Question 8

What was the Art Deco movement?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco movement was a decorative style popular during the 1920s and ’30s. Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design, celebrating society's growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu. The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects.

Question 9

What is an art deco watch?

Accepted Answer

An 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

Question 10

What is art deco jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art 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.

Question 11

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do I know if my ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To know if a ring is Art Deco, examine its style. The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. Makers often incorporated geometric motifs in jewelry designs. Materials may also provide a clue about the era of the piece. Platinum, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were some of the most common precious metals and gemstones used at the time. Keep in mind that there are many convincing reproductions of Art Deco rings and other high-quality pieces inspired by originals. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or expert within the field of antique jewelry design to evaluate the ring. Shop a selection of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Art Deco jewelry is valuable. Jewelry from the 1920s and ’30s has remained consistently popular. It experienced a major revival in the 1960s, and even today, jewelry makers continue to be inspired by the period. As a result, demand for Art Deco jewelry is typically high, but the actual value of a piece depends on its style, maker, age and condition. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help you determine how much your jewelry is worth. Explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How was Art Deco furniture made?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco furniture was largely made by hand. Crafters often employed exotic hardwood like zebra wood, rosewood and Macassar ebony. Many pieces had a polished Japanese lacquer finish, which gave a high-gloss shine to the wood. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco furniture.

Question 15

Is Toulouse-Lautrec Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The work of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec falls into the Art Nouveau style, which was prevalent approximately during the period of 1890-1910. Following the Art Nouveau period was the Art Deco era, which is usually defined as the era between 1920 and 1930. Toulouse-Lautrec died in 1901 putting his art in the era of Art Nouveau, but certain aspects of it definitely hint at the coming Art Deco style considering the definite overlap of the two movements. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 16

What are Art Deco engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco engagement rings are accessories that were produced during the 1920s and '30s and are characterized by details associated with the Art Deco style. They're often very colorful and feature bold geometric lines as well as gemstones cut in nontraditional ways. While the style got its name from an arts exhibition in Paris in 1925, Art Deco was inspired by Cubism and a shift from Art Nouveau's floral aesthetic. The modern look of Art Deco engagement rings reflects an evolution in fashion, visual art and more, as well as the sweeping societal changes taking hold at the time. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage Art Deco engagement rings.

Question 17

What are art deco lamps made of?

Accepted Answer

Art 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.

Question 18

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco furniture, first look for maker's markings in inconspicuous areas. Once you've found them, use trusted online resources to research the manufacturer and determine whether they were active during the Art Deco era, which spanned from the 1920s through the 1930s. You can also look for classic characteristics of Art Deco furniture, such as bold geometric lines and forms, intricate floral motifs, metal accents, mirrored finishes and fine materials such as shagreen, marble, mahogany wood, zebra wood, ebony, exotic animal hides, onyx and mother-of-pearl. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can also assist you with making identifications. Shop a collection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What is Art Deco style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco style furniture appeared right before the start of World War I and is defined by sharp lines, vibrant colors and bold patterns. Heavily influenced by geometry, Art Deco furniture was born out of the Cubism movement.

Question 20

What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Art Deco and mid-century modern (MCM) is that the terms describe two distinct design styles. Art Deco typically refers to pieces produced between the 1920s and 1930s. Furniture produced in this style tends to display bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs, metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. MCM, or mid-century modern, emerged after World War II. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. Designers working in this style frequently used industrial materials, including steel, fiberglass, molded plywood, and alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak. Explore a wide variety of Art Deco and mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Art Deco Trinket

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Trinket in Frosted Glass, 1920s

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Jars

Just Andersen Art Deco Trinket Jar in Pewter, 1930s

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Jars

Just Andersen Art Deco Trinket Jar in Patinated Bronze, 1930s

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Tableware

Art Deco Trinket in Bronze by Léon Hatot, ATO 1920s

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Jars

Danish Art Deco Trinket in Bronze by Nordisk Malm, 1930s

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Amber Glass Trinket Decorative Vanity Box, vintage Austria 1930s

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Crystal Glass Trinket Decorative Vanity Box, vintage Austria 1930s

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Amber & Clear Glass Trinket Decorative Vanity Box vintage Austria 1930s

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Ceramics

Art Deco Rare Porcelain Jester Powder, Trinket Box, Germain, C1930

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Bookends

Art Deco Brass Copper & Ivory Bakelite Trinket Box by Chase & Co.

20th Century Italian Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Style Lucite Trinket Box

20th Century Italian Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Style Tortoise Lucite Trinket Box

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Chrome Streamlined Car Trinket Box 1930s

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Figural Brass Trinket Tray, c1930

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Novelty Pierrot Ceramic Trinket Box, 1930s

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Jars

Art Deco Porcelain Flapper Powder, Trinket Box, c1930s

Vintage 1930s European Decorative Boxes

Vintage Art Deco Bakelite Trinket Box, 1930s

Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Aviation Objects

Folk Art, Hand Executed Modernist, Art Deco Airplane /Trinket Box

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Jewelry Boxes

Art Deco Jewelry Trinket in Bronze and Ceramic, BL, 1930s

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Swedish Grace, 1930s Art deco Argenta trinket plate from Gustavsberg

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Triangle Art Deco Mahogany Wood Trinket Decor Box with Geometric Design

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Glass

Art Deco Glass Perfume Bottle & Trinket Box Vanity Set, vintage Austria 1930s

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Art Deco Schlevogt & Hoffmann Malachite Glass Turtle Tortoise Trinket Dish Box

Vintage 1930s Jewelry Boxes

Art Deco Schlevogt Ingrid Malachite Glass Trinket Box, 1930s

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Flapper Girl Ceramic Powder/ Trinket Box, c1930's, France

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Jars

Art Deco Half Doll Porcelain Vanity Powder - Trinket Box, 1930's

Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Jewelry Boxes

Chinese Art Deco, Bird & Flower Motif Cloisonné Enamel Trinket Box, Ca. 1920

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Flapper Girl Ceramic Powder/ Trinket Box, c1930's, France

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Female Nude Bronze Sculpture Soap Dish or Trinket Tray on Lucite Base

Mid-20th Century Chinese Decorative Boxes

Small Vintage Chinese Goose Pot, Lacquer, Decorative, Trinket Box, Art Deco

Mid-20th Century Unknown Jewelry Boxes

Vintage Dome Top Box, Oriental, Japanned, Trinket, Jewellery Case, Late Art Deco

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Vintage Floral Ceramic Jewelry Trinket Box

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Decorative Boxes

George V Sterling Silver Table Trinket Box

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Jewelry Boxes

Antique German Elfinware Porcelain Roses Trinket Box w/ Brass Accents

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Antique French Edme Samson Porcelain Turtle Figure Desk Jar Trinket Box

20th Century Italian Art Deco Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Genuine Italian Purple Carved Alabaster Decorative Trinket Box, Italy

20th Century European Art Deco Decorative Boxes

STUNNING ViNTAGE HAND CARVED SOLID MALACHITE HEXAGONAL TRINKET JEWELLERY BOX

20th Century European Art Deco Decorative Boxes

STUNNING VINTAGE HAND CARVED SOLID MALACHITE RECTANGLE TRiNKET JEWELLERY BOX

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Decorative Boxes

1930s Art Deco Half Doll Powder Bowl

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Tableware