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

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 2

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 3

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 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 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 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

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.

Question 13

Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The answer to whether Eileen Gray's designs were Art Deco depends on which piece you're considering. Gray was ever-evolving as a designer. By the early 1920s, she was creating geometric works that embodied the essence of Art Deco and the nascent modernist design movement. Some pieces, like her Bricks screen, employ the planar forms favored by Gerrit Rietveld and other De Stijl architects of the Netherlands. Others feature the tubular chrome framing used by Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who are associated with the mid-century modern design style. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Eileen Gray furniture.

Question 14

What are the main features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main features of Art Deco are geometry-influenced shapes, bright color schemes and bold patterns. Art Deco architecture and design are both heavily influenced by the Cubism movement, which relied on the use of non-traditional angles and shapes.

Question 15

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco features bold geometric designs, clean lines and vibrant colors.

Question 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

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.

Art Deco Frieze

Vintage 1920s Dutch Sideboards

Sideboard

Vintage 1920s Dutch Sideboards

Sideboard

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

Exotic Bird Frieze, Art Deco Decorative Painting by Dunbar Beck

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures

"Male Nude Frieze", Art Deco Sculptural Panel, Bertoni, Traction Avant Designer

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Vases

"Nude African Frieze, " Exceptional Art Deco Sculptural Vase by Ebeling, Sweden

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Paintings

"Utopian Motif, " Lovely Art Deco Painting with Frieze of Agrarian Labors, 1946

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Paintings

"Frieze of Nude Male Figures, " Art Deco Scene of Bathers and Workers, France

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Vases

"Frieze of Male Nudes", Art Deco Vase with Greek-Inspired Hunters and Warriors

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Wall Mirrors

Belgian Gilt and Silver Leaf Wood, Art Deco Mirror with a Richly Detailed Frieze

Vintage 1950s German Glass

Two Art Deco Amethyst Vases by Walther 'Germany' with Classical Frieze

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vases

"Frieze of Male Nudes, " Large, Highly Rare Art Deco Vase by Goor for Mougin

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Architectural Elements

1929 'South America' Limestone Frieze Phila Civic Center

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Architectural Elements

Phila Civic Center Carved Limestone Asia Frieze Eagle Imperial

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Drawings

"Modern Greek Frieze with Horse, " Extremely Rare WPA-Period Watercolor, 1930s

Antique Mid-19th Century German Art Deco Vases

Vienna Style Abstract Amethyst Glas with Golden Frieze Relief, ca. 1950, Germany

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Pitchers

"Frieze of Goats, " Important 1930s Pitcher by I.C.S., Likely by Gambone

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Buffets

French Two-Tone Art Deco Buffet, c. 1930's

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Vases

Green Art Deco, Frieze Glass Vase, Moser Karlsbad

Vintage 1920s Czech Art Deco Glass

Art Deco Uranium Glass Vase with Gold Frieze by Moser

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vases

Exceptional Daum Nancy Vase with a Frieze of Parrots

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Very Fine Swedish Modern Classicism Coffee Table with Geometric Inlay Frieze

Vintage 1930s French Side Tables

House of Jansen Art Deco Table

1990s German Vases

Green Art Deco, Frieze Glass Vase, Moser Karlsbad Glasswork, 1920s

Vintage 1950s Chandeliers and Pendants

Art Deco Brass and Painted Terracotta Chandelier with Lion Friezes, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Streamlined Moderne Armchairs

Vintage Art Deco Streamline Bauhaus Chrome Frieze Vinyl Folding Auditorium Chair

Antique 19th Century English Art Deco Fireplaces and Mantels

Cast Iron Fireplace with Filigree Frieze

20th Century French Art Deco Vases

Vase "Herringbone and triangle frieze"

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Maison Bagues French Art Deco Crystal Chandelier

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Vitrines

Antique Shop Display Cabinet, English, Art Deco Oak Showcase, Shop Fitting

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vases

"Football 'Soccer', " Rare Art Deco Vase by André Legrand for Mougin Pottery

2010s French Art Deco Porcelain

Hermès Porcelain " H Déco" Set of Two Medium Bowls, France, Modern

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures

"Dance, Literature, Sculpture, Art, " Art Deco Frieze W/ Nudes in Silvered Bronze

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Architectural Elements

Pair of Art Deco Panels Removed from Art Deco Period Speakeasy Casino

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Architectural Elements

Pair of Art Deco Panels Removed from Art Deco Period Speakeasy Casino

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures

"Undersea Frieze, " Remarkable Set of Bronze Art Deco Bas Relief Panels

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Credenzas

French Deco Oak Sideboard with Original Friezes

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Vases

"Sailors Frieze, " Museum Quality Art Deco Vase w/ Dockside Music Making Scene

Early 20th Century Art Deco Architectural Elements

Original Carved 1929 Limestone 'Africa' Frieze from Philadelphia Civic Center

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Architectural Elements

Pennsylvania Seal Frieze from 1929 from the Philadelphia Civic Center

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Architectural Elements