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

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 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

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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 20

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.

Meissen Art Deco

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Porcelain

Willi Münch-Khe for Meissen, Art Deco Figure, Three fish, 1930s

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Mandarin Duck Max Esser Art Deco

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Vases

"Frolicking in the Waves, " Art Deco Porcelain Vase with Nudes by Meissen

Vintage 1910s German Other Animal Sculptures

Large Art Deco Meissen Porcelain Sculpture of a Polar Bear by Otto Jarl

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Blue Orchid, Art Deco Soup Tureen in Hand-Painted Porcelain

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

"Socialite with Ostrich Fan, " Art Deco Masterpiece in Porcelain by Meissen

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Porcelain

A Monumental Max Esser Meissen Porcelain Blanc de Chine Model of a Stag (Deer)

Vintage 1920s German Belle Époque Figurative Sculptures

Paul Scheurich for Meissen, Resting Nobleman, Porcelain Sculpture, circa 1920

Vintage 1930s German Porcelain

Two Rare Art Deco Meissen Plates with Hand-Painted Peacocks and Gold Decoration

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen, Germany. Set of six plates. White porcelain with gold decoration.

Recent Sales

Mid-20th Century German Porcelain

Mid-20th Century Meissen Art Déco Bell

Early 20th Century Figurative Sculptures

Rare Meissen Porcelain Figurine "Peter Schlemihl", Willi Muench-Khe, circa 1926

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Porcelain

Paul Walther for Meissen, Art Deco Bowl in Porcelain with a Kingfisher

Vintage 1930s German Centerpieces

Meissen Art Deco Centrepiece Bowl Monkey and Cockatoo by Max Esser made 1924-34

Early 20th Century German Rococo Revival Porcelain

Meissen Art Déco Mantle Clock with Two Putti by Paul Scheurich 1934-1947

Early 20th Century German Rococo Revival Porcelain

Meissen Art Deco Mantle Clock with Two Putti by Paul Scheurich, 1920-1924

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Meissen Deco Sculpture by Robert Ullmann

Antique Late 19th Century Art Deco Vases

Late 19th Century Meissen Floral Vase

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Porcelain

Early 20th Century Meissen Plate with Passion Flower

Vintage 1930s Great Britain (UK) Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Large Bone White Glazed Pottery Lion Sculpture, After Meissen, 1930s

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen, Germany. Art Deco teapot decorated with coral red trim.

Late 20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Large Meissen Animal Figure, Toucan with Fruit in Beak, by Paul Walther, 20th C

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Porcelain

Finest Meissen Figurine Dancer Chiarina Russian Ballet by Paul Scheurich

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Figurine 'Bajazzo', Russian Ballet 'Carnival', by Paul Scheurich, 20th

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Figurine Spanish Dancer With Fan And Castanet, by Paul Scheurich, 20th

Vintage 1970s German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Tall Guianan Toucanet Art Deco Style 58 Cm Model 76025 Paul Walther 1978

Late 20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Animal Figurine, Lovely Gyrfalcon, Max Esser, 20th Century

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures

"Germany Triumphing Over the Soviets, " Propaganda Bas Relief Sculpture, Meissen

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Tall Rare Mantle Clock by Paul Scheurich, circa 1924 - 34

20th Century German Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Meissen Ballet Dancer "Chiarina" from Russian Ballet by Paul Scheurich

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Vintage French Limoges Style Pink Porcelain Flowers and Leaves Gilt Chandelier

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Chiarina Russian Ballet Dancer created by Paul Scheurich c.1924-34

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Chiarina Model D 286 Russian Ballet by Paul Scheurich, circa 1920-1924

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Figurine Group Lady and Black Boy by Paul Scheurich made c.1920-21

Early 20th Century German Rococo Porcelain

Meissen Figurine Group Scaramuz and Colombine Making Music by Kändler c.1924

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Ceramic Art Deco Vase

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Russian Ballerina 'Chiarina', by Paul Scheurich

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain

Meissen Cobalt Blue Vase Funneled Shape Flowers height 16.8 inches c.1954

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Very rare porcelain Meissen figure of a joker with an owl: German 1928.

George Lambert
Manor House with Cottages - British 18thC Old Master art oil painting VG prov., 1744

Frederick Carl Frieseke
At the Mirror, circa 1922

Camille Pissarro
Paysage avec batteuse a Montfoucault, c. 1875

Arnoldus Bloemers
Still Life of Peonies, Roses, Honeysuckle, Poppies, and other Flowers

Antonio Pietro Martino
"Spring, Oakview", 1927

Jean Baptiste-Armand Guillaumin
Dam at Genetin - Impressionist Oil, Winter Riverscape by Armand Guillaumin, 1908