Question 1

What are amphorae in history?

Accepted Answer

Historically, amphorae are vessels made of pottery that feature elongated bodies and curved handles on either side of their necks. The Ancient Greeks used amphorae to store grain and liquids like oil, milk and wine. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of amphorae.

Question 2

What is the history of Kartell?

Accepted Answer

The history of Kartell starts with an Italian chemical engineer named Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. The couple founded Kartell in Milan as an industrial design firm, producing utilitarian items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa were making Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly, and Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work in 1972, when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" opened at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, in 1988, and since then, Luti has expanded the company's roster of designers. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Kartell furniture.

Question 3

What is the history of Wedgwood?

Accepted Answer

Wedgwood is a fine china and porcelain manufacturer. Established in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood in England, Wedgwood is known for its unglazed stoneware that features contrasting colors. Find a variety of Wedgwood fine china from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is the history of Gucci?

Accepted Answer

The history of Gucci begins in 1921, when Guccio Gucci opened a leather goods shop in Florence, Italy. In 1938, he brought three of his sons (Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo) into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan.

In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand's signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The use of bamboo for handles and locks originated after World War II, when leather and metal were in short supply. In 1947, the founder used the incredibly durable material for the first time in his Gucci Bamboo bag. In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York's 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72.

The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo's son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family's involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.

The new millennium brought new ownership and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward. Michele exited Gucci in 2022 and was eventually replaced by Sabato De Sarno.

On 1stDibs, shop vintage Gucci bags, clothing and accessories.

Question 5

Can I monogram my Louis Vuitton after purchase?

Accepted Answer

After purchase, Louis Vuitton offers its ‘Mon Monogram’ service on specific styles of handbags. However, if your Louis Vuitton bag is pre-owned, the only personalized service the high-fashion retailer offers is hot stamping. Shop a collection of authentic Louis Vuitton purses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Can I monogram my Louis Vuitton after purchase?

Accepted Answer

After purchase, Louis Vuitton offers its ‘Mon Monogram’ service on specific styles of handbags. However, if your Louis Vuitton bag is pre-owned, the only personalized service the high-fashion retailer offers is hot stamping. Shop a collection of authentic Louis Vuitton purses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is the history of the Fred brand?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Fred brand begins in 1936. That year, a young jeweler named Fred Samuel founded a shop in Paris, France.

Samuel was known for his casual yet sophisticated style, working with diamonds, pearls and colored gemstones to create smart jewelry for all occasions. The sign above his storefront on rue Royale initially was branded with the founder's full name, but during the 1940s, the "Samuel" part came down. Samuel created his famous Force 10 bracelet in 1966, and it became one of the brand's signature pieces. Inspired by its creator's love for the sea, the Force 10 bracelet features a braided steel sailing cable and a gold buckle.

In 1996, Fred Paris was acquired by the luxury holding company LVMH. Fred Samuel passed away in 2006, but Fred Paris continued his legacy in jewelry. The 2016 Chance Infinie line paid homage to the creativity and playfulness of the company's founder.

Find a collection of Fred Paris jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is the history of Harmony House?

Accepted Answer

The history of Harmony House begins in 1940, when Sears introduced the brand. From the start, the guiding vision of Harmony House was to create furniture and decorative objects in coordinating colors and styles in order to make it easy for everyday people to decorate their homes. A number of manufacturers produced pieces for Harmony House during the decade that followed. Among them were Magic Float, Bunting, Logan, Schott and Warmack. The Harmony House line continued until the late 1950s. Find a selection of Harmony House furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the history of a signet ring?

Accepted Answer

Signet rings originated around 3500 BC in Mesopotamia and featured a sign that was used to seal documents by pressing the ring into sealing wax. They could also be used to stamp a family crest and were considered as authentic as a signature. Shop a collection of vintage signet rings from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is the history of crazy quilts?

Accepted Answer

The history of crazy quilts dates back to the late 1800s when people began producing quilts using pieces of irregularly shaped fabric. This style of quilting remained popular into the early 20th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of crazy quilts.

Question 11

What is the history of the Plia chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Plia chair begins in 1967. It was then that Giancarlo Pirretti unveiled his unique folding chair at the Milan Furniture Fair in Italy. Its combination of a steel frame and polypropylene seat and backrest caught the eye of attendees. After Anonima Castelli s.p.a. began its mass production in 1969, the chair's unique ability to stack and fold quickly made it popular among consumers. Since then, more than four million Plia chairs have been sold. In 1971, the design received the BIO 5 Ljubljana prize, and it won the Gute Form prize in Germany in 1973. During the 21st century, the chair's popularity once again soared, particularly after it was featured in a Yves Saint Laurent commercial. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of chairs.

Question 12

What is the history of the Knoll sofa?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Knoll sofa began in 1954. The sofa was made during American designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll’s direction of the Knoll Planning Unit, the company's pioneering "design consultant service" that would define the look of the postwar workplace. The versatile Florence Knoll sofa, with its angular silhouette and tasteful mix of textures, could as easily fit into the glass lobby of a skyscraper as the living room of a home. That same year, Florence Knoll also introduced a companion lounge chair that coordinated with the sofa. Knoll, Inc. continues to produce the Florence Knoll sofa over half a century after it was introduced, and vintage models are still prized for their sturdy construction and timeless qualities. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Florence Knoll sofas.

Question 13

What is the history of Louis Vuitton?

Accepted Answer

The history of Louis Vuitton began in 1854 when Louis Vuitton opened a shop on rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris. He started off packing valuables for wealthy clients and went on to design steamer trunks for travel. In 1896, the company introduced its still-famous monogram print, and it continued to produce bags and luggage for the next 100 years. When Marc Jacobs took over as creative director in 1997, he created the first ready-to-wear line for Louis Vuitton. During the 2000s and 2010s, the brand introduced a number of iconic handbag designs, including the Multicolore and the Twist. Shop a collection of Louis Vuitton pieces from some of the world's best boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 14

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 15

What is the history of H. Stern?

Accepted Answer

The history of H. Stern begins with Hans Stern, who fled with his parents to Rio de Janeiro at the onset of World War II. There, he landed a job working for the precious stone and mineral exporter Cristab, regularly visiting mines on horseback. At the remote mines of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, he cultivated relationships with many of the miners, developing professional connections that would endure for decades. He also developed a fascination with the colorful semi-precious stones found in the area. In 1945, he started his own company, H. Stern, with the goal of marketing Brazilian gemstones. Though the company began as a trader in gemstones, it soon expanded to jewelry, with Stern assembling and training a team of young jewelers. In 1949, H. Stern opened its first jewelry shop in Rio de Janeiro. During the 1980s, the brand debuted its first celebrity collaboration with French actress Catherine Deneuve. By the mid-1990s, the company was opening stores abroad and selling jewelry at international department stores. Today, the company is run by Stern's son, Roberto, who has introduced a broad range of new collections and styles. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of H. Stern jewelry.

Question 16

What is the history of Phoenix Glass?

Accepted Answer

The history of Phoenix Glass began with the founding of the company in Monaca, Pennsylvania, in 1880. Initially, the company produced only shades for oil and glass lamps, but its offerings gradually expanded to include a wide range of lighting fixtures. By the end of the 1890s, the company had earned acclaim for its colored glassware, including its mother of pearl glass, which it received a patent for in 1885. In 1933, Phoenix unveiled its Sculpted Art Glass, which was blown into specially designed molds to eliminate lines. The popular Sculpted Art Glass line remained in production through 1958. In 1970, Anchor Hocking purchased Phoenix Glass, leading to the end of the Phoenix brand. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Phoenix glassware.

Question 17

What is the history of Bitossi pottery?

Accepted Answer

The history of Bitossi pottery began in 1926, when Guido Bitossi founded his shop in Montelupo Fiorentino, near Florence, Italy. He descended from a long line of artisans, including painters, sculptors and potters. His son Londi became the creative director of Bitossi in 1946 and was responsible for introducing the colorful glazes that Bitossi has become famous for during his 50-year tenure. During the 1950s, Ettore Sottsass began to design unique pieces for Bitossi, and his geometric bowls and vases redefined the art form of pottery and set major trends during the mid-century period. After Londi Bitossi stepped down, a new generation of the family took over, with Guido's granddaughter Cinzia Bitossi serving as artistic director and his great-granddaughter Ginevra Bocin acting as CEO. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Bitossi pottery.

Question 18

What is the history of Dresden Porcelain?

Accepted Answer

The history of Dresden Porcelain began with the founding of Sächsische Porzellanmanufaktur Dresden by Carl-Johann Gottlob Thieme in 1872 in the city of Freital, Saxony. During the decades that followed, his son-in-law Carl August Kuntzsch joined the company and pioneered the process of adding ornate floral ornamentation to porcelain. When Thieme died in 1912, Kuntzsch took up the reins of Dresden Porcelain. The company saw a decline during World War I and II. During the period after the Second World War, the Soviet Union gradually assumed control of Dresden Porcelain, renaming it VEB Sächsische Porzellan-Manufaktur Dresden. The reunification of Germany in 1990 allowed the company to return to private ownership. A French investor group purchased it in 1991 and then sold it to the Dresden IPV group, led by art patron Jürgen Wegener, in 1993. Gunther Seifert and Klaus-Peter Arnold bought out the group following its bankruptcy in 1998, only to resell it to Geschwister Hillebrand GmbH in 2005. Explore a selection of Dresden Porcelain on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What do I look for when purchasing a Curtis Jeré sculpture?

Accepted Answer

The main thing to look for when purchasing a Curtis Jeré sculpture is a signature, which you can typically locate on the back or underside of a given piece. The renowned metalwork company, which trades under a pseudonym for the design team of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, uses the shortened name "C. Jeré" when signing pieces. A piece lacking the trademark "C. Jeré" is unlikely to be authentic. Find Curtis Jeré sculptures on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is the history of Versace V2?

Accepted Answer

The history of Versace V2 starts with a partnership formed between the Gianni Versace company and Ermenegildo Zegna in the late 1980s. Versace saw the need to create a diffusion line that would produce menswear in larger quantities and a lower price than the norm for his haute couture line, and the collaboration with Zenga made his vision a reality. In 1990, Versace V2 launched in the U.S., and it debuted in Italy the following year. Then, in 1996, the Versace V2 brand expanded to include womenswear. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Versace apparel and accessories.

My Purchase History

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Still-life Photography

Tina WestYou can write my biography but you can't have my soul, 2015

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Photography

Tina WestYou can write my biography but you can't have my soul, 2015

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Galin RHistory secrets-abstraction art, made in pale pink, beige, grey, brown color, 2020

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Galin RHistory secrets (idols from Easter Island)-abstract painting, made in pink, grey, 2020

2010s Contemporary Still-life Sculptures

Edie NadelhaftOMG (Oh My God) - Yellow glass pill sculpture, 2021

1960s Modern Abstract Paintings

Stanley Bate"Georgia on My Mind, " 1960s Modern Abstract Painting, Circa 1960

2010s American Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

OMG (Oh My God) - Yellow glass pill wall sculpture

2010s Contemporary Still-life Sculptures

Edie NadelhaftLMAO (Laughing My Ass Off) - Orange glass pill sculpture, 2023

2010s American Realist Paintings

Luke AutreyPLAYTIME WITH MY MERCURY WAGON Realist Light and Shadow Oil on Panel, 2023

1980s Photorealist Color Photography

Audrey FlackPop Art Vintage Color Photograph Dye Transfer Print "In My Life" Audrey Flack, 1984

Early 2000s Expressionist Still-life Paintings

Inez StorerA Rose for My Faithful Fiend, Collage on Medal , 11 x 11, Blotter, Custom Frame , 2005

2010s Abstract Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Paul HobsonA Conceptualized Acrylic on Paper Painting, "Sail 1", 2020

Early 20th Century European Victorian Choker Necklaces

18k solid gold Belle Epoque Necklace - Filigree chain - Victorian drapery chain

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Cream 17mm Cultured Pearl 18k Gold and Diamond Pendant Handmade Choker

Late 20th Century European Modern Fashion Rings

Vintage Snake Ring - Victorian symbol of eternal Love - 18k yellow gold ring

Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Native American Pueblo Drum

Vintage 1960s Danish Desks

ND93 desk by Nanna Ditzel for Søren Willadsen, Denmark, 1960s - 60s

2010s Contemporary Photography

David YarrowThe Minturn Saloon, 2024

2010s Colombian Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Meeting between two worlds. Three handcrafted mirror sculptures

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

White Opal 22 Karat-21 Karat Gold Bezel Band Fashion Ring One-Of-A-Kind

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauInvisible Woman Groga, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauHeritage Vermell, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauVermilion, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauGingham, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauBrave Girl 15, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauTerracotta, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauBrave Girl II, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauBrave Girl 18, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauTurquoise, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauBrave Girl 16, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauBrave Girl 14, 2023

2010s Abstract Portrait Paintings

Angels GrauBrave Girl 12, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography

David YarrowThe Minturn Saloon, 2024

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography

David YarrowThe Minturn Saloon, 2024

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mike JorgensenFrog singing on a log, Original Naturalistic Wood Sculpture, 2023

2010s Abstract Geometric Mixed Media

Laura Petrovich-CheneyUpstairs and Downstairs by Laura Petrovich Cheney Contemporary Wood Artwork, 2024

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Edward ChristianaAfter Showers – Maine Coast, an the anti-aging oil painting by Edward Christiana, 1946

Vintage 1960s American Neoclassical Console Tables

A Pair of Neoclassical Style Consoles with Ocher Travertine Tops by Billy Haines

2010s Contemporary Color Photography

Addison JonesAddisonjones artwork, Rise Up contemporary artwork, 2023

17th Century Naturalistic Figurative Paintings

Tina West
You can write my biography but you can't have my soul, 2015

Tina West
You can write my biography but you can't have my soul, 2015

Galin R
History secrets-abstraction art, made in pale pink, beige, grey, brown color, 2020

Galin R
History secrets (idols from Easter Island)-abstract painting, made in pink, grey, 2020

Edie Nadelhaft
OMG (Oh My God) - Yellow glass pill sculpture, 2021

Stanley Bate
"Georgia on My Mind, " 1960s Modern Abstract Painting, Circa 1960

Edie Nadelhaft
LMAO (Laughing My Ass Off) - Orange glass pill sculpture, 2023

Luke Autrey
PLAYTIME WITH MY MERCURY WAGON Realist Light and Shadow Oil on Panel, 2023

Audrey Flack
Pop Art Vintage Color Photograph Dye Transfer Print "In My Life" Audrey Flack, 1984

Inez Storer
A Rose for My Faithful Fiend, Collage on Medal , 11 x 11, Blotter, Custom Frame , 2005

Paul Hobson
A Conceptualized Acrylic on Paper Painting, "Sail 1", 2020

David Yarrow
The Minturn Saloon, 2024

Angels Grau
Invisible Woman Groga, 2023

Angels Grau
Heritage Vermell, 2023

Angels Grau
Vermilion, 2023

Angels Grau
Gingham, 2023

Angels Grau
Brave Girl 15, 2023

Angels Grau
Terracotta, 2023

Angels Grau
Brave Girl II, 2023

Angels Grau
Brave Girl 18, 2023

Angels Grau
Turquoise, 2023

Angels Grau
Brave Girl 16, 2023

Angels Grau
Brave Girl 14, 2023

Angels Grau
Brave Girl 12, 2023

David Yarrow
The Minturn Saloon, 2024

David Yarrow
The Minturn Saloon, 2024

Mike Jorgensen
Frog singing on a log, Original Naturalistic Wood Sculpture, 2023

Laura Petrovich-Cheney
Upstairs and Downstairs by Laura Petrovich Cheney Contemporary Wood Artwork, 2024

Edward Christiana
After Showers – Maine Coast, an the anti-aging oil painting by Edward Christiana, 1946

Addison Jones
Addisonjones artwork, Rise Up contemporary artwork, 2023

Natasha Lelenco
Surrealist Face Portrait On Red and Yellow. Sculptural Painting "Currency #203", 2024

Eilis Crean
"Marketplace Cashier #46" - interior drawing - colorful work on paper - Daumier, 2021

Eilis Crean
"Hospital Worker #3" - interior drawing - colorful work on paper - Daumier, 2021

Tokie Rome-Taylor
Ancestors Speak...Soft as Cotton 1 - Contemporary Portrait of Young Girl (Blue), 2020

Janice Redman
Monochromatic Abstract Graphite Drawing of Large Pots , 1989

Janice Redman
Monochromatic Still Life Drawing of Stacked Bowls , 1993

Chuck Sperry
“Equal Rights, Flower of Democracy” Chuck Sperry Screenprint , 2022

Sophia Milligan
'The Cherry Blushes' Abstract botanical sakura natural blue white pink floral, 2020

Sophia Milligan
'Rising from your roots' Abstract sakura cherry blossom nature blue crimson gold, 2020

Sophia Milligan
'Blood in the Veins'. Cherry blossom pink white blue magenta abstract sakura, 2020

Jan Pieterszoon SAENREDAM
Jan P. Saenredam ( 1565-1607 ) - Taste , The Five Senses - 16thC Dutch Engraving, 1596