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

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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.

Question 17

What is the history of the Wegner Shell chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of the Wegner Shell Chair begins in 1963. Hans J. Wegner unveiled the chair at the Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Often described as being "wing-like," the chair's radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic at the time. Initially, mixed reviews from critics and the general public, as well as production difficulties, resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner's 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention (a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog). In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece's reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released, and it has felt relevant ever since. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hans Wegner Shell chairs.

Question 18

Who were the greatest Old Masters in the history of art?

Accepted Answer

Who the greatest Old Masters in art history are is largely a matter of debate. Encompassing centuries of change in Europe between 1300 and 1800, from booms of prosperity to bloody revolutions, Old Masters describes a wide range of artists. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked during this era. Shop a large selection of art from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What is the history of Eero Saarinen's Womb chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of Eero Saarinen's Womb Chair dates back to the late 1940s. It was then that designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll challenged her friend, Eero Saarinen, to create the most comfortable chair ever made. To succeed at the task, Saarinen sought to evoke what he imagined was the comfortable, secure feeling of being in the womb and set out to design the now iconic chair. Production of the Womb chair began in 1948, and it didn't take long for the seat to become a cultural phenomenon. In the decade following its release, it appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial, a New Yorker magazine cartoon and a Norman Rockwell painting on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. Today, Knoll offers the seat in 15 upholstery options, and when Saarinen's famous TWA terminal reopened as a hotel in 2019, Womb chairs were featured prominently in the guest rooms. Explore a collection of Eero Saarinen Womb chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What did Jules Cheret contribute to poster history?

Accepted Answer

Jules Cheret contributed to poster history by changing how the art world viewed posters. In 1884, he showed his works in the first-ever gallery exhibition of posters, helping to elevate the art form. Find a variety of Jules Cheret art on 1stDibs.

Painting About History

1890s Realist Figurative Paintings

English or Continental History Picture of Nordic Conquest painted about 1900, 1900

2010s American Realist Interior Paintings

Richard Thomas Scott"Nostalgia" - Contemporary History Painting - Vermeer, 2018

2010s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Richard Thomas Scott"The Abolitionist" - Contemporary History Painting - Vermeer

Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

David RuthAbstract Watercolor Painting, 'Thoughts About The World Underwater', 2008

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Alexander Stolin"History Lessons" -- Oil Painting by Alexander Stolin, 2024

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Interior Drawings and Waterc...

Thomas HoerberCamarillo History, Original Painting, 2022

2010s Abstract Paintings

Brian JeromeRevisionist History

1990s Abstract Abstract Paintings

StanzaThe Forgotten History - Contemporary Abstract Art Oil Painting, 1998

2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

David RuthContemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Thought About Space', 2022 by David Ruth, 2022

2010s American Modern Animal Paintings

Paton MillerRead All About It, 2021

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

StanzaLandscape Of History - Contemporary Abstract Art Digital Painting Monochrome, 2015

Early 1800s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Vincenzo CamucciniItalian artist Camuccini Neoclassical Roman History Painting 19th oil canvas, 1800-1802

1960s Realist Figurative Paintings

Barrington WatsonHuge topical Black History slavery painting Jamaica Morant Bay 1865 rebellion, circa 1964

Early 2000s Modern Abstract Paintings

Amitabh SenguptaHistory Wall Red, Indian Heritage, Mythscape Series, Oil Painting "In Stock"

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Abstract Paintings

Neil MARSHALL I'm wild about you, 2016 , 2016

Early 2000s Conceptual Abstract Paintings

Krzysztof GliszczyńskiAbout Lost Soul - Conceptual Encautic Oil Painting, Marble Dust Ash On Canvas XL, 2005

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

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

2010s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Richard Thomas Scott"Metamorphosis" - Contemporary History Painter - Vermeer, 2018

21st Century and Contemporary Hard-Edge Still-life Paintings

Peter Schenck"The Conversation", oil painting, art history, collage, cubism, ideas discussion, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

John Isiah WaltonUndiscovered History of Greed Island, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Street Art Landscape Paintings

Danny BrownHonestly I Just Wanna Paint IDC About Legacy , 2021

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Annie KevansDiana (Spencer), Princess of Wales. From The Series "All About Eve", 2013

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Jack Graves IIINative American Indian Icon III /// Contemporary Street Pop Art Portrait History, 2022

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Alexandru RădvanSelfportrait in the Beginning of History - 21st Century, Male, Blue, Brown, 2019

2010s Outsider Art Figurative Paintings

Stephen BassoGlory and Grandeur art history strong black female figure topical subject, 2015

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Edward BibermanSan Pedro Post Office: History of Writing Mural South, Preliminary Mural Study, c. 1936-7

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

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

Early 2000s Modern Abstract Paintings

Amitabh SenguptaHistory Wall White, Mythscape Series, Indian Heritage, Oil on canvas "In Stock", 2004

1980s Modern Nude Paintings

Philip Core1980s Erotic nude male portrait of artist's lover, Iconic piece from gay history, 1987

2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Alejandro JuradoA History of the Horizon (2), Cuban Artist, Abstract Landscape, b. 1986, 60x50, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Raul de la TorreThere Is No Prayer That Can Abolish History - Framed Earth Tone Abstract Art, 2021

1890s Realist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Otto von Faber du FaurMan sitting in the studio - Thinking about art -

2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Alejandro JuradoA History of the Horizon (1), 60 x 50, Cuban Artist, Abstract Landscape, b. 1986, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Paintings

Anastasia KurakinaPink panter painting , 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Paintings

Matson AmbroiseLong Hair, Oil Painting, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Paintings

Denise Souza FinneyChatter, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Alexander Stolin"Face Painting" -- Oil Painting by Alexander Stolin, 2023

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Marc DalessioBen Painting, 2018

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Paintings

Katharina HussleinMirrored Dreams - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Paintings

Richard Thomas Scott
"Nostalgia" - Contemporary History Painting - Vermeer, 2018

Richard Thomas Scott
"The Abolitionist" - Contemporary History Painting - Vermeer

David Ruth
Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Thoughts About The World Underwater', 2008

Alexander Stolin
"History Lessons" -- Oil Painting by Alexander Stolin, 2024

Thomas Hoerber
Camarillo History, Original Painting, 2022

Brian Jerome
Revisionist History

Stanza
The Forgotten History - Contemporary Abstract Art Oil Painting, 1998

David Ruth
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Thought About Space', 2022 by David Ruth, 2022

Paton Miller
Read All About It, 2021

Stanza
Landscape Of History - Contemporary Abstract Art Digital Painting Monochrome, 2015

Vincenzo Camuccini
Italian artist Camuccini Neoclassical Roman History Painting 19th oil canvas, 1800-1802

Barrington Watson
Huge topical Black History slavery painting Jamaica Morant Bay 1865 rebellion, circa 1964

Amitabh Sengupta
History Wall Red, Indian Heritage, Mythscape Series, Oil Painting "In Stock"

Neil MARSHALL
I'm wild about you, 2016 , 2016

Krzysztof Gliszczyński
About Lost Soul - Conceptual Encautic Oil Painting, Marble Dust Ash On Canvas XL, 2005

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

Richard Thomas Scott
"Metamorphosis" - Contemporary History Painter - Vermeer, 2018

Peter Schenck
"The Conversation", oil painting, art history, collage, cubism, ideas discussion, 2020

John Isiah Walton
Undiscovered History of Greed Island, 2020

Danny Brown
Honestly I Just Wanna Paint IDC About Legacy , 2021

Annie Kevans
Diana (Spencer), Princess of Wales. From The Series "All About Eve", 2013

Jack Graves III
Native American Indian Icon III /// Contemporary Street Pop Art Portrait History, 2022

Alexandru Rădvan
Selfportrait in the Beginning of History - 21st Century, Male, Blue, Brown, 2019

Stephen Basso
Glory and Grandeur art history strong black female figure topical subject, 2015

Edward Biberman
San Pedro Post Office: History of Writing Mural South, Preliminary Mural Study, c. 1936-7

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

Amitabh Sengupta
History Wall White, Mythscape Series, Indian Heritage, Oil on canvas "In Stock", 2004

Philip Core
1980s Erotic nude male portrait of artist's lover, Iconic piece from gay history, 1987

Alejandro Jurado
A History of the Horizon (2), Cuban Artist, Abstract Landscape, b. 1986, 60x50, 2020

Raul de la Torre
There Is No Prayer That Can Abolish History - Framed Earth Tone Abstract Art, 2021

Otto von Faber du Faur
Man sitting in the studio - Thinking about art -

Alejandro Jurado
A History of the Horizon (1), 60 x 50, Cuban Artist, Abstract Landscape, b. 1986, 2020

Anastasia Kurakina
Pink panter painting , 2023

Matson Ambroise
Long Hair, Oil Painting, 2023

Denise Souza Finney
Chatter, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2021

Alexander Stolin
"Face Painting" -- Oil Painting by Alexander Stolin, 2023

Marc Dalessio
Ben Painting, 2018

Katharina Husslein
Mirrored Dreams - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

Katharina Husslein
Free Spirit - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

Denise Souza Finney
Disappearing Waters, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel, 2021

Henadzi Havartsou
After the dragon, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2021

Anthony Dunphy
Picking Green Tea, Painting, Acrylic on Other, 2009

David Mellen
Oil Painting: 'Blind', 2022

Matson Ambroise
Blind, Original Painting, 2023

Matson Ambroise
Mask, Original Painting, 2023

Matson Ambroise
Rough, Oil Painting, 2023

Matson Ambroise
Body, Oil Painting, 2023

Matson Ambroise
Free, Oil Painting, 2023

Matson Ambroise
Paul, Original Painting, 2023

Lisa Carney
Passiflore, Abstract Painting, 2023

Katharina Husslein
Big thicket Mysteries - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

Katharina Husslein
Mystical Majestic Trees - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

Katharina Husslein
Love without End - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

Manon Cleary
Diptych Hand Paintings , 1980

David Mellen
Painting Abstract: 'Bloom', 2018

Katharina Husslein
Time to Breathe - Katharina Husslein Impasto Oil Landscape Painting

Lisa Carney
Tropicana, Abstract Painting, 2022

Sophia Milligan
'Chrysanthemum jug' Contemporary impressionist still-life flower painting , 2024

Chin H Shin
Green Rainy Evening in Midtown, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2023