Original by Robert Belts

An original painting is anything thought to be the true work of the artist instead of an imitation or reproduction. Original art can be in any media, as long as it is the first of that piece of art.

When we refer to "original" it simply means a unique painting made by the artist's own hand. Acrylic, oil, engraving, watercolor, or drawings are authentic techniques that allow the artist to capture his or her distinctive stamp: such as textures, a particular way of brushstroke, colors, lines, among other elements. But besides, the idea must be unique, the result of creativity, which makes the work more valuable and desirable.

No, a lithograph is not an original. Lithographs are prints, which are authorized reproductions of works produced by artists. To produce a lithograph, an artist applies an image to a stone. Then, they treat the stone with chemicals to impart the image into it. Finally, they apply ink and transfer the image onto paper or another medium. Shop a large selection of lithographs on 1stDibs.

The gong originates from East Asia, but the exact place where it was first made is unknown. Texts from sixth-century China describe gongs as coming from both Tibet and Burma, which is now known as Myanmar. On 1stDibs, find a collection of gongs.

Amphorae originated along the coasts of what are now Syria and Lebanon. From there, the vessels used to store oil, wine, grains and other foods and drinks spread to Phoenicia and Greece. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of amphora vases from some of the world’s top sellers.

An original lithograph is a print made by way of a specific printing method (one of the most commonly used methods in the 20th and 21st centuries). With respect to lithography, the process begins by drawing on or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche (an oily wash). The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. The stone is then covered with a sheet of paper and run through a press.

An original etching is a print produced during the first production run of a print series. After making an etching plate, an artist will create a limited number of etchings. Collectively, these prints are the original etchings. They differ from restrike etchings made years later, sometimes after the death of the artist. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of etchings.

Original nutcrackers were made for the express purpose of cracking nuts. The most common design was a simple vise grip, which are still produced today. Decorative nutcrackers in the shapes of kings and soldiers weren’t designed until around the 17th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique and modern nutcrackers from some of the world’s top sellers.

Robert Indiana produced Pop art. He became well known for incorporating public signs and symbols into his prints, paintings and collages. In 1973, one of his “Love” compositions appeared on a U.S. postage stamp. You'll find a wide range of Robert Indiana art on 1stDibs.

Originally, blazers were made for the oarsmen on the rowing teams of Oxford and Cambridge in England. The rowers wore them prior to competitions, but then began to show up to social occasions in them. In 1893, blazers first appeared in Vogue as stylish alternatives to frock coats and lounge suits. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of blazers from some of the world's top sellers.

The original purpose of an armoire was storing arms like swords and axes. Today, many people use armoires in bedrooms and closets to store hanging clothing and accessories. They can also house televisions and entertainment systems in living rooms, dens and other spaces. Explore an assortment of antique and vintage armoires on 1stDibs.

Yes, you can in fact buy an original Picasso piece. Artwork from the famous cubism painter often comes up at auctions and commands large sums. You can shop original Picasso works right from the comfort of your home on 1stDibs.

To tell if a print is an original, examine the details closely. Typically, original prints feature high-quality textured paper rather than smooth poster-type paper. In addition, original prints will usually feature the artist's signature and a number in pencil or pen. If the signature is printed on it, the print is less likely to be original. When in doubt, a knowledgeable art dealer or experienced appraiser can assist you with identifying original prints. Shop a large collection of prints on 1stDibs.

The original Cartier Tank watch, which was emblematic of a stark departure from the renowned jewelry house’s curved and round watch faces in that its case resembled the FT-17’s cockpit, served as a sleek update to the Santos watch. Crafted in 1917, one year before the Great War came to a close, Cartier’s Tank watch reportedly borrowed its clean, sharp lines and boxy silhouette from France’s legendary Renault FT-17 light tank, itself a compact and extraordinary design that inspired numerous copies. When the Tank watch went to market, Cartier offered a limited run in Paris. After those quickly sold, it was given a name, the Tank Normale. The timepiece took off in popularity, but only slightly more than 30 were made in 1920 and annual production has been slow over the years since then. Find Cartier Tank watches on 1stDibs.

Toast racks originated in England. They’re used to keep slices of hot toast from becoming soggy and first appeared near the end of the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique and modern toast racks from some of the world’s top sellers.

It is believed that shadow puppetry originated in China during the Han Dynasty, which is more than two thousand years ago. Shadow plays feature transparent shapes or puppets that are worked against a screen and lit from behind. Their colors and details are seen by the audience, so they aren’t just a shadow but a much more dynamic representation. Shop a collection of Chinese puppets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.