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American Craftsman Picture Frames

AMERICAN CRAFTSMAN STYLE

Inspired by the Arts & Crafts style in England, which rebelled against the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution with a proud emphasis on handcrafted design, American Craftsman style similarly pushed against the lavishness of the Victorian era. Coined by Wisconsin-born Gustav Stickley, a furniture designer and publisher of The Craftsman magazine, American Craftsman furniture would influence homegrown styles that followed, such as Mission and the Prairie School.

Like the popular early 20th-century Craftsman houses — which feature meticulous woodwork on everything from built-in bookcases in the living room and cabinetry in the kitchen to earth-toned exteriors with exposed rafters — American Craftsman furniture was all about handmade storage cabinets, bedroom furniture, chairs and other pieces built with organic materials. “Simplicity and straightforwardness of construction has always been the leading characteristic of Craftsman furniture,” Stickley stated. And while he is often credited with most of the designs at the Craftsman Workshops in Eastwood, New York, others such as Harvey Ellis were influential in shaping the straight-backed chairs, beds with vertical slats and tables with exposed joinery that came to define the style.

Highly utilitarian with no unnecessary flair, American Craftsman furniture was designed to emphasize the essence of its modest construction and promote the natural beauty of the wood. Solid oak, cherry, walnut and mahogany were all favored by the movement’s principal figures. Another attribute commonly associated with the style is the integration of subtle details like tooled leather, inlaid metal and hammered iron handles.

Owing to the outbreak of World War I, the popularity of American Craftsman style waned as consumer spending dropped and furniture companies shifted to the production of wartime materials and goods specified in government contracts. Yet, by the 1960s, there was a renewed appreciation for this foundational modern American style, with Stickley and his contemporaries in demand for the clean, simple lines and sturdy construction of American Craftsman furniture.

Find a collection of antique American Craftsman chests, nightstands, seating, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: American Craftsman
American Arts & Crafts Hand-Hammered Sterling Silver Picture Frame
American Arts & Crafts Hand-Hammered Sterling Silver Picture Frame

American Arts & Crafts Hand-Hammered Sterling Silver Picture Frame

By Watrous Mfg. Company, International Silver

Located in New York, NY

Arts & Crafts sterling silver picture frame. Made by Watrous Mfg. Co. (part of International Silver Co.) in Wallingford, Conn., ca 1920. Rectangular window with curved corners in sam...

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

Shreve Large Craftsman Hand-Hammered Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Shreve Large Craftsman Hand-Hammered Sterling Silver Picture Frame

Shreve Large Craftsman Hand-Hammered Sterling Silver Picture Frame

By Shreve & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Large Craftsman sterling silver picture frame. Made by Shreve & Co. in San Francisco, ca 1910. Flat rectangular surround with chased and engraved wraparound ornament: Curvilinear fra...

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

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American Craftsman picture frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique American Craftsman picture frames for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage picture frames created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used American Craftsman picture frames made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original picture frames, popular names associated with this style include International Silver, and Watrous Mfg. Company. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for picture frames differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $1,400 while the average work can sell for $775.