Collectibles and Curiosities
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Color: Gray
Vintage Faceted Lucite Table Lighter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Mid-Century Modern lucite table lighter with faceted corners and decorative elements, and new chrome lighter mechanism insert.
In good vintag...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Lucite
Vision of Frank Lloyd Wright by Thomas a. Heinz Hardcover Book 1st Edition
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Vision of Frank Lloyd Wright. by Thomas A. Heinz large heavy hardcover coffee table book.
A Complete Guide To The Designs Of An Architectural Genius.
Frank Lloyd Wright's career, sometimes tragic, sometimes tempestuous - at all times creative - has been examined and reexamined in numerous studies and articles both during his lifetime and since his death in 1959, which occurred shortly before the completion of his most famous project, New York's Guggenheim Museum.
Virtually every structure that Wright built is represented in this extensive survey of his life's work. His genius at architectural design enable him to work out extremely complex buildings in his head and translate them on to paper in a matter of hours, as the famous story of his design presentation of Falling Water illustrates. His work continues to draw great admiration and interest to this day. His often tempestuous and sometimes tragic life and career are given full coverage in this book. Hundreds of photos, both archival and recent chart his amazing work and influence on all who followed.
This concise consideration of Wright's life and work not only offers new insights into the character of this complex, powerful and at all times confident personality, but also the architectural legacy he left behind and which exists to this day in the vast number of homes and public buildings photographed...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Early 20th C Pair Transverse Section's of Fossil Sponges Natural History Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Pair of Transverse Section's of Fossil Sponges (Ventriculites), housed in there original cardboard and glazed display boxes with labels
From the upper chalk, Kent. Ex museum colle...
Category
Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Natural Fiber
General William Tecumseh Sherman Autograph
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC General William Tecumseh Sherman Autograph.
Last page of a hand written letter, circa 1885-1890.
P...
Category
Late 19th Century American American Classical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Fine Taxidermy Kea by Sinke & Van Tongeren
Located in Haarlem, NL
The Kea (Nestor notabilis) is a species of large parrot found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. Known for attacking livestock, especially sheep. There are also anecdotal reports of kea attacking rabbits, dogs, and even horses. There are also suggestions that kea used to feed on moa in a similar way. It all sounds brutal yet if looks beautiful. With its mostly olive-green plumage with orange feathers on the undersides of its wings. The outer wing are a dull-blu. It sits on top of a green marble ornament and under a large antique glass dome...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin
Solid Brass Highly Polished Ships Porthole
Located in Norwell, MA
Highly polished ships porthole of solid brass with lacquer finish. Fitted with glass. This is by John Roby Limited of Rainhill. Roby produced portholes for the grand liner including ...
Category
1930s European Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Fine Taxidermy Duyvenbode's Lory by Sinke & Van Tongeren
Located in Haarlem, NL
The Duyvenbode’s Lory (Chalcopsitta duivenbodei) is found in northern New Guinea. Named after Maarten Dirk van Renesse van Duivenbode (June 2, 1804 – March 31, 1878) who was a Dutch merchant, trader of bird skins for fashion and naturalia. The colour palette of this bird is very special. Almost bronze like. A great match with the antique velvet base.
Note: All animals used for their work came from captivity and died on natural causes. No animals are raised or killed for their work.
The works of Dutch Artists Sinke and van Tongeren are inspired by golden age old master painters...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin
Montecito Style: Paradise on California's Gold Coast
By Phaidon
Located in New York City, NY
A privileged peek at the homes and gardens of the exclusive Southern California enclave, Montecito.
The seaside town of Montecito is often overshadowed by its neighbor Santa Barbara—which is generally how its residents like it. Though home and refuge to numerous celebrities, Montecito’s intentional cultivation of a low-key profile has allowed for a unique community to emerge, and with it, a multifaceted interior and garden design culture. Montecito Style: Paradise on California’s Gold Coast is the first book to present twenty houses and landscapes in an eclectic range of styles and rich architectural legacy that coalesce into a quintessential "California style."
The residences featured in this book reflect the diversity of design that has defined California living for more than a century: early standard-setters by George Washington Smith and an Andalusian-style abode by his protégé (and Santa Barbara’s first licensed female architect) Lutah Maria Riggs, Beaux-Arts mansions, converted carriage houses, nouveau palazzi, low-slung midcentury modern abodes, an iconic concrete-and-glass house from the 1970s, and even a studio apartment...
Category
2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Art Deco Rock-Ola "Loboy" Porcelain Enamel Coin-Op Penny Scale
By Rock-Ola
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beginning in the Late 19th Century, the penny scale offered a means for passersby to quickly check their weight without going to the trouble of seeing a doctor; simultaneously - and perhaps more notably - they provided an irresistible opportunity for businesses to advertise and earn extra revenue. Penny scales quickly became a platform for creativity in advertising and design, as machines competed to attract the attention of customers on the street.
This scale - the "LoBoy" model - was produced by the jukebox manufacturing company Rock-Ola in the 1930s and features a Classic skyscraper-inspired Art Deco Silhouette in black and white porcelain enamel. The mirrored glass display features instructions ("Stand Still - Keep Clear") as well as a reference chart which provides 'healthy' weights for men and women by height. The scale itself has been modified to function without needing to deposit a coin. This piece would make a super unique and functional addition to any retro bathroom!
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Stich Leather Hanging Barometer Westen, Germany, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice round hanging Barometer, surrounded with stitch Brown Leather.
Made in Western Germany in the 1960s. Good working condition.
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Sioux Native Dragonfly Beaded Moccasins
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Sioux ceremonial moccasins with dragonflies. Fully beaded, including soles.
Period: circa 1880.
Origin: Sioux, Plains
Size: 9 3/4" x 3 3/4".
Family Owned & Operated
Cisco’s Galle...
Category
1880s American Native American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Beads
Large Metal Gulf Gas Station Sign
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic gas station memorabilia.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Ultimate Bath
Located in New York, NY
FOR PREORDERING ONLY - TITLE PUBLISHES 10/25/22
Author Barbara Sallick, Foreword by Peter Sallick
From the cofounder of Waterworks comes a beautifully curated collection of dream bathrooms designed by today’s top architects and interior designers, from Commune to Suzanne Kasler.
In The Perfect Bath and The Perfect Kitchen, Barbara Sallick walked readers through the creation of stylish, functional spaces. With the renewed emphasis on the importance of home, her new book takes bath design a step further. The Ultimate Bath devotes its elegantly illustrated chapters to the most luxuriously designed bathrooms from a wide-ranging list of contributors, including Gil Schafer, Nickey Kehoe, Brigette Romanek...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Good Dog: A Collection of Portraits
Located in New York, NY
Written by Randal Ford, Foreword by W. Bruce Cameron
Whether a rescue or a show dog, a pedigree or a mutt, you can't help falling in love with Randal Ford's dog portraits, as each evokes the unparalleled bond we feel for our greatest companions.
Randal Ford now focuses his portraiture lens on the one species that has been by our side for millennia: our best friend. Good Dog...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Enamel Warning Sign in Dutch and Papiamentu / Papiamento Language
Located in Langweer, NL
An orignal enamel sign that was used as a warning for the people on one the ABC Islands.
Papiamentu (or Papiamento) is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Netherlands Antilles Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Enamel
Solid Brass Ships Porthole
Located in Norwell, MA
Early 20th century solid brass ships porthole. Hinged door with four dog bolts. Clear glass. Highly polished and lacquered.
Weight: 47 LBS
Overall...
Category
1930s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Stoup, 20th Century
Located in Monza, IT
Ceramic stoup, 20th century
Stoup dating back to the Mid-20th Century, vintage, hand painted, object of Italian manufacture
Good condition as from picture.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
László Jurcsák for Hollohaza Large Porcelain Vase
Located in Delft, NL
László Jurcsák for hollohaza large porcelain vase, Hungary 1982-1992
A Hungarian porcelain vase of 24 cm high. White porcelain with black pain...
Category
20th Century Hungarian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Church Traditional Altar Cloth, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional religious altar cloth artwork of a Spanish church.
Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950.
In original condit...
Category
1950s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Three Emerald Cut Diamond/Platinum Ring
By G. None
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage 1960s ladies platinum/ diamond ring is designed with three emerald cut diamonds & two baguettes. The total of the three center diamonds is 1.80 carats & the two baguette...
Category
1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Platinum
Mid-Century Chess Set by Robert Rosenwald
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Robert Rosenwald, son of art collector and philanthropist Lessing Rosenwald, studied at Cranbrook under the likes of Harry Bertoia, preceding a lifelong career sculpting and drawing....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Queen Elizabeth ii Flag Union Jack Order of the Garter Honi Soit Mal Y Pense
Located in Hastings, GB
British Royal Family
A Rare And Historical Queen Elizabeth II Flag Union Jack Order of the Garter HONI SOIT MAL Y PENSE from the 1950's.
The ...
Category
1950s English Empire Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton
Ross, Virgil. K-9 Martian Dog, 'Six Original Drawings, circa 1990s'
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
Author: ross, virgil.
Title: k-9 martian dog. (six original drawings).
Publisher: Warner Brothers Studios, (circa 1990s)
Description: six original drawings of witch hazel. 17" x 13-1...
Category
1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Small Solid Marble Mid-Century Ball Desk Curio
Located in London, GB
A small solid marble ball.
Italy, c1970s.
Ideal desk or shelf geometric curio.
Tactile objet.
Vintage condition, occasional scuff commensurate with age.
Location: Belg...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
20th Century, French Ceramic Ashtray by Hermes
By Hermès
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A ceramic ashtray by Hermes, made in France in the latter half of the 20th century. These ashtrays have always been very collectable with the vintag...
Category
20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Sotheby's Art at Auction 1999 - 2000, Edited by Emma Lawson, 1st Ed
By Sotheby's
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's Art At Auction 1999 - 2000, Edited by Emma Lawson. 'sPublished by Sotheby's Parke Bernet Publications, London, 2000. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. This annual referenc...
Category
1990s English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Viva Picasso: a Centennial Celebration 1881-1981 Hardcover Book with Jacket
By David Duncan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Viva Picasso: a Centennial Celebration 1881-1981
Hardcover – May 1, 1981 – by David Douglas Duncan
A photography book showing Duncan’s photographs of...
Category
1980s American International Style Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Fine Taxidermy Hamerkop by Sinke & Van Tongeren
Located in Haarlem, NL
Hammerhead (Scopus umbretta) is a medium sized wading bird. The shape of his head with a long bill and crest at the back looks like a hammer. This gave the species its name after the Afrikaans word for hammerhead ‘Hamerkop’. We sculpted this Hamerkop in a very gracious and friendly pose. Its base is tailor made with antique wood and velvet. Housend under an antique 19th century glass dome...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin
1970s British Classic Blue & Chrome Ac Gmt Co. Industrial Wall Clock White Dial
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards.
At A.C GMT Co. we ...
Category
1970s English Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Brass Frame Desk Magnifying Glass with Horn Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Horn Handle desk style magnifying glass with brass framework and stem. The horn is quite substantial and has good weight and presence.
The horn has a ribbed detail down a portion ...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Set of Two Metal TV Television Tower Scale Design Models, Vienna Austria, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Scaled models of two television tower from Vienna Austria. Hand-spun in metal. A nice architectural sculpture for every living room or desktop. The smaller one measures approximate 7...
Category
1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage Tegrov Swiss Made Watch Mechanical 17 Jewels Stainless Steel
By Piaget
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tegrov Swiss made vintage Mechanical watch
17 jewels
Stainless steel
Measures: 9 long x 1.38 w x .38 thick
Preowned original unre...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stainless Steel
Steel Stamp Coinage Joan Mirò, 1974
Located in Roma, IT
Steel stamp coinage Joan Mirò for Arphila 75 commemorative stamp.
Ref. Yvert et Tellier FR 1395; Stanley Gibbons FR 2034; Unificato FR 1811
Original minting by the artist with ...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Vintage Gucci Dual Deck of Playing Cards Game or Desk Accessory
By Gucci
Located in North Miami, FL
This never used boxed set of logo Gucci playing cards is vintage and Italian from the 1970s. It is 2 sets one in white and black for the back. One ...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Post World War II South African Hebrew Inscribed Metal School Supply Box
Located in New York, NY
Metal school supply box sent by the South Africa Jewish Wars Appeal to the Wels displaced persons (DP) camp in Austria, 1947.
Painted blue and white with the map of South Africa, and...
Category
1940s South African Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Jean-Louis Deniot: Destinations
Located in New York, NY
Author Pamela Golbin and Jean-Louis Deniot
A leading name in the international design scene, and a regular in every major shelter magazine in America, his native France and world-...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting Horse Racing, Signed
Located in Miami, FL
Oil on canvas abstract painting depicting figures and horse races.
This bright and colorful artwork contains the use of bold, rapid brushstrokes and dynamic angles.
Signed.
Ar...
Category
20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Vintage Lidded Iron Match Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage lidded iron match box with a rugged lid top to strike matches, circa 1970s. The box is in very good vintage condition and measures 4.25"W x 3.75"D...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Giant Golfball, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Giant vintage golfball in cream plaster/plastic. 8.5" diameter. Likely used as a store display. Whimsical desktop object or paperweight. Very heavy a...
Category
1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paint, Plastic
Cold War Era Hand Cranked Air Raid Siren
Located in London, GB
A cold war era Secomak hand cranked air raid siren.
Type 447, designed and manufactured by Secomak during WWII and the Cold War.
Secomak (Service El...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Lot of Four Tinsel Christmas Ornaments Vintage German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare collection of four feather tree tinsel ornaments. These ornaments, were made from tinsel and wire, would be a great antique addition for your Christmas, feather tree or sittin...
Category
Early 20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wire
Green Escapes, The Guide to Secret Urban Gardens
Located in New York City, NY
An insider's guide to the world's greatest 'secret' gardens, green spaces, and pocket parks tucked away in cities around the globe
Cities everywhere are graced with charming but...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
King Edward VII Coronation Flag, 1902
Located in Hastings, GB
British Royal Family
A rare and Historical Royal Coronation flag from The Coronation Of HRH King Edward VII, this flag was produced to commemorate t...
Category
Early 1900s English Empire Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton
Hen on Nest Tureen Doll House Accessory Antique German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A petite antique German doll or doll house accessory. Made of depression glass. Nice for every decoration in your dollhouse or doll kitchen.
It is in ver...
Category
1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Pair of Large Classic Masks from the 1950s, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of large classic masks from the 1950s. Masks of large size and weight in terracotta or similar on iron bases. Very decorative. Measures: 51x35x20 cm and without bases: 44x35x20 ...
Category
1950s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Style Ski Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, St. Moritz
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
'St. MORITZ', a modern framed and mounted black and white photograph after an original 1930's skiing photograph. The frame is black with a burgundy undercoat, the glazing is clarity+ premium synthetic glass. Black & white alpine photos are the perfect addition to any home or ski lodge, so please do check out our other ski photos and winter landscapes.
Prior to being a recreational activity skiing was purely a means of traveling from A to B through the snow, it only started to become the sport it is today in the mid-1800s.
St. Moritz is a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland's Engadin valley. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, has the Cresta Run...
Category
1930s English Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Wood
Deeda Blair: Food, Flowers, & Fantasy
Located in New York, NY
FOR PREORDER ONLY, TITLE PUBLISHES NOVEMBER 1, 2022
Author Deeda Blair, Edited by Deborah Needleman, Introduction by Andrew Solomon
Style icon and pree...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Pompeii and Herculaneum: the Living Cities of the Dead, by Theodor Kraus 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Pompeii And Herculaneum: The Living Cities Of The Dead, by Theodor Kraus. Harry N Abrams Inc, 1975. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. 230 pp. 235 illustrations, including 71 color p...
Category
1970s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Dutch Delftware Tobacco Jar with Brass Lid, 18th Century, Straatsburg
By Delft
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
A Dutch Delftware Tobacco jar with a brass lid.
Origine: Delft, The Netherlands
Date: Second half of the 18th century
Workshop: Unknown
A genuine blue and white tobacco jar...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Rococo Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Delft
Ancient Roman Glass
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Beautiful original ancient Roman glass embedded in Lucite cube, was used for containing perfume. Exceptional object of art for display.
Category
15th Century and Earlier Israeli Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Murano Glass
Sky Card Game Leather & Stainless Steel
Located in New York, NY
The perfect gift for the person who has everything! Perhaps the most versatile gaming set in the world, a deck of cards is the ultimate travel companion. This stylish stainless steel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Lladró Horse Race Figurine in White by Ernest Massuet. Limited Edition.
By Ernest Massuet, Lladro
Located in New York City, NY
Race of horses figurine joined together and one of them attached to the white, glossy and matte porcelain base limited series. The thrilling energy of a horse race, captured in all i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Lladró The Rocking Chicken Ride Figurine in Green by Jaime Hayon
Located in New York City, NY
Glossy porcelain figurine designed by Jaime Hayon with a modern design highlighting the green color and touches of gilded sheen. Like all the pieces in Jaime Hayon's The Fantasy coll...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Sikorsky Helicopter Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool vintage table lighter in the shape of a Skiorsky SH-3A/D Helicopter. Made in Japan, 1980s. This piece has great balance and details like pro...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Materials Matter Set by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials matter set by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Unique set
Materials: Granite
Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 18 cm
Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based in London.
The...
Category
2010s English Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Granite, Marble
Victoria and Albert Museum, the Panelled Rooms Complete Set of Six Volumes
Located in valatie, NY
Victoria and Albert Museum, the panelled rooms complete set of six volumes. Hardcovers consisting of Three 1st Editions and Three 2nd Editions.
Volume 1....
Category
Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th Century Indo-Persian Dhal Separ Steel Shield
Located in Redding, CT
19th Century Indo-Persian Dhal Separ Steel Shield . Intricate decorative design with Brass inlay. Convex steel and iron shield with gold inlay and applied...
Category
Early 19th Century Anglo-Indian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass, Steel, Iron
Navy Binoculars
Located in Paris, FR
Binoculars Navy with polished steel adjustable tripod base.
With polished aluminium and steel binoculars with glass lens,
magnifying x12. Adjustable height.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Steel, Aluminum
Antique and Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities for Sale
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
Read More
Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.
Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure
Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.
Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch
Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.
The Sparkling Legacy of Tiffany & Co. Explained, One Jewel at a Time
A gorgeous new book celebrates — and memorializes — the iconic jeweler’s rich heritage.
What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?
The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.
Tauba Auerbach’s Geometric Pop-Up Book Is Mighty Rare, Thanks to a Hurricane
This sculptural art book has an epic backstory of its own.
Step inside the Storied Mansions of Palm Beach’s Most Effervescent Architect
From Spanish-style courtyards to fanciful fountains, these acclaimed structures abound in surprising and elegant details.
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