Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Antique Doctors Standing Scale with Sliding Weights
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a beautiful antique FAIRBANKS Industrial stand up doctors' scale. It has a height indicator and a movable weights made in solid brass. This is all original and still shows th...
Category
Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
18th Century Spanish Baroque Period Christ Crucified Altar Sculpture
By Juan De Mesa
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce Baroque Period Spanish altarpiece retablo / reredo, by (attributed) Luis Salvador Carmona (1708-1767), depicting thorn crowned Christ crucified / Cristo crucificado hand carved, polychromed wood with forged iron nails, mounted on later plaque.
This rare antique religious work / object of art, circa 1750, most likely commissioned by the Catholic Church of Spain, destined to be prominently displayed as an altarpiece / retablo or as part of a much larger reredo, directly behind the main altar at a Spanish or Continental European Catholic Church (French, Italian, Iberian, Portuguese)
The Crucified Christ, displayed mounted on a later faded red fabric upholstered shaped backboard plaque with textured gilt border. The exceptional hand sculpted, carved, gessoed, polychrome painted figure depicting bloodied Jesus, with crown of thorns atop his head, only wearing a undulating shaped cloth around his loin, arms extended and feet crossed, spear head form iron nails through both. The verso covered in an old paper printed backing with metal hook hardware at top for wall hanging.
Dimensions (approx):
Overall:
22" High, 14.5" Wide, 3.25" Deep
Figure only:
16" High, 10" Wide, 3" Deep
Historical background:
Artist: (attrib)
Luis Salvador Carmona (1708, Nava del Rey – 1767, Madrid) was a Spanish Baroque sculptor who came from a family of artists, including uncle of Manuel Salvador Carmona. He was sent to be trained in Madrid in the workshop of Juan Alonso...
Category
18th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
American Diplomatic Mission Flag, Judaica- Liberation of Concentration Camp 1945
Located in Doha, QA
This American Diplomatic Mission Flag is one of its kind, a true museum’s piece, and it’s from the time which should never happen again in human history.
This Flag was taken from th...
Category
20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton
Spectacular Antique Original Engraving of a Town Plan of Jerusalem, 1708
Located in Langweer, NL
Description: Antique map titled 'Erster Abriss der Stadt Jerusalem wie sie Furnemblich zur Zeit des Hernn Christi beschaffen (..).'
Spectacular town plan...
Category
Early 1700s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vienna 1900 - Architecture & Design by Kirk Varnedoe
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vienna 1900 - Architecture & Design. Softcover book, published in conjunction with the exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which ran from July 3-October 21, 198...
Category
1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
18th-Century Dutch Garden Design by Gijsbert van Laar, Published in 1802
Located in Langweer, NL
18th-Century Dutch Garden Design by Gijsbert van Laar – Magazijn van tuin-sieraaden, 1802
This exquisite hand-colored engraving is from the renowned work 'Magazijn van tuin-sieraa...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of a Scene in American Revolution, The Spirit of '76. '1862'
Located in Langweer, NL
Description: Antique print titled 'The Spirit of - 76'.
Original engraving showing a scene of the American Revolution. Made after a painting by Tompkins Harrison Matteson.
Ar...
Category
1860s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1970s Modern Wood Inlay Belt Buckle by Moonscape
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage 1970s Belt Buckle by Moonscape Buckles
3.38 w x 1.75 h x .5 d
Preowned condition
Refer to images
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
David Bailey Sumo, Signed, Limited Edition Book with Marc Newson Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The David Bailey SUMO.
Over 300 of the greatest portraits of our time, printed big and bold.
In 1965, portrait and fashion photographer David Bailey released his groundbreaking boo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
STILL: The Art of Noticing
Located in New York, NY
The astonishing culmination of the artist-author’s decade-plus project to capture beauty, commemorate place, and see the world more fully
Every day (every single day) for over a dec...
Category
2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Oscar: The Style, Inspiration & Life of Oscar De La Renta by Sarah Mower (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This is a very good hardcover copy in a very good dust jacket. Completely clean inside and out. Lavishly illustrated with color and black & white photographs of the wealthy and stylish set that could have been in Slim Aaron's book A Wonderful Time. Similar guest lists. Many of Oscar de la Renta's most memorable gowns and elegant evening wear are here. Also many of the designer's drawings reproduced here. Lots of insider talk from John Fairchild, Diana Vreeland, C.Z. Guest, Anna Wintour, etc. Photographs by Irving Penn, Bert Stern, Steven Meisel, Harry Benson, Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier, Helmut Newton, Francesco Scavullo, Arthur Elgort, David Bailey, Mario Testino, Annie Liebovitz...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Large Antique High Renaissance Style Emerald Natural Pearl Garnet Silver Cross
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite museum quality large antique High Renaissance style emerald, natural pearl, garnet silver pectoral cross
19th century
Makers Mark: K.T. for Tauböck, Karl
Austro-Hungarian E...
Category
19th Century European Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
"Interiors The Greatest Rooms of the Century" 'Merlot Red' Book
Located in New York, NY
More than 400 of the world’s best living spaces created by over 300 of the most influential people in interior design in one luxurious book
Oversized and available in four collectab...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Beatrice Wood Signed Book Exhibition Catalog Intimate Appeal The Figurative Art
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and rare signed softcover book/exhibition catalog by Beatrice Wood. The book is titled "Intimate Appeal: The Figurative Art of Beatrice Wood" and was released to coincid...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Bulgari Bvlgari Jewelry Book
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
"Bulgari, Between Eternity and History", Bulgari's jewelry coffee table or home library book celebrating Bulgari's 125th Anniversary as an iconic Italian luxury jeweler, "From 1884 T...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Art Deco Silver Plate Cigarette Case - Monogrammed - Unsigned - Circa 1930's
Located in Chatham, ON
Art Deco period silver-plate cigarette case - 'D' monogram - delicate diagonal tooling - interior gilt wash - unsigned - United States (likely) - circa 1930's.
Excellent vintage con...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
6 Vols. Jane Austen. Novels, A Memoir and Lady Susan
Located in New York, NY
6 Volumes. Jane Austen. Novels, includes A Memoir and Lady Susan. Bound in 3/4 tan calf by Bickers & Son, linen boards, top edges gilt, raised bands, ornate gilt on spines, red and g...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
1970s Green and White Chess Set in Volterra Alabaster Handmade, Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous green and white chess set in Volterra alabaster handmade. Made in Italy. The set is in excellent condition, with all the pieces intact and flawless. This chess set is ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Alabaster
Foosball mid 1960's French baby-foot table football game
Located in London, GB
A mid 1960's French "babyfoot" table football, by ZAK3.
With working pull rod mechanism for ball release, and abacus scoring.
In working order.
The history of table football:
...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Antique Pair of English Maritime Colored Etchings 1806.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique Pair of English Maritime Colored Etchings 1806.
English hand-colored etchings of a 90 Gun Ship at Spithead and a Collier with a view of the S...
Category
19th Century English Romantic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
Venini Glass, Two Books Catalogue Raisonne by Frano Deboni (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This two-volume set of books is the much-awaited 2007 reprint, which has now been enlarged to include a section on lighting, a directory of some of the major artists...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Winston CHURCHILL. Lord Randolph Churchill - 2 VOLS. - FIRST EDITION - 1906
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston.
TITLE: Lord Randolph Churchill.
PUBLISHER: London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1906.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION. 2 vols., 8-11/16" x 5-7/8", illustrated with ...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
The Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné Collection volumes 1-6
Located in New York, NY
The Catalogue Raisonné of Warhol’s paintings, sculptures, and drawings was initiated by Thomas Amman in 1977, when Warhol was at the height of his career.
In 1993, six years after W...
Category
2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Grand Tour Specimen Marbles Plaque, Italy, circa 1850
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Italian Grand Tour marble specimen plaque in original silver-giltwood frame consisting of 20 different rare and ancient marbles, including Porphyry and Jasper, inlaid into a black an...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
Antique 18th C Spanish Colonial Lifesize Saint Paul Carved Estofado Statue Santo
Located in Portland, OR
A rare antique Spanish Colonial life size carved Santo figure of St. Paul the Evangelist, Mexico, circa 1750.
A wonderful carved colonial statue in the style of the Castilian School,...
Category
Mid-18th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gesso, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
MARTIN GILBERT. The Life of Winston Churchill - 8 vols ALL 1st EDITIONS 1966-88
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Randolph S., continued by Martin Gilbert.
TITLE: The Life of Winston Churchill.
PUBLISHER: London: Heinemann, 1966-88.
DESCRIPTION: ALL FIRST EDITIONS. 8 vols....
Category
1960s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Vintage Tin Plate Wind Up Toy Tank. American, 1930's
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful display piece
Made By Marx Toys, USA
Working order
Obvious signs of rusting
Fre UK Shipping
Category
1930s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Decorative Pond Boat Model of Sailboat Sloop
Located in New York, NY
Decorative pond boat, sailboat, sloop model, on original stand. This example is a 20th century ( 1980's ) copy of the 19th century ( 1895 ) original, made in the 1980's The boat ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys – Designed by Nils Olsson, Sweden, Circa 1960
Experience the timeless charm of Sweden with this set of five handpainted trad...
Category
1960s Swedish Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Cigarette Case light blue cabochon sapphire and hand-engraved finishing Salimben
Located in Firenze, FI
Handbag cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire enamel. Opening with spring button. Size cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr. 215. Created in Art Deco style for Cartie...
Category
1970s Italian Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Filigree Miniature Furniture for a Doll's House
Located in Delft, NL
A filigree miniature furniture for a doll's house
A filigree furniture for a doll's house with a piano wing and piano chair, a table with 4 chair...
Category
19th Century European Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
PLANCHE - The Vampire; or Bride of the isles - 1820 - FIRST AND ONLY EDITION
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: PLANCHE, James Robinson: Pierre-Frederic-Adolphe Carmouche.
TITLE: The Vampire; or, Bride of the isles, A Tale, founded on the popular superstition of Caledonia.... From wh...
Category
1820s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Chilean Metal Huasos Spurs
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 20th century Chilean huasos metal spurs. Heavy silvered metal stamped Chile on the side. As found with grosgrain ribbon attached.
Category
Early 20th Century Chilean Spanish Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver
Billiard Case
By Giobagnara
Located in Milan, IT
This striking case is an elegant addition to any playroom and will add a splash of color and sophisticated luxury to any home. The wood box is entirely covered in leather with a brig...
Category
2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Wood, Resin
1995 Kenneth Lane Caterpillar Brooch
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
1995 Kenneth Lane Caterpillar Brooch
Signed, KHL
3" in (76.2 mm)
Amusing faux cabochon lapis turquoise
caterpillar brooch pin, gold tone mounting.
Come in it's original dust bag a...
Category
1990s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
The Very Small Home Japanese Ideas for Living Well in Limited Space 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
The Very Small Home: Japanese Ideas for Living Well in Limited Space Azby Brown and Kengo Kuma. Kodansha International Ltd - Kodansha America Inc, 2005. Stated 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. The Very Small Home is a book that surveys the creative design innovations of small houses in Japan. Eighteen recently built and unusual houses, from ultramodern to Japanese rustic...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
David Hockney's Dog Days
Located in Bradenton, FL
David Hockney's Dog Days. Softcover book published in 2017 by Thames & Hudson. 80 pages with 84 illustrations.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Araki's Magnum Opus: Complete Book Collection 1-20 + Satchin and Mabo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book Complete Collection 1-20 plus special book Nobuyoshi Araki Book Satchin and His Brother Mabo / 1stn in 1997
The works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book collectio...
Category
1990s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Visions of Home: Timeless Design, Modern Sensibility
Located in New York, NY
Author Andrew Cogar and Marc Kristal, Introduction by James L. Strickland, Photographs by Eric Piasecki
A new volume from the esteemed architecture firm Historical Concepts features ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Outstanding Antique George III Quality Oak Inlaid Hanging Corner Cabinet Out
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding antique George III quality oak inlaid hanging corner cabinet having an attractive stepped and dental moulded cornice above a quality oak crossbanded moulded door with an ...
Category
18th Century European George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Hermes, La Beaute En Voyage (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This beautifully presented book illustrates the collection of luxurious travel objects made by the world-famous brand Hermes. In the latter years of the 19th century Emile Hermes tra...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
BRAUN "Atelier 11" & "L 11" Audio System, Dieter Rams
By Dieter Rams, Braun
Located in Neuss, NW
Legendary design icon BRAUN "Atelier 11," designed by Hans Gugelot and Dieter Rams in the 1960s. A stereo compact device featuring a turntable, amplifier, and "RC 9" radio chassis, c...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stainless Steel
Gruchon & Emons Paris 1918 magnetic compass for U.S Engineer Corps
Located in Milan, IT
Rare nautical survey magnetic compass, brass pocket, signed Gruchon & Emons Paris No. 81 1918, made for U.S Engineer Corps and in use by officers during World War I. This is a smal...
Category
1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Early Romanesque Gothic Architectural Tabernacle Niche Door
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique ecclesiastical architectural hand carved and painted wooden church - cathederal tabernacle door.
18th century or earlier, early Medieval European Romanesque Gothic style, facade with elaborate arched header atop partial quartfoil, hinged tabernacle door panel which would have opened to important religious niche...
Category
18th Century European Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Tom, Jerry, and Logic or Life in London by Pierce Egan
Located in Middletown, NY
A RARE Caledonian Theatre pamphlet, with witty satirical color plates in the Cruikshank style.
Tom, Jerry, and Logic or Life in London: A Musical Extravagan...
Category
Early 19th Century Scottish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Leaf
Konstens Göteborg, Nedslag i Fyra Sekel, Scandinavian Artists, 19/20th C 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Konstens Göteborg, Nedslag i fyra sekel, Scandinavian Artists, 19 and 20thc. Gothenburg Museum of Art (Swedish: Göteborgs konstmuseum) is located at Götaplatsen in Gothenburg, Sweden. The museum holds the world's finest collection of late 19th century Nordic art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Cigarette Case Art Deco style for Cartier USA in 1980s spring button Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Handbag cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire enamel. Opening with spring button. Size cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr. 215. Created in Art Deco style for Cartie...
Category
1980s Italian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
XL Ammonite fossil on stand
Located in MILL, NL
Gigantic Ammonite fossil on custom black stand.
Approx. 150-200 Million Years Old.
An ammonite is an extinct marine animal belonging to the class of squid. Ammonites lived in the ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone
Stunning Nuremberg Gingerbread Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing and rare round shaped box, hand crafted in cardboard dating from the 1910s or older. The top of the box shows i view of the Nuremberg Castle in 3d optic.
This antique box is ...
Category
1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Edgar Brandt, Master of Art Deco Ironwork - Book
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
A book on one of the 20th centuries greatest metalsmiths. Brandt was one of an extraordinary group of artist-craftsmen which included people such as Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Jean Puif...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Russian Gardner Porcelain Chess Set
Located in Delft, NL
Francis Gardner porcelain chess set
A Russian chess set in Caricature, representing the Czarist Army, 1970s.
Made by the Porcelain factory "Gardn...
Category
20th Century Russian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Porcelain
Pink Floyd Original Uncut Printer's Progressive Proof Concert Poster, 1977
By Randy Tuten
Located in Devon, GB
An extremely rare uncut progressive printer's proof concert poster for a performance by Pink Floyd at the Oakland Coliseum in California on 9-10th May 1977 during their 'In The Flesh...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1960s Mughal Style Indian Brass Cigarette Holder / Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
Indian brass lidded cigarette holder / trinket box, with hand engraved Mughal floral designs all around. Completely hand wrought piece with exquisite detail. Hand crafted in India, c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1930s Mole-Richardson, Hollywood CA, Movie Set Light, Model 210, #2487, Restored
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1930s Mole-Richardson-Hollywood CA, Movie Set Light, Model 210, #2487 -Professionally Restored, Made in Hollywood, Ca, 1930s
An original, exemplary, example of the rare Model 210, numbered 2487, film studio light made by Mole Richardson, Inc. of Hollywood, CA,
We are offering a professionally restored, remarkably intact version, including the the sliding interior lighting mechanism, the orignal porthole glass shade and rubber lighting cord. The high quality of casting of the brass and chrome parts , many of them with the enameled Mole Richardson logo.
The brass company identification tag is retained, the flood and spot light and the on and off switches are operational.
The lamp is raised on a wheeled tripartite base, with an adjustable height from 4' to 8' feet. Moves easily.
This is a rare opportunity to own the 'Rolls Royce' of movie studio lights, from the golden era of American film.
Overall measurements:
80-inches high, diameter of base 33-inches
The brass and chrome lantern /porthole light...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Large Art Deco Bronze Holy Heart Sculpture Wall Plaque by Sculptor Sylvain Norga
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautiful bronze Art Deco Christ wall sculpture.
Some works of religious art depict Christ in terrible agony, but this symmetrical specimen from the European Art Deco era i...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Vintage 20thC Scottish Solid Silver Fly Fishing Case, Angus Mcfadyen c.1998
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A 20th Century Scottish solid silver fly fishing case. Of a rectangular form with rounded corners, depicting a trout fish swimming through long water grass. Upon opening the case, tw...
Category
20th Century Scottish Other Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Succession De M. Henri Samuel (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Christie's Monaco, Sunday 15th December 1996.
Henri Samuel (1904 1996) was one of the foremost French interior designers of the twentieth century, hailed by Architectural Digest as a "supreme master of progressive historicism". He was a leading interpreter of le gout Rothschild after the Second World War and helped restore Chateau de Ferrières...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Swiss Powder Compact in Mother of Pearl & Gold Plating
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish vintage powder compact with mirror executed in gold plated metal and showcasing a front tiled with mother of pearl. Swiss made circa 1930-60. Measurements: D: 8 cm, H:dept:...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
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
Medal-Worthy Memorabilia from Epic Past Olympic Games
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
Ahoy! You’ve Never Seen a Collection of Sailor Art and Kitsch Quite Like This
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
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.