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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Period: Early 20th Century
Antique Walking Stick with Silver Handle
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Antique walking stick with silver handle: may be French, from the early twentieth or late nineteenth century.
It's very elegant functional.
ref. O/7571
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique Map of Ireland, 1903, with Intricate County Boundaries & Coastal Details
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Antique Map of Ireland, 1903, with Intricate County Boundaries and Coastal Detail
Description:
This antique map of Ireland, engraved and published in 1903 by the esteemed W. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Black Japanned Fly Fishing Box By Mulloch's With Flies.
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Malloch's Japanned Fly Tin.
A good, black japanned swing leaf fly box by Malloch of Perth. The cream interior of this fly box is with 4 boards and a cast compartment. Two of the boar...
Category
Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Antique Jewelry Box Art Deco Period
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique Art Deco period jewelry box, styled by Jacques Kreisler, circa early-20th Century, New York, New York. Box is an aubergine ...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Lightning Bolt 'Pipeliner' Surfboard shaped by Gerry Lopez
Located in Haleiwa, HI
‘Pipeliner’ model Lightning Bolt surfboard shaped by Gerry Lopez in 2024. Bold yellow deck tint with classic black wrapped rails/bottom and red pinstripe detail. Hand shaped from a Clark Foam...
Category
2010s North American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fiberglass, Foam, Softwood
Early 20th Century French Spelter Crucifix with Ornate Base and Foliated Cross
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a sense of reverence and grandeur to any sacred or decorative space with this highly detailed altar crucifix. Crafted in France circa 1920, and made of spelter with a silver-ton...
Category
Early 20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate, Spelter
Exquisite Albino Peacock Taxidermy: A Majestic Display of Rarity and Elegance
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent taxidermy specimen showcases an albino (leucistic) peacock, skillfully mounted on an oval wooden base. The intricate details of the peacock's unique coloring are cap...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Feathers
PH Grand Piano PH170 Curated, Mineral Leather, White Oak and Burned Brass
Located in Copenhagen, DK
- All prices are listed ex works.
- 5-year guarantee.
- We regularly crate, ship, and install PH Pianos worldwide with full insurance.
This spectacular PH Grand Piano Curated Edition is the first of its kind. It has been created in collaboration with Stevns Klint Experience, a UNESCO heritage site located an hour away from Copenhagen, Denmark.
The materials and finishes of this piano have been completely customized to represent key elements of the Stevns Klint Experience geography. From the leather banding, to the type and finish of the wood, to the metal trimming on the case, this piano is very special.
More than Just a Piano- Finishes with Symbolism
The mineral-colored leather banding of this piano represents the Fish Clay found in the chalk cliffs of Stevns Klint. Fish Clay is the layer of gray clay which contains meteorite particulate, and is scientific proof of the collision 55 million years ago of a meteor with Earth, that ended almost all life including the dinosaurs.
Hand-carved beautiful ash-wood frames the delicate and elegant transparent lid, and all metal trim has been done in a semi-matte oxidized brass finish called Burned Brass. All materials and finishes combine to create an extremely elegant, aesthetically stunning-yet approachable- piano.
Stevns Klint Experience has provided four fossils from the site which have been set into the frame of the piano, making this instrument a true collector’s piece.
Original Design, Unique Customization
Designed by Poul Henningsen in 1930, the PH Grand Piano is an iconic design from Denmark that has captured the attention of art collectors everywhere. As a Curated Edition, this instrument is the first of its kind to use a piano action...
Category
2010s Danish Bauhaus Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Lot of Deer, Rabbit & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of 14 Putz stick-legged Deers, Bunny Rabbits, Fox and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene or paradise yard garden...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Japanese Kimikomi Ningyô Doll by Important Artist Jinku-ru, Ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Kimikomi Ningyô Doll by Important Artist Jinku-ru, Ca. 1920
DIMENSIONS:
Height: 9.5 inches
Width: 5 inches
ABOUT
This exquisite Kimikomi Ningyo doll by Jinku-ru, a recog...
Category
1920s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
PH180 Bow Grand Piano in Macassar Wood with Brass, Art-Case Piano
Located in Copenhagen, DK
- All prices are listed ex works.
- 5 year guarantee.
- We regularly crate, ship and install PH Pianos worldwide with full insurance.
Inside and Out, A Masterful Work of Art
This PH Bow Grand Piano Curated Edition is an exquisite instrument and sculptural art case piano, featuring Macassar Wood casing with a high gloss finish, with polished brass metal trim. Inside the beautiful case lies the highest-quality, hand-selected piano action.
Design Legacy and Skilled Craftsmanship
The iconic Danish designer Poul Henningsen designed the PH Bow Grand Piano in...
Category
2010s Danish Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
American Folk-Art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
Located in London, GB
American Folk-art Steam Ship Encased Diorama
We share what we love, and we love this turn of the century hand crafted American folk-art encased steam ship model...
Category
Early 1900s Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
3x World Champion John John Florence’s personal surfboard by Pyzel
Located in Haleiwa, HI
3x World Champion John John Florence personal surfboard. The 2016, 2017, and recently crowned 2024 WSL World Champion’s personal surfboard. Rounded pintail thruster shape design. John John Florence is 1 of 4 World Champions hailing from Hawaii. Other Hawaiian world champs include the late Derek Ho (1994 champion), Sunny Garcia...
Category
2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fiberglass, Foam, Softwood
Ciclotte Bike in Carbon Fiber by Luca Schieppati
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ciclotte bike is an innovative exercise bike, designed and made in Italy, that combines idea, form and technology rethinking the traditional aesthetic an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Large Caribou Antler Skull Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Caribou Antler Skull Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers
Item e7355
A great antique caribou (Rangifer tarandus) trophy on a wooden plaque. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Wood
Silvered Sea Shell Cymbiola
Located in New York, NY
Cymbiola silvered shell 8". Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered shells. Our workshop has been operate...
Category
2010s Italian Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
DICKENS, Charles (Arthur Rackham). A Christmas Carol. LIMITED SIGNED EDITION
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles (Arthur Rackham).
TITLE: A Christmas Carol.
PUBLISHER: London: Heinemann, 1915.
DESCRIPTION: LIMITED SIGNED EDITION. 1 vol., 11-9/16" x 9-3/8", limited t...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
National Cash Register Co. Brass Cash Register, Model 442, Early 1900s on Plinth
Located in Southampton, NY
National Cash Register Co. Brass Cash Register, Model 442-E-L, Early 1900s, on wooden plinth.
American. Brass. In 1908, National introduced a new numbering system that grouped their ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
A for Ara, Contemporary, Floor Standing Speakers, Walnut, Gold Leaf, 2010s
By A for Ara
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair solid wood horn floor standing high fidelity speakers Model FS-1 by A for Ara. Available immediately
A fine walnut dot inlaid horn on an ebony base wi...
Category
2010s Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Leather Wardrobe Travel Trunk Salesman Sample
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare antique leather and wood ribbed wardrobe travel trunk salesman sample with beautifully fitted interior. The trunk with brass capped rounded corners, leather side handles, latc...
Category
Early 20th Century European Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Ciclotte Bike in Yellow Steel by Luca Schieppati
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ciclotte bike is an innovative exercise bike, designed and made in Italy, that combines idea, form and technology rethinking the traditional aesthetic an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Antique Sterling Silver Collectible Novelty Pincushion Modelled As A Hedgehog
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1902 by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. This adorable Antique, Edwardian, Sterling Silver Hedgehog Pincushion is rare and collectible, with the silver overlayin...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silvered Sea Shell Lister's Conch
Located in New York, NY
Lister's conch fully silvered shell 5". Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered shells. Our workshop has ...
Category
2010s Italian Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Huge Early 20th century English architectural pine model
Located in London, GB
Huge Early 20th century English architectural pine model
A well modelled early 20th century hand carved oversized pine architectural model. Showing natural age and minor loss as sho...
Category
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
The Jewish Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
A rich trove of contemporary global Jewish cuisine, featuring hundreds of stories and recipes for home cooks everywhere
The Jewish Cookbook is an inspiring celebration of the divers...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Chinese Bamboo Opium Pipe with Red Clay Bowl
Located in Chicago, IL
This long bamboo pipe dates to the late 19th century and was originally used for smoking opium. Unlike a tobacco pipe, the opium pipe was designed especially to allow resinous opium ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Riva Model
Located in Paris, FR
Model Riva with wooden structure in light wood
in honey brown finish.
Speed-boat modal with many hand-crafted details.
Model on wooden base.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Walking Stick with Roe Deer Horn
Located in Vo', Veneto
Antique Walking Stick with Roe Deer Horn
Measurements: H. 91 cm - L. 20 cm
Era: early 1900s
Origin: Germany
Wood: Chestnut
Description
Antique walking stick, in wood and deciduous...
Category
Early 1900s German Rustic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chestnut
Madonna Della Sedia Antique Framed Hand-Painted Portrait on Porcelain
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This finely executed portrait is unsigned and presumed to have originated from Italy and date to approximately 1900 and done in a Renaissance style. The portrait is hand-painted on a...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Pump Organ NO50 Chicago Cottage Organ Company
Located in Pasadena, TX
19th Century Eastlake Style Walnut Pump Organ by Chicago Organ Company
Gorgeous elaborately carved antique pump organ made by the Chicago
Organ Co.
Black...
Category
Early 20th Century American Eastlake Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
Petite Chinese Opium Tool Charm, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A small Chinese chatelaine tool set strung with a single brass spoon. Suspended from one's clothing at the shoulder, back, or waist, a tool set such as this was used for a variety of...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Italian Grand Tour Alabaster Model the Roman Forum Temple of Vespasian
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian Grand Tour model of the ancient Temple of Vespasian located in the Roman Forum, Rome. Carved from alabaster, this is a handsome example of a souvenir carving which would have been collected by a European or American sophisticate making a Grand Tour of the ancient sites of Italy. This wonderful architectural miniature is evocative of another time and place.
Roma Templo Di Vespasiano' etched into the black marble base.
It has been drilled to be wired, not the first time I have owned one of these that had been mounted as a lamp.
The Temple of Vespasian and Titus is located in Rome at the western end of the Roman Forum between the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Saturn...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Grand Tour Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Alabaster, Marble
Landscape Mobile, Limoges by Roy Lichtenstein
Located in Jersey City, NJ
With landscape mobile, Roy Lichtenstein has designed a beautiful "art system" as a table centerpiece. Invoking Alexander Calder's standing mobiles, Lichtenstein termed this piece a "stabile." It is in fact a non-moving object representing a tall tree set in a green basin...
Category
2010s French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain, Resin
Rare American Yacht Binnacle Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Absolutely awesome yacht binnacle by New York maker T.S & J.D Negus of New York. Varnished base with intricate rope carving. The brass binnacle carries ...
Category
Early 1900s North American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
IMCO 1000 Ifa-Storm 1924 Julius Meister Thumbwheel Mechanical Lighter In Brass
Located in Miami, FL
IMCO mechanical lighter made by the Julius Franz Meister Company.
This is an amazing authentic petrol lighter original from the art deco period. This industrial piece was originally designed and patented by Hans Silverknopf and was made in Austria back in 1925-26 by the Julius Meister Company, JMCO commonly know as IMCO. This is the final 4th model storm thumbwheel, called IFA-1000. It was crafted in solid polished brass and is fitted with mechanical sliding elements. This lighter has the rare sub-variety in the snuffer, is rounded and domed on top. The function is very simple, the metallic wheel on the lighter, when pushed down by one's thumb, will rub against the ferrocerium to produce a scorching spark. Simultaneously, the petrol vape is released, which is vaporized (depressurized) as soon as it exits the container. This lighter is original not a reproduction and has been cleaned and polished to bring back his original splendor.
IMCO
The company was founded by Julius Franz Meister in 1907, the Julian Meister Co. (JMCO/IMCO) began as a button and metal goods factory in Vienna. Bernhard Silberknopf became a company partner during 1911. The factory began manufacturing lighters after World War 1. The first lighter model, the "Imko Feuerzeug" was patented in 1920 and several other models were produced during the early 1920s based on this patent. Hans Silberknopf patented the design for the famous "Ifa" Sturmfeuerzeug in 1925. IMCO produced other several models based on this patent. The design was copied by multiple U.S. and Japanese companies during the 1930s and 1940s and countless replicas have been produced. Frequently deceptively characterized as "trench lighters...
Category
1920s Austrian Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Antique World Globe From Fleet Street London 1923 on Wooden Stand
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique Terrestrial Geographia of Fleet Street London 12"inch World Globe on handcrafted Wooden Three Legged Base 1923
Made 55 Fleet Street, London
Beautiful desktop globe, sho...
Category
1920s British Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Large Catholic Altar or Procession Cross - Crucifix in Gilt Bronze
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A gilded bronze alloy early 20th century Processional Cross. On the obverse a central Corpus Christi in raw bronze and arms extended wearing a loincloth. Hidden yet partially exposed...
Category
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Junker JU-52 Aircraft Reduced Model Scale Model, 1932
Located in Paris, FR
Reduced Model Junker JU-52 scale model,
handcrafted in aluminium foil with engraved
metal rivets, 1932.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
20 Vols. R.L.Stevenson. The Works
Located in New York, NY
20 Volumes.Robert L. Stevenson. The Works.
"Pentland Edition" With Bibliographical notes by Edmund Gosse. Bound in full red morocco, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt, raised bands, ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Early 20th Century Softshell Turtle Skeleton (Trionychidae) Taxidermy Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A decorative softshell turtle skeleton, housed and mounted within a shadow box.
The skeleton appears to be complete and well detailed, laid on a mottled paper backing, gilt slip and...
Category
Early 20th Century European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
Polo Match Scene Bronze Sculpture, France, 1920´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
1920´s Art Deco polo match bronze sculpture.
Scene of two polo players on their horses. Made of Silvered Bronze mounted of a Italian Portoro marble base...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble, Bronze
1903 Art Nouveau Portrait Repousse Gold Filled Pocket watch by Waltham
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau portrait pocket Gold-filled watch by Waltham featuring a portrait of a female nymph with flowing locks of hair over flowers with matching flo...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Steel
Antique French Art Deco Mirrored Three-Door Prototype Miniature Armoire, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Unique and stunning French Art Deco three-door miniature armoire with mirror, brass handles, and hand-carved floral ornaments. Two removable shelves.
Most probably it was a prototype of a large Art...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Aretino Disc Machine Phonograph
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Aretino Machine Phonograph. It depicts a square wood cabinet that has at the top a round platter where a disc/record is placed and can be heard after the needle attached t...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
The Rihanna Book
Located in New York, NY
"It's a piece of art that I am really proud of..."—Rihanna
"The book is a rollicking and sumptuous autobiography, told largely with intimate images."—Vogue
Rihanna invites you into h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Large Taxidermy Blue and Gold or Blue-and-Yellow Macaw
Located in New York, NY
Taxidermy Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)
The blue-and-yellow macaw, also known as the blue-and-gold macaw, is a stunning Neotropical parrot. This taxidermy specimen showcases ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Feathers
Antique Japanese Epic Novel Book Edo Period, circa 1820
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique Japanese epic novel book Edo period, circa 1827
Woodblack print book
Book dimensions: 225 mm x 157 mm
There are damages because it is antique item as we show on the ph...
Category
1920s Japanese Edo Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Model gypsies caravan, handmade and painted, folk art, English circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This superb and ultra rare early folk art scale model of a gypsy or traveller’s caravan is over one hundred years old. It has been beautifully hand made and finely painted. It has gl...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wrought Iron
American vintage cash register from NATIONAL, made of metal
Located in Milano, IT
We present a timeless treasure: the antique American cash register from the early 20th century, revisited and enriched with the charm of Italian lire!
Enter a world where history an...
Category
Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Early 20th Century Taxidermy Snow White Terrier "Fruach"
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A very well mounted taxidermy snow white terrier with silk bow collar, resting on a scarlet velvet cushion with braided gold fringing and graduated painted blue background.
The terr...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
Colibri Original Swiss Made Lift-Arm Pocket Lighter, 1928
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Colibri was founded in 1928 by Julius Lowenthal, who in the same year, invented the world's first working semi-automatic lighter known as the Colibri "Original". This vintage Swiss-m...
Category
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Otterburn Chess Set & Board — Solid Hand-Patinated Brass and Walnut
Located in Washington, GB
A special chess set in solid hand-patinated brass. Handcrafted in the North to order. Available in a range of materials and finishes, Otterburn can tru...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Limestone, Stone, Marble, Carrara Marble, Slate, Bronze, Copper, Enamel,...
Antique Walking Stick with Roe Deer Horn
Located in Vo', Veneto
Antique Walking Stick in Hazel
Measurements: H.91 cm - W. 24 cm
Era: early 1900s
Origin: Austria
Wood: Hazel
Description
Antique walking stick, in hazel wood and deciduous roe dee...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Rustic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chestnut
United States Navy 48 Star Union Jack, circa 1912
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique United States Navy 48 Star Union Jack, circa 1912, a scarce early, World War I era US Navy Jack with 48 embroidered stars on a cobalt field, flown on the bow of Navy, Coast G...
Category
1910s American Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wool
Madame Grès: Couture Paris
Located in New York, NY
Madame Grès Couture Paris
Text by Olivier Saillard, Contributions by Anne Graire
The definitive monograph on iconic Parisian designer Madame Grès, seen b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Exceptional , antique wooden Letter Box
Located in Schellebelle, BE
Exceptional letterbox in the form of a miniature English Manor House,
from around 1900, beautiful shine and warm patina of the polished Wood,
the box has one top lid that can be open...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Satinwood
Jean Prouvé: The Poetics of the Technical Object Book
By Jean Prouvé
Located in San Diego, CA
Jean Prouvé: The Poetics of the Technical Object. Rare 2007 edition with a corrugated metal cover.
Edited by Alexander von Vegesack, Cathrine Dumont d'Ayot, Bruno Reichlin. Introdu...
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Mid-Century Modern 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
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.