Models and Miniatures
2010s Belgian Models and Miniatures
Composition
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Models and Miniatures
Terracotta
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Models and Miniatures
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Acrylic
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Brass
Late 19th Century Belgian Baroque Antique Models and Miniatures
Gesso, Wood, Paint
19th Century British Antique Models and Miniatures
Metal, Brass
Because of heliocentric system theorized by Copernicus, it was possible to create mechanical antique orreries...
1860s Czech Antique Models and Miniatures
Iron
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary North American Models and Miniatures
Paper
1940s Other Vintage Models and Miniatures
Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Brass
2010s Chinese Models and Miniatures
Paper
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Brass
1880s American Antique Models and Miniatures
Brass
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Silver Plate, Brass
Antique and Vintage Models and Miniatures
There’s a place in every room for antique and vintage models and miniatures to fit in as small pieces of decor with character. Given their diversity of design, they are well suited to fit any style of space. From boats and spaceships to animals and race cars, there is a model for every taste.
Among the earliest known uses of miniatures are models found in Egypt dating back to 3,000 B.C. They were placed in pyramids as part of religious ceremonies. Elsewhere in the ancient world, small-scale architectural models were used in burial rituals. Since then, people have made miniaturized models for a variety of purposes.
Around the turn of the last century, toy companies created sought-after miniatures like trains. In the 1930s, airplane model kits took off in popularity. Later, Pop artists helped turn these kid treasures into a higher art form, such as Andy Warhol’s 1983 Toy Paintings.
Many people now use miniatures to decorate. Miniatures and models can be a playful accent, especially in areas of leisure, like a living room, salon or bedroom. Some collect miniatures to show off a range of favorite passions, while others focus on one type of model to add sophistication to their home.
Models can depict animals, people or places — as they do for an interactive project called Gulliver’s Gate in New York — and can contribute to the curation of a space or express a personality. Connoisseurs can find folk art and historical miniatures from every era. They have been created in classic and modern designs ranging from kitsch collectibles to old-world oddities.
Explore the collection of models and miniatures on 1stDibs today to build your collection and bring whimsical joy to your home.