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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Chess, Hommage à Marcel Duchamp by Brigitte Kowanz, signed and marked
Located in Vienna, AT
Execution Brigitte Kowanz (chessmen) and Woka Lamps VIENNA (car and board) Chessmen made from kaiser rolls, carved and covered with acrylic, car from bicycle-wheels, iron frame, etch...
Category

Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Art Deco and Modernist Carpets Book
Located in Richmond, VA
Hardback coffee table book featuring Art Deco and Modernist Carpet designs. By Susan Day, published in 2002. “The design revolutions in the early 20th century were woven into the v...
Category

Early 2000s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Meret Oppenheim
Located in Richmond, VA
Hardback coffee table book retrospective of artist, Meret Oppenheim. By Hatje Cantz, published in 2007. First edition, 360 pages. "Scandalous muse, mysterious model, and Surrealist ...
Category

Early 2000s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

2020 Norman Mailer The Fight: George Foreman - Muhammad Ali
Located in Bath, GB
The very scarce, signed, limited edition Collector's Edition of this tribute to Muhammad Ali and George Foreman’s 1974 boxing match, written by Norman Mailer, who witnessed the fight...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Goodbye Picasso
Located in Richmond, VA
Vintage coffee table book featuring the work of artist, Pablo Picasso. By David Douglas Duncan, published in 1974. First edition, 300 pages. "Goodbye Picasso reveals the simplicit...
Category

1970s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Palestine or The Holy Land, 1903, with Biblical Details
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Antique Map of Palestine or The Holy Land, 1903, with Biblical and Geographical Details Description: This antique map, titled "Palestine or The Holy Land," was engraved and p...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with 10 Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique reliquary contains 10 relics of saints with paper scrolls and red velvet. It is handcrafted from metal. This is a 3rd class relic. For better understanding, relics are d...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Sketches On The Old Road Through France to Florence by A. H. Hallam Murray
Located in Middletown, NY
London: John Murray, 1904. First, Limited Edition. 4to, 9 5/8 x 7 3/4 inches (244 x197 mm); xxv, map, 328 pp. Wide margins, printed on hand-made unbleached Arnold paper. 48 full-pa...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

French 19th Century Needlepoint Prie Dieu
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century ebonized wood prie dieu upholstered in vibrant needlepoint. This dramatic prayer kneeler has a plush armrest rising from turned spindles forming an arched desig...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool, Wood

Rosary Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with Relic of some Saint
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage reliquary contains relics of a Saint. It is made of metal. It's 1 7/8" high (with hanger) in size, that making it easily worn. It is part of a Rosary. It was found at an...
Category

1950s German Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage MATL Matilde Poulat Gemstone Inlaid Silver Cross – Taxco Mexico, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Vintage MATL Matilde Poulat Gemstone Inlaid Silver Cross – Taxco Mexico, 1950s A stunning and collectible vintage silver cross pendant by renowned Mexican silversmith Matilde Poulat...
Category

20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

A vintage marble backgammon game set, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage marble backgammon game set, 20th century. In pink, black, and gray marble.
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

Beautiful 19th-Century Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue in Polychrome Clay and Wood
Located in Lisse, NL
A powerful and emotionally rich representation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, hand-carved in wood, clay and richly polychromed, dating from the late 1800s. Likely originating from France or Belgium, this devotional statue combines craftsmanship, spiritual symbolism, and historical presence. Christ is portrayed with an open gesture and serene expression, pointing to His Sacred Heart, which radiates gold and is crowned with thorns and a small cross. The robe features Gothic-inspired motifs in crimson and gold, and the original brass halo remains intact — a rare and beautiful detail. This large sculpture of our loving teacher Jesus Christ is in good condition, showing only minor wear and light surface imperfections that give it authenticity and soul. The paint and gilding are beautifully preserved with a soft patina, typical of well-kept devotional objects of this age. It makes an impressive display as-is, but could become truly striking when elevated on a pedestal or large Gothic wall bracket, making it ideal for a chapel, entry hall, or interior with religious or historic accents. If you like this early 19th century work of religious ART as much as we do then you will love our price. Especially, since perfect packing and worldwide delivery from our store to your door in just 4 to 6 days are complimentary. Height x width x depth of this statue: 43.5 x 17 x 10.5 inches. Width x depth of the base: 10.2 x 97 inches. The alabaster pedestal shown in some photos is not included. We are driven by a passion for uniqueness, timeless, quality, stylish design, and the enduring craftsmanship of the past. Every purchase is carefully and thoughtfully packed — and we look forward to serving you (again). To explore all our 1000+ listings, simply click the button labeled 'View All From Seller'. Warm regards, Henk and the Studio Team -------------------------------------------------------------------- **Keywords / Tags: Sacred Heart of Jesus · antique religious statue...
Category

19th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Trio Of 19th Century Ninos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This listing is for a TRIO of Ninos. These figures of the Baby Jesus was made in colonial Guatemala. They are carved from wood, covered with gesso, and painted with soft, lifelike co...
Category

19th Century Guatemalan Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Glass, Wood, Paint

Modernist Chess Set by the Carl Auböck workshop, Vienna, 1960s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
A stunning solid cast iron chess set designed by Carl Auböck III in the 1960s. This is an authentic first generation set. The pieces are very tactile, ...
Category

1960s Austrian Vienna Secession Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Poetry Book, The Lady Of The Lake, Walter Scott, Early Edition, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique copy of The Lady of the Lake, the celebrated narrative poem by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1811, a year after the initial release. A leather-bound volume, illus...
Category

1810s British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

La Bible “Illustrations for the Bible” by Marc Chagall
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
[Verve (Vol VIII, Nos. 33-34] 30 lithographs, including the cover (18 in color). Text in French by Jean Wahl and Meyer Schapiro. No dust jacket. some damage to the spine but lithogra...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Alphonse Mucha's Documents Decoratifs (Complete in Four Portfolios)
Located in New York, NY
Suite of 72 lithographic plates on wove paper, many in color, plus expository pages (title page, half-title page, preface) and four covers. Published in Paris in 1902 by Librairie Ce...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

GWR Castles Book, Charles Oman, Historic Illustrated Reference, Vintage, English
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage copy of 'Castles' by Charles Oman. An illustrated reference book published by the Great Western Railway (GWR) in 1929, presented in intact, original order with char...
Category

1930s British Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Small Figural Romantic Dagger - late 19th century
Located in TEYJAT, FR
Small figural romantic dagger - late 19th century - with 10.75cm double edged tapering plated bade with cast and silver plated grip in the form of a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

1st US Edition of ‘Enquiry Concerning Political Justice’ by W Godwin 1796
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING AN EXTREMELY RARE FIRST US EDITION hardback copy of “Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and Its Influence on Morals and Happiness by William Godwin, First American from ...
Category

Late 18th Century American George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Antique English WW1 Military Issued Compass - 1917
Located in Bath, GB
A good nickel plated WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass engraved on the lid with the war office crow's foot mark and dated 1917 The hunter cased pocket compass has an attr...
Category

1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Nickel

Religious Statue Jesus Christ in Art Deco style by belgian artist André Taeckens
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1930 / Religous statue Jesus Christ / André Taeckens (1906-1965) / plaster, wood / Art Deco Plaster Art Deco statue of Jesus, mounted on a beautifully crafted wooden stand...
Category

1930s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Vintage Indian large Silver Gilt beaded necklace Tribal
Located in London, GB
Vintage Indian large Gold plated Silver beaded necklace Large wax filled gold plated silver beads on woven cord Darjeeling India 20th century High grade silver with gold plate on...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate

Set of 8 Books with Flowers, Nordens Flora, Sweden, 20th Century
By Carl Axel Lindman
Located in Greven, DE
Set of 8 Books - Nordens Flora Carl Axel Magnus Lindman (* April 6, 1856 in Halmstad, Sweden; † June 21, 1928 in Adolf Fredriks församling, Stockholms län) was a Swedish botanist. ...
Category

20th Century Swedish Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Harp C1920 Rudolph Wurlitzer Gilt W Birdeye Maple & Inlay Starke Model
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. This Harp by the Rudolph Wurlitzer co. was well taken care of by its previous owners. C1920 with 45 strings and 7 peda...
Category

1920s American Biedermeier Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Birdseye Maple, Maple, Giltwood

Embracing Beauty: Serene Spaces for Living
Located in New York, NY
The highly anticipated second book from esteemed, Atlanta-based interior designer Webb, known for her ethereal, lushly textured interiors, is a study in organic elegance. Webb is an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

MEMPHIS ZOLO Wooden Toys designed by Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi MOMA 1980s
By MOMA Museum New York, Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi, Zolo
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A Memphis Zolo Toys set of 54 wooden puzzle pieces designed by Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi in 1987 for MOMA. All of the parts are made of wood and are hand-painted. The rare form...
Category

1980s Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

English Medieval Extremely Rare Church Pew Animal Carvings
Located in Vero Beach, FL
English Medieval Extremely Rare Church Pew Animal Carvings Pair of extraordinary animal carvings from the 15th century. A cat playing with a mouse and a dog with a bat wing in its p...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

RR126 Radiophonograph & Record Player by the Castiglionis for Brionvega 1965
Located in Seattle, WA
Brionvega RR126 A.K.A. the “Musical Pet”. Designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1965. Originally from Italy Both the machine and the Dual 1226 record player has been se...
Category

1960s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Charles DICKENS. A Christmas Carol. FACSIMILE EDITION - IN A FINE ONLAY BINDING
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles. TITLE: A Christmas Carol In Prose Being A Ghost Story of Christmas. PUBLISHER: London: Bradbury and Evans, 1846. (c.1950) DESCRIPTION: FACSIMILE EDITION...
Category

1950s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Mark TWAIN. The Prince and the Pauper. FIRST EDITION SECOND STATE - 1882
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: TWAIN, Mark (Samuel Clemens). TITLE: The Prince and the Pauper: A Tale for Young People of All Ages. PUBLISHER: Boston: James R. Osgood, 1882. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION ...
Category

1880s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Vintage Brass Menorah
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage brass menorah in a lovely star shape.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique The Fables Book, Historic Literature, English, Illustrated, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a superb antique edition of 'The Fables' by Jean de La Fontaine, translated into English verse by Walter Thornbury and illustrated throughout by Gustave Doré. A fine, intact ...
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Katsura, Hermitage and Gardens, a Moment of Perfection, French Book, 1986
Located in Atlanta, GA
Katsura, Ermitage et Jardins - Un Moment de Perfection (Katsura, Hermitage and Gardens, a Moment of Perfection), French Book by Office du Livre, Vilo Editions Paris, 1986. Book by Arata Isozaki and Osamu Sato; photographs by Yasuhiro Ishimoto; French translation and commentary by Pierre and Suzanne Rambach. A visit to Katsura, the imperial villa, is a circuit of an hour. One emerges amazed, astonished, and dazzled. What remains are the intense images captured by the eye, captured by the moment that flees without recourse. Amid its garden and the four tea pavilions that border the central pond, built in the 17th century by Prince Toshihito, on the banks of the river that flows through Kyoto, Katsura remains the image of refinement. Villa, also known as Katsura Rikyū, is an architectural gem located in Kyoto, built in the 17th century by Prince Toshihito. Designed as a place of relaxation for the imperial family, this villa embodies not only the elegance and serenity of Japanese architecture but also the perfect harmony between man and nature. Visionary architects Bruno Taut and Walter Gropius of the Bauhaus movement, as well as Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto, and Le Corbusier, were influenced in their designs by the Katsura Imperial Villa, particularly by its minimalist approach, clean lines, and profound respect for the environment. This helped to disseminate and integrate the principles of Japanese architecture into the modern movement. The elegance of this princely "hermitage" and its tea pavilions creates an atmosphere of serenity and highlights the natural beauty of its surroundings. Its landscaped gardens, true contemplative gems, feature a meticulous arrangement of ponds, bridges, rocks, and vegetation, creating a subtle harmony. It is said that the brilliant gardeners of the Katsura Villa brought about a revolution: for the first time, they introduced, into the landscapes they created by imitating nature, elements that could only come from man: straight lines, regular geometric curves, or, conversely, skillfully rhythmic ones. In short, the Katsura Imperial Villa is a cultural and architectural treasure offering a fascinating insight into traditional Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. This is a beautiful coffee table art book. The authors: Arata Isozaki (磯崎 新, Isozaki Arata...
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Mahjong Case, Oriental, Teak Gaming Tile Box, Late Victorian, Circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a superb antique Mahjong case. An Oriental, teak gaming tile box, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Showcasing fine craftsmanship a...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bamboo, Teak

Antique Fox Figural Cigar Cutter, silvered Metal 1930s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1930s or older silvered Metal Cigar Cutter. Very rare large size cigar cutter in the form of a fox. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It has its all origin...
Category

1930s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

"The Holy Bible" By Rev. John Brown, 1870s
Located in Palermo, IT
"The Holy Bible" By Rev. John Brown, 1870s Old and new testaments. Marginal references and illustrations; An exact summary of the several books; A paraphrase on the most obscure or i...
Category

1870s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

FORNASETTI Butterfly Poker Card Game Set Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage butterfly poker card game set box, screen print on wood, with two decks of playing cards, eight dices and chips / Designed by PIero Fornasetti, made in Milan Italy by Fornase...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

DODGSON (Lewis Carroll). Through The Looking-Glass. SIGNED BY ALICE HARGREAVES
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DODGSON, Charles Lutwidge: ( Lewis Carroll ). TITLE: Through The Looking-Glass, And What Alice Found There. PUBLISHER: London: Macmillan and Co., 1882. DESCRIPTION: SIGNE...
Category

1880s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric

Craps Casino Table Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The coolest table lighter, cast in the shape of a Craps table. This vintage piece has meticulous details with miniature red and white loose dice that sit atop a green felt board. The...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Rare Antique Faceted Amethyst 14K Yellow Gold Rosary Channel Set Amethyst Cross
Located in New York, NY
Fine and rare antique faceted amethyst and 14K yellow gold rosary with a beautiful emerald cut channel set amethyst 14K yellow gold cross 19th Century The cross composed of twelve sq...
Category

19th Century European Belle Époque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Original Antique Map of the American State of Maryland & Delaware, 1903
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Antique map of Maryland And Delaware Published By A & C Black. 1903 Original colour Good condition Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1970s Astonishing Swift 1778 Model Ship. Handmade. Made in England
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Ponant model ship in walnut wood. Handmade. Made in England. This model is amazing and in excellent condition and all handmade. A true piece of history. Dimension: ...
Category

1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Brass round-section ground astronomical telescope France circa 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Astronomical round-section brass ground astronomical telescope with single-elongation focusing and rack and pinion, with researcher viewfinder, complete with oak rack stand and orig...
Category

1870s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Pair Of 16th Century Italian Memento Mori
Located in Hastings, GB
A truly exceptional pair of Memento Mori 'remember you must die' painted on board, these date to the 16th century and were originally housed in an North Italian Monastery, this incre...
Category

16th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

DICKENS. A Christmas Carol. FIRST EDITION FIRST ISSUE - 1843 - IN ORIGINAL CLOTH
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles. TITLE: A Christmas Carol In Prose Being A Ghost Story of Christmas. PUBLISHER: London: Chapman and Hall, 1843. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION FIRST ISSUE. 1 ...
Category

1840s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric

Antique 19th Century Multi-Saint Catholic Reliquary in Jeweled Frame
Located in Victoria, BC
A finely crafted 19th-century Roman Catholic reliquary featuring multiple saint relics preserved under glass within a gilded metal frame. The ornate surround is decorated with red, g...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Fine Long Vintage Native American graduated Navajo Silver bead Necklace 30 inch
Located in London, GB
Long graduated Navajo stamped silver bead Necklace 30 inch circa 1960s. .
Category

20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

White Brionvega RR126 Radiophonograph & Record Player by Castiglioni, Italy 1965
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous Brionvega RR126 a.k.a. the “Musical Pet”. This iconic radio phonograph and record player was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1965. Fully original, in ...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Chrome

The Baron`s elegant cigarette holder in checked gold and amber
Located in Knivsta, SE
The Baron`s elegant cigarette holder in checked gold and amber. Made in France during the late 19th Century. Provenance: Baron Ehrenkrona, Hulterstad Manor in Sweden. Wear consiste...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Gold

Mid-Century Italian Bamboo Shoehorn, 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century Italian Bamboo Shoehorn, 1960s Good condition. A very elegant object that belonged to a military regiment Commander.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bamboo

Sergio Rodrigues (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This book provides a unique insight into the Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues world by reflecting on his lifetime achievements, from design to architecture, his design concepts, h...
Category

Late 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Collection of Leather Bound Classic Books, Easton Press & Franklin Library
By Easton Press, Franklin Press
Located in Peabody, MA
A collection of twenty-seven 1970s-1980s era leather bound and 22kt gold leaf classic novels. Nineteen by Easton Press, and eight published by Franklin Library. Many feature silk mo...
Category

1970s American American Classical Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Victrola XVI Mahogany Upright Disc Player & Discs C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Victrola XVI Mahogany Upright Disc Player & Discs C1900. 24 1/4" x 22 7/8" x 49". A well crafte...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Stunning Smoking Set in Ceramic by Rosenthal. Made in Germany
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Stunning Smoking Set in Ceramic by Rosenthal. Made in Germany The table lighter works perfeclty. This smoking set is in excellent condition. Dimension : Ashtray 5,51 x 3,93 x ...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Onyx

Wurlitzer Juke Box, Original Model Re-Edited in 2021 with Compact Disc Player
Located in Paris, FR
Wurlitzer juke box, genuine original 1948 model. From 2021 Re-Edition, Audio Equipment for Lazers Discs (CD).
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Brass sextant signed Imray & Son 89 & 102 Minories London mid-19th century
Located in Milan, IT
Brass sextant signed Imray & Son 89 & 102 Minories London, datable to around mid-19th century, instrument housed in its original mahogany box shaped like the instrument with hinges, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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.

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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.

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