Q: What is the history of Art Deco?

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 1

What kinds of art does Theaster Gates make?

Accepted Answer

Theaster Gates is a socially engaged installation artist with a solid foundation as a trained ceramicist. One of his most prominent works, ‘Plantation Lullabies’ used archival collections centered around African American history. Shop a selection of Theaster Gates’ work from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is the history of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.

Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.

The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 3

How do I identify Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco, look for the characteristics of the period. Furniture produced at the time is generally lacquered metal with a mirror-like glossy finish. Wooden items should be an exotic wood. Most items feature symmetrical designs, and geometric forms were popular motifs during the period. In addition, Art Deco often shows the influence of Hellenistic, Egyptian and Asian designs. Shop a variety of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

When did Art Deco originate?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco period originated in France. Its name comes from the title of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, credited with introducing the style to the world. It was informed by ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession and went on to influence the Streamline Moderne and mid-century modern movements. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What defines Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

A few things define Art Deco. Date is one factor, as the style emerged in the 1920s and remained popular during the 1930s. Art Deco design usually includes bold geometric lines and forms or intricate repeating floral motifs. Designers working in this style tended to use expensive materials, such as shagreen or marble, as well as exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Furniture often featured metal accents, mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What was Art Deco influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco was influenced by a number of things. The discovery of ancient tombs around the turn of the century led to a renewed interest in Egyptian furniture and architecture that inspired Art Deco designers. Art Deco was also informed by Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI style, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession. Shop a large collection of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is art deco ring?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco rings were made during the early 20th century. Named for a design movement that originated at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, Art Deco rings are generally quite geometric, symmetrical and incorporate a variety of gemstones — especially sapphires and emeralds. Find a wide variety of Art Deco rings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is an Art Deco lamp?

Accepted Answer

An Art Deco lamp is any lamp that’s made in the styles of the Art Deco movement, which was dominant in the 1920s and 1930s. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of Art Deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 9

What is an art deco watch?

Accepted Answer

An art deco watch is defined by its geometric case, which is either circular or rectangular. The watch style was highly popular between 1920 and 1950, and is still sought after today. You’ll find a collection of art deco watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs

Question 10

What is art deco jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco jewelry was popular during the design movement of the 1920s and 30s. Art Deco jewelry is typically characterized by geometric patterns and gemstones of contrasting colors.

Question 11

What was the Art Deco movement?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco movement was a decorative style popular during the 1920s and ’30s. Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design, celebrating society's growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu. The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects.

Question 12

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that the former is detailed and ornate, and the latter is sharp and geometrical. When the movement started at the end of the 19th century, Art Nouveau was heavily influenced by nature and the curved lines of flowers. Art Deco, which became popular in the beginning of the 20th century, was inspired by the geometric abstraction of cubism.

Question 13

What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Art Deco and mid-century modern (MCM) is that the terms describe two distinct design styles. Art Deco typically refers to pieces produced between the 1920s and 1930s. Furniture produced in this style tends to display bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs, metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. MCM, or mid-century modern, emerged after World War II. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. Designers working in this style frequently used industrial materials, including steel, fiberglass, molded plywood, and alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak. Explore a wide variety of Art Deco and mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How do I know if my ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To know if a ring is Art Deco, examine its style. The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. Makers often incorporated geometric motifs in jewelry designs. Materials may also provide a clue about the era of the piece. Platinum, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were some of the most common precious metals and gemstones used at the time. Keep in mind that there are many convincing reproductions of Art Deco rings and other high-quality pieces inspired by originals. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or expert within the field of antique jewelry design to evaluate the ring. Shop a selection of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco furniture, first look for maker's markings in inconspicuous areas. Once you've found them, use trusted online resources to research the manufacturer and determine whether they were active during the Art Deco era, which spanned from the 1920s through the 1930s. You can also look for classic characteristics of Art Deco furniture, such as bold geometric lines and forms, intricate floral motifs, metal accents, mirrored finishes and fine materials such as shagreen, marble, mahogany wood, zebra wood, ebony, exotic animal hides, onyx and mother-of-pearl. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can also assist you with making identifications. Shop a collection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Art Deco jewelry is valuable. Jewelry from the 1920s and ’30s has remained consistently popular. It experienced a major revival in the 1960s, and even today, jewelry makers continue to be inspired by the period. As a result, demand for Art Deco jewelry is typically high, but the actual value of a piece depends on its style, maker, age and condition. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help you determine how much your jewelry is worth. Explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The answer to whether Eileen Gray's designs were Art Deco depends on which piece you're considering. Gray was ever-evolving as a designer. By the early 1920s, she was creating geometric works that embodied the essence of Art Deco and the nascent modernist design movement. Some pieces, like her Bricks screen, employ the planar forms favored by Gerrit Rietveld and other De Stijl architects of the Netherlands. Others feature the tubular chrome framing used by Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who are associated with the mid-century modern design style. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Eileen Gray furniture.

Question 18

What are the main features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main features of Art Deco are geometry-influenced shapes, bright color schemes and bold patterns. Art Deco architecture and design are both heavily influenced by the Cubism movement, which relied on the use of non-traditional angles and shapes.

Question 19

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco features bold geometric designs, clean lines and vibrant colors.

Question 20

How was Art Deco furniture made?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco furniture was largely made by hand. Crafters often employed exotic hardwood like zebra wood, rosewood and Macassar ebony. Many pieces had a polished Japanese lacquer finish, which gave a high-gloss shine to the wood. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco furniture.

Art Deco Gates

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Pair of French Art Deco Forged Wrought Iron Garden Gates

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Pair of French Art Deco Era Iron Gates or Partitions with Gold Detail

Vintage 1930s French Doors and Gates

Pair of Art-Deco Style Gilt-Iron Garden Gates

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Doors and Gates

French Art Deco Silvered Iron Gates circa 1930s Six Total 70" x 26" each approx

Early 20th Century French Doors and Gates

A Pair of French Art Deco Iron Gates Attributed to Edgar Brandt

Vintage 1930s American Doors and Gates

Geometric Art Deco Wrought Iron Gate Panel with Star Flower and Arrow

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Monumental French Wrought Iron Gates

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Doors and Gates

Art Deco Door Knocker in Bronze, 1930s

Vintage 1920s Mexican Art Deco Doors and Gates

Mexican Art Deco Style Iron Door Grill

20th Century American Art Deco Doors and Gates

Art Deco Rose Brass Knob and Escutcheon

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Doors and Gates

Pair of Art Deco Etched Glass Doors

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Two French Art Deco Bronze/Copper Doors

Mid-20th Century Doors and Gates

Set of Arched Garden Gates

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Doors and Gates

Set of 4 Art Deco Brass Door Handles

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Doors and Gates

Pair of American Art Deco Steel Elevator Doors

Early 20th Century Art Deco Doors and Gates

Set of Reclaimed Copperlight Art Deco Double Doors (2)

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Doors and Gates

Set of Reclaimed Copperlight Art Deco Double Doors

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Doors and Gates

Two Art Deco Amsterdam School Stained Glass Doors, 1920s

Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Doors and Gates

Art-Deco Style Doors from Goodspeed Opera House

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Pair of Art Deco wrought iron doors, circa 1925

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Doors and Gates

Art Deco Door Handles in the Shape of Seahorses

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Doors and Gates

Pair of Striking Art Deco Burr Walnut Double Doors

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Doors and Gates

Art Deco Brass Double Door Set from a Manhattan University

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Doors and Gates

Set of Reclaimed Copperlight Art Deco Double Doors (4)

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Charming French Art Déco Stained Glass Doors and Windows Set

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Charming French Art Deco Stained Glass Doors and Windows Set

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Doors and Gates

Set of Reclaimed Copperlight Art Deco Double Doors (6)

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Pair of Art Deco Period Salon Doors with Stained Glass

Vintage 1930s French Doors and Gates

Franch Art Deco entry doors

21st Century and Contemporary French Doors and Gates

Double door in style art deco .

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Doors and Gates

Art Deco Maroon Red Catalin/Bakelite Drawer Pulls w/ Chrome Strip, Set of 10

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Doors and Gates

Art Deco Style Polished Steel Chrome and Laminated Glass Door One of a Kind

Vintage 1930s French Doors and Gates

Art Deco Iron Doors attributed to Raymond Subes

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Large Art Deco Door Pulls or Door Handles in the shape of a Fork And Spoon

Early 20th Century English Doors and Gates

Pair of Oak Art Deco Interior Glazed Doors

Vintage 1930s American Doors and Gates

Art-Deco Giltwood Folding Doors, Scenes of NYC

Vintage 1920s Doors and Gates

Art Deco Triptych of Etched Glass Doors, France, 1920s

Vintage 1930s French Doors and Gates

c.1930 Pair of Fabulous French Art Deco Doors

Early 20th Century English Doors and Gates

Set of Reclaimed Copperlight Art Deco Double Doors (9)

Vintage 1930s Italian Doors and Gates