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 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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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.

Question 15

Is Toulouse-Lautrec Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The work of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec falls into the Art Nouveau style, which was prevalent approximately during the period of 1890-1910. Following the Art Nouveau period was the Art Deco era, which is usually defined as the era between 1920 and 1930. Toulouse-Lautrec died in 1901 putting his art in the era of Art Nouveau, but certain aspects of it definitely hint at the coming Art Deco style considering the definite overlap of the two movements. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 16

What are Art Deco engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco engagement rings are accessories that were produced during the 1920s and '30s and are characterized by details associated with the Art Deco style. They're often very colorful and feature bold geometric lines as well as gemstones cut in nontraditional ways. While the style got its name from an arts exhibition in Paris in 1925, Art Deco was inspired by Cubism and a shift from Art Nouveau's floral aesthetic. The modern look of Art Deco engagement rings reflects an evolution in fashion, visual art and more, as well as the sweeping societal changes taking hold at the time. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage Art Deco engagement rings.

Question 17

What are art deco lamps made of?

Accepted Answer

Art deco lamps come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Vintage art deco-style lamps were made of natural materials such as metal, glass and pottery. You’ll find a variety of art deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

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 19

What is Art Deco style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco style furniture appeared right before the start of World War I and is defined by sharp lines, vibrant colors and bold patterns. Heavily influenced by geometry, Art Deco furniture was born out of the Cubism movement.

Question 20

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.

Art Deco Terracotta

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Art Deco Sculpture, Representing 2 Terracotta Fish on a Macassar Base circa 1930

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Stylized Woman Figure Sculptural Table Lamp in Black Terracotta, France

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Terracotta Déco Sculpture Skier "Rest in mountains"

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Vases

Art Deco Hand-Glazed Terracotta Vase or Planter, Signed

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Art Deco Pale Terracotta Ceramic Sculpture of Stylized Pouncing Tiger

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Still-life Paintings

Flowers in terracotta pot - Still life Oil on canvas

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Big German Art Deco Lion Sculpture in Ceramic, Terracotta Copper, 1930

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Table Lamps

Huge Art Deco Gold Silver Table Lamp A stunning piece is made in Terracotta

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Bedouin Head Bust Terracotta, Glazed Ceramic Wood Table Lamp, 1950

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Art Deco Cabinets

Solomia Straw Marquetry Cabinet Art Deco Solid Wood Terracotta Blue Black Inlay

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

P.Serste, Large Art Cedo Terracotta Sculpture, Signed

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Scultura In Terracotta, Nudo di Giovane Donna, Art Deco, Scultore Italiano, XX.

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Sculture Art Deco, Scultura In Terracotta Di Donna Nuda Accovacciata, XX secolo.

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Earthenware or Terracotta Pair - Possible F.A.C.I. Guerrino Rossi

2010s Turkish Art Deco Textiles

Antique Kilim Cushion Cover in Rustic Terracotta, 45x45 cm Handwoven Pillow Case

2010s Turkish Art Deco Textiles

Antique Kilim Cushion Cover in Terracotta and Black, 45x45 cm Tribal Pillow Case

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Wiener Werkstatte Attributed Painted Terracotta Art Pottery Girl Figure

Vintage 1940s Figurative Sculptures

Italian Art Deco Style Terracotta Sculpture of A Nude Woman with Red Flower 1945

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Terracotta Lion Sculpture

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Porcelain

Art Deco Tea or Coffee Cup in Terracotta, Black and Gold Porcelain by Wallendorf

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

French Glazed Terracotta Fish Sculpture

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Sculpture Women, 1930

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Busts

Terracotta Vintage French Hermes Bust

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sofas

Custom Three-Seat Sofa in Terracotta and Indigo Art Deco Revival Pattern

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Planters and Jardinieres

Primavera Madeline Sougez Painted Terracotta Vase

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Sculptures

French Terracotta Sculpture by T. Foris

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Statues

2 enamelled terracotta caryatids circa 1930

20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Édouard-Marcel Sandoz - Fennec - Rare Terracotta Sculpture

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Walter Bosse Austrian Art Deco Art Pottery Cupid Figure

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Room Size Antique Art Deco Chinese Wool Rug Handmade In Dark Terracotta Color

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Planters and Jardinieres

Primavera Madeline Sougez Painted Terracotta Vase

Vintage 1930s American Neoclassical Urns

Pair of Antique Galloway Terracotta Ceramic Art Deco Pottery Garden Urn Vases

20th Century Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Enrique AlférezSaffo, 1900s

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Jars

Art Deco French Jar with Lizard on Lid

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Planters and Jardinieres

Italian Large Pines Decorated Terracotta Vase, 1940s

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Antique Glazed Horse Terracotta Water Whistles

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Urns

Pair of Italian Glazed Terracotta Urns or Planters

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Planters and Jardinieres

Large French Art Deco Pottery Jardiniere Attributed To Denbac

1920s Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Virgil Rainer“Adam and Eve”, 1926

20th Century French Art Deco Abstract Sculptures

Enrique Alférez
Saffo, 1900s

Virgil Rainer
“Adam and Eve”, 1926