Question 1

Where did Art Nouveau originate?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau originated in France and Great Britain, but variants materialized elsewhere. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature as portrayed in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking and other modes of art and design in the East Asian country. The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own versions. Explore a selection of Art Nouveau furniture, jewelry and art on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is an original piece of art?

Accepted Answer

An original piece of art is a work that is considered to be an authentic example of an artist’s output, versus a reproduction. An original piece may refer to a sculpture, painting, a performance work or any other work in a range of other media. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage original pieces of art.

Question 3

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 4

What is the focus of Japanese art?

Accepted Answer

The focus of Japanese art varies. Many traditional Japanese artists sought to capture the beauty of nature in their works. However, other Japanese artists have produced work with Buddhist themes, and contemporary artists working in the country have been inspired by a range of subjects, from socioeconomic and political issues to pop culture. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Japanese art.

Question 5

What is the writing on Japanese art?

Accepted Answer

The writing on Japanese art is calligraphy art called shodo. It uses Japanese kanji and kana characters. There are a variety of different shodo styles of art, including Kaisho, which is the basic, foundational form of the art. On 1stDibs, find a range of Japanese calligraphy art from top sellers..

Question 6

What are characteristics of Japanese art?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of different types of Japanese art. One of the oldest and most admired forms of Japanese art is the art of calligraphy, which originated in the sixth or seventh century. Another type of art, ukiyo-e, is the art of the woodblock print, which depicts scenes of female beauties; kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers and more. You’ll find a variety of Japanese artwork from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How Much Should original art cost?

Accepted Answer

The%20cost%20of%20original%20art%20has%20a%20very%20wide%20range.%20For%20emerging%20new%20artist%20could%20be%20in%20the%20lower%20end%2C%20ranging%20from%20the%20%2450%20to%20%2410%2C000%20and%20the%20mid-career%20artists%20who%20are%20already%20established%2C%20their%20prices%20range%20in%20the%20thousands%20and%20hundreds%20of%20thousands%20of%20dollars%20and%20lastly%20the%20original%20art%20of%20very%20established%20and%20popular%20artists%20that%20could%20have%20auction%20records%20in%20the%20millions%20of%20dollars.%20Having%20said%20that%2C%20a%20good%20advice%20would%20be%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20the%20artist%20that%20is%20of%20your%20interest%20and%20the%20pricing%20range%20according%20to%20your%20budget%2C%20this%20would%20include%20the%20CV-bio%20of%20the%20artist%2C%20quality%20and%20quantity%20of%20the%20works%20produced%2C%20gallery%20representation%2C%20exhibitions%2C%20private%20and%20corporate%20collections%2C%20etc.%20and%20base%20on%20that%20information%20it%20would%20be%20easier%20to%20understand%20better%20how%20much%20that%20particular%20original%20art%20should%20cost.

Question 8

Is a lithograph an original work of art?

Accepted Answer

No, a lithograph isn’t technically an original work of art. It’s a type of print, but a lithograph is generally more prized than a common print because each lithograph is hand-made by the artist through the process of lithography. They’re usually made in much lower quantities than prints, which are easier to produce on a large scale. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of lithographs from various artists.

Question 9

Is it worth buying original art?

Accepted Answer

Many art lovers believe that buying original art is worth it. One appealing facet of buying original art is that you can choose a medium that appeals to you from paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and more. Art can be displayed in your home to beautify interiors, and pieces from some artists may increase in value over time. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in original art is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Explore a large collection of fine art on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is the most popular Japanese art style?

Accepted Answer

Many art styles originated in Japan and grew in popularity over the years. Some of the most popular styles include shodo (calligraphy), ikebana, kanou and yamato-e. You’ll find a wide variety of authentic Japanese art from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is Japanese wall art called?

Accepted Answer

What Japanese wall art is called depends on its type. There are numerous kinds of Japanese paintings and prints, including nihonga and ukiyo-e. A Japanese wall scroll is known as a kakejiku or kakemono. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese wall art.

Question 12

What is the Japanese sea art called?

Accepted Answer

What the Japanese sea art is called depends on its type. Many examples of sea art from Japan are called ukiyo-e. This term refers to woodblock prints made during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai is arguably the most famous ukiyo-e print depicting the sea. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Japanese woodblock prints.

Question 13

How can you tell if art is Japanese or Chinese?

Accepted Answer

To tell if art is Japanese or Chinese, study the piece's characteristics. With paintings, Chinese artists often use more color and tend to fill their entire canvases, while Japanese artists often include more negative space and choose subtler colors. There are also differences between the brushstrokes typical of traditional Chinese and Japanese art. In Japanese paintings, brushstrokes are often short and sharp. On the other hand, Chinese paintings often display longer, more fluid brushstrokes. Learning about the defining features of various art forms and periods and looking at examples of pieces made by Japanese and Chinese artists can help you learn to spot subtle differences. Explore a diverse assortment of Japanese and Chinese art on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Are original art prints worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, original art prints may be worth something. However, the value of prints varies greatly based on the artist, age, image quality, historical significance, availability and overall condition. To find out how much a print that you own may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer, who can evaluate your piece based on its characteristics and history and give you an estimated fair market value for it. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of art prints.

Original Japanese Art

Mid-19th Century Edo Figurative Prints

Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Kuniyoshi, Samurai, Original Japanese Woodblock Print, Ukiyo-e, Sengoku, Horse, c. 1848-1849

Mid-19th Century Edo Landscape Prints

Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige)
Hiroshige, Original Japanese Woodblock Print, Snow Landscape, Temple, Red, Edo, 1853

Mid-19th Century Edo Figurative Prints

Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Kuniyoshi, Original Japanese Woodblock Print, Samurai, Edo, Ukiyo-e, Kiso Kaidō, 1852

Early 19th Century Edo Figurative Prints

Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige)
Hiroshige I, Original Japanese Woodblock Print, Tokaido, Ukiyo-e, Edo, Landscape, c.1833-1834

Mid-19th Century Edo Portrait Prints

Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Kuniyoshi, Edo Era, Samurai Warrior, Original Japanese Woodblock Print, Ukiyo-e, c. 1843

Early 20th Century French Modern Prints

Foujita, Persian White Cat, Original Woodblock Print, Early 20th Century Art

1920s Realist Portrait Prints

Japanese Print from Watercolor Original in Gold Leaf Frederick Harer Frame