Question 1

What is the story of the Chandigarh chair?

Accepted Answer

The story of the Chandigarh chair began in the 1950s with the founding of Chandigarh, a city in northern India designed by Le Corbusier. Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier's cousin, designed several chairs for the newly founded city. Among them was the Chandigarh chair. For the piece, Jeanneret selected cane and teak wood, materials that were resistant to the humidity and high temperatures common in the city. Around the start of the 21st century, several furniture dealers purchased the chairs and reintroduced them to the market, leading to a resurgence in their popularity. Explore a selection of Chandigarh chairs and other Jeanneret chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is the story behind KAWS?

Accepted Answer

KAWS is an American artist, toy and clothing designer. Born in New Jersey under the name Brian Donnelly, he became interested in graffiti very early on. He earned a BFA and began working for Disney. His artwork gained popularity and he began traveling and designing toys and clothing while continuing art and sculptures. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 3

What is the story behind Louis Vuitton?

Accepted Answer

The story behind Louis Vuitton is one of craft and innovation in the worlds of fashion, jewelry and furniture. The company's modest origins can be traced back to when its founder, Louis Vuitton, left his provincial French city of Anchay in the early 1830s to make a new life in Paris. When he arrived, he toiled as a box maker and packer for more than a decade and built relationships with royals and members of the upper class while working for the empress of France, Eugénie de Montijo. In 1854, Vuitton launched his namesake company with a humble workshop on rue Neuve des Capucines and advertised his services with a small poster that read: "Securely packs the most fragile objects. Specializing in packing fashions." Long before his brand would become known globally for its exemplary top-handle bags and stylish totes, Vuitton produced stackable and rectangular trunks. The most common trunks of the era were round, which weren't ideal for toting and storing. In 1858, Vuitton debuted his lightweight, handcrafted canvas trunks, which were sturdy, rugged and equipped with convenient compartments. Travel's popularity broadened in the late 19th century, and Vuitton's trunks could easily be packed into train cars and ships; upright trunks offered hanging wardrobe storage that would allow his clients to transport their sophisticated garments without worry. Demand increased, and the company grew. When Louis Vuitton died in 1892, control of the luxury house was passed onto his only son, Georges Vuitton. In 1914, a Louis Vuitton store opened at 70 Champs-Élysées. The largest travel-goods store in the world at the time, it became the company's flagship. Today, the fashion house remains one of the most iconic producers of leather goods in the world. Find a diverse assortment of Louis Vuitton bags on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is the real story of Mona Lisa?

Accepted Answer

The real story of the Mona Lisa may never be known for certain. However, most art historians believe that Lisa del Giocondo, the wife of a silk merchant from Florence, posed for the painting. Biographies of Leonardo da Vinci and other historical documents from the Italian Renaissance suggest that the del Giocondos commissioned the work to hang in their new home and to mark the occasion of the birth of their son. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of fine art.

Question 5

What is the story behind Hamilton watches?

Accepted Answer

The story behind Hamilton watches goes back to the late 19th century. As railroad tracks were laid across the United States and steam locomotives began traversing vast distances, the American railroad system ran into a problem. Time was not standardized across the country.

Therefore, in 1883, the railroad companies established the four time zones as we know them today. However, train conductors were not always synchronized, leading to deadly railroad accidents. Enter watchmaker Hamilton, founded in 1892. Railway workers would be required to wear a pocket watch to keep on schedule, and the watchmaking industry — especially pocket-watch manufacturers such as Hamilton — benefitted. The company’s timepieces eventually earned the moniker “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy.”

Hamilton transitioned from pocket watches to wristwatches in 1914, as it supplied timepieces to American troops fighting in World War I. The new style of watch also appealed to aviators, and Hamilton aeronautical watches became all the rage among pilots, particularly those flying for the new U.S. Airmail service.

The general public’s interest in Hamilton watches grew rapidly in the 1920s. Legendary polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd timed his historic flights over glaciers and chunks of sea ice with a Hamilton pocket watch in the late 1920s. Hamilton’s Piping Rock watch, an Art Deco-inspired design featuring elegant Roman numerals set in black for the hour markers, debuted in 1928 and was gifted to the New York Yankees to celebrate their World Series win that year. The model was also featured in the film Shanghai Express alongside the brand’s Flintridge watch, further expanding Hamilton’s popularity. (Hamilton watches can also be seen in the films The Frogmen, Blue Hawaii, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Men in Black.) In the second half of the 20th century, Hamilton became well known for several innovations: It developed the first-ever battery-operated electric watch, the Ventura, in 1957, as well as the first-ever digital wristwatch, the Hamilton Pulsar Time Computer, in 1970. Three years later, superspy James Bond donned a Pulsar in Live and Let Die.

Today, the company is part of the Swatch Group, and its headquarters and production facilities relocated from Pennsylvania to Switzerland in 2003.

On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Hamilton watches.

Question 6

What's the story behind Balenciaga?

Accepted Answer

The story behind Balenciaga begins with Cristóbal Balenciaga.

As a child in the quiet fishing village of Getaria in Spain's Basque region, he worked alongside his seamstress mother. Showing immense talent, he earned commissions as a teenager from local patron Marquesa de Casa Torres, who paid for his tailoring education in Madrid.

In 1917, Balenciaga established his first fashion house, named Eisa, for his mother, in the trendy resort town of San Sebastián. He soon followed it with boutiques in Madrid and Barcelona, drawing such clientele as the Spanish royal family. When the Spanish Civil War put a hold on his prospects in Spain, the designer moved to Paris, opening a house on Avenue Georges V in 1937.

Balenciaga continued designing until 1968, when he retired after three decades of influential work and his fashion house went dormant. The rights to Balenciaga were acquired by Jacques Bogart SA in 1986. Under designer Michel Goma, who focused on ready-to-wear, the brand experienced a resurgence, with his first collection introduced in 1987.

Find a large selection of Balenciaga apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is the story of the Blue Willow pattern?

Accepted Answer

The Blue Willow pattern depicts elements of a story inspired by Chinese legends, featuring two lovers that run away to be together. They are ultimately transformed into doves. Find an array of porcelain pieces featuring the Blue Willow pattern on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is the story behind the Japanese cat?

Accepted Answer

The story behind the Japanese cat traces back to ancient folklore. In the tale, a cat saves the life of a samurai who turns out to be quite wealthy. To show his thanks, the man made a very generous donation to the temple. In Japanese culture, cat sculptures and figurines are symbols of good luck and known as “maneki-neko.” Find a range of Japanese decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the real story behind Big Eyes?

Accepted Answer

The real story behind Big Eyes is the life of artist Margaret Keane. She was born Peggy Doris Hawkins on September 15, 1927, in Nashville, Tennessee. When she was two years old, her eardrum was permanently damaged during a mastoid operation. Keane learned to watch the eyes of the person talking to her to understand them, influencing the drawings he began creating as a child. At age 10, she took classes at the Watkins Institute in Nashville. At age 18, she attended the Traphagen School of Design in New York City for a year. She initially earned money by painting clothing and baby cribs in the 1950s until she began painting portraits. Early on, Keane experimented with kitsch. She began painting her signature "Keane eyes" when she started to create portraits of children. Keane's works are now in collections all over the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Madrid, the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo and the Memphis Brooks Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Margaret Keane art.

Question 10

Where are the mosaics in Italy?

Accepted Answer

In Italy, mosaics are in a number of Byzantine churches. The Church of Santa Cecilia in Rome, the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna are all home to well-known mosaics. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of mosaics.

Question 11

Is Prada from Italy or France?

Accepted Answer

Prada is from Italy, not France. Mario Prada founded the luxury fashion house in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 1913. His original shop remains to this day, but the company now operates from its headquarters in a repurposed industrial space between Via Bergamo and Via Fogazzaro in Milan. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Prada apparel, bags and accessories.

Question 12

Is Gucci made in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Whether Gucci is made in Italy depends on the piece. The vast majority of the luxury fashion house's clothing, bags and accessories do come from workshops in Italy. However, Gucci manufactures its watches in Switzerland and some of its eyewear in Japan. Find a variety of Gucci apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Does Italy have good watches?

Accepted Answer

Many watch lovers believe that Italy has good watches. While perhaps not as famous a country for watch manufacturers as Switzerland, Italy is home to many distinguished luxury watchmakers. Among them are Bulgari, Emporio Armani, Gucci, Panerai and Salvatore Ferragamo. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Italian watches.

Question 14

Is Chanel from Italy or France?

Accepted Answer

Chanel is from France. Coco Chanel opened her original boutique on the rue Cambon in Paris, France, in 1910. However, some Chanel shoes and bags are made at factories located in Italy. Find a collection of Chanel pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Where is alabaster made in Italy?

Accepted Answer

In Italy, alabaster decorative objects are largely made in Volterra, a village located in Tuscany to the southwest of the city of Florence. The town became a center for alabaster carving due to its proximity to stone quarries. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of alabaster art, decorative objects and lighting.

Question 16

Are Fendi belts made in italy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Fendi belts are made in Italy. Fendi products that say “Made in China” are definitely not authentic. The renowned luxury brand, which was founded in Rome in 1925, has a distinctive relationship with old-world Italian craftsmanship, and Fendi is revered for this commitment to tradition. Shop vintage Fendi belts on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What does Italy 750 mean on jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Italy 750 on jewelry means that a piece was crafted in Italy from a particular metal. The 750 stamp indicates 18-karat yellow, white or rose gold. It comes from the fact that 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% alloy. Find a diverse assortment of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Is Ippolita jewelry made in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Ippolita jewelry is made in Italy. The majority of the jewelry maker's pieces come from its own workshop in Milan. There, working with fine materials such as 18K yellow, white and rose gold and sterling silver, skilled artisans painstakingly craft each piece that bears the maker's name by hand. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Ippolita jewelry from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 19

Is Natuzzi Editions made in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Natuzzi Editions is sometimes made in Italy. Natuzzi also produces pieces for its entry-level line in Romania, China and Brazil. Although its pieces sell at more accessible price points than the luxury Natuzzi Italia line, they still boast quality Italian craftsmanship. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Natuzzi furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 20

Is 585 Italy real gold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 585 Italy is usually real gold. Pieces bearing this marking are typically 14-karat gold, an alloy of 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% other metals. The word “Italy” signifies that a factory, workshop or artisan based in Italy produced the jewelry. Keep in mind that some counterfeiters do place hallmarks on their pieces to try to pass them off as genuine gold. As a result, you may wish to consider having a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler evaluate your piece if you have any reason to suspect that it may not be genuine gold. Find a wide range of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Stories Of Italy

2010s Italian Other Tableware

Contemporary Set of 4 Black and White Murano Glasses

2010s Italian Other Tableware

Contemporary Black and White Murano Glass Reversible Vase

2010s Italian Other Figurative Sculptures

Contemporary Murano Glass Pumo Sculpture

2010s Italian Other Figurative Sculptures

Contemporary Carrara Marble Pumo Sculpture

2010s Italian Other Tableware

Contemporary Carrara Marble Tray

2010s Italian Other Tableware

Contemporary Guatemala Green Marble Tray

2010s Italian Other Tableware

Contemporary Mexico Red Marble Tray

2010s Italian Other Tableware

Contemporary Bardiglio Grey Marble Tray

2010s Italian Other Tableware

Contemporary Carnico Black Marble Tray

2010s Italian Other Vases

Contemporary Carrara Marble Colonna Vase

2010s Italian Other Vases

Contemporary Murano Glass Colonna Vase

2010s Italian Other Vases

Contemporary Murano Glass Dattero Monoflower Vase

2010s Italian Credenzas

Brass and Walnut Wood Sideboard Credenza Designed by Antonio Aricò

2010s Italian Cupboards

Credenza by Antonio Aricò for Delvis Unlimited Brass Walnut Cupboard

2010s Italian Modern Benches

Palladio Marble Bench by Serafini

2010s Italian Modern Dining Room Tables

Verde Levanto Palladio Side Table by Serafini

2010s Italian Table Lamps

Mico, an example of blown glass heritage

2010s Italian Floor Lamps

Paraph, a sign of style for your best reading lamp

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chandeliers and Pendants

Fontana Arte Book

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Glass

Murano Glass and Brass Vase Handmade in Murano by Stories of Italy

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Italian Brutalist table lamps in gilded metal

20th Century Italian Wall Mirrors

20th Century Italian Mirror

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Vintage Italian lounge comprising white bouclé sofa, armchair and ottoman

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Italian Wall Mirror by Fontana Arte in Brass, Original Label

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Paintings

18th Century, Pair of Italian Paintings with Stories of Rome

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Paintings

18th Century, Pair of Italian Paintings with Stories of Rome by Felice Cervetti

Vintage 1970s Italian Classical Roman Books

The Story of Jewelry 1st ED. 1973 by J. Anderson Hardcover Book

Mid-20th Century Italian Bauhaus Side Tables

Italian Rationalism Blonde Walnut Side Table With Drawer

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Brooches

Margherita Burgener Titanium Diamond 18 Karat Gold Brooch

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Starlite Blue Zircon Diamond Titanium 18 Karat Gold Happy Flower Earrings

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Margherita Burgener 18 Karat Gold Brown Diamond Citrine Quartz Cocktail Ring

1970s Italian Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

Gucci Vintage Brown Suede and Leather Turn Lock Shoulder Bag

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Vintage Italian Rope Seat Dining Chairs- Set of Four

20th Century Unknown Modern Dining Room Chairs

20th Century Italian Modern Dining Chairs- set of 8

1990s Italian Tables

Italian Gilt Martini Table, late 20th Century

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Vintage Italian Table Lamp 1950s - Brass Glass

1980s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Mimmo PaladinoPinccohio Portfolio, Collection of Etchings and Woodcuts by Mimmo Paladino, 2005

Early 2000s Italian Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

Bottega Veneta Beige Woven Intrecciato Cut Out Leather Shoulder Bag

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables

Cesare Lacca Brass Tea Cart 1950 s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mimmo Paladino
Pinccohio Portfolio, Collection of Etchings and Woodcuts by Mimmo Paladino, 2005