Art Deco, a design movement that emerged in the early 20th century, is characterized by its bold geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and a fascination with modernity and luxury. As a collectible, Art Deco items hold value for their aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and representation of the glamour and innovation of the era.
Collecting Art Deco is an homage to the elegant rebellion of an era—the synthesis of glamour and innovation. Each piece is a silent manifesto, a celebration of sleek lines, geometric rhythms, and the timeless allure that unites the past and present in a harmonious dance of design.
Here’s a detailed exploration of collecting Art Deco items:
- Furniture:
- Streamlined Designs: Art Deco furniture is known for its sleek and streamlined designs. Collectors may seek items such as tables, chairs, and cabinets featuring geometric patterns, lacquered finishes, and exotic materials like macassar ebony or rosewood.
- Materials and Inlays: Quality craftsmanship is evident in intricate inlays, veneers, and materials such as chrome and glass. Furniture with contrasting colors and materials, like black lacquer with chrome accents, is particularly sought after.
- Sculptures and Figurines:
- Bronze Sculptures: Art Deco bronze sculptures often depict stylized figures, animals, or abstract forms. Artists like Demétre Chiparus and Ferdinand Preiss are known for their exquisite bronze work.
- Ivory and Wood Carvings: Some Art Deco sculptures feature carved ivory or wood, showcasing intricate details and fine craftsmanship.
- Ceramics and Pottery:
- Rosenthal and Limoges: Collectors may seek Art Deco ceramics from renowned manufacturers like Rosenthal in Germany or Limoges in France. Vases, figurines, and decorative items often feature bold patterns, geometric shapes, and vivid colors.
- Clarice Cliff Pottery: The bold and colorful pottery designs of Clarice Cliff, a British ceramic artist, are highly collectible in the Art Deco world.
- Glassware:
- René Lalique Glass: Lalique’s Art Deco glasswork, including vases, bowls, and decorative objects, is highly prized. Clear and frosted glass with intricate designs, often featuring nature motifs like birds and flowers, is characteristic of Lalique’s style.
- Murano Glass: Italian glassmakers from Murano, such as Venini, produced Art Deco pieces known for their vibrant colors and bold patterns.
- Jewelry:
- Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels: Art Deco jewelry from renowned houses like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels is in high demand. Pieces often feature geometric shapes, platinum settings, and gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds.
- Bakelite and Celluloid: Collectors may seek jewelry made from Bakelite or celluloid, early plastics popular during the Art Deco era. Bakelite bracelets, brooches, and earrings often come in bold colors and geometric designs.
- Metalwork:
- Chrome and Nickel: Art Deco metalwork frequently incorporates chrome and nickel for a modern and sleek appearance. Collectors may seek items like barware, candle holders, and clocks with these materials.
- Wrought Iron: Intricate wrought ironwork with geometric patterns is another characteristic feature of Art Deco design. Items like gates, grilles, and lighting fixtures showcase the movement’s emphasis on craftsmanship.
- Clocks and Timepieces:
- Mantel Clocks: Art Deco mantel clocks are often characterized by bold geometric shapes and materials like marble, glass, or chrome. Some clocks feature stylized figures or animals.
- Desk and Wall Clocks: Collectors may seek Art Deco desk and wall clocks with streamlined designs and modernist aesthetics. Clocks with decorative elements like chrome accents or colored glass are particularly collectible.
- Fashion and Accessories:
- Flapper Dresses: Fashion from the Roaring Twenties, characterized by flapper dresses with dropped waists and intricate beading, is a sought-after collectible. Original garments from the era are rare and highly prized.
- Art Deco Jewelry: Beyond high-end jewelry, collectors may seek Art Deco-inspired costume jewelry. Brooches, necklaces, and accessories with geometric patterns and bright colors are popular among enthusiasts.
- Prints and Posters:
- Cassandre Posters: A.M. Cassandre, a French artist, created iconic Art Deco posters for travel and luxury brands. Original prints from this era are highly collectible for their graphic design and visual impact.
- Fashion Illustrations: Original fashion illustrations from Art Deco magazines and publications, showcasing the stylish silhouettes of the era, are sought after by collectors.
- Automobilia:
- Cigarette Cases and Lighters:
- Art Deco Lighters: Collectors may seek lighters with Art Deco designs, often made from chrome or other metals. The streamlined shapes and geometric patterns reflect the movement’s influence on everyday objects.
- Enamel Cigarette Cases: Cigarette cases with vibrant enamel designs, often featuring geometric patterns or stylized motifs, are popular among collectors.
- Architectural Elements:
- Stained Glass Windows: Stained glass windows with Art Deco designs, often featuring geometric patterns or stylized figures, are collectible architectural elements. Salvaged pieces from buildings of the era are particularly sought after.
- Door Hardware: Collectors may seek Art Deco door hardware, including handles, knobs, and hinges, with streamlined and geometric designs.
- Dining and Tableware:
- Cocktail Shakers: Art Deco cocktail shakers, often made of chrome or glass, are collectible items reflecting the era’s emphasis on glamorous and modern entertaining.
- Tea Sets: Elegant tea sets with geometric patterns, often made of fine china or porcelain, are sought after by collectors interested in Art Deco dining and tableware.
- Radio and Electronics:
- Bakelite Radios: Bakelite radios from the Art Deco period are iconic collectibles. These radios often feature bold designs, streamlined shapes, and contrasting colors.
- Electronics and Gadgets: Collectors may seek electronic gadgets and devices from the Art Deco era, showcasing the integration of modern technology with the movement’s aesthetic principles.
- Photography and Cameras:
- Numismatics:
- Cultural Artifacts and Memorabilia:
- Film Posters: Posters from classic films of the Art Deco era, such as “Metropolis” or “The Great Gatsby,” are collectible items showcasing the cinematic and visual influences of the movement.
- Event Memorabilia: Collectibles associated with Art Deco events, such as tickets, programs, and advertisements, offer a glimpse into the cultural history of the movement.
- Books and Magazines:
- Art Deco Periodicals: Collectors may seek original magazines and periodicals from the Art Deco era, showcasing the design trends, fashion, and lifestyle of the time.
- Reference Books: Books on Art Deco design, architecture, and the history of the movement serve as valuable resources for collectors looking to deepen their understanding of the era.
- Digital Art and NFTs:
- Digital Artwork: Contemporary artists may create digital artwork inspired by Art Deco aesthetics, contributing to the evolving landscape of collectibles in the digital realm through non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
When collecting Art Deco items, enthusiasts often look for pieces that showcase the movement’s key characteristics, including geometric patterns, streamlined forms, and a celebration of modernity. Whether assembling a curated collection or acquiring individual items of personal interest, the pursuit of Art Deco as a collectible reflects a fascination with the innovative and glamorous spirit of the early 20th century.