Many Antiquariato Brescia items, from fine furniture to heirloom jewelry, can increase in value. However, some items can also decline in value if improperly restored or displayed.
The term antique, ancient, venerable and archaic all mean something that is very old or has high cultural value. To be considered an antique, a piece must be 100 years old or older.
Furniture is a functional piece of domestic or office decor that supports the human body (such as chairs and beds) and holds objects on horizontal surfaces above the ground (such as tables and cabinets). It can also serve symbolic or religious purposes. Antique furniture pieces are often prized as works of art and may be collectible. Furniture can be as large as cars and desks or as small as hairbrushes and buttons. A piece is considered to be antique if it was made over 100 years ago according to the customs of its time.
Furniture styles throughout history reflect cultural shifts, social norms, and artistic movements. Some of the most celebrated styles include Rococo, Baroque, and Neoclassical. These furniture types were considered to be the height of style and luxury, as European royalty and aristocrats displayed their wealth by furnishing their homes with these elaborate designs.
As the centuries passed by, trends in home design shifted, and antique furniture began to be seen as less of a status symbol and more of an aesthetic choice. Furniture makers also started to employ new and improved woodworking techniques, allowing them to combine the ornate details of older pieces with the quality and durability of modern furniture production.
Today, there is a wide range of styles available when shopping for vintage furniture, including everything from Swedish Grace to Scandi minimalism. Some of the most popular choices for vintage furniture are long dining or side tables, tall dressers, and cabinets.
When searching for antique furniture, look for any maker’s marks or labels underneath or on the back of the piece, in the drawers, or inside of the drawers themselves. These can tell you who made the furniture, where it was made, and often give you an idea of how old the furniture is.
Other things to look for in antique furniture are carved or etched decorations, wood that isn’t of the same color all the way through, and dovetailing. The latter is a furniture making technique where the pieces are joined together with wooden dovetails. Antiques will often showcase a more natural, rustic appearance, while newer pieces will feature perfectly straight lines that are indicative of machine-cut dovetailing.
Clocks
Since the beginning of human history, humans have sought ways to keep track of time. Sundials, water timers, and hourglasses were among the earliest devices to record passing moments. But clocks became the most reliable of timekeepers, especially when they were powered by pendulums attached to coiled springs or hanging weights, as was the case in old wood clocks. These magnificent works of mechanical engineering represent more than just a mechanism for measuring time; they are treasured artifacts and enduring symbols of cultural and historical heritage.
The symphony of components that compose an antique wooden clock—carved from durable hardwoods and intricately detailed—work in perfect harmony to measure the passing hours. The gears, carved from beautiful, durable woods like maple, transfer motion from the power source—whether it be a coiled spring or a hanging weight—to the rest of the mechanism. The hands, which sweep across the face to indicate the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds, serve as the visual storytellers of each clock. They can be elaborately crafted from materials that contrast with the clock’s wooden background or simply serve to highlight the clock’s functional purpose.
In the 1800s, clockmakers embraced decorative styles, creating ornate, elegant pieces that were as much art objects as they were reliable timekeepers. These exquisite creations reflected the wealth and sophistication of their owners, becoming cherished family heirlooms. Clockmaking technology continued to improve throughout the century, with European manufacturers developing techniques for decorating clocks ornately with porcelain and ormolu. Some famous makers, such as Thomas Tompion and Joseph Knibb, produced highly sought-after clocks with a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship.
Whether they are displayed on mantels or mounted on walls, antique clocks bring warmth, texture, and sophistication to any room. From rustic farmhouses to minimalist lofts, they blend seamlessly into a variety of interior design styles, connecting the past and present.
When shopping for antique clocks, remember to buy in person whenever possible. This will help you spot damage or issues that might be disguised online and ensure that you get the best value for your money. Additionally, always consider buying from established stores or dealers with a proven track record of selling high-quality vintage items. Lastly, make sure to ask about the history of the clock and any restorations or repairs it may have undergone. A reputable seller should be able to provide you with these details and offer certifications of authenticity.
Ceramics
Ceramics are a great way to add texture and a pop of color to any antique home. Antique pottery styles are often characterized by a blending of rustic and traditional aesthetics. For example, Delft plates and platters look beautiful in kitchens or dining rooms and work well as decorative items on a gallery wall. Similarly, Majolica is ideal for decorating homes with a rustic feel and looks beautiful as a centerpiece or on a table.
Wedgwood, a type of hard stoneware ceramic developed in the 18th century by Josiah Wedgwood, is often decorated with classical designs. These pieces reflect the influence of ancient Greek and Roman art on Western European artists of the period. The style of Wedgwood ceramics is a combination of soft, creamy white glaze and intricate, neoclassical designs.
Another style of ceramic that was popular in the 1800s is English transfer-printed wares, which are decorated with a pattern by painting or engraving a design on a ceramic surface and then applying a glaze over it. This technique made it easy to produce many designs in large quantities. This type of ceramic is characterized by asymmetrical motifs and colorful floral patterns.
Other types of ceramics that were produced in the 1800s include rosewood pottery and cloisonne. Rosewood pottery is made from a variety of different woods that grow in the heart of Asia, including mahogany and teak. It is usually dark reddish-brown in color and has a distinctive aroma. It is also often adorned with brass inlays and decorative carvings.
During the Second World War, the utility china movement was developed as part of government control over industrial production and rationing. Potteries were given a list of approved shapes that could be used for everyday dishes and teacups. They had to be produced in the natural clay color and without any decorations or colors. During this time, earthenware was also becoming increasingly common as a cheaper alternative to porcelain.
When collecting antique ceramics, it’s important to keep in mind that the value of a piece is dependent on its rarity and popularity. The more common a ceramic is, the less it will be worth. It’s also important to examine a ceramic for any signs of damage or repair, as this can affect its value.
Textiles
The beauty of antique textiles is that you can find them anywhere from antique stores to estate sales, and incorporating them into a design scheme doesn’t have to be an expensive process. ‘You don’t need to add lots — one or two hand-embroidered cushions can have an incredible impact on a scheme and encapsulate the kind of lived-in style that is so popular today,’ says Samantha Ware.
While some antique textiles might need professional cleaning or repair, many can be revived and restored to their former glory. ‘If you can get the hang of reviving vintage fabrics yourself, it will save you money and give you the satisfaction that comes with a handmade object,’ explains Lucinda.
One of the best ways to use an antique textile is by framing it. ‘This shows off the fabric and allows you to hang it in an area that won’t receive a lot of wear,’ says Lucinda.
Another way to incorporate antique textiles is by using them as pillows or upholstery. ‘A one-of-a-kind pillow or chair makes for a truly unique piece,’ says Samantha. ‘And when mixed with modern or mid-century furniture, it creates a really interesting juxtaposition that is both historic and fresh,’ she says.
The fabrics used in antique homes can also reflect the social status of those who owned them. For example, embroidered silk is less likely to be found in poor households than printed textiles from the same period. Embroidery, which is an impressive craft skill, was often reserved for wealthy women and children’s clothing in the 1800s.
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For a home to feel warm and welcoming, it must be layered with textures. And if you’re looking for a way to infuse your space with character and personality, there’s no better option than antique textiles. Whether you opt for a framed antique embroidery or a one-of-a-kind cushion, these beautiful textiles will instantly make your house feel like a home.