Chrysler Airflow and the Art Deco idea of motion
Explore Chrysler Airflow design, the Major Bowes car and its disputed date. Learn which details to compare and how to separate history from restoration claims.
The Art Deco encyclopediaA world of objects.
A world of objects.
An eye for detail.
Furniture, jewelry, lighting and the art of everyday life. Explore the movement, learn to read its objects, and collect with better questions.
A reference, not a showroom
Understand an object before choosing one. Our developing encyclopedia connects design history with practical observation. When you are ready to look for a piece, explore the associated merchant site, Lo-Cantou.
Explore by subject
Twelve ways into Art Deco.
From a cabinet’s grain to a ring’s setting, begin with the details that catch your eye.
01
Foundations
History, visual language and the differences that help you read an object.
02Furniture
Forms, veneers, construction and the questions to ask before choosing a piece.
03Lighting
A guide to lighting forms, decorative details and condition questions.
04Decorative Arts
Explore glass, ceramics, sculpture, mirrors and objects for the home.
05Jewelry
Understand settings, motifs and evidence before choosing a jewel.
06Beauty & Accessories
Perfume, powder, mirrors and personal accessories in the interwar home.
07Interiors
Understand period interiors and make considered choices for a home today.
08Architecture
Buildings, materials and architectural details across regions.
09Art & Graphic Design
Paintings, posters, typography and the visual culture of Art Deco.
10Designers & Makers
Research designers and workshops through documented works.
11Materials & Techniques
An introduction to construction and decorative techniques.
12Collecting & Care
Evidence, condition and practical preparation for buying and caring.
Look closerA style is a starting point.
A style is a starting point.
Evidence tells the story.
Shape, material, construction and provenance answer different questions. Learn to separate what you can see from what still needs research.
Read the collecting introduction →- 01Observe the whole object, then its details.
- 02Compare with documented museum examples.
- 03Keep style, date and attribution separate.
- 04Record condition before making a decision.
The library
View the index →Articles & collecting guides.
How to look at Daum Nancy glass before you buy
Study Daum Nancy Art Deco glass through shape, technique, marks and condition. Use museum comparisons and a checklist before choosing a French glass piece.
Art Deco inkwells: what to inspect on a vintage desk set
Explore Art Deco inkwells and desk sets in glass, stone and metal. Check lids, liners, marks and repairs with a practical guide before choosing a vintage piece.
Lustucru salt and pepper shakers: what to check before buying
Research Lustucru salt and pepper shakers through marks, decoration and condition. Learn how to compare a pair and prepare a search for French tableware.
Looking closely at Art Deco lamps and lighting
Study Art Deco lighting by separating frame, shade, materials and electrical fittings. Use a museum example and a practical checklist to guide your research.
How to study Art Deco furniture
Explore Art Deco furniture through silhouette, veneer, construction and documented examples. Learn what to photograph and ask before choosing a piece.