Antiquariato Napoli are pieces of furniture, art and other decorative items. They can have a high value due to their history or quality.
Incorporating antiques into your home can provide a sense of continuity and grounding. They can also help you establish a connection with your environment that aligns with sustainability and health.
Antiques are objects that have been made in the past and considered valuable due to their age, craftsmanship, design, or historical significance. They are usually over 100 years old, but can be much older. The term is sometimes also used for items that are not quite as old and have become valued for their beauty or utility. Antiques may also have additional value or interest due to their history, which can increase their price.
In the ancient world, people collected and treasured the objects of their ancestors as tokens of cultural heritage. This practice continued in the medieval world with the wealthy acquiring illuminated manuscripts and works of art to show their wealth and status. The emergence of the Industrial Revolution brought new manufacturing processes that allowed mass production, and this changed the way we think about how objects were made. Antiques became less of a display of social status and more of an expression of individual taste, and began to be acquired by people from all classes.
Today, people collect a wide variety of antiques, from furniture to artwork. Some pieces, such as fine ceramics or elaborate clocks, have particular appeal due to their craftsmanship and beauty. Others are valued as being historically significant, such as documents, medals, or weapons. Antiques are often studied by social and cultural historians, who study them as direct evidence of the day-to-day life of a people. For example, George Washington’s teapot and dining room chairs are more prized as antiques than the typical 18th century American furniture, because they provide an insight into daily life in a rich culture.
Increasingly, collectors and dealers are interested in the provenance of an object. This can be determined by researching the history of ownership, which can give an indication of the quality and condition of the piece. The value of a piece can be increased enormously if it is known who made or first owned it, and how it was used over the years.
The late 20th century saw a huge surge in interest in all types of antiques, spurred by television programs like “Antiques Roadshow” and the proliferation of antiques fairs. It is now possible to buy an antique from almost anywhere in the world, and it is a very big business. This growth in demand has led to many changes in the antiques trade, and has impacted both those who buy and sell them.
Materials
Antiques can be made of a wide variety of materials. Metals, especially silver and bronze, are prized for their intrinsic value and craftsmanship, while glassware is often collected for its beauty and historical significance. Ceramics are another highly sought-after antique material, with rare and early examples fetching high prices. Wood is another popular material, with a wide range of antique furniture styles created from various species. Pine was one of the most popular carcass woods in 18th and 19th century furniture, for example, as it was inexpensive, lightweight and easily worked. It also lent itself well to being covered in decorative veneers such as mahogany or walnut, giving the piece the appearance of more costly solid woods.
Other materials, such as textiles and paper, can be considered antique if they are very old and in good condition. Paper can be particularly valuable as it is a relatively durable material and can be very attractive. It can be decorated or written on, and it can be framed or mounted to make a piece of art.
The art market is a large and important part of the antiques trade, with works ranging from ancient Egyptian or pre-Columbian art to the classics of Renaissance Europe. Antique books and manuscripts are highly valued, with first editions, signed copies and those with unique historical contexts or annotations commanding higher prices.
Some objects that were once fairly common, such as white earthenware chamber pots, are now very rare and therefore considered to be antiques. But what makes something rare or desirable to a dealer, collector or buyer today may surprise the original owner or maker.
During restoration of antique pieces, care must be taken to ensure that the work is done using environmentally-friendly materials. Reusing reclaimed wood for repairs and using natural oils to preserve the finish are just two of many ways to achieve this. This helps to align the restoration with modern ecological values and preserve the historic integrity of the piece. Many restorers of antique furniture use these methods in their work to maintain the look and feel of the piece while ensuring that it will be safe for future generations to enjoy.
Styles
Antiques are defined by their design, and certain styles or periods have more value than others. A piece of furniture may be labeled Victorian or Art Deco, for example, but this designation must accurately reflect the style and time period of its creation.
If an antique is characterized by its adherence to strict rules of craftsmanship, it is considered classical. Pieces of this style are usually solid and sturdy, with simple lines and minimal ornamentation. This type of antique is a popular choice for furniture collectors because it offers a timeless and elegant aesthetic.
William and Mary furniture styles, dating from the years 1690 – 1730, are also a common favorite amongst many collectors. These pieces are recognizable by their tall, slender and practical builds. Walnut became the preferred wood for these pieces, and artisans frequently used the dovetailing technique to ensure stability in joints and legs. Ornamentation was typically carved or gilded in this style.
The Arts and Crafts movement, dating from the years 1890 – 1914, sought to revive traditional craftsmanship in the midst of industrialization. During this era, vintage furniture makers rejected the mass production of the previous decades and focused on crafting high-quality pieces with natural finishes and copper hardware. Lines in furniture from this era tend to be crisp, and facades feature bold grains of walnut or maple veneers that are framed by inlaid bands. Straight legs and small feet are also typical of this style.
In contrast, Art Nouveau antiques have more organic motifs and accentuated curves. These pieces are prized by collectors for their beauty, and designers often incorporate them into modern spaces to balance classic luxury with contemporary style.
When evaluating an antique, the overall look and feel are just as important as its authenticity and craftsmanship. Lindley Arthur, principal designer at Lindley Arthur Interiors, says that it’s important not to “cheapen” the look of a piece by over-restoring or updating it. Elizabeth Law, principal designer at Elizabeth Law Designs, agrees that styling an antique with “ultra trendy things” can make it seem outdated and low-quality.
Value
In addition to aesthetic appeal, antiques offer a tangible connection to the past and can add character and warmth to any space. However, a one-of-a-kind treasure doesn’t come cheap. Purchasing and maintaining antiques requires a certain amount of research, commitment and trust. To help you understand what drives market values, a cross-section of experts from the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW team has identified several key factors to consider.
A key determinant of value is the item’s authenticity. If an object is verified as original by an expert, it will be worth more than a fake or reproduction. The quality of the material and craftsmanship also contributes to the price tag. For example, a finely-crafted, hand-carved wooden chair by a well-known designer will be more valuable than a piece made from inferior materials and less skillful workmanship.
Another important factor is rarity, which can be determined by how many of the same items are currently in existence. For example, if only a small number of an antique silver tea set were ever produced, it will be more valuable than an identical but mass-produced model.
Rarity can also be influenced by an object’s history, such as its connection to historic events or famous figures. For example, a ring engraved by Louis XIV or an artifact from World War II could carry great historical significance. The prestigious reputation of an object’s former owners can also boost its value.
Other factors that influence an antique’s value include its age and cultural relevance. In general, older relics are worth more, but only if they are rare, in good condition and culturally relevant. Additionally, provenance (the verified history of an item) is important and can significantly increase the value of a piece.
When it comes to buying antiques, you should always consult an expert before making a purchase. It’s also a good idea to join an online forum or community where collectors can share information and advice. Lastly, don’t attempt to repair or restore an antique before having it appraised by an expert. This could damage its authenticity and reduce its value.
