Often antique items age and appearance is decsribed by a style or period. These can be a little confusing and difficult to remember, hence the following tables to help with future reference.
Styles are normally associated with a period, so when something is described as "In the style of..." then this describes the approximate design that an items most closely relates to.
Following are some of the main styles and the date periods they are most commonly found. There is no reason why an item can not be of a particular style after this period however it is very rare to be of that style prior to the outlined date periods.
Style
Dates
Elements
Gothic
1558 - 1625
Pillars, arches and semi-circular decoration and motif, with roots in Islamic architecture later refered to 'Christian style'
Baroque
c.1620 - 1700
Dramatic in style, unusual angles, predominately German
Rococo
c.1695 - 1760
Lavish carving and ornaments
Neo-classical
c.1755 - 1805
Incorporation of classical Greek motifs such as pillars, pediments and overall linearity
Empire
c.1799 - 1815
Restrained linearity and metal mounts
Regency
c.1812 - 1830
Motifs such as lion's paws and heads, Egyptian spines and much use of gliding for ornamentation
Eclectic
c.1830 - 1880
Floral motifs such as acanthus and adoption of complex curvilinear design
Arts and Crafts
c.1880 - 1900
Use of floral decoration and the emulation of a Mediaeval approach to manufacture
Art Nouveau
c.1900 - 1920
The tulip motive and mainly sinuous decoration were popular
Art Deco
c.1920 - 1930
A reaction against the earlier Arts and Crafts period. Some features include linearity in design and veneering
Liquidation of assets
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