Timelines of Taste: A Journey Through Antiques & Collectibles
At Wilde Aesthetics, we believe the objects we surround ourselves with should do more than fill space—they should tell stories. From the carved forms of 18th-century furniture to the sleek curves of a mid-century vase, antiques and collectibles alike whisper echoes of the past into the present.
Here is your guided tour through the eras that are shaped by decorative beauty and collectible culture.
1300–1600: Medieval & Renaissance
The earliest decorative arts were both practical and pious. Furniture was massive, oak-hewn, and carved with religious or heraldic symbolism. Items were built to last—and to impress.
The Metropolitan Museum
Title: Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight
Date: ca. 1250
Geography: Made in probably Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany
Culture: German
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: Overall: 14 11/16 x 12 7/8 x 5 5/8 in. (37.3 x 32.7 x 14.3 cm)
Weight PD: 146.5oz. (4153g)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
1700s–1830s: Georgian, Colonial, and Early Federal
Elegance and enlightenment reigned. Mahogany tables, Queen Anne chairs, and Neoclassical motifs flourished. Collectibles from this period include porcelain, fine silver, and scientific instruments—items meant to display refinement and curiosity.
1700’s George I Henry VII Polychrome Painted Corner Wall Cabinet
1837–1901: Victorian Era & Sentimental Revival
This was the golden age of decorative storytelling. Furniture became ornate, symbolic, and deeply personal. Collectibles ranged from mourning memorabilia to pressed flowers, stereoscopes, decorative ceramics and toys.
Rocking Horse, English, Late 19th Century
1880–1910: Arts & Crafts & Art Nouveau
In response to industrial uniformity, handmade beauty returned to the spotlight. Furniture and objects were functional yet artful—wood, copper, stained glass, and flowing lines replaced mass-made monotony.
Walnut Roundback Chair with Carved Longlife Character,
Shanxi Province. Circa, 1845
1920–1935: Art Deco & Machine Age
Modernism and luxury danced together. Art Deco brought exotic materials, stylized patterns, and geometric glamour. Whether a waterfall-style cabinet or a Bakelite radio, every item made a statement.
Lalique Art Deco Perfume Bottle
1935–1955: Wartime & Postwar
Utility ruled, but so did charm. Depression-era glassware, wartime propaganda items, and cheerful postwar home goods reflected resilience and optimism.
Barney Google Windup Toy
Closing Thoughts from Wilde Aesthetics
Antiques and collectibles may span different forms and functions, but they share one thing in common: they are evidence of life lived with intention and beauty. At Wilde Aesthetics, we curate not just objects, but eras—offering you a portal into timeless design, craftsmanship, and
