Christie's Art Deco Book

Treasured Art Deco objects are showcased in this superb guide to a fascinating movement that flourished during the 1920s and 1930s, reaching into every sphere of decorative arts design throughout Europe and the United States. Gleaned from precious private collections and the archives of the world-famous Christie's auction house, the objects surveyed range from posh furniture, sleek sculpture, and bold architectural detailing to imaginative ceramics, luxurious jewelry, innovative metalwork, and powerful posters. For decorative arts enthusiasts, collectors, designers, and students, this introductory overview and ongoing reference source opens the door to one of the most influential design periods of the twentieth century. Each chapter's thematic approach considers a particular decorative art and focuses on key players in that field: Lalique and his extraordinarily sinuous glassware and Clarice Cliff and her distinctively shaped and colored ceramics are two of the many notable artists who set standards for design excellence that endure to this day. The author's scholarly text traces the development of Art Deco in each design area and within the broader historical context of an era marked by the quest for a lifestyle filled with speed and opulence.Read More