Collectable Art
Collectable art spans small decorative objects, delicate porcelain figurines and bold paper prints from the nineteenth century onward.
Collectable Art
When you search for collectable art, you meet a varied mix of small decorative objects, household items and original paper works spanning the nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.
The objects on this page range from carved wood decoy ducks and painted snuff boxes to signed lithographs by twentieth-century printmakers and delicate glass vases.
You are most likely to encounter smaller decorative pieces such as table lighters, pocket watches and earthenware figurines alongside framed prints and drawings from the nineteen-twenties and nineteen-thirties.
Materials and construction methods
The items listed rely heavily on traditional craft materials, with carved hardwood, cast metal, earthenware and glass appearing across the decorative objects and tableware.
Surface decoration frequently involves hand-painted details, coloured glaze applications, cloisonné enamel work and printed ink on paper for the wall art and books.
Among the small metal items is a fruitwood fisherman's penknife ingeniously carved in the exact form of a fish.
Distinctions in quality and execution
Quality in these pieces rests upon the precision of the maker's hand, whether seen in the fine carving of a wood netsuke or the crispness of a lithographic print.
The desirability of an object often depends on the retention of its original surface finish, whether that is hand-applied paint on a decoy duck or an intact glaze on studio pottery.
Royal Doulton·Tiffany and Co·Rene Lalique·Moorcroft·Daum Freres
The Collectable Art Glossary
- Lithograph
- A print made by drawing an image on stone or metal plate with a greasy medium and transferring it to paper. It allows for multiple original impressions.
- Treen
- Small handmade wooden household objects such as boxes, snuff shoes and rattles. Collectors prize the tactile quality of the aged timber.
- Cloisonné
- A metalwork technique where fine wire creates compartments that are filled with enamel paste and fired. The resulting surface shows distinct coloured patterns.
- Netsuke
- A small carved toggle traditionally used in Japan to secure small pouches to a kimono sash. They display intricate miniature carving.
- Decoy
- A carved or moulded wooden or metal figure used by hunters to attract waterfowl. Examples often show rustic folk art painting.
Collectable Art: Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as collectable art?
Collectable art covers a wide range of portable creative works, including small sculptures, studio pottery, decorative glassware and original prints.
These pieces are valued for their craftsmanship, period style and the reputation of their makers rather than sheer utility.
How do I care for wooden folk art?
Wooden objects require stable indoor humidity away from direct sunlight to prevent the timber from drying out or splitting.
Dust them gently with a soft dry cloth and avoid applying modern polishes that might alter the historic surface.
What is a pocket watch bravery award?
Pocket watches given as bravery awards were presented to individuals for acts of courage, often inscribed with details of the event.
They combine the horological craft of watchmakers with historical narratives from the early twentieth century.