Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is a style of art, architecture and design that was prominent between 1890 to 1925. The style of Art Nouveau first emerged in London and Paris but was used throughout Europe and the US. The iconic style of Art Nouveau was a reaction against the late 19th century traditional neoclassical design. Art Nouveau can be characterized by floral motifs, curvilinear lines, bold linear shapes, and feminine silhouettes.. The style of Art Nouveau was greatly influenced by the natural world and many Art Nouveau designs incorporate stylized flowers, plants and animals.

Inlay

Form of decoration which involves cutting small pieces of ivory, precious metals, mother-of-pearl, or wood which are then fitted into carved-out recesses of the same shape on a solid piece of furniture to create a picture or geometric design. Differs from marquetry which uses applied veneers.

Patina

Term used to designate a shift in wear or change in material on the surface of furniture, due to age, exposure, and hand-rubbing. Usually used to describe a shift in color on metal as oxidization occurs such as the greenish tint, formed on copper or bronze after long exposure.

Tole

Tole is the folk art of decorative painting on household items. Tole is a French word for tin, and it is usually decorated by means of japanning. Modern tole work typically uses long lasting acrylic paints.