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Decorative Art

Decorative Art

Decorative arts refer to a large variety of tangible objects and decorations that have both a practical and aesthetic value. While decorative art is often considered distinct from the fine arts, which include painting and sculpture, this separation is modern made. Decorative art celebrates any precious or crafted object, which may include ceramics and pottery, glass, silverware, and ethnographic artifacts.

What Is Decorative Art?

Although there is much disagreement over what is included in the category, in general, decorative art refers to physical objects and decorations with both practical and aesthetic value. Combining function and form, decorative art objects, such as porcelain and china, tend to have a distinct purpose.

The Decorative Art Auction Market

The factors that drive bidding at decorative art auctions include the condition, provenance, and scarcity value of an item. These qualities don't change substantially over time, thus minimizing speculative collecting. While decorative arts are intended for use, doing so can diminish an items condition and, therefore, overall value. However, for this same reason, collecting decorative arts can be rewarding in a different way compared to art that is only observed.

The decorative art market is subject to the same forces that drive the fine art market, including supply and demand, market manipulation, speculation, and unpredictable highs and lows. Decorative art tends to be more stable than fine art, though the latter attracts more media attention and speculative bidders.

Learn more from the Invaluable Guide to Buying Decorative Art.

Recommended Items at Auction

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Newcomb College Pottery Sadie Irvine Bowl
Jul 12, 9:00 AM MDT
Newcomb College Pottery Sadie Irvine Bowl
by Davis Brothers Auction
Est: $3,500- $5,000
$45023 Bids
1920’s Roseville Rose Craft Nude Figural Panel
Jul 12, 10:00 AM MST
1920’s Roseville Rose Craft Nude Figural Panel
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$27523 Bids
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Angelina Holiday - Large Navajo Polychrome Plaque c. 1980-2000s, 16.5" diameter
Jul 18, 12:00 PM MST
Angelina Holiday - Large Navajo Polychrome Plaque c. 1980-2000s, 16.5" diameter
by Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Est: $400- $600
$1,00022 Bids
Framed Stained Glass Wall Art
Jul 13, 6:00 PM EDT
Framed Stained Glass Wall Art
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$17021 Bids
Flow Blue: Cracked Ice Pattern 3-Pc Jardiniere Set
Jul 26, 1:00 PM CDT
Flow Blue: Cracked Ice Pattern 3-Pc Jardiniere Set
by Jacksons Auction & Real Estate Company
Est: $400- $800
$67520 Bids
(6) Baccarat Crystal Harmonie Tumblers
Jul 12, 10:00 AM MST
(6) Baccarat Crystal Harmonie Tumblers
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$35020 Bids
Vintage Navajo Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Large Statement Leaf work Squash Blossom Necklace
Jul 20, 10:00 AM MDT
Vintage Navajo Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Large Statement Leaf work Squash Blossom Necklace
by Billy The Kid Auction House
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$1,60019 Bids
Group of Four R.S. Prussia Porcelain Pitchers
Jul 13, 6:00 PM EDT
Group of Four R.S. Prussia Porcelain Pitchers
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$18018 Bids
Painted Indian Breast Plate
Jul 19, 10:00 AM EDT
Painted Indian Breast Plate
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$75018 Bids
R.S. Prussia Display Bowl
Jul 13, 6:00 PM EDT
R.S. Prussia Display Bowl
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$22017 Bids
Rare Hopewell Head Pipe Olive Green Pipestone
Jul 19, 10:00 AM EDT
Rare Hopewell Head Pipe Olive Green Pipestone
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$50017 Bids
24” Pipe Tomahawk
Jul 19, 10:00 AM EDT
24” Pipe Tomahawk
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$65016 Bids
Flow Blue: Polychrome Foot Bath, 2-Handled
Jul 26, 1:00 PM CDT
Flow Blue: Polychrome Foot Bath, 2-Handled
by Jacksons Auction & Real Estate Company
Est: $600- $1,200
$72516 Bids
Emilia Castillo Black Pottery & Silver Moon Bowl
Jul 12, 10:00 AM MST
Emilia Castillo Black Pottery & Silver Moon Bowl
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$22516 Bids
Group of Three R.S. Prussia Bowls
Jul 13, 6:00 PM EDT
Group of Three R.S. Prussia Bowls
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$16016 Bids
Highly Decorative Porcelain Planter
Jul 13, 6:00 PM EDT
Highly Decorative Porcelain Planter
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$27516 Bids
Christofle Silver Elephant and Monkey Toothpick Holder
Jul 12, 9:00 AM MST
Christofle Silver Elephant and Monkey Toothpick Holder
by Fidelity Estate Services
Est: $0- $0
$17016 Bids
Group of 7 Sterling Silver Candle Holders
Jul 13, 6:00 PM EDT
Group of 7 Sterling Silver Candle Holders
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$35016 Bids
Awesome Daum style Iridescent Blue French Crystal Roaring Lion
Jul 25, 10:30 AM EDT
Awesome Daum style Iridescent Blue French Crystal Roaring Lion
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$16016 Bids
Three Georgian sterling-silver tea-caddy spoons English 19th century various dimensions
Jul 14, 9:00 AM AWST
Three Georgian sterling-silver tea-caddy spoons English 19th century various dimensions
by Artvisory
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD32015 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Decorative Art


Apollo Art Auctions

Apollo Art Auctions

Lion and Unicorn

Lion and Unicorn

Adam Partridge Auctioneers

Adam Partridge Auctioneers