In this new periodic feature, Bob Brooke offers personal insights into the world of antiques and antiques collecting.

LATEST EXTRA!_______________________________________

In Antiques, What Does It Mean to be American?
by Bob Brooke

The word antiques is a broad term. In fact, it applies to objects that are at least 100 years old, including those made anywhere in the world. But what exactly is an American antique? And while this may seem obvious—any object made in the United States----trying to pin that down can be complicated.

When colonists first came to the New World, they brought with them essential pieces of furniture, tools, and other items to use in setting up their new settlements. Later on, after towns had become established and trade with the Old World had been launched, people began importing finer household goods.

At first, American craftsmen copied the Old World designs—furniture designs by Thomas Chippendale, Delftware and tiles from Holland.

Not only European styles but the crafts of Native Americans influenced American antiques. Each era left its mark on furniture, decorative objects, ceramics, and artifacts. From colonial elegance to the simplicity of Shaker furniture, to folk art pieces and objects from pre-Columbian civilizations, American antiques are rich in both variety and importance.

American antiques have unique characteristics, stemming from diverse cultural influences, and the practical needs of the communities that produced them.

Early American art and design reflected the influence of European styles—English, Spanish, French, and Dutch----which mingled with the techniques and local materials available.

Furniture and furnishings were often made from native woods such as cherry, maple, walnut, and oak. The use of wrought iron and glazed ceramics is typical of areas colonized by the Spanish.

Unlike European furnishings, which were often more ornamental, American cabinetmakers designed many furniture pieces to be functional, durable, and suitable for life in the colonies and frontier lands.

Styles such as Shaker or Puritan featured minimal decoration, devoid of ornamentation, with simple lines, precise joints, and high quality materials. In others, such as Victorian or Spanish Colonial, carvings and decorative paintings became distinctive elements.

The Shakers developed an extremely functional furniture style devoid of ornaments. Their creations were characterized by simple lines, precise joints, and high-quality materials.

Solid forms, modest decorations, and unique materials, combined with the influence of European styles, set American antiques apart. The most iconic pieces—Windsor chairs, massive tables, and sideboards----stand out in the antiques world.

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