Pen holders with caricatures of Scottish tourists

Pen holders with caricatures of Scottish tourists. Hand-modeled and painted ancient terracotta figures depicting several Scottish tourists in traditional costumes. There is a compartment at the back for a pen. These are souvenirs made especially for foreign travelers during the Grand Tour and originate from the early 20th century from Naples.

Unique antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the prevailing Biedermeier style was popular. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, representative pieces designed to exude splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets or broadly understood chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times also inspired these designs, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Many global brands now reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French artisans, demonstrating admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for an elegant antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.