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.