Antique American Furniture-Antique Collectors' Tryst With HistoryMany antique furniture lovers in United States of America love to own a piece of their cultural history, even if it had to be in the form of reproduced antique American furniture. The furniture reminds them of those days full of turmoil when a young nation was struggling to come to existence. The furniture found in America was largely inspired by British and French designs. But they built that according to their comfortableness. In fact, the people who prepared it were either of British origin or those who got trained in Britain.
The influence of European furniture was so much that even after the Americans got independence in 18th century, they continued to follow the English and French furniture pattern. In other words we can say that antique American furniture is largely a mirror of English tradition. The reason of this imitation is not difficult to find out as America in 17th and 18th century was the site of mingling of different people and had not been able to achieve any of its own style. So the skilled workers of Europe had great influence on American crafts men. The other main thing we notice in the furniture of this time was that it could be easily divided into two categories- colonial style and Federal style. The colonial style which can also be termed as "early American furniture" deals with not only furniture but with pictures too. This period span can easily be defined from the beginning of settlement to 1720, because after this period we notice a gradual shift in the design of furniture. The major characterization of this period design was that very simple in nature formed by using oak, maple, cherry and other native plant. Most of this furniture was handmade, heavy, solid, simple line with little decoration like motifs. From there design we easily get the idea that they were made to cater the need of individual. The famous furniture of this type includes tables, beds, wooden fire place, turned chairs and cradle. This furniture is very popular among the antique lovers because of its fine wood and the craftsmanship quality which was although simple but very unique in nature. All these quality makes it very expensive as well. The federal style came into the picture after independence. This kind of furniture was inspired by the Roman style and in this period we see a delicate and refined use of exotic wood with colorful inlay for decoration. But this federal period can be broadly divided into three sub periods- early federal period; American empire, in which we notice a lot of French influence; and third was the American Victorian. The French influence came for the first time in American history and was originally influenced by the Greek and Egyptian style. Due to these collaboration Americans produced some of the most elegant and graceful design which still has enormous value recognized in the form of popularity of antique American furniture. And because of its popularity and its place in history, antique furniture from America's history is something which was and still is desired. |