Encyclopedia of Design

Discover the World of Decorative and Applied Arts

Are you a general reader, collector, curator, or scholar with a passion for the rich history and intricate details of decorative and applied arts? Explore our extensive archive with over 1700 meticulously researched entries covering the past 300 years. From furniture and textiles to ceramics and industrial design, find accurate and detailed information on individuals, businesses, and materials that have shaped this vibrant field.

Engage with the past, enrich your knowledge, and immerse yourself in the artistry of design.

Featured Sections

Explore the interection of beauty of beauty functionality in art and design.

Decorative & Applied Arts

Bose Ad

Discover The Latest from Bose

An example of Topiary

Topiary: The Art of Sculpting Nature

Rattan tubular chair - P3, approx. 1962 designed by Tito Agnoli

Timeless Elegance: Tito Agnoli’s 1962 Rattan Masterpiece – The Armchair P3

Chawan c1970s by Shoji Hamada

Japanese Pottery in America: The Legacy of Hamada Shōji and Kitaōji Rosanjin

Hand Fan - Design for Verbovka (1917) by Olga Rozanova

The Intersection of Suprematism and Embroidery

Intaglio: The Ancient Art of Engraving

Discover the Wonders of Architectural Design

Architecture

Makovecz-mortuary, Farkasrét Cemetery, Budapest

Imre Makovecz: Pioneer of Organic Architecture

Design Disciplines

Discover the marriage of form and function in industrial design.

Industrial Design

A Trans World Airlines Lockheed L-1649 Starliner (civil registration N7301C)

The Lockheed L1649A Starliner: The Pinnacle of Piston-Engined Aviation

Chantal Cast Iron Collection

Chantal Cookware: A Legacy of Innovation and Design Excellence

Dive into the world of furniture design with insights into chairs, lamps, sofas, stools, and tables.

Furniture Design

Rattan tubular chair - P3, approx. 1962 designed by Tito Agnoli

Timeless Elegance: Tito Agnoli’s 1962 Rattan Masterpiece – The Armchair P3

Washington Skeleton Chair, 2013

Washington Skeleton Chair: A Masterpiece by David Adjaye(2013)

Explore the realm of visual communication through branding, logos, typography and illustration.

Graphic Design

Paper Weight by Tibor Kalman on display at SFMOMA

Tibor Kalman: Design as a Tool for Social Change

KIll Bill Poster Volume 2

Empire Design and the Kill Bill Poster

Portraits Of 100-Year-Old Citizens Of Barbados

Honoring Barbados Centenarians: A Unique Stamp Tribute

Get in Touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

* indicates required