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Learn about and understand the items, manufacturers, designers and periods as well as the specialist terms used in describing antiques and collectables. Either click one of the letters below to list the items beginning with that letter, or click on a category on the left side of the screen to list the items under that category.
Nabeshima Porcelain
Nabeshima porcelain originated in the Saga Prefecture, on the southern island of Kyushu in Japan, during the late 17th century and continued until the late 19th century. It is known for its delicate beauty, fine craftsmanship, and exquisite designs.
The production of Nabeshima porcelain was first initiated by the ruling Nabeshima clan, who were among the wealthiest and most powerful feudal lords in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The Nabeshima clan employed skilled potters and artists to create porcelain for the clan's own use, as well as for gifts to the shogun and other high-ranking officials.
Nabeshima porcelain was highly prized for its rarity, quality, and beauty. The production process was a closely guarded secret, and the Nabeshima clan strictly controlled the distribution of their porcelain to ensure its exclusivity. As a result, only a small number of Nabeshima porcelain pieces were produced, and they were highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
Nabeshima porcelain is characterized by its thin walls, refined shapes, and delicate designs. The decoration of Nabeshima porcelain often features intricate patterns of flowers, birds, and other natural motifs, as well as geometric patterns and auspicious symbols. The porcelain was usually decorated with underglaze blue and white, or overglaze enamel colors.
Nagamochi
A Japanese chest, usually on castors used for storing clothing or bed linen.
Nailsea Glass
The 'Nailsea Crown Glass and Glass Bottle Manufacturers' was founded in 1788 at Nailsea near Bristol in England, and is known for its coloured novelty glass such as rolling-pins, canes, shoes, bells, top hats, model ships, pipes and other useful objects. A characteristic of Nailsea glass was splashed-on, flecked-on, or striped colour, and glass of this kind is often assigned to Nailsea disregarding the fact that it was made throughout the United Kingdom and also in America, and that is not possible to pin-point the place of origin.
Less known is the fact that these objects were ancillary to the main output of the glasshouse. It was originally founded to produce bottle glass and hand blown (crown) window glass. In the 1840s it commenced manufacture of sheet window glass and then rolled plate glass from the 1860s. The glassworks closed in 1873 when the local supplies of coal were exhausted.
Nain Rugs
The Nain district is located in central Persia (now Iran) and is known for producing some of the finest handmade rugs in the world. Nain rugs are characterized by their intricate designs, high quality wool or silk materials, and their ability to combine traditional and modern elements.
Nain rugs typically feature a central medallion or floral design surrounded by intricate patterns of vines and flowers. The designs are often symmetrical and feature a variety of colors, including soft shades of blue, beige, and cream.
The wool or silk used in Nain rugs is of the highest quality, and the wool is often sourced from the nearby city of Isfahan. The high-quality materials used in Nain rugs make them durable and long-lasting, with many Nain rugs lasting for decades or even centuries.
Nain rugs are usually produced in a range of sizes, from small prayer rugs to large area rugs. They are also available in a variety of thicknesses, from thin, delicate rugs to thicker, more plush rugs.
Nain rugs are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts of Persian rugs, and are considered to be some of the most beautiful and valuable rugs in the world. Their intricate designs and high-quality materials make them a prized possession for many homeowners and interior designers looking to add a touch of luxury and elegance to their home décor.
Nam Greb
Bergmann was noted for his detailed and colorful work. He signed with either a letter 'B' in an urn-shaped cartouche or 'Nam Greb' – 'Bergman' in reverse. These marks were used to disguise his identity on erotic works.
His father, Franz Bergmann (September 26, 1838 – 1894), was a professional chaser from Gablonz who came to Vienna and founded a small bronze factory in 1860. Franz Xavier Bergmann inherited the company and opened a new foundry in 1900. Many of the bronzes from the 1900s were still based on designs from his father's workshop.
Bergmann is often incorrectly described as a sculptor, but he was not; he was a foundry owner. He worked with a team of sculptors, including Josef Lorenzl, who created the original models for many of the bronzes.
Bergmann's work was popular in the early 20th century and was exhibited at major international fairs, including the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900. His pieces are now in the collections of museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Nanking Cargo
The Nanking Cargo was named after the type of porcelain in the Dutch East India Company ship "Geldermalsen", which sank near Java in 1751 and was salvaged in 1985.
The cargo was salvaged by a team led by Captain Mike Hatcher and included over 150,000 pieces of blue and white porcelain, 125 rrare Chinese gold ingots and two important cannons.
The cargo was sold by Christie's in Amsterdam, comprising 2,800 lots spread over 5 days in April - May 1986, realising over $US20 million.
Nanking Porcelain
Nanking was produced in the city of Jingdezhen, in the Jiangxi province of China, during the 18th and 19th centuries. The porcelain was primarily produced for export to Europe and North America, and was named after the city of Nanking (now Nanjing), which was a major port for the export of Chinese goods.
The production of Nanking export porcelain began in the early 18th century, and was driven by the high demand for Chinese porcelain in Europe and North America. Nanking porcelain was known for its high quality, durability, and beautiful blue and white designs, which often featured intricate floral and bird patterns.
Nanking export porcelain was produced in a wide range of forms, including plates, bowls, vases, jars, and teapots. The porcelain was made using a mixture of kaolin clay, feldspar, and quartz, and was fired at high temperatures to produce a hard, durable material that was resistant to chipping and cracking.
Nanna Ditzel
Nanna Ditzel (October 6, 1923 – June 17, 2005) was a Danish designer and architect. She is known for her work in furniture, textiles, and jewellery design. Ditzel was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1923. She studied at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. After graduating, she worked as a designer for several Danish companies. In 1950, she married Jørgen Ditzel, who was also a designer. The couple collaborated on many projects, including the Trinidad chair, which is now considered a classic of Danish design.
Other furniture and jewellery designs which have been highly acclaimed include Pelican chair (1960), the Butterfly chair (1963), Wave pendant (1965), the Shell necklace (1967) and the Sun pendant (1970).
Nanna Ditzel's work is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and functionality. She was a pioneer in the use of new materials and techniques, and her designs are often playful and whimsical. Ditzel's work has been exhibited and collected around the world. She received numerous awards for her work, including the Lunning Prize in 1956 and the ID Prize in 1995. Ditzel died in Copenhagen in 2005.
Nantgarw Pottery
Based near Cardiff in Wales, the Nantgarw Pottery, the factory was founded by William Billingsley and his son-in-law Samuel Walker. Nantgarw produced a very fine white and translucent soft paste porcelain, mainly cups and saucers, plates and dishes with floral decoration, between about 1811 and 1822 when it closed.
Nao Ceramics
Nao is a Spanish brand of porcelain figurines that is closely associated with Lladro, a larger and more well-known brand of Spanish ceramics. The history of Nao dates back to the 1960s, when Lladro began to experiment with more affordable, mass-produced figurines that could be sold to a wider audience.
The Nao line was introduced in the early 1970s as a separate brand under the Lladro umbrella. The name "Nao" is derived from the Latin word "navis," meaning ship, and the brand's logo features a stylized sailboat.
Nao figurines are known for their charming and whimsical designs, often featuring children, animals, and other cute and playful subjects. Nao pieces are typically smaller and less intricate than Lladro pieces, and they are generally sold at a lower price point.
Despite their more affordable price, Nao figurines are still made with the same high-quality porcelain and attention to detail as Lladro pieces. Like Lladro, Nao is based in Valencia, Spain, and the brand's products are still produced using traditional ceramic techniques.
Nao is sold in many countries around the world and is particularly popular in the United States and other English-speaking markets. Nao ceramics are widely recognized as a symbol of Spanish craftsmanship and quality.
Narwhal
The narwhal is a medium-sized toothed whale that grows to around 4.5 metres, and lives year-round in the Arctic. Narwhals have two teeth, and in males, the more prominent tooth grows into a swordlike, spiral tusk up to 2.7 metres long. The ivory tusk tooth grows right through the narwhal's upper lip. The tusk was used in the early 1900s to make walking sticks, canes and as part of small accessories. The sale of narwhal tusks is now prhibited under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) agreement.
Navette
Navette, the French word for (weaver's) shuttle, means shuttle shaped, and is used to describe shapes in jewellery, ceramics and silver.
Necessaire
A necessaire is a box, often highly ornate, for miscellaneous objects such as toothpicks, tongue-scrapers, ear-picks, tweezers, powders, scent-bottles, and sewing implements. Their purpose was similar to an etui. However a necessaire was designed to sit on a dressing table, and so is usually larger than an etui which was designed to be portable.
Nef
A nef is an elaborate table ornament, usually in silver or gold, and usually in the form of a sailing ship, designed to hold condiments, in use in the Middle Ages and Renaisance period.
Negretti & Zambra
Negretti & Zambra was a British company that specialized in the manufacture of precision scientific instruments, including barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, and other meteorological and optical instruments. The company was founded in London in 1850 by two Italian immigrants, Enrico Negretti and Joseph Zambra.
Negretti & Zambra quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality scientific instruments, and their products were highly sought after by scientists, engineers, and explorers. The company's instruments were used in a wide range of applications, from measuring temperature and humidity in laboratories to determining atmospheric pressure on mountain expeditions.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Negretti & Zambra was at the forefront of many important scientific and technological developments. The company produced some of the earliest aneroid barometers, which were essential for measuring atmospheric pressure at high altitudes. They also developed the first accurate portable thermometer, which was used on polar expeditions and in other extreme environments.
In addition to their scientific instruments, Negretti & Zambra also produced a range of optical instruments, including telescopes, binoculars, and microscopes. Their telescopes were used by explorers and astronomers, and their microscopes were used in medical research and education.
Negretti & Zambra continued to innovate and expand their product line throughout the 20th century. They were awarded several prestigious honors, including a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria, and gained a prize at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. Their instruments were used in many important scientific and engineering projects.
In 1985 Negretti & Zambra was purchased by the avionics company Meggitt. It is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential scientific instrument makers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Their precision instruments are still used in scientific research and education today.
Neil Grant
Neil Grant was born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1940 and began working with clay in his early twenties. In 1960 he graduated from the Canterbury University School of Fine Arts with a Diploma in Fine Arts in Sculpture. He then trained as a secondary school teacher, and in 1962 he began teaching art at Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland.
Grant began to exhibit his pottery widely in the early 1960s. He was a founding member of the New Zealand Society of Potters, and he regularly exhibited at the New Vision Gallery in Auckland. In 1965, he travelled to Fiji to teach pottery at the Fiji Teachers' College, where he learned about the island nation's own clay pottery traditions.
In 1971, Grant was appointed to a teaching position at the Dunedin School of Art, and he taught ceramics at the school for over 40 years. He has been a mentor to countless New Zealand potters, and he has played a major role in the development of ceramics education in New Zealand.
Grant has exhibited his work extensively throughout New Zealand and internationally. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate in Craft/Object Art in 2002. His work is held in public and private collections around the world.
Nell Mccredie
Nell McCredie was born in Sydney on 27 May 1901. McCredie was a member of a leading architectural family with associations with Queensland as well as New South Wales. She was the niece of well-known Sydney architects Arthur Latimer and George McCredie.
Nell McCredie graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Sydney in 1923, one of Australia's earliest architectural graduates. and practiced as an architect in Sydney and Brisbane.
While in Brisbane, she had studied pottery in Brisbane under the master craftsman Lewis Jarvis Harvey, and McCredie returned to Sydney in 1932 where she became a professional potter, setting up a commercial pottery at Epping in partnership with her younger brother Bob McCredie. She exhibited actively with the New South Wales Society of Arts and Crafts into the 1950s and in 1951 won the Society's Elizabeth Soderberg Memorial Award for pottery.
Pottery by the McCredies is well regarded for its simplicity and craftsmanship. It is represented in five public collections in Australia: National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Powerhouse Museum (Sydney), Art Gallery of South Australia and Shepparton Art Gallery.
Nell McCredie passed away in 1968.
Neo Classical
The period or style, known as "neo-classical", was based on Greek and Roman designs and motifs, and is usually associated with the influence of the four Adam brothers, but principally Robert Adam, the second oldest of the brothers, who were architects and designers, active in the latter half ot the 18th century (1760s to 1790s).
Born in Scotland in 1728, Robert Adam spent time in Italy studying and his designs are influenced by the finds made during the excavation of Pompei.
When he returned to England he became the Court Architect to George III (1738-1820).
In turn, designs by Adam then influenced Hepplewhite.
Neo-classical ornamentation is characterised by use of classical urns, palmettes, mythical creatures such as the sphinx and griffin, ram's heads, swags, scrolling foliage, and use of the Greek key pattern.
Nest of Tables
A set of three or more small occasional tables of graduated height, each one of which fits comfortably inside the other when not in use. Invented during the 18th century, they remain popular to the present day.
Nests of tables of the Georgian and Victorian period are scarce, and consequently command high prices. But the form became fashionable again after 1900 and up until the present day, and there are multiple designs available. Australian made examples rarely exist prior to 1900.
A nest comprising four tables is called a quartetto.
Netsuke
As the kimono, the traditional form of Japanese dress, had no pockets, the Japanese men suspended small items they needed to take with them, such as tobacco pouches, purses, pipes and writing implements on a silk cord from their sash, and stop the cord slipping, it was fed through a toggle - a netsuke.
Originally the toggle was made from found objects such as roots or shells, which were selected for their aesthetic appeal, but over time the toggle itself developed as an art form. Many fine carvers devoted themselves to netsuke, but the demand was so great, that their manufacture was taken up by other craft persons such as lacquerers, metal artists and potters.
While ivory is the most commonly used material, netsuke were also made from wood, bone, lacquer, metal and other materials.
The custom of wearing netsuke flourished in Japan for more than three centuries - from around 1600 to the mid 19th century, but the golden age of the netsuke is considered to be from 1800 to 1850. The custom developed in the 16th century when tobacco smoking using a pipe was introduced by the Portuguese. This required the smoker to carry his smoking accoutrements and were a major factor in the wide use adaption of the netsuke.
Innumerable designs were produced, with ivory the most-used material, but also in wood, stone, amber, lacquer
During this period, Japan was a closed society with no foreign trade or influence, but this was changed by the visits of Commodore Matthew Perry in the 1850s. With the opening up of Japan to the west, smoking preferences changed from the pipe to the cigarette, and dress habits changed from traditional Japanese garments to western dress, leading the decline in use of the netsuke.
The western world discovered the artistry of the netsuke in the late 19th century and many great collections are formed. As awareness of the netsuke increased, the demand from tourists developed, and to satisfy the market, many netsuke style items were mass produced. They were produced in all types of materials including plastic. If produced by a mould often the mould marks can be seen. More elaborate copies may be hand carved, and with a fake copy of the signature an original master netsuke maker.
Factors that contribute to the value of a netsuke are authenticity, the skill of the artisan, the condition, and if signed, the name of the artist. The most difficult of these to determine is authenticity, as ageing can be faked, and it takes a long period of study of the netsuke to become competent in this area.
Nevers Faience
Glazed earthenware was introduced from Italy to Nevers in the mid 16th century, and by the beginning of the 17th century, Nevers was the largest French pottery making centre. The town already had existing porcelain factories and the area was flush with clay deposits that could be used in pottery. This allowed the influx of Italian potters in Nevers to begin producing faience pieces. For the next 300 years, Nevers was the center for French faience manufacturing.
New Guinea Tribal Artifacts
The collection of New Guinea tribal artifacts began in the late 19th century during the period of European colonialism and exploration of the region. Many early collectors were anthropologists, missionaries, or colonial administrators who were interested in documenting the diverse cultures and societies of the region.
The first known collector of New Guinea tribal artifacts was Sir William MacGregor, the Governor of British New Guinea from 1895 to 1898. MacGregor was an avid collector of artifacts and ethnographic objects, and he acquired a large collection of New Guinea tribal artifacts during his time in the region. He was followed by other collectors, including the American anthropologist Margaret Mead, who conducted extensive fieldwork in the region in the early 20th century and amassed a significant collection of artifacts.
During the early 20th century, many New Guinea tribal artifacts were acquired by museums and private collectors in Europe and North America. These artifacts were often obtained through a combination of purchase, trade, and sometimes through questionable means such as theft or exploitation of indigenous communities. Some examples of New Guinea tribal artifacts that are commonly collected include:
• Masks - New Guinea is known for its elaborate and highly decorative masks, which are used in ceremonial and religious contexts.
• Carvings - carved figures and sculptures, often depicting ancestral or spiritual beings, are popular New Guinea tribal artifacts.
• Weapons - spears, bows and arrows, and other weapons used in traditional hunting and warfare are often collected.
• Textiles - woven fabrics and other textiles, often decorated with intricate designs and patterns, are highly valued as tribal artifacts.
• Musical instruments - New Guinea is home to a variety of unique musical instruments, including drums, flutes, and stringed instruments.
• Ceremonial objects - ritual objects, such as amulets, charms, and offerings, are often collected for their spiritual and cultural significance.
• Jewellery and adornments - New Guinea tribes often use intricate and decorative jewelry and body adornments as a form of personal expression and cultural identity.
In the decades that followed, there was growing concern among indigenous communities and advocates for cultural heritage preservation about the removal and exploitation of tribal artifacts. Many indigenous communities in New Guinea and other parts of the world began advocating for the return of cultural artifacts that had been taken from their communities.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards repatriation and restitution of cultural artifacts to their countries of origin, including New Guinea. This has led to the return of many New Guinea tribal artifacts to their communities, as well as increased efforts to document and preserve these artifacts within their cultural and historical contexts.
New Hall Porcelain
The New Hall pottery in Staffordshire, England was founded in 1781 by a group of Staffordshire potters, including John Turner and William Billingsley, who had previously worked at the famous Bow porcelain factory in London and it produced porcelain between 1781 and 1835.
At New Hall, Turner and Billingsley developed new techniques for producing fine porcelain, including the use of bone ash in the clay mixture to increase its strength and translucency. They also developed new glazes, such as the "soft-paste" glaze, which gave their porcelain a unique softness and smoothness.
New Hall porcelain acquired a reputation for its quality and beauty, and it became popular with wealthy collectors and aristocrats. The pottery produced a wide range of pieces, including teapots, cups and saucers, plates, vases, and figurines, many of which were decorated with intricate hand-painted designs.
In 1812, New Hall merged with the nearby Coalport porcelain factory, forming the Coalport and New Hall China Company. The combined company continued to produce porcelain under both the New Hall and Coalport names until 1835, when it was sold to a new owner and the New Hall name was discontinued.
Newcastle Glass
Newcastle upon Tyne, in North East England, was a hub for glassmaking in the 17th and 18th centuries. The history of glassmaking in Newcastle dates back to the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 17th century that the industry really began to take off.
In the 17th century, glassmaking in Newcastle was dominated by two families: the Swinburnes and the Watsons. They established glasshouses on the banks of the River Tyne, taking advantage of the local supply of coal for fuel and sand for glassmaking. The Swinburnes glasshouses produced a range of high-quality glassware, including drinking glasses, window glass, and mirrors. They also developed a technique for producing clear glass, which was in high demand.
In the 18th century, the glass industry in Newcastle continued to thrive and the industry continued to produce a wide range of glassware, including tableware, mirrors, and ornamental glass. The glass was often decorated with intricate engraving or etching, and some pieces were painted with enamel or gilded.
Despite its success, the glass industry in Newcastle faced challenges in the 18th century. Competition from other glassmaking centres, such as Bristol and London, increased, and the high cost of fuel and raw materials made it difficult to compete. By the end of the 18th century, the glass industry in Newcastle had declined, but its legacy lives and Newcastle is still known for its glassmaking heritage.
Newhall Pottery
Newhall pottery was a porcelain factory in Staffordshire, England that was active from 1781 to 1835. It was founded by a group of Staffordshire potters, including John Turner and William Billingsley, who had previously worked at the famous Bow porcelain factory in London.
Newhall was one of the first porcelain factories in Staffordshire, and it quickly gained a reputation for its high quality. The pottery produced a wide range of wares, including tea sets, dinner services, and figurines. Newhall porcelain was known for its delicate bone china body and its fine, detailed decoration.
In 1812, Newhall merged with the nearby Coalport porcelain factory to form the Coalport and Newhall China Company. The combined company continued to produce porcelain under both the New Hall and Coalport names until 1835, when it was sold to a new owner and the New Hall name was discontinued.
Some of the most notable pieces of pottery produced by Newhall include The Lady in the Window Pattern of the 1780s which features a delicate bone china body and a hand-painted design of a lady sitting in a window; The Willow Pattern of the 1800s which features a hand-painted design of a Chinese couple and a willow tree and the Blue Dog Figurine of the 1820s which features a blue Staffordshire dog sitting on a rock.
The pottery's high quality and fine decoration made it one of the most popular porcelain factories in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Newlyn Copper
Newlyn is a town in southwest Cornwall, whose principal industry in the Victorian era was its fishing industry. By the 1880s it had also become an important centre for artists.
As employment in the fishing industry was sporadic due seasonal factors and weather an alternative and additonal source of income was sought, and it was decided that the fishermen could be taught to create craft works in copper, and other materials which could then be sold.
The Newlyn Industrial Class, as the workshop was known, was established in 1890, and a number of artists who had settled in the area assisted with the classes.
Copper objects produced in the Arts & Crafts style included trays, frames, chambersticks, plates and chargers, boxes, bowls and coffee pots. The designs on the objects often included nautical themes.
The workshop remained in operation until the outbreak of World War II.
Newton & Son
The firm Newton & Son began its history in 1780, when founder John Newton published a reissue of a Nathauriel Hill pocket globe.
The firm grew rapidly after Newton's second son William joined forces with his father, and by 1831 Milred Berry became a partner.
By 1841, ownership passed to William's eldest son, William Edward. Such was the success of the firm that it continued in operation by subsequent generations until the early part of the twentieth century.
Newtone Art Ware
Newtone Art Ware was a brand name used by The Bakewell Pottery which operated in Sydney from 1884 to 1955. The Newtone brand name was used from the 1930s and continued till the late 1940s. A large range of decorative vases was produced in a great variety of shapes and colour ways. Much of their production was of slipware with hand applied glazes, including drip-glazing. Some glazed vases and jugs had embossed gum leaves and kookaburras. In addition to vases, the Newtone range included basket vases, shoe shaped vases, mugs, wall pockets and footed bowls.
Newtone also included hand-painted pieces with Australian flowers and scenery, some of which were painted by Daisy Merton. The Newtone range also included figurines of kookaburras on stumps, serviette rings and ashtrays, and figurines of koalas on branches. Painted wares continued briefly after 1945 and include small dishes in the shape of Australia.
Nick Mount
Nicholas (Nick) Mount was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1952. He studied at the South Australian School of Art from 1970 to 1971, and then undertook a non-diploma course in visual arts at the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education from 1972 to 1974. In 1975, Mount travelled to the United States to study glassblowing at the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington. He was one of the first Australians to be exposed to the studio glass movement, which was then in its early stages of development.
After returning to Australia, Mount established the 'Hot Glass Studio' in Melbourne with his partner, Pauline Mount. They were among the pioneers of studio glass in Australia, and their work helped to establish the medium as a legitimate art form. Mount's work is known for its technical virtuosity and its playful, often humorous, sensibility. He often combines traditional glassmaking techniques with found objects and other materials to create unique and visually arresting sculptures.
Mount has exhibited his work extensively in Australia and internationally. He has won numerous awards, including the Australia Council's Visual Arts Fellowship in 1990. In 2012, he was named a Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia. Nick Mount continues to work and teach in Adelaide. He is a highly respected figure in the world of studio glass, and his work is held in major collections around the world.
Nickel Silver
Nickel silver is a metal alloy made from copper, nickel, and zinc. Despite its name, it does not contain any silver. It was developed in the early 19th century in Germany as a less expensive alternative to silver, and it quickly gained popularity as a material for tableware, jewellery, and other decorative objects.
Nickel silver has a similar appearance to silver, with a bright, shiny surface that can be polished to a high lustre. It is also resistant to tarnish and corrosion, making it a durable material for long-lasting items. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of musical instruments such as flutes, saxophones, and clarinets, due to its acoustic properties. It is also used in the production of silverware, jewellery, and watch components, as an affordable alternative to precious metals like silver and gold.
Nicole Freres
Nicole Frères was a prominent Swiss manufacturer of musical boxes during the 19th century. The company was founded in 1814 by Jean-Louis Nicole, in the village of Sainte-Croix, Switzerland.
Initially, the company produced a variety of metal products, including watch parts and tools. However, in the early 1820s, they began to focus on musical boxes, which were becoming increasingly popular in Europe at the time.
Nicole Frères quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest musical boxes in the world. Their boxes were known for their exceptional quality and were highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts.
In the 1830s, Nicole Frères began to experiment with new designs and innovations, including the introduction of interchangeable cylinders, which allowed customers to change the tunes played by their musical boxes. This was a significant development that made the boxes even more versatile and desirable.
Over the years, Nicole Frères continued to refine and improve their designs, introducing new features and techniques that set them apart from their competitors. They were particularly renowned for their use of high-quality materials and intricate craftsmanship.
In the latter part of the 19th century, Nicole Frères expanded their operations, opening a factory in Geneva and establishing sales offices in Paris and London. They continued to produce musical boxes well into the 20th century, though the popularity of these devices began to wane with the rise of other forms of home entertainment
Niello
A compound made up of lead silver copper and sulphur that is black in colour, and applied to the engraved areas of silver items, thus highlighting the engraving by making the black niello detail stand out from the silver background. It was used on edged weapons from the Renaisance onwards, and also by Russian crafstmen of the19th century.
Niels Otto Moller
Niels Otto Moller (1920–1982) was a Danish furniture designer best known for his significant contributions to mid-century modern design. He was born in Aarhus, Denmark, and his work played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics and functionality of Danish furniture during the 20th century.
Moller's design philosophy was deeply rooted in the principles of craftsmanship, quality, and functionalism. He was a proponent of creating furniture that was not only visually appealing but also comfortable and durable, emphasizing the use of natural materials and traditional woodworking techniques.
In 1944, Niels Otto Moller founded his own furniture manufacturing company, J.L. Mollers Mobelfabrik, which later became known simply as Moller Mobelfabrik. Under his leadership, the company produced a wide range of furniture pieces, including chairs, tables, and cabinets, many of which have become iconic examples of Danish design.
Moller's most celebrated creations are his chairs, which are characterized by their elegant lines, attention to detail, and expert craftsmanship. One of his most famous designs is the "Model 71" dining chair, also known as the "Moller Chair," which he designed in 1951. This chair is renowned for its graceful and organic form, as well as its intricate woven seat, often made of paper cord or leather.
Throughout his career, Niels Otto Moller collaborated with skilled craftsmen and often incorporated traditional joinery techniques into his designs. His furniture pieces are recognized for their timeless beauty and ability to seamlessly blend into various interior styles.
Niels Otto Moller's legacy as a Danish mid-century furniture designer is firmly established, and his contributions to the world of design remain influential to this day. His emphasis on quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and functional aesthetics has left an indelible mark on the world of furniture design.
Nina Koppel
Nina Koppel (1942-1990) was a Danish jewellery designer who was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. She was the daughter of the renowned silversmith and furniture designer Henning Koppel. Nina Koppel studied textile design at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen, graduating in 1966. She then established her own workshop, where she collaborated with other designers on a variety of projects, including textiles, clothing, and interior furnishings.
In the early 1980s, Koppel began working with Georg Jensen, a Danish silversmith and jewellery company. Her first designs for Georg Jensen were silver jewellery collections, but she soon became known for her innovative use of gold. In 1987, she designed the Fusion ring, which was a modular jewellery system that could be worn in a variety of ways. The Fusion ring was an instant success and remains one of Koppel's most popular designs.
Her jewellery is characterized by its clean lines, organic shapes, and use of colour. She often used geometric shapes, such as circles and squares, in her designs, but she also incorporated more organic shapes, such as leaves and flowers. Koppel's use of color was also distinctive. She often used bright, saturated colours, but she also used more muted tones.
Koppel's jewellery has won numerous awards for her work, including the Lunning Prize in 1986. Her work is represented in the collections of museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Danish Design Centre in Copenhagen.
Koppel died in 1990 at the age of 47. She left behind a legacy of beautiful and innovative jewellery that continues to be admired by design enthusiasts around the world.
Nina Ricci
Nina Ricci was founded in 1932 by Maria "Nina" Ricci and her son Robert. Maria was an Italian-born French fashion designer, and she had been working as a seamstress and dressmaker since she was a child. She opened her own couture house in Paris in 1932, and her designs quickly became popular with women of all ages.
In the 1940s, Nina Ricci's designs became known for their feminine and romantic style. She was one of the first designers to use the color pink in her collections, and she also popularised the use of lace and chiffon. Her designs were worn by some of the most famous women in the world, including Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.
Nina Ricci's designs became more youthful and modern in the 1960s,. She was influenced by the new trends of the era, such as the miniskirt and the shift dress. Her designs were still feminine, but they were also more casual and easy to wear.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Nina Ricci's designs became more sophisticated and luxurious. She used high-quality fabrics and finishes, and her designs were often decorated with crystals and beads. Her clothes were worn by celebrities such as Madonna and Jennifer Lopez.
Nina Ricci has continued to produce high-quality clothing and accessories in the 21st century,. The brand has collaborated with a number of famous designers, including Olivier Theyskens and Peter Copping. Nina Ricci's clothes are still known for their feminine and romantic style, but they are also more modern and versatile.
Nina Ricci remains a leading fashion brand with a global presence and the company's products are sold in over 100 countries. Nina Ricci is still known for its feminine and romantic style, but it also produces a range of more casual and sporty clothes. The brand's accessories are also popular, and it produces a range of handbags, shoes, and jewellery.
Noblett
E R Noblett & Sons were one of a number amongst a number of mid-century furniture manufacturersin the West Torrents area of Adelaide. Noblett produced dining chairs, tables, sideboards and iconic nesting tables in the Scandinavian style in the 1950 and 1960s, continuing throughout the 20th century until they ceased trading in 1999
Noggin
A noggin is a small jug for measuring a gill of liquid (usually alcoholic spirits). In Imperial measures, a gill is equal to 5 fluid onces; in the US to 4 US fluid ounces.
Noh Masks
Japanese Noh masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress, and painted with natural pigments on a neutral base of glue and crunched seashell. Noh masks are used in Noh theatre, a traditional Japanese form of theater that combines music, dance, and drama. Noh theatre is known for its stylized acting, its use of masks, and its focus on themes of death, loss, and redemption. There are approximately 450 different masks mostly based on sixty types, all of which have distinctive names. Some masks are representative and frequently used in many different plays, while some are very specific and may only be used in one or two plays. Noh masks signify the characters' gender, age, and social ranking, and by wearing masks the actors may portray youngsters, old men, female, or nonhuman (divine or demonic) characters.
Nomura Toys
Nomura Toys, also known as TN (Toys Nomura), is a Japanese toy manufacturer that played a significant role in shaping the toy industry during the 1950s and 1970s. The company, founded by Eijiro Nomura, began its operations in Tokyo in the 1930s. However, it wasn't until the post-World War II era that Nomura Toys gained widespread recognition for their innovative and high-quality toys.
In the 1950s, Nomura Toys commenced production tinplate toys, which quickly became popular both in Japan and abroad. The company's toys encompassed a wide range of categories, including vehicles, robots, action figures, and mechanical toys. Nomura Toys distinguished itself by incorporating intricate designs, meticulous detailing, and clever mechanical features into its products.
During this time, Nomura Toys gained acclaim for its line of battery-operated toys. These toys featured moving parts, lights, and sound effects, captivating children and collectors alike. Nomura's expertise in creating dynamic and interactive toys positioned the company as a leading player in the global toy market.
One of Nomura Toys' most iconic creations from the 1950s was the "Zoomer Robot". This wind-up toy, featuring a friendly robotic character became extremely popular, and the success of the robot solidified Nomura Toys' reputation for producing engaging and imaginative toys.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Nomura Toys continued to innovate and expand its product range. The company introduced new lines of toys, including licensed characters from popular franchises like "Astro Boy" and "Ultraman." These toys captured the imaginations of children who eagerly played with their favourite characters brought to life by Nomura Toys' craftsmanship.
However, as the 1970s progressed, the global toy industry underwent significant changes. Increasing competition, rising production costs, and shifts in consumer preferences posed challenges for Nomura Toys. The company faced difficulties in adapting to these changing dynamics, leading to a decline in its market presence. Nomura continued until 1992 when it was bought by the largest toy company in the world at that time – Hasbro.
Nordisk Solar Compagni
Nordisk Solar Compagni (NSC) was a Danish lighting manufacturer founded in 1919 by Jacob L. Jørgensen and Herluf Sørensen in Kolding, Denmark. The company started business as an import and wholesale company of electricity meters, but later expanded into the production of radios under the name Audiola. In the early 1960s, NSC began to focus on high-quality lighting design.
In 1961, NSC established a design studio that was active until 1968. During this time, the company commissioned a number of prominent Danish architects and designers to create lighting products, including Jørgen Kastholm, Preben Fabricius, Acton Bjørn, Sigvard Bernadotte, Sven Middelboe, and Jørn Utzon.
NSC's lighting designs were characterized by their simple, elegant forms and their use of high-quality materials. The company's products were popular throughout the world, and NSC became one of the leading Danish lighting manufacturers of the mid-20th century.
In the late 1960s, NSC's lighting division was spun off into a separate company called Solar Fittings Production. In the 1970s and 1980s, Solar Fittings Production continued to produce high-quality lighting designs, but the company faced increasing competition from foreign manufacturers. In 1994, Solar Fittings Production was acquired by the German lighting company Osram.
NSC's lighting designs are highly sought-after by collectors of vintage and mid-century modern furniture and lighting. NSC's lamps are known for their timeless designs and their excellent craftsmanship.
Noritake
Noritake is a Japanese porcelain manufacturer that has been producing high-quality ceramics for over 100 years. The origins of Noritake can be traced back to a trading company that was originally established by the Morimura Brothers in New York in 1876. This company imported chinaware, curios, paper lanterns and other gift items. In 1904, the forerunner of the Noritake Company was established in the village of Noritake, a small suburb near Nagoya, Japan, which was already a center of ceramic production in Japan. The founders of Noritake sought to create porcelain that was both beautiful and functional, incorporating the traditional Japanese aesthetic with modern manufacturing techniques.
The earliest Noritake dinner plates were mostly hand-painted, often with liberal applications of gold. By the early 1920's, Noritake introduced assembly line techniques which allowed for mass production of high quality, yet affordable dinnerware. In the ensuing decades, Noritake continued to perfect its production capabilities and expand to markets world-wide, and the company gained a reputation for producing some of the finest porcelain in the world. They were particularly renowned for their use of innovative techniques, such as the use of feldspar as a raw material, which allowed them to create porcelain that was stronger and more durable than other types of ceramics.
In the 1920s, Noritake began to expand their operations, establishing sales offices in the United States and Europe. They also began to produce a wider range of products, including dinnerware, vases, and decorative pieces. Over the years, Noritake has continued to innovate and refine their designs, incorporating new materials and techniques to create porcelain that is both beautiful and functional. They have also collaborated with renowned designers and artists to create unique and striking pieces of ceramics.
The Noritake company continues to produce high-quality ceramics, incorporating the traditional Japanese aesthetic with modern manufacturing techniques to create porcelain that is both beautiful and practical.
Norman Foster
Norman Foster is a British architect and furniture designer. He is the founder and chairman of Foster + Partners, one of the world's largest architectural practices. Foster is known for his high-tech architecture, which emphasizes the use of new technologies and materials to create innovative and sustainable designs.
He was born on 1 June 1935 in Manchester, England, into a working-class family. He left school at the age of 16 to work as a clerk at Manchester Town Hall. While working there, he began to sketch the buildings around him, and his interest in architecture grew. In 1952, he won a scholarship to study at the University of Manchester School of Architecture. After graduating, he went on to study at the Yale School of Architecture in the United States.
In 1967, Foster returned to the UK and founded his own architectural practice, Foster Associates. The firm quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and daring designs. In 1974, Foster designed the Willis Faber & Dumas building in Ipswich, which is considered to be one of the first examples of high-tech architecture. The building features a glass facade and exposed steel structural elements.
Over the next few decades, Foster designed a number of other notable buildings, including the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich (1978), the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank in Hong Kong (1986), and the Gherkin in London (2004). He has also designed major infrastructure projects, such as the Millau Viaduct in France (2004) and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (2012).
In addition to his work in architecture, Foster has also designed a number of furniture pieces. His most famous design is the Nomos table, which he created in 1983. The table is made of glass and aluminum, and its sleek and minimalist design has made it a classic of modern design. Foster has also designed chairs, sofas, and other pieces of furniture for various manufacturers, including Knoll, Tecno, and Poltrona Frau. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Pritzker Prize (1999), the RIBA Gold Medal (2002), and the Prince of Wales Medal for Architecture (2018). He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 and was raised to the peerage as Baron Foster of Thames Bank in 1999.
Foster's furniture designs are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and functionality. He often uses new materials and technologies to create innovative and sustainable pieces. His furniture is also known for its high quality and craftsmanship.
Norman Lindsay
Norman Alfred Williams Lindsay was born in Creswick, Victoria, in 1879. He first came to prominence as an illustrator on the 'Bulletin'. Like his brother Lionel, he was a prolific writer with many books to his credit. Author of the children’s classic The Magic Pudding he produced works across a wide range of mediums including pen, etchings, watercolour, oil and sculpture in bronze and concrete. His nudes were particularly controversial in their era. He was an illustrator for the Sydney Bulletin for 50 years. Films include Age of Consent (1969) adapted from his 1938 novel, starring James Mason and Helen Mirren, and Sirens (1994), starring Sam Neill, a fictionalised version of Lindsay’s life. His former home in Faulconbridge, NSW is now the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum. He is recognised as Australia's premier etcher and with his wife Rose, produced many of the most sought after etchings. <p>His works are represented in all major public collections in Australia. Norman Lindsay died in 1969
Northwood Glass Company
The Northwood Glass Company was a glass manufacturing company that was founded in 1887 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, United States. The company was founded by Harry Northwood, who came from a family of glassmakers in England. Initially, the Northwood Glass Company produced pressed glassware, which was a popular style of glassware at the time. However, in the early 1900s, the company began to focus on the production of carnival glass, which quickly became their signature product.
Carnival glass was a type of iridescent glass that was produced by treating the glass with metallic salts during the manufacturing process. Northwood was one of the leading manufacturers of carnival glass, producing a wide range of designs and colours. They were particularly renowned for their use of intricate moulds, which allowed them to create glassware with elaborate patterns and designs. Popular legend has it that it was sold cheaply to travelling showman for prizes at carnivals, from whence came the name by which it is known today, carnival glass.
The popularity of carnival glass began to wane in the 1920s, and Northwood began to produce other types of glassware, including tableware and decorative pieces. However, the company struggled to compete with larger glass manufacturers, and in 1925, they were forced to close their doors. Despite their relatively short history, the Northwood Glass Company is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential glass manufacturers of the early 20th century.
Nulling
A form of carved decoration used on 19th century furniture. Found around the bottoms of dining table pedestals, where they join a platform base, and on table edges. In Australia the term is sometimes used to describe the carving on Regency scrolls, especially on sideboard backs or couches made in the Classical Revival style. In section, nulling is convex, similar to reeding, though much wider, and frequently turns outward from a central core.
Nursing Chair
A low upholstered chair without arms, the top of the seat usually only about 30 cm from the floor, compared with about 45 cm for a standard chair. They were intended to be used by mothers or nurses when feeding babies. The term is often applied to any low easy chair of the type, but most commonly used for a low-seated chair made in the late Victorian or Edwardian period.
Nutmeg Grater
With the rise of the British East India Company in the early 1600s spices of all kinds were imported into Britain from the Far East. One of these was nutmeg which as well as being an exotic flavouring for food, was also used for medicinal purposes (it was supposed to cure stomach ailments, headaches and fever), as an incense and as a fumigant.
The Dutch East India company had a monopoly on the import of nutmeg into Europe, and consequently it was a very expensive spice. The monopoly lasted until in 1769, a French horticulturalist smuggled some trees out of the Indonesian Banda islands, and soon after nutmeg trees were growing in Malaysia, Singapore India and the West Indies.
This enabled the monopoly of the Dutch to be broken, and the British East India Trading Company to import nutmeg into Britain. With supplies more plentiful, its use became more popular and from the late 1700s, nutmeg graters were produced for dispensing the nutmeg.
Due to the expense of nutmeg it was only affordable by the very wealthy, and as it had to be freshly ground, they carried a personal supply with them, and from about 1775, a nutmeg grater to dispense it.
The nutmeg had to be freshly grated to be efficacious, hence the development of the pocket sized nutmeg grater, which consisted of a small silver or turned wooden lidded box or cylinder, which, when the lid was opened displayed a grilled surface for grating with storage underneath for the grated nutmeg. It was soon realised that silver was too soft for this purpose, so blued steel grating surfaces were introduced.
Most nutmeg graters are silver, but they are also constructed around found objects such as Cowrie shells. Silver shapes include the acorn, walnut, cylinder and barrel, heart, urn and egg.
Very few nutmeg graters were made after 1850.
Nuutajarvi Notsjo
The Nuutajärvi Notsjö glass factory is the oldest glass factory in Finland that is still in operation. It was founded in 1793 by Jacob Wilhelm de Pont and Harald Furuhjelm, who were granted a license to manufacture window glass and other glass products. The factory was originally located in the village of Nuutajärvi, but it was moved to the nearby village of Notsjö in 1816.
In its early years, the factory focused on producing functional glass objects, such as window panes, bottles, and tableware. However, in the mid-19th century, the factory began to produce more decorative glass objects, such as vases, figurines, and chandeliers. This was due in part to the efforts of Adolf Törngren, who took over the factory in 1849. Törngren was a skilled glassmaker and businessman, and he was determined to make Nuutajärvi a leading producer of art glass. Under his leadership, Nuutajärvi glass became known for its innovative designs and high quality. Many its glass wares were designed by leading Finnish designers, such as Kaj Franck, Tapio Wirkkala, and Timo Sarpaneva.
In the 1950s, Nuutajärvi glass was acquired by the Wartsila Group. This led to a period of expansion and growth for the factory. New production facilities were built, and new designers were hired. Nuutajärvi glass continued to be a leader in the field of art glass, and its products were exported all over the world.
In 1988, Nuutajärvi glass merged with Iittala. Today, Nuutajärvi glass is marketed under the Iittala name. However, the factory still produces a wide variety of glass objects in the Nuutajärvi tradition.
Nymphenburg Porcelain
Nymphenburg porcelain is a famous porcelain manufacturer in Germany, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful designs. The history of Nymphenburg porcelain dates back to the mid-18th century when the Elector of Bavaria, Max III Joseph, founded the factory in 1747.
Initially, the factory produced simple porcelain items such as dishes, cups, and vases, but in the following years, the quality of the products improved, and the factory began to produce more ornate and elaborate pieces. By the late 18th century, Nymphenburg porcelain had become one of the leading porcelain manufacturers in Europe, producing some of the finest porcelain items of the time.
Throughout the 19th century, Nymphenburg porcelain continued to flourish, producing a wide range of porcelain items in various styles, from neoclassical to rococo and art nouveau. During this time, the factory also expanded its production to include figurines and decorative items.
In the early 20th century, Nymphenburg porcelain faced some challenges, including the economic difficulties of World War I and II, but it continued to produce high-quality porcelain items. In the post-war period, the factory returned to its pre-war standards and resumed its position as a leading manufacturer of fine porcelain.
Today, Nymphenburg porcelain remains a highly regarded porcelain manufacturer, renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and unique designs. The factory continues to produce a wide range of porcelain items, including figurines, vases, plates, and bowls, using traditional techniques passed down through generations of craftsmen.