Learn about antiques and collectables...
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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.
Qianlong Porcelain
Qianlong porcelain refers to a type of Chinese porcelain produced during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1735–1796) of the Qing Dynasty in the potteries at Jingdezhen in the Jiangxi province. The Qianlong period is considered one of the peaks of Chinese porcelain production, known for its high quality and exquisite craftsmanship. The emperor himself was a patron of the arts and had a deep appreciation for the traditional Chinese arts, including ceramics.
Qianlong porcelain is characterized by its fine and delicate workmanship, vibrant colors, and intricate designs. During this period, various styles of porcelain were produced, including famille rose, famille verte, and blue and white porcelain. Famille rose, in particular, became prominent during the Qianlong era, featuring a palette of bright, opaque colors, often incorporating intricate scenes, floral patterns, and detailed depictions of daily life.
The Qianlong Emperor was personally involved in the design process, often providing his own input and ideas for the decoration of porcelain pieces. His reign saw a wide range of porcelain items produced, including vases, bowls, plates, teapots, and various decorative objects.
Qianlong porcelain is highly valued by collectors and is considered a significant era in the history of Chinese ceramic art. It's important to note that due to the popularity and historical significance of Qianlong porcelain, there have been reproductions and imitations over the years, so authentication is crucial when assessing the value and authenticity of such items.
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.
Quadrant
In seafaring, a quadrant refers to a navigational instrument used for measuring the angle of elevation of a celestial body above the horizon. It is specifically designed for celestial navigation, allowing sailors to determine their latitude by measuring the altitude of the sun, stars, or other celestial bodies.
A quadrant typically consists of a graduated arc of 90 degrees, one-fourth of a full circle, hence the name "quadrant." The instrument is divided into degrees, minutes, and sometimes even seconds. Navigators would use the quadrant to measure the angle between the celestial body and the horizon. By knowing the angle and the time of observation, sailors could then calculate their latitude using navigational tables or mathematical formulas.
They are no longer in general use as modern navigation relies more on instruments like sextants and electronic devices such as GPS, but the concept of measuring celestial angles with a quadrant contributes to the historical understanding of navigation techniques at sea.
Quaich
A quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking vessel that has a shallow, wide bowl with two handles on opposite sides. It is often crafted from wood, silver, horn, pewter, or other materials. The word "quaich" is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "cuach," meaning cup or bowl.
Quaichs have a rich cultural and historical significance in Scotland, and they are often associated with friendship, hospitality, and social gatherings. The two handles on the quaich represent trust between the giver and the receiver, as both hands are needed to pass and receive the cup. This symbolism has led to the quaich being referred to as the "cup of friendship" or "loving cup."
Traditionally, quaichs were used for toasting and sharing a drink, particularly during important occasions such as weddings, celebrations, or gatherings of friends and family. They are often engraved or decorated, adding a personal touch to these cherished items.
Quaich
A quaich is a drinking cup, originating in the Scottish Highlands. It is in the form of a wide, shallow bowl and has two or three handles projecting from the upper section and sometimes has a circular foot. Small quaiches were for individual use, while the larger, ornate variety were used for communal drinking at ceremonies. The word quaich is derived from the Gaelic word cuach, meaning cup. A porringer is a similar vessel, but usually has only a single handle.
Quarter Striking
A clock that srtikes on the quarter hour, as well as on the hour.
Quarter Veneer
In preparation for production of quarter-sawn veneer, the log is first quartered, meaning it's cut into four equal quarters. Each quarter of the log is then cut radially, resulting in boards with annual growth rings at approximately 90 degrees to the face of the board. Veneer Cutting: These boards are then sliced into thin veneer sheets using a veneer slicer. Quarter-sawn wood is known for its unique and attractive appearance and the growth rings have a distinctive figuring often referred to as ray fleck or medullary ray.
Quarter-sawn veneer is commonly used in furniture making. The unique grain pattern adds aesthetic appeal to pieces like cabinets, tables, and chairs. Decorative Panels: It is also used in the production of decorative panels for interior applications, such as wall panelling, doors, and trim. Some musical instrument makers use quarter-sawn veneer for the back and sides of instruments like guitars, providing both visual appeal and stability.
The distinctive grain pattern adds a unique and desirable look to finished products. Quarter-sawn wood, and consequently quarter-sawn veneer, can be more expensive than other types of wood due to the cutting process
Quartetto Tables
A nest of four small tables, made in decreasing graduated sizes so that they fit inside each other, and lightly made so they can easily be moved. (See "nest of tables")
Quatrefoil
A stylised four-circle design, itself contained within a larger circle, with Gothic origins and often seen as window designs in ecclesiastical architecture. The use of the motif was popular in Gothic Revival furniture of the 19th century.
Queen Anne Pattern Silver
The Queen Anne pattern in silver refers to a particular style of silverware design that emerged during the reign of Queen Anne of Great Britain, which lasted from 1702 to 1714. This period is part of the larger Baroque era, characterized by ornate and elaborate designs in various art forms, including silverware. Queen Anne pattern silver typically features elegant and graceful lines, often incorporating motifs such as scrolls, shells, and floral elements. Handles of flatware (such as spoons and forks) might be curved and decorated with intricate details.
Queen Anne pattern silver is just one example of the many styles and patterns that have been created over the centuries. Different monarchs, historical periods, and artistic movements have influenced the design of silverware, resulting in a rich diversity of styles in the world of silver craftsmanship.
Queen Anne Style Furniture
Queen Anne style furniture refers to a distinct design aesthetic that emerged during the reign of Queen Anne of Great Britain (1702-1714). This period falls within the broader Baroque era, and Queen Anne style is characterized by a departure from the heavy, ornate styles that preceded it. The Queen Anne style is known for its elegance, simplicity, and graceful curves.
Queen Anne furniture is distinguished by its graceful curves, including cabriole legs with a distinctive S-curve, shaped chair backs, and serpentine or scalloped shapes on case pieces. Perhaps the most iconic feature of Queen Anne furniture is the cabriole leg. This leg style is curved and terminates in a pad, hoof, or slipper foot. It is a departure from the straight, heavy legs of earlier styles. Queen Anne chairs often feature a splat back, which is a central, often vase-shaped, pierced or solid panel between the upper and lower parts of the chair back. This design element adds elegance and interest to the chair. Carved shell motifs are common in Queen Anne furniture, appearing on chair knees, cabinet fronts, and other surfaces. Scroll and foliage motifs are also prevalent, adding a decorative touch.
Queen Anne furniture is often crafted from walnut or cherry wood, and sometimes maple. These woods were favored for their rich, warm tones. Some Queen Anne pieces feature delicate inlay or marquetry, adding decorative patterns to the surfaces. This craftsmanship reflects the emphasis on refined and detailed ornamentation. Upholstered pieces, such as chairs and settees, often feature cushioned seats and backs. These upholstery elements contribute to the comfort and inviting nature of the furniture.
Queen Anne style furniture remains popular and influential, and many modern reproductions are inspired by this classic design.
Queen's Pattern
The term "Queen's pattern" in the context of English silver flatware typically refers to a specific design or pattern used in the crafting of silverware. Some common features of Queen's pattern silver flatware may include scrolling patterns and floral motifs; feathering, which refers to finely engraved lines or details resembling feathers; shell motifs, adding a decorative and ornate touch and a a balanced and harmonious design, often featuring symmetrical arrangements of decorative elements.
Queen's pattern may have variations, and different manufacturers or silversmiths may interpret the design in their own unique ways. Additionally, Queen's pattern silverware may have been produced over an extended period, and variations may exist between pieces created during different periods.
Quezal Glass
Quezal glass refers to a type of art glass produced by the Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Company, which was active in the early 20th century. The company was founded in 1902 by Martin Bach Sr. and his three sons. Quezal glass gained prominence during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, reflecting the design aesthetics of those periods. The company was known for its high-quality, hand-blown glassware, characterized by intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and iridescent finishes. The glass often featured organic motifs such as flowers, feathers, and iridescent pulled-feather designs, making each piece a unique work of art.
One of the key contributors to Quezal's success was the artistic talent of the Bach family, particularly the brothers Emil and Martin Jr., who played crucial roles in designing and creating the distinctive glass pieces. Quezal glass enjoyed popularity from the early 1900s until the 1920s. However, the Great Depression and changing consumer tastes led to the decline of the company, and it closed its doors in 1924.
Despite its relatively short period of operation, Quezal glass remains highly sought after by collectors due to its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic appeal.
Quimper Pottery
Quimper pottery is a type of tin-glazed earthenware that has been produced in Quimper, Brittany, France, since the late 17th century. The pottery is known for its distinctive designs, which often feature Breton motifs such as peasants, landscapes, and flowers.
The history of Quimper pottery can be traced back to the 1680s, when Jean-Baptiste Bousquet, a potter from Provence, moved to Quimper and established the HB Factory, a pottery workshop. Bousquet's pottery was initially utilitarian in nature, but it soon began to produce more decorative pieces. In the early 18th century, Quimper pottery began to adopt the blue and white colour scheme that would become its trademark. This colour scheme was inspired by Chinese porcelain, which was highly prized in Europe at the time.
In the mid-18th century, Quimper pottery experienced a period of great success. The pottery's popularity was due in part to its use of traditional Breton motifs, which appealed to a growing interest in regional culture. Quimper pottery was also popular among the French aristocracy, who were attracted to its delicate designs and fine craftsmanship.
The success of Quimper pottery continued into the 19th century. The Porquier factory, which was established in the mid-19th century and produced a wide range of faience pieces, including plates, bowls, jugs, and figurines. The Porquier factory's products often featured finely painted designs with delicate brushwork. However, the popularity of the pottery began to decline in in the late 19th century, as new technologies such as mass production began to challenge traditional pottery making methods. In the early 20th century, Quimper pottery was nearly extinct. However, the pottery was revived in the 1920s by a group of artists and craftsmen who were determined to preserve the tradition of Quimper pottery.
Quimper pottery is still produced in Quimper and the pottery is still known for its distinctive blue and white designs, which are often inspired by traditional Breton motifs.
Quiralu
Quiralu was a French toy company known for producing high-quality metal toys, particularly during the mid-20th century. The company was founded in 1932 by Émile Quirin who then ran a family art foundry in Luxeuil in Haute-Saône. In 1941, his son-in-law Hubert Desgranges took over, then in 1948 Bernard Desgranges son of Hubert took over the running of the business.
Quiralu initially focused on manufacturing a wide range of metal products, including household items and decorative objects. However, in the late 1930s, they shifted their focus to producing metal toys. The company earned a reputation for the excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail in their toy designs.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Quiralu experienced significant success and recognition for their toy production. They specialised in creating miniature figures, such as soldiers, cowboys, athletes, and various characters from popular culture. Quiralu's toys were made using a process known as zamak casting, which involved casting molten metal into moulds to create the desired shapes.
One of Quiralu's notable toy lines was their collection of military figures, which included soldiers from different countries and historical periods. These figures were prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their accuracy and intricate details. Quiralu also produced a series of cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles, often inspired by real-life models.
In addition to their metal toys, Quiralu also ventured into producing plastic toys during the 1960s. However, the company faced increasing competition from cheaper plastic toy manufacturers, which led to financial difficulties. The Quiralu foundry closed in 1961.
Despite the relatively short existence of the business, Quiralu toys are highly regarded by collectors today. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and nostalgic value of their toys have made them sought-after items.