How To Recognize Decorative Art: Look for Handmade History

How To Recognize Decorative Art: Look for Handmade History

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Antique Art Deco
Jun 18, 2025

How can you tell if an object is decorative art? Lauren Cross, curator of American decorative arts at The Huntington, shares three principles to consider when looking at objects in an art gallery or in your own home. Discover the handmade details in a hooked rug from Maine, trace the traditions behind the classic designs of New England Windsor chairs, and appreciate the craftsmanship of an Arts and Crafts cabinet from a utopian art colony.

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Director of Photography: Aric Allen
Editor: Aric Allen
Managing Producer: Deborah Miller Marr

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