In the mid-1800s, interest in marine and fresh water life soared, which led to the development and widespread popularity of aquariums for the home. Aquariums served as fish tanks or small ornamental fountains in the Victorian home. They might contain wild plants and creatures combined with ferns and fountain feature. Some aquariums were salt-water, providing a glimpse of ocean life, but the majori
Cast-iron aquarium on base with plate glass windows. The rectangular tank has two windows on the front, two on the back, and one on each side. Between each pane of glass is a cast column with a spike finial on top. The base is made of cast iron with two legs joined by upper and lower stretchers. The design is in the Rococo Revival style with C-scrolls, vegetal forms, and scroll feet. The major cha
In the mid-1800s, interest in marine and fresh water life soared, which led to the development and widespread popularity of aquariums for the home. Aquariums served as fish tanks or small ornamental fountains in the Victorian home. They might contain wild plants and creatures combined with ferns and fountain feature. Some aquariums were salt-water, providing a glimpse of ocean life, but the majori
Ceramic aquarium in the Rustic style. The tank is set on four legs, with each framing device meant to resemble a log with branches freshly removed, as indicated by beige and brown ring marks. Despite the use of the Rustic style, which derives its charm from the irregularity of nature, the design for this aquarium is entirely symmetrical. Originally a simple glass container, these cases evolved to
Glass and iron tank aquarium or terrarium. The case has Doric columns at each corner with knob finials and plate glass windows. The knobs are screwed into the tops of the tank. The undulating base ornament paired with the Neoclassical columns is characteristic of the Revival Styles of the nineteenth century, which disregarded acuracy in favor of ornamentation. Originally a simple glass container,
In the mid-1800s, interest in marine and fresh water life soared, which led to the development and widespread popularity of aquariums for the home. Aquariums served as fish tanks or small ornamental fountains in the Victorian home. They might contain wild plants and creatures combined with ferns and fountain feature. Some aquariums were salt-water, providing a glimpse of ocean life, but the majori
In the mid-1800s, interest in marine and fresh water life soared, which led to the development and widespread popularity of aquariums for the home. Aquariums served as fish tanks or small ornamental fountains in the Victorian home. They might contain wild plants and creatures combined with ferns and fountain feature. Some aquariums were salt-water, providing a glimpse of ocean life, but the majori
Cast-iron arborette in the form of a tree trunk. Around the base of the trunk are rocks with flowers and ferns growing from them. This decorative garden accessory is in the Rustic style. Rustic style was immensely popular in the Victorian era, and the height of its popularity occurred between 1840 and 1890. Rustic objects share a common aesthetic of being artfully assembled with materials harveste
Cast-iron arborette in the form of a tree trunk with cut branch protrusions. Growing up the sides of the trunk are ivy vines, ferns, and flowers. This decorative garden accessory is in the Rustic style. Rustic style was immensely popular in the Victorian era, and the height of its popularity occurred between 1840 and 1890. Rustic objects share a common aesthetic of being artfully assembled with ma
Flowers used for personal adornment were a popular, almost mandatory, fashion accessory in the nineteenth century. Small bouquets, called nosegays, posies, or tussie mussies were carried by debutantes, matrons, and girls, and they were a popular gift in the mid to late 1800s among friends and suitors. They were typically created in concentric rings of flowers, tightly wound together, and were ofte
The auto vase, a term coined by Henry Ford, began to appear in automobiles as early as 1895. These automobile accessories not only improved the smell, but also added a touch of elegance to any vehicle’s interior. Henry Ford was so pleased with these decorative “air-fresheners,” that he offered them in his parts department and added them to his system of mass production. An auto vase is comprised o
Flowers used for personal adornment were a popular, almost mandatory, fashion accessory in the nineteenth century. Small bouquets, called nosegays, posies, or tussie mussies were carried by debutantes, matrons, and girls, and they were a popular gift in the mid to late 1800s among friends and suitors. They were typically created in concentric rings of flowers, tightly wound together, and were ofte