First Estonian Independence period

Estonia’s First Independence Period (1918–1940) began with the declaration of independence on February 24, 1918, followed by victory in the War of Independence and international recognition through the Tartu Peace Treaty in 1920. These two decades marked a time of rapid cultural, political, and artistic growth, as Estonia built its own government, economy, and national identity. Art Deco and Nordic influences shaped the era’s porcelain, silverware, and decorative arts, often infused with Baltic folk elements. It was a short-lived but vibrant chapter, ending with Soviet occupation in 1940. Today, every surviving piece from this period reflects the elegance, resilience, and pride of a young nation defining itself.