CLASSIFICATION OF COLLECTIBLE DESIGN OBJECTS

Abstract

The study addresses the fragmentation of approaches to describing collectible design objects by developing a multi-parameter classification. Four parameters are defined: Edition size/Rarity, Functionality/Artistic emphasis, Craft/Production, and Recognition/Sales, which together enable a comparative profile of an object in terms of its degree of rarity, the balance between function and artistic expressiveness, the mode of making, and the context of recognition and sale. Methodology. To achieve the aim, the study employed a set of scholarly methods. A structured review of recent literature and relevant professional sources, combined with thematic coding, was used to organize the collected materials into coherent thematic blocks and to identify recurring features on the basis of which four classification parameters for collectible design objects and their levels were defined and operationalized. A comparative case analysis was then conducted by mapping five furniture objects against the parameters Edition size/Rarity, Functionality/ Artistic emphasis, Craft/Production, and Recognition/Sales, enabling the construction of object profiles and revealing differences between gallery-based, museum-recognized, and brand-led limited editions. Results. Based on the review of professional sources, four key parameters for classifying collectible design objects were identified: Edition size/Rarity, spanning from a unique piece to small series with a documented edition; Functionality/ Artistic emphasis, ranging from fully utilitarian items to objects where the aesthetic component predominates; Craft/Production, capturing cases where handwork or production processes prevail, as well as hybrid technological chains; and Recognition/Sales, distinguishing institutional recognition, the curated market, and brand-led sales channels. The defined levels of these parameters were integrated into a classification framework and tested on collectible design objects, supporting their systematic organization despite the variety of perspectives from which they can be interpreted. Scientific novelty. The article proposes an integrated approach to classifying collectible design objects based on complementary parameters with coding levels, enabling the construction of a comparative object profile and moving beyond descriptions reduced solely to limited edition size. Practical relevance. The results can be used by designers to substantiate and document the “collectability” of objects, particularly when preparing catalogues, exhibition dossiers, and analytical reviews.