Nostr notes by History

China’s high speed rail infrastructure is simply magnificent. ...

2026-10-29T06:45:17Z

China’s high speed rail infrastructure is simply magnificent.

Futuristic chairs from Finnish design legend Eero Aarnio. ...

2026-10-25T09:30:13Z

Futuristic chairs from Finnish design legend Eero Aarnio.

The Mazda MX-81 Aria might have the wildest steering wheel ever ...

2026-10-25T04:30:19Z

The Mazda MX-81 Aria might have the wildest steering wheel ever made.

Sandworms designs concept art for Denis Villeneuve's Dune ...

2026-10-24T23:45:13Z

Sandworms designs concept art for Denis Villeneuve's Dune adaptation, dating all the way back 2018.

Concept art for Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977) by ...

2026-10-24T22:30:14Z

Concept art for Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977) by Ralph McQuarrie

The amazing architecture of the Kellogg Doolittle House in Joshua ...

2026-10-24T19:30:20Z

The amazing architecture of the Kellogg Doolittle House in Joshua Tree, California.

Speculative space art by Robert McCall ...

2026-10-20T14:30:27Z

Speculative space art by Robert McCall

The work of legendary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. ...

2026-10-13T09:45:11Z

The work of legendary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

The Suzuki Falcorustyco concept from 1985 looked like a ...

2026-10-13T08:15:15Z

The Suzuki Falcorustyco concept from 1985 looked like a motorcycle designed for a sci-fi film.

At 26, James Cameron worked as a matte painter on Escape from New ...

2026-10-13T02:30:13Z

At 26, James Cameron worked as a matte painter on Escape from New York (1981)

Interfaces in STAR WARS (1977) ...

2026-10-12T21:00:22Z

Interfaces in STAR WARS (1977)

Sony’s 1000X THE COLLECTION. A new generation of minimalist ...

2026-10-12T17:45:16Z

Sony’s 1000X THE COLLECTION. A new generation of minimalist audio design.

The Barbican Estate is brutalism at its most beautiful, where ...

2026-10-12T13:15:16Z

The Barbican Estate is brutalism at its most beautiful, where monumental concrete meets nature.

The Guangzhou Circle in China, a 138-meter-tall building shaped ...

2026-10-12T11:15:18Z

The Guangzhou Circle in China, a 138-meter-tall building shaped around a massive central void.

The Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis. One of the strangest ...

2026-10-12T07:45:15Z

The Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis. One of the strangest buildings in America, and somehow it works.

Behind the Scenes of ‘Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope’ ...

2026-10-12T05:45:13Z

Behind the Scenes of ‘Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope’ (1977), ‘Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980), and ‘Episode VI: Return of the Jedi’ (1983)

Tuthill GT ONE. A modern interpretation of the Porsche 911 GT1. ...

2026-10-12T01:30:14Z

Tuthill GT ONE. A modern interpretation of the Porsche 911 GT1.

J. R. R. Tolkien’s Illustrations for 'The Hobbit' ...

2026-10-11T20:00:17Z

J. R. R. Tolkien’s Illustrations for 'The Hobbit'

Seiko put a television on your wrist in 1982. The TV Watch still ...

2026-10-11T17:00:15Z

Seiko put a television on your wrist in 1982. The TV Watch still looks like a piece of retro-futurist technology.

Revenge of the Sith behind the scenes (2004) ...

2026-10-11T14:00:26Z

Revenge of the Sith behind the scenes (2004)

Expo Cultural Park Greenhouse Garden by Delugan Meissl ...

2026-10-11T08:45:14Z

Expo Cultural Park Greenhouse Garden by Delugan Meissl

The Wuppertal Schwebebahn in Germany. The world’s oldest ...

2026-10-11T03:45:23Z

The Wuppertal Schwebebahn in Germany. The world’s oldest electric suspended railway, operating since 1901.

Nike watch designs from the early 2000s. Y2K futurism at its ...

2026-10-11T01:00:31Z

Nike watch designs from the early 2000s. Y2K futurism at its best.

A light-filled wooden chapel in Brno, Czechia. ...

2026-10-10T23:15:35Z

A light-filled wooden chapel in Brno, Czechia.

New variant covers for the ‘STAR WARS’ x ‘MARVEL’ ...

2026-10-10T20:45:27Z

New variant covers for the ‘STAR WARS’ x ‘MARVEL’ crossover comic event.

Art by Jerome Opeña, Dan Jurgens & Jerry Ordway.

Jim Tierney’s stunning 4K Dune book cover art to use as phone ...

2026-10-10T18:00:23Z

Jim Tierney’s stunning 4K Dune book cover art to use as phone wallpapers.

First variant covers for the upcoming ‘STAR WARS’ x ...

2026-10-10T13:30:11Z

First variant covers for the upcoming ‘STAR WARS’ x ‘MARVEL’ crossover comic event.

Art by Kaare Andrews, Rafael Albuquerque, Alex Ross & Ron Lim.

Ridley Scott’s original storyboards for Alien (1979) ...

2026-10-10T11:30:07Z

Ridley Scott’s original storyboards for Alien (1979)

The Washington D.C. Metro, designed by architect Harry Weese. Its ...

2026-10-10T10:00:10Z

The Washington D.C. Metro, designed by architect Harry Weese. Its monumental concrete vaults still feel futuristic today.

k67 modular kiosk ...

2026-10-10T07:45:11Z

k67 modular kiosk

Maison Hermès, Tokyo Designed by Renzo Piano ...

2026-10-10T01:45:16Z

Maison Hermès, Tokyo

Designed by Renzo Piano

Striking 1997 magazine artwork for Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade. ...

2026-10-09T21:30:05Z

Striking 1997 magazine artwork for Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade.

The Art Deco details of the Hoover Dam are incredible. One of the ...

2026-10-09T18:30:11Z

The Art Deco details of the Hoover Dam are incredible. One of the most beautiful pieces of American infrastructure ever built.

H.R. Giger’s biomechanical universe. ...

2026-10-09T16:00:18Z

H.R. Giger’s biomechanical universe.

Citizen × FamilyMart Watch. Japanese minimalism for just $12.80. ...

2026-10-09T11:45:17Z

Citizen × FamilyMart Watch. Japanese minimalism for just $12.80.

Concorde made its final flight in 2003. Somehow, more than two ...

2026-10-09T06:00:09Z

Concorde made its final flight in 2003. Somehow, more than two decades later, it still looks futuristic.

NASA scanned and catalogued the original film photographs from ...

2026-10-09T05:00:06Z

NASA scanned and catalogued the original film photographs from the Apollo missions in high resolution. An incredible visual archive of the space age.

Brazilian architecture at its best. The Ópera de Arame in ...

2026-10-09T02:45:08Z

Brazilian architecture at its best. The Ópera de Arame in Curitiba, designed by Domingos Bongestabs in 1992.

Pirelli advertising in the 1980s was incredible. ...

2026-10-09T00:30:11Z

Pirelli advertising in the 1980s was incredible.

Preliminary illustrations by John Berkey for his Star Wars ...

2026-10-08T18:45:12Z

Preliminary illustrations by John Berkey for his Star Wars posters (1977)

The Matrix storyboard art by Steve Skroce, 1998 ...

2026-10-08T16:15:09Z

The Matrix storyboard art by Steve Skroce, 1998

Sean Young on the set of Blade Runner ...

2026-10-06T23:45:11Z

Sean Young on the set of Blade Runner

In 1890, photochrom prints documented Rome's architecture, ...

2026-10-01T20:46:45Z

In 1890, photochrom prints documented Rome's architecture, featuring the New Fountain, the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Capitoline. The prints show a bustling city scene with many historical structures.

#history #photography

Statue of Gudea, named “Gudea, the man who built the temple, ...

2026-10-01T08:45:31Z

Statue of Gudea, named “Gudea, the man who built the temple, may his life be long”
Neo-Sumerian · ca. 2090 BCE

#history #ancient

The Islamic world Qur'an Manuscript Folio (recto) (left side ...

2026-10-01T04:15:42Z

The Islamic world
Qur'an Manuscript Folio (recto) (left side of bifolio) · 1300s–1400s
Persian Quatrains (Rubayi) and Calligraphic Exercises (recto) · Sultan Muhammad Khandan · c. 1509–59
Episodes from the Reigns of Khusrau Parviz and Nushirwan from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (940–1019 or 1025) · c. 1299
Orans Figure · before 1984

#history

A 14th-century French folding shrine made of elephant ivory ...

2026-09-30T23:45:59Z

A 14th-century French folding shrine made of elephant ivory features the Virgin and Child. It includes colorful paint and metal mounts. These shrines were commonly used for private devotion during that time.

#history #medieval

Andokides made these terracotta amphorae around 530 BCE. They ...

2026-09-30T18:01:15Z

Andokides made these terracotta amphorae around 530 BCE. They depict scenes from Greek mythology and represent the storytelling tradition in Archaic period pottery.

#history #ancient #andokides

Pompeii, Italy, was buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD, ...

2026-09-30T12:16:19Z

Pompeii, Italy, was buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD, preserving its streets and buildings. These photochrom prints from 1890 show the ruins, including the Forum and the House of Vetti, revealing the ancient city's layout and architecture.

#history #photography

Cairo in the 1890s was a bustling trade hub. These photochrom ...

2026-09-30T08:04:13Z

Cairo in the 1890s was a bustling trade hub. These photochrom prints capture local vendors, families, and traditional clothing, reflecting everyday life and culture during that time.

#history #photography

The Anglo-Flemish tournament helm dates to around 1510–20 and ...

2026-09-30T03:03:36Z

The Anglo-Flemish tournament helm dates to around 1510–20 and was crafted in Belgium from steel and copper alloy. Designed for jousting, its slotted visor allowed for visibility while providing protection during the fierce competitions of the medieval period.

#history #armor

Chinese ceramics from different dynasties include leather ...

2026-09-29T20:47:58Z

Chinese ceramics from different dynasties include leather bag-shaped flasks from the Liao dynasty, relief panels from the Han dynasty showing a tiger and boar, Jian ware tea bowls from the Song dynasty used in tea culture, and hexagonal flower pots from the Ming dynasty used in the Forbidden City.

#history #china

The Middle Ages saw diverse art and craftsmanship. A miniature ...

2026-09-29T14:45:44Z

The Middle Ages saw diverse art and craftsmanship. A miniature from a Gospel book (c. 1125–50) features the symbol of St. Matthew. A prayer book miniature (c. 1540–1550) reflects Antwerp Mannerism. A Byzantine chain with a pendant cross dates to the 500s, and a small sword from late 17th century France illustrates metalwork of that era.

#history #medieval

This set features works from the Islamic world made between the ...

2026-09-29T09:45:35Z

This set features works from the Islamic world made between the 13th and 16th centuries. Included is a Safavid-era illustration of King Luhrasp's court procession. Two folios from a Qur'an manuscript highlight calligraphy, and a 1224 herbal manuscript by Abdallah ibn al-Fadl includes early scientific inquiry and figural imagery.

#history

Constantinople in the 1890s was a hub for trade and culture. The ...

2026-09-29T04:31:01Z

Constantinople in the 1890s was a hub for trade and culture. The Kara-Keui bridge linked pedestrians and goods, while the Kariye mosque reflects the city's architectural history. These photochrom prints capture daily life along the Sea of Marmara and the city's diverse landscape.

#history #photography

Three artifacts from ancient Greece and Cyprus: the Nolan ...

2026-09-29T00:02:00Z

Three artifacts from ancient Greece and Cyprus: the Nolan amphora, made by the Achilles Painter around 460-450 BCE in Athens, likely contained wine or oil; the pyxis, created by the Euaion Painter around 450-440 BCE, was used for personal items; and a bearded head from 5th century BCE Cyprus.

#history #ancient

Photochrom prints from the 1890s depict Moscow. The Arc de ...

2026-09-28T19:45:49Z

Photochrom prints from the 1890s depict Moscow. The Arc de Triomphe symbolizes victory, the Kremlin's towers reflect the city's history, and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior serves as a major religious site in the busy urban landscape.

#history #photography

This diptych from 1400–1450 depicts the Passion of Jesus, made ...

2026-09-28T15:30:27Z

This diptych from 1400–1450 depicts the Passion of Jesus, made from elephant ivory, parchment, and pigment. It comes from Hainaut, France or the Netherlands and features scenes of Christ's crucifixion and entombment.

#history #medieval

Reliefs from a Chapel of Ramesses I date to the New Kingdom, ...

2026-09-28T10:30:18Z

Reliefs from a Chapel of Ramesses I date to the New Kingdom, around 1299–1290 BCE. These limestone and painted artworks depict scenes of worship and offerings, reflecting the religious practices of ancient Egypt during the Ramesside period.

#history #egypt

The statuette of the goddess Neith dates from Egypt's Third ...

2026-09-28T05:15:30Z

The statuette of the goddess Neith dates from Egypt's Third Intermediate to Late Period (about 945–332 BCE). The Yoruba royal cap, made in Nigeria in the early to mid-20th century, includes beadwork for cultural ceremonies. The 2nd-century amulet of Osiris-Canopus shows Egyptian and Roman influences.

#history #africa

This alabastron, made by Roman artisans between the late 1st ...

2026-09-28T00:15:17Z

This alabastron, made by Roman artisans between the late 1st century BCE and early 1st century CE, was used to hold scented oils. It dates back to 200-150 BCE and reflects the practice of using fragrance in ancient Eastern Mediterranean culture.

#history #ancient

The Penthesilea Painter created this terracotta pyxis around ...

2026-09-27T18:31:19Z

The Penthesilea Painter created this terracotta pyxis around 465–460 BCE in ancient Athens. These boxes were often used to hold cosmetics or jewelry, reflecting the era's appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship in everyday objects.

#history #ancient #penthesileapainter

These photochrom prints depict Athens in the 1890s. They feature ...

2026-09-27T12:33:26Z

These photochrom prints depict Athens in the 1890s. They feature the Royal Palace, the Propylea, the Acropolis with the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Theatre of Herodes, showcasing the city's classical architecture and notable landmarks.

#history #photography

Coins from England's Tudor and Stuart periods reflect changes ...

2026-09-27T06:31:16Z

Coins from England's Tudor and Stuart periods reflect changes in the monarchy. The Thirty Shilling Sovereign from Elizabeth I (1583–1603) represents her reign's wealth. The coin featuring Oliver Cromwell (1656) marks a shift in governance, while Edward VI's coins (1550–1553) represent the early Tudor era.

#history #medieval

The Amasis Painter created these terracotta lekythoi around ...

2026-09-27T01:45:46Z

The Amasis Painter created these terracotta lekythoi around 550–530 BCE. They depict scenes of daily life and athletic events in Archaic Greece. These oil flasks were commonly used in funerals, reflecting the cultural practices of that time.

#history #ancient #amasispainter

The Reliquary Bust of Saint Yrieix dates to around 1220–1240 ...

2026-09-26T20:16:26Z

The Reliquary Bust of Saint Yrieix dates to around 1220–1240 and is crafted from silver and gilded silver, adorned with rock crystal, gems, and glass. This intricate piece reflects the artistry of medieval France, serving as a container for relics and a symbol of devotion.

#history #medieval

Chinese ceramics from different dynasties include covered vases ...

2026-09-26T15:15:49Z

Chinese ceramics from different dynasties include covered vases made in Jingdezhen during the Qing dynasty (1662–1722) and a Jian ware tea bowl from the Song dynasty (960–1279). The bowl from the Northern Song dynasty (1000s) represents early Chinese pottery styles.

#history #china

These photochrom prints from 1890 depict Athens, featuring the ...

2026-09-26T10:47:23Z

These photochrom prints from 1890 depict Athens, featuring the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Temple of Victory Aptere as examples of classical architecture. The Monument of Lysicrates highlights artistic achievements, while the cityscape reflects both history and urban life.

#history #photography

This set features Chinese ceramics from the Qing and Song ...

2026-09-26T06:16:29Z

This set features Chinese ceramics from the Qing and Song dynasties. It includes a bowl with flying cranes from 1723–35, a transitional bowl from 1644–61 that reflects the shift from Ming to Qing styles, and a Jian ware tea bowl from 960–1279, representing early ceramic innovation.

#history #china

The Euphiletos Painter made these Panathenaic prize amphorae ...

2026-09-26T00:49:25Z

The Euphiletos Painter made these Panathenaic prize amphorae around 530 BCE. They were given as awards at the Panathenaic Games and often featured scenes of athletic competitions, reflecting the role of sports in ancient Greek culture.

#history #ancient #euphiletospainter

Daniel Tachaux made this armor for the Joust of Peace around 1500 ...

2026-09-25T19:17:46Z

Daniel Tachaux made this armor for the Joust of Peace around 1500 in Paris. It is made of steel, leather, and textiles. Armor like this was used in ceremonial jousts, which were part of the martial culture and chivalric traditions of the time.

#history #armor #danieltachaux