How many times when you were a child did you hear, "Don't touch that!" or "Be extra careful when you dust that!" or this one, "Don't run through the house. Certain things could fall and you will be in a lot of trouble if they do!"
Vases on the
hall table, plates hanging on the wall, statues on the piano, fancy candy
dish on the coffee table. I grew up with these things as many of you have, too.
Some were passed down to me, others I collected myself. Do you have pieces of
fine china, porcelain and glass in your home? I like displaying these items,
therefore, I do not have them in my family museum. And as I dust them for the millionth
time (maybe not quite that many) I can still hear, “Be careful with that. It was your grandmother’s.
And in this case, this vase actually was. My nana, Elisabetha, bought the Nippon
vase in 1920. It proudly sat on the dining room table for years. When she
passed away, my mother took possession of it. She, too, proudly displayed it in
the living room. As a child I never sought to know anything about it except
that it was old and pretty. Then one day, it almost met its demise, but
survived the fall, big and small chunks strewed about the room. I can still
remember watching my dad sitting at the kitchen table, painstakingly gluing the
vase back together. Now I have it and the vase still reigns supreme, but this
time it sits high on top the dining room china cabinet, bruised but still
beautiful.
The
important thing about collecting china and porcelain is to first, cherish the
ones you have, not only when they are on display, but in a preservation mode;
pictures and written documentation. Analysis the characteristics of the piece.
The material of which it is made, how the image is put on the piece, and
importantly, its mark on the bottom. Some pieces may not have one, but that
does not mean it is of lesser value. But for serious collectors, those marks
are extremely important. To assist you in determining those
marks, please visit this website:
http://www.antique-marks.com It is a fantastic guide to antique pottery marks, porcelain marks and china marks.
http://www.antique-marks.com It is a fantastic guide to antique pottery marks, porcelain marks and china marks.
An example of a china mark is this one: Nippon China. Nippon era began in 1891 when the Japanese porcelain was clearly marked "Nippon" due to the McKinley Tariff Act. This act required that all porcelain be marked with the country of origin. ("Nippon" literally translates to "Japan".) This porcelain was made specifically to be exported to the west with designs and patterns that suited Americans tastes. At that time, Japan had a thriving porcelain industry using methods used in Europe and the United States.
In 1921 the United States government changed its position
and required that Japanese imports no longer be marked “Nippon,” but with,
“Japan.” This marks the end of the Nippon era.
I started
collection pieces of Nippon after a dear friend introduced me to the fine
china. I was mesmerized. Every piece was exquisitely made and the artwork was
beautiful. What captivated me more was that I could find this fabulous china at
yard sales. I couldn’t believe that anyone would want to sell them and at
pennies on the dollar. I guess that old adage, “One’s man’s junk is another’s
treasurers.”
So, I
started to collect Nippon, making sure each piece was made before 1921, and by
time I finished buying my last piece, I amassed over a dozen pieces, each and
every one precious. Again, there is so much I can write upon Nippon but I’d
rather offer you an expert website that covers everything you want to know
about Nippon. It is,
International Nippon Collectors Clubhttp://nipponcollectorsclub.com
Do you ever question, "Is there a difference between things made in China and made in Japan?” Answer is Yes! Just about everything used to be made in Japan? TVs, VCRs, Microwaves, etc. However, in recent years many of these companies have shifted their production centers to China to save money. So even though the company itself is Japanese, many components or even whole units are made in China.
Just so that you know, Chinese porcelain originated in China, dating from the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC. Exported Chinese porcelains were held in such great esteem in Europe that in the English language china became a commonly used synonym for the Franco-Italian term porcelain. I would imagine that items of this caliber of china and porcelain are in grand museums. That is not to say that the china and porcelain items we own are inferior, their value is determined by individual tastes, hence worth. Do you ever question, "Is there a difference between things made in China and made in Japan?” Answer is Yes! Just about everything used to be made in Japan? TVs, VCRs, Microwaves, etc. However, in recent years many of these companies have shifted their production centers to China to save money. So even though the company itself is Japanese, many components or even whole units are made in China.
I have collected many Lladros over
the years. Many were given as tokens of love and for special occasions. I love
my Lladros and when Keith and I were fortunate to travel to Madrid, Spain, I
went into several Lladro Galleries and was flabbergasted at the variety and
size of statues available for sale. These artistic creations take your breath
away. There is so much to tell about Lladro that it would take up this whole
blog. Therefore, please take some time a visit their website and see for
yourself how beautiful is this art form.
http://www.lladro.com/home.jhtml
Two of my favorite figurines are of this Colonial Man & Woman, coyly flirting with each other. On the man's base is the signature of Carlo Mollica. It took me a while to research the name, but when I found it, the information said the figurines were made by one of the oldest and most collectible of ceramics factories in Italy.
The male figurine bears the symbol of Carlo Mollica (C. Mollica). The Mollica factory began in 1880 in Naples. It moved to Milan in 1942. Between 1950 and 1970 the factory reached its zenith of popularity under the leadership of Carlo Mollica. During this period Mollica produced artwork equal to the finest made throughout Italy. The factory produced a wide range of products from classical Capodimonte to Lenci-like Art Nouveau. Mollica ceased operation in 1978. Walter Del Pellegrino, author of Italian Pottery Marks from Cantagalli to Fornasetti, 1850-1950.
Many years
ago, Keith and I gave this statue of a Blue Jay to his parents for an anniversary. It
sat
on top of their TV set for years. Before his mother passed away, she gave it
back to us. It now shares the top of an antique dresser with the Canaries. Both of these bisque figurines were made by Andrea by
Sadek, also known as Charles Sadek Import Company or J. Willfred,
headquartered in New Rochelle, New York. The company was founded in
1936 by Charles and Norman Sadek and is still owned and operated by the Sadek
family.
Another Andrea by Sadek is a white Bisque
Compote Dish with three cherubs and two candlesticks each with a cherub. Circa
1965? This piece gives me the heebie-jeebies every time I pick it up to move it. So it has been sitting on the small silverware chest for years. But in order to get to the silverware in the top drawer, I have to pick up the compote. Oh dear me!
Woodmere created porcelain dinnerware with American
history designs, many of which are museum-quality pieces. Its products have
served as distinctive gifts for presidents, heads of state and dignitaries. After
more than three decades, the business at 2618 W. State St. stopped
production, attributing the closing to a shrinking customer base because of the
economy.
Steelite International acquired the
Woodmere China on October
19, 2013.
In conclusion,
remember that China is
delicate, fragile and easily broken. Where ever you display your fine
pieces, to make sure they stay steady in its place,
unmovable from all kinds of actions that cause it injury or possible demise, consider using what
I had recommended in the March 24 post:
“Museum Gel” to secure your pieces.
Use it on shelves, walls, tables, etc., anywhere and everywhere the item may be
vulnerable.
Most of all, enjoy your collections. They say a lot about you and your home. Always surround you and your family with as much beauty as you can.
Most of all, enjoy your collections. They say a lot about you and your home. Always surround you and your family with as much beauty as you can.
Next Post: Going to the Prom
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