Crystal Bird Figurine “Made in China”
AF owns a small clear crystal bird figurine on a frosted glass base. The underside shows a label “Made in Taiwan R.O.C.” (Republic of China). The phrase “Made in” helps …
La Biennale di Venezia 2026
Santa Barbara appraiser Elizabeth Stewart, PhD offers her review of La Biennale di Venezia 2026. Watch Video
Carved Meerschaum Pipe A Nod To Turkish Tobacco
LS wrote to ask if his vintage pipe is ivory. If so, can he sell ivory? First question: it’s not ivory. If made of ivory, LS would need to donate …
Painting Depicts US Maritime History
DF, a former servicemember, a U.S. Marine, sent this 20th century painting and brought a tear to my eye. This painting shows a tall ship by an amateur, signed in …
Shadows & Secrets: A Film Noir Series
Steve Grumette talks about Shadows & Secrets: A Film Noir Series that runs most Sunday evenings through July 12 at the Ojai Art Center Theater. Watch Video
Californio Braided Brooches
EC inherited a Bible from her mom. It belonged to Isabel Robbins Carrillo (1845-1914), a lady from one of Santa Barbara’s most distinguished families. Along with the Bible she found …
Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library
Father Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, PhD talks about the Santa Barbara Mission Archive Library. Watch Video
Rediscovery of the Warwick Vase
PP sent me a large drinking vessel, a replica of the Warwick Vase. Collected in the early 20th century on a 19th century grand tour. Wealthy young men on their …
Santi Visalli’s APAG Lifetime Achievement Award
Photographer Santi Visalli and APAG Founder Mary Engel talk about the Lifetime Achievement Award for Photography by the American Photography Archives Group. Watch Video
Another Wedding Basket This One From China
JW owns a Chinese rattan two-tiered tall rectangular basket circa 1900. She wrote me because of my previous article about a Victorian Bride’s Baskets. Her Chinese basket is ALSO a …