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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Portrait of Male face Composed of Nude Women
DD sent me this strange portrait of a male face in profile composed of writhing nude bodies. I KNEW I’d seen this technique before: a mélange of nude women arranged …
Quality Artistry Of A Amphora Vase
This winter I bought a vacant for years 1919 chalet on Lake Arrowhead. I’m studying its architecture and decorative art of the period. Coincidence? Synergy? Everything I look at trickles …
Ashtray With A Mystery Round Thing
Coops sent me a fantastic piece of ancient history—an ashtray, classy looking in silver with a cradles for cigarettes. Now collected in a class of objects called tobacciana, vintage from …
Bride’s Basket: Silver Or Not?
As a kid JB admired a silver, now tarnished, handled basket with a clear glass lining. She calls it her grandmother’s German silver bride’s basket. It consists of a filigreed …