Japanese Tansus Chest
SL sends me a photo of a gorgeous Japanese tansu that reflects, in a remarkable way, how a piece of furniture can tell the social history of a culture. Tansus, …
Stitch and the Contemporary Collectible
Dr. Jumba, the evil scientist who created Stitch, spoke to the Galactic Council about his creation: “he is bulletproof, fireproof and can think faster than a super computer. He can …
Silver Multi-Formed Epergne from Shanghai
J.A. sends me photos of a lovely silver multi-formed epergne (flower holder) with the unique hallmark “Tuck Chang,” a 19th century silversmith from Shanghai, China. When we think of silver, …
Celluloid Siren Box
RM has a little box, 4 inches wide, 8 long and 5.5 inches tall, made of “composite.” The medium is not wood, not gesso, not plaster, but a combination of …
Fascinating Chinese Table Lamp
MAM sends me a photo of a fascinating Chinese table lamp that is a four-sided gently sloping rectangular shape in colored glazes on white with floral enameling, setting off a …
How to evaluate a postcard
JF sends me a picture postcard from the Panama Pacific International Exposition of San Francisco, circa 1915. What follows is a key to valuation of postcards in general – and …
Lassen Art
M.H. from Ventura has a print by Christian Riese Lassen, a fine Hawaiian marine artist. The work is titled at the top “The Circle of Life,” with the artist’s name …
1888 NY American Bible
TK and her mom found this old bible, Old and New Testament, published by the NY American Bible Society, 1888. TK wants to know if it’s worth something. Every family …
Thai Midcentury “Happy Peasant” Art
B.W. from Montecito has a painting of colorful straw-hatted workers in a rice paddy, which she believes was purchased in Thailand. It is signed “Sujarit”: the artist is Sujarit Hirankul …
Meissonier Painting
P.P. sends me a copper plate engraving on paper which is signed Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier (1815-91), a French Classicist painter known for his portrayal of cocky handsome soldiers, ‘bonhommes’ – original …