Collector’s Content
Plate ID: How I Research & Identify Antique Plates
Need help identifying your antique dishes? Learn my step by step method for researching and identifying antique plates! If you are a regular P&P reader, you know I have a keen affinity for plates. As I’ve said before and I’ll reiterate here…each one of these round beauties is a little work of art! And I…
Read MoreHow to Care for Your Handmade Rugs
My first real introduction to Oriental rugs was at the auction house where I worked several years ago. I was totally entranced by the vibrant colors and intricate designs. I asked our rug appraiser to teach me about the styles, quality, and history, and she graciously shared her knowledge, starting me on the path to…
Read More3 Things You Should Know About Persian Rugs
Curio IQ Series: Let’s take a short and sweet lesson in antiques! Today, we are looking at the 3 things you should know before investing in a handmade Persian rug. The exotic magic of Persian rugs has captured the imagination and attracted devotees for centuries, and what’s not to love? The intricate patterning, the vibrant…
Read MoreI’m A Blue & White Snob
Confession time…I’m a blue and white ceramics snob and not ashamed to admit it! I’m tired of the trending blue and white, but not giving up on my passion either. I am never going to own a $5,000 Kangxi jar even though my tastes could easily go there! Instead I buy 19th century export and…
Read MoreA Paragon of Beauty – Ruminations on a Portrait
Some of you keen observers noticed this charming lady serenely smiling out of the Hunt Collection sale photos from Thursday. I’m excited to introduce you to the newest resident here at Dogwood House: Fräulein Auguste Strobl (1807 – 1871)! Auguste came to me by way of auction, and I must confess to only leaving a…
Read MoreCollector’s Notes: Blue and White Chinese Porcelain
An overview of blue and white Chinese porcelain for the budding collector that delves into the history and how to authenticate antique porcelains. Think you’ve got a consuming passion for decorating with blue and white Chinese porcelain? Take a look at these obsessive displays! Image via La Gazette Drouot Don’t be confused by the perspective.…
Read MoreCollector’s Notes: Antique Prints
The basics of collecting antique prints, including print making techniques, history, and how to identify different types. Antique prints are a wonderful way to bring a window to the past into your home: Usually, they are moderately priced and collectable; There is a vast variety in subject matter that has been brilliantly and artistically rendered;…
Read MoreDecorating with Rose Medallion
5 ways of decorating with Rose Medallion that showcase its beauty and help create the Chinoiserie chic look. Rose Medallion ceramics are my favorite Chinoiserie decor with out doubt. First of all the pink and green color palette is classic and charming then there are the darling birds, bats, butterflies, and dragons frolicking in the…
Read MoreCollector’s Notes: Antique Plates
Useful basics to understand when collecting antique plates and ceramics from European porcelains to folksy Staffordshire and Chinese export to transferware. If you are a lover of china or collector of antique ceramics, your china cabinet or kitchen cupboards probably hold one or more of these ceramics: No. 1 Porcelain Commonly referred to as “china”…
Read MoreRose Medallion 101: Building a Collection
A Collector’s guide to understanding and buying Rose Medallion. What makes Rose Medallion so appealing? Is it the darling details? The whimsical flora and fauna? The curious figures strolling about in gardens? Or perhaps the vibrant play of colors? No doubt the appeal is a combination of all of these characteristics, and really it is…
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