Collecting Antiques
How 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 MoreVintage Fall Decor – My Top 10
Incorporate charming vintage fall decor into your seasonal decorating for timeless and unique autumn style. Antique and vintage decor is always my go to when decorating my home and others’. I believe in shopping second hand and hunting out that previously loved piece for the patina and charm. So today peonies, I thought I would…
Read More3 Things You Should Know About Rose Medallion
Curio IQ Series: Let’s take a short and sweet lesson in antiques! The 3 things you should know before buying and collecting Rose Medallion porcelains. I have a collector’s passion for Rose Medallion. I am always hunting interesting antique forms and hoping to land that sought after piece for a steal! Sharing my knowledge about…
Read More3 Things You Should Know About Chinese Blue & White
Curio IQ Series: Let’s take a short and sweet lesson in antiques! Here are the 3 things to know for a better understanding of Chinese blue and white porcelains: Shop this peony ginger jar here In this week’s Curio IQ Series, I’m discussing the 3 things that make collecting blue and white Chinese porcelains challenging…
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 More3 Things You Should Know About Tobacco Leaf Porcelains
Curio IQ Series: Let’s take a short and sweet lesson in antiques! The 3 things you should know before buying and collecting Tobacco Leaf china. Tobacco Leaf porcelains are one of the most easily recognized china patterns out there. The distinctive multi-colored leaves and the bold pink flower instantly catches your eye. For centuries it…
Read More3 Things You Should Know About Staffordshire Flatbacks
Curio IQ Series: Let’s take a short and sweet lesson in antiques! Today we are discussing collecting and decorating with Staffordshire flatbacks. Staffordshire flatbacks are my favorite English antique beating out transferware ceramics and even Wedgwood. I just adore the folksy charm and history they reveal about popular culture of the Victorian era. Decoratively, the…
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 More3 Things You Should Know About Wedgwood
Curio IQ Series: a short and sweet lesson in antiques, discussing Wedgwood ceramics. Here’s 3 things you should know to start a collection! I’ll never forget my first real introduction to Wedgwood ceramics — the polished basalts, the velvety jaspers, and delicate curling reliefs. I was a registration assistant working on a cataloging and photography…
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