Archive for September, 2010

Blown & cut glass goblet, c.1870

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

A simple design of vertical panels and horizontal stripes graces this elegant hand blown cut glass goblet, which measures 5-1/2″ tall and has a diameter of 3-5/8″. I believe this to be an American example from the mid to late 1800’s

The tin “witch’s hat” base replaces the long gone original glass foot and stem. As goblets were used on a daily basis by most family members, many became broken and were repaired both at home and by itinerant menders. I have numerous glass goblets in my collection with replaced wood & metal bases in a variety of unusual forms. Please enter “glass goblet” in the SEARCH box to the right to see more examples

Huge yellow ware jug, c.1870

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

It is unusual to see a large and stout jug of this type, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to find one with such an impressive inventive repair. This American yellow ware mocha jug is decorated with a washed out blue slip seaweed pattern on a wide white band along side two narrow blue bands

I found this wonderful addition to my collection in Maine this summer, but the dealer I purchased it from originally found it in Pennsylvania

Jug measures 9-1/4″ high

Due to the sheer weight of this piece, a replaced tin handle was firmly attached to the body by means of an elaborate metal truss, encompassing the rim, spout and base

Another jug with similar form and decoration has its original applied handle and looks quite different without the metal armor of my jug

Photo courtesy of Antique Associates at West Townsend

“Make-do” at the Met, part 2

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

Over the summer I returned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to see what antiques with inventive repairs were hiding in plain sight. I discovered numerous examples scattered throughout the various collections, including these two teapots found among the Japanese porcelains.

“Teapot in the Shape of a Melon with Floral Design” Rim and hinge made by Thome, New York. Japan, Edo period (1615-1868), late 17th century. Porcelain with underglaze blue decoration and overglaze enamels (Arita ware, Kakiemon type); modern silver lid

“Lobed Teapot with Floral Design” Japan, Edo period (1615-1868), late 17th century. Porcelain with overglaze enamels (Arita ware, Ko Imari type); European replacement spout and handle

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Famille Rose decorated mug, c.1750

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

This Chinese export porcelain cylindrical form mug is decorated in the Rose Mandarin style with polychrome underglazed enamels. It is painted using the Famille Rose palette and has stylized flowers and a domestic scene

Over the past 260 years or so, this ceramic survivor sustained a life of clumsy owners, resulting in many large chips along the rim and a broken handle

Mug stands 4-1/2″ tall

The once separated handle is now held tightly in place with the aid of two small metal rivets, repaired in the 1800’s by an itinerant mender

This Chinese ceramic mug with similar form has an intact handle and no chips

Photo courtesy of Artifact