Appreciating Fine Antiques » Daniele Gair

Not Just A Plaything: French Dolls of the Late 19th Century

Daniele Gair — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:45:23 +0000

By Daniele Gair - One of the first friends a child ever has is often a simple construction of wood, porcelain, or cloth filled with stuffing and a painted-on smile. For centuries, dolls have not only kept children company, but have reflected how a society sees itself. Today, dolls of every shape, size, and color, made from the most basic materials to the most complex, are collected with an enthusiasm that reaches back to childhood.

From Russia With Love: Collecting Fabergé

Daniele Gair — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:02:00 +0000

Daniele Gair - There is something about royal treasure that piques the imagination. The English Crown Jewels in London enjoy a steady stream of admirers. The contents of the tomb of King Tut, including the mummified pharaoh himself, went on one of the most successful museum tours of all time in the 1970s. But if anything speaks of the opulence and luxury enjoyed by the most privileged classes, it is the work of the House of Fabergé.

A Real Page-Turner: The Thrill of Book Collecting

Daniele Gair — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:53:53 +0000

Daniele Gair - In this day and age of 24-hour electronic connectivity and reading everything from the newspaper to “War and Peace” on a smart phone, one might get the idea that books are going the way of the telegraph. But there are still some of us who appreciate the value of having a good book in the hand, whether it’s a fresh paperback for relaxing summer reading or the aged beauty of a pristine first edition.

As Time Goes By: Antique Pocket and Wrist Watches

Daniele Gair — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:51:35 +0000

Daniele Gair - Of all the mechanical devices invented over the centuries, from cameras to cars, nothing beats the watch for its captivating combination of luxury and scientific significance. Originally made only for the very rich or very royal, the personal, portable timepiece has had its influence on commerce, exploration and transportation for nearly six centuries. A watch can indicate not only individual style, but also personal influence, affluence, not to mention one’s commitment to punctuality. Watches have been passed down as family heirlooms, given as a mark of accomplishment, and even carried into space. From the highly decorated to the technological marvels, the classic timepiece will never go out of style.

Raise A Toast: Collecting Vintage Cocktail and Barware

Daniele Gair — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:05:22 +0000

Many a Sunday afternoon has found me deeply engrossed in 1930s-Era detective stories, and two of my favorite sleuths are the swanky and stylish stars of the Thin Man series, Nick and Nora Charles. To my eyes, this couple had it all, from witty repartee to stylish cloths, and they exhibited a smooth sophistication, matched only by their talent for detection. Their Jazz Age glamour was enhanced by a stunning array of Art Deco accessories, most particularly an ever-present cocktail bar. Although their drinking wasn’t always that glamorous, their excellent taste in barware, with glimmering shakers and delicate martini and champagne glasses, was truly intoxicating.

Antique Rugs and Carpets

Daniele Gair — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:20:16 +0000

Conjuring images of merchants haggling in dark, smoky rooms and of sultans flying through the night sky on enchanted carpets, antique rugs are among the most evocative of all collectibles. Their charm lies both in their exotic origins and in their timeless beauty. Though collecting these mysterious yet familiar works of art can be daunting, stepping into this world of mesmerizing textures, patterns and cultures is a magical journey.

The history of rug-making goes back centuries and encompasses an enormous area, both historically and geographically.

Pottery With Panache: Art Deco Ceramics

Daniele Gair — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:09:17 +0000

By Daniele Gair - When one thinks of Art Deco, delicate porcelain vases may not be the first thing to come to mind. But amid streamlined cars and sleek buildings, ceramics crafted during this glamorous period made a bold statement of their own, transforming centuries-old floral delicacy with striking architectural design and vibrant colors. According to the [...]