Appreciating Fine Antiques » Featured

Snuff Bottles: What are they and why collect them?

I. M. Chait — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:28:43 +0000

By I.M. Chait - In the very early 18th Century (although some people might insist it was the late 17th Century), snuff, as a recreational habit, was introduced by Europeans to the Court of China. While we all may have our opinions relative to the evils of tobacco, no one can ignore the fact that European snuff boxes, made for the wealthy class, are some of the most beautiful miniature objects created.

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.

Caveat Internet

I. M. Chait — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:43:10 +0000

By Isadore M. Chait - We can all agree that in the 21st Century, things move at a rate exponentially faster than they did in the past. It becomes commonplace for inventions and innovations to be so ingrained and so part of normal operating bases as to be taken for granted.

One of the most radical and progressive inventions of humankind was the printing press. It probably took one or two hundred years (or even longer) for most of the world to become “mater-of-fact” about printed books. Another such monumental invention, in more recent times, was the World Wide Web and Internet. This is an invention that has radically changed most all of our lives, most all of our businesses, and has created the greatest number of opportunities as well as pitfalls for human kind since the invention of fire.

How has the Internet affected the world of art, antiques and jewelry? The real question is how has it not?

A Great Gift: High Museum Receives 47 Works of Art

Mike McLeod — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:04:06 +0000

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, recently announced a gift of 47 works of art, the majority of which are prints and posters by major artists working in fin-de-siècle Paris, from prominent Atlanta collectors Irene and Howard Stein. The Stein collection includes many rare and extremely prized works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, such as “La Clownesse au Moulin Rouge” (1897), one of only a handful of impressions of this color lithograph, and “Miss Loïe Fuller” (1893), a ghostly image of the famous American dancer that incorporates powdered gold.

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.

The Value Of Chinese Furniture Begins With The Wood

I. M. Chait — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:03:49 +0000

By Izzy Chait -
Recently, some collectors of American and European furniture have made comments and asked questions about Chinese furniture, with a viewpoint based upon a false presumption that furniture in and from China is not as sturdy or as durable as Western furniture. I have to say this is not an accurate statement, and this concept, being false, should get put to bed immediately.

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.