Cloisonne

...love Maegan

One of the thrills of thrifting is finding items that are unique and collectible. Chinese Cloisonne is one such item that I have found in my travels and collected over time. The best source for Cloisonne for me has been eBay, and after that estate sales and thrift stores. Although not plentiful at garage sales and stores, it can be found especially if you thrift regularly.

The Chinese enamelware called Cloisonne dates back to the 12th century. Malleable copper wire is placed onto an object, such as a vase, formed and hammered into a design and soldered. Colored pigments are ground into a powder and mixed with alkaline, boric acid and saltpeter. The pigments are added by hand then the object goes through a several step process of being fired and polished.  Cloisonne originated in China, but other countries have their unique take on it, such as Japan, Russia and France. To read more about Cloisonne, click here.

So without further adieu, let's take a look at some different examples of Chinese Cloisonne.

This cloisonne vase has a beautiful design.

This vase is very striking with it's simple design and red color

This pair of vases are simply gorgeous with their blue on blue color scheme

This set looks more modern because of the lime background

Brockstone

Cloisonne beads on a necklace

SpectraNova

These Cloisonne pendants are miniature pieces of art

Cloisonne "Creatures"

Small cloisonne plates such are not too difficult to find. Measuring 3" - 5" in diameter, a grouping of them can be quite lovely.

DelicateCreations (first egg)

Cloisonne eggs are charming and look pretty on their little stands or in a bowl

A bowl such as this could be used for displaying cloisonne eggs or used on its own

The small boxes on the right are for matches and the larger ones perhaps are for ciga-rettes, but they could be used for small trinkets or just for display.

The variety of designs and colors makes Cloisonne well worth collecting

Pair of Cloisonne Jars

Cloisonne Napkin Rings are not easy to find. The best source that I have found is eBay.

Wouldn't these look great with green or brown plates? White would really set them off.

I don't own any, but would like to buy a set sometime. I would use them for family holiday dinners or special occasions.

Stan Zimney (bottom)wintersoul1 (top)

Close up of some of the beautiful details that can be found in Cloisonne pieces

If you're interested in Cloisonne, keep your eyes open, it may turn up in unexpected places. Finding it at a thrift store or garage sale will be the most economical option, but not as common. Estate sales can yield surprises and bargains can be found on eBay. If you're looking for a specific piece, especially one that is in demand, expect to pay more. Designs that are more elaborate or that have elements that are not as common, such as birds or the color yellow, are more costly and sought after.

On a separate note, my postings will be sparse the rest of the summer as I go back and forth to be with my dad as he recovers from serious illness.

This post is linked to:

The Shabby Creek Cottage, Transformation Thursday

Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Linking Party

Collections

What is it that makes us collect things? Does it go back to a hunting and gathering instinct? Some sort of self preservation or defining of oneself? There are many reasons behind collecting. A preservation of history, aesthetics, sentimentality, status and monetary gain are common reasons.

People collect everything and anything. Collections can be small, gigantic or anywhere in between. They are as diverse as people are. Collections can be beautiful, valuable, quirky, sentimental or even weird.

Let's take a look at some of the things that people collect and how they display their collections.

Mochimochi Land

Some collections are tiny like this,

les fabulations

or these tiny tops.

Treewhimsy

A collection of buckles can fit in a drawer.

Catherine Jamieson

Collecting stamps has long been popular.

virginhoney

Collectors of doll house furniture pay close attention to scale and style.

x376

This collector has special shelves to display his collection of miniature cars.

offbeat777

This is a serious collector with a huge vinyl collection

cobalt123

People also collect things in colors they like

Dee Adams

Kimberly Baird-Stephenson Photography

ddowdell

I like the way this camera collector has displayed their cameras.

Inspiredphotos

With a large collection like these cameras, bookcases with glass doors work nicely and greatly reduce the need for dusting.

tammyjeangolden

A collection of wedding cake toppers.

Trip Print Press

I like the way this collection of rulers is arranged like, it gives it an artful presence.

penelope waits

This shelving suits this tea cup collection perfectly, while the neutral color lets the individual designs shine.

The Wee Harlequin

These tins are so pretty and make a nice grouping.

keaggy.com

This person has a collection of stones that are shaped like shoes,

very unique!

twin72

I think this black shelving really sets off this collection of enamelware and pyrex.

My Little Chickadee

A collection does not need to be large to have presence, as is the case with these watering cans.

spudart

Collections of art work in museums are treasures for everyone to see and enjoy.

Scenic Youth

This display of a brooch collection is striking.

Chez Larsson

Displaying bottle caps like this gives them a fresh and graphic appeal. The white frames are very neutral.

seriykotik1970

Japanese Netsuke buttons are carved out of bone or ivory. They are miniature works of art.

sunshinesyrie

Aren't these shell boxes lovely?

origami potato

Newspaper provides a perfect neutral background to this arrangement of ocarinas, a small musical instrument.

So many things, so many places to look. And what better places to look than thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales, Craigslist, eBay... It's the thrill of the hunt!

This post is linked to:

Very Merry Vintage Style

Lacquerware

Photo by Ayuko

It's my guess that with most people thrifting leads to collecting. Collections come in all shapes and sizes. Two's a pair but three is a collection (we're not counting sets here). One item that I like to collect is lacquerware from Japan. I don't have a large or expensive collection, but several items I have culled from estate sales and thrift stores. 

Lacquerware comes in all kinds of shapes and forms: jewelry boxes, dipping bowls, trays, plates, chopsticks, containers, bento boxes, even furniture. Japan is not the only country that makes lacquerware, it's also made in China. Though I'm sure each country has their own process and of course their design.

Photos by Blue Lotus

I think these trays are very contemporary in their design.

Photo by jmvnoos in Paris

These lacquerware plates are from Vietnam

Photo by beggs

Nice design on this bowl

Photo by reefish

Aren't these goblets gorgeous? 

I'd take those bowls in the background too.

Photo by yaknor

Photo by AlliRose

These lacquerware dolls make me think of Kokeshi dolls, another thing I collect.To see a posting I did on Kokeshi dolls on my other blog, click here. You can see my obsessiveness here too.

Tall Lacquered Chest

photo by pontfire

photo by pontfire

These cabinets are nothing short of spectacular. But here I go again, getting all carried away.I started looking at jewelry boxes and ended up here.

Dragonfly Rice Bowls

photo by handbaghook

photo by jpellgen

So keep your eyes open for lacquerware. You never know where it's going to turn up. Believe it or not, sometimes it's mixed in with the plastic (but that's our secret,shh). What do you like to collect?