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

My Kokeshi and Asian Collection

Selena of Apron Thrift Girl has asked fellow bloggers to show a collection they have and link it back to her site. Selena has shared her lovely vintage umbrellas. Recently I did a post on Kokeshi Dolls and I didn't show any that are mine. So here are mine along with other Japanese/Asian collectibles that I have. Hope you like it!

Above are my three traditional Kokeshi dolls and two creative Kokeshi dolls. You can refer back to my post on Kokeshi dolls for the difference between the two. On the top shelf are two pieces of lacquerware which I also collect. I also have some chopsticks which you can't see very well. The black ceramic pieces are also from Japan. I also have books about Japan, a bamboo/glay tray. The item in the right hand corner on the bottom is something I don't know the name of. There are four small glass panels framed in wood. Inside each panel is a scene carved out of a material I can't identify. Everything on these shelves are thrift finds, including the books and bookshelf.

Closer view of creative kokeshi and lacquer style tray.

Closer view of lacquerware, last pic is dark

This cabinet was given to me by my dad, it used to be my mom's. I would like to paint it someday. Had to shoot it in a tight space, the cabinet is on the landing at the top of our stairs.

I bought the crane at Goodwill awhile back, it is iron on a marble base.  I found the two Asian figures at a garage sale, the print at the top was from an estate sale and the picture on the bottom is a thrifted frame that I put some beautiful cards in from a trip to Washington, D.C.

Better view of inside cabinet - Top shelf has my little kokeshi family, japanese bowl and larger creative kokeshi. In the back is a black glass holder for flowers? incense? chopsticks? and a lacquer heart box. Middle shelf has lacquerware figure canisters, tea cups to match bowl, fans and an iron kettle. Bottom shelf has some cloisonne, which is from china. The cloisonne bowl holds cloisonne eggs. I got the bowl for a song at Goodwill. It was sold with that styrofoam stuff glued to the inside, so they probably figured it was wrecked. But it came off completely without any damage! Eggs are mostly from ebay. (This is part of my collection of cloisonne, will have to show that on another post.) Plastic covered Asian dish in back and fabric covered box. Ceramic thongs came from a garage sale.

I don't remember when I started liking these things, but I think there were a few influences. When I sold on eBay, I came across the kokeshi dolls and that sparked an interest which led to other items. Also, when I was going to school for Graphic Design I was exposed to different types of design. Then there is the collector in me, which I got from my parents who loved to collect things.

I have found that a good way to decorate with these items is to give them their own vignette. A cabinet works really well for this.

Thrift Share Monday, May 22

Yard work and other obligations have seriously cut into my thrift time (boo...).But it needs to be done and I did get out once this past weekend to a Goodwill store on the other side of town. I like going to this particular Goodwill as it is a bigger store and always full of stuff.  Here are my goodies:

I like the shape of this tall ribbed glass bowl. The two glass Heller jars are very sturdy and will be good for storing ingredients in the kitchen. The glass Planter's peanut jar is cute and will look nice with nuts in it. Think I'll just use it for gatherings as the two males in my house have no appreciation for this type of thing :>) 

I love sunflowers, so I had to buy this vintage stationery, right?

I've used this El Verde Ironstone platter already, for a grill out yesterday. I put big tomato slices  with fresh mozzarella and basil, drizzled with olive oil on it and it looked very pretty.

I found this cloisonne and brass candle holder to add to my collection of cloisonne. The other candlestick is made of iron, I like the design of it.

I really like the japanese motifs on this heavy plastic tray. It was difficult to take a picture as there was much reflection. I have heard that there is a product that will take scratches off of plastic - anyone know what that product is called?

This is the mystery object. It looks to me like a ice bucket or wine chiller. Bottom is marked Polytherm, made in Germany. There are initials - the letter W is over Mf. If you know anything about this item PLEASE let me know. I did a search and wasn't able to find anything.

This is the frustrating part, I couldn't find a lid. I spent over an hour looking for it in the store, hate it when that happens. 

What did you find this past weekend? This post is a part of Thrift Share Monday with Apron Thrift Girl.