My Grandmother has fabulous taste, and as such I grew up loving all of her various antiques and collections.
In fact, it was from her, I learned to put a picture light above a painting to showcase it.
Recently I have found myself immersed in the world of antiques. And because I don't tend to half ass anything, my collection has grown quite quickly. I tell myself these items are going to be passed down and handed to my three cherubs one day. They just think I am turning the place into a Museum. At least they will never be able to get away with a house party.
I notice everything.
One of the things I do before, or even during acquiring anything, is to read, to study, to learn.
I read everything I can get my hands on, about whatever it is I am looking to buy. I have come to know that Chinese antiques seem to pose quite the conundrum because there are so many fakes, but anyways.
I have engrossed myself in various porcelain and silver markings.
I know the difference between Dresden and Meissen.
I am now familiar with the terms, Famille Rose. Famille Jaune. Famille Vert.
I know the history of Ginger Jars.
I have taken a great interest in Chinoiserie.
I have become obsessed with super antique English mahogany furniture.
If you ever come over, you can be assured I will make you smell the inside of my Hepplewhite chest from the late 1700's.
I think the reason I wanted to switch so much out, and start new, was because in my heart of hearts, I knew I was starting anew. After my Mom passed, I had the gut feeling that a new era was about to start, and it needed to look the part.
The irony of it all, was the maturity of these items.
It was a reflection of what was happening within me, I needed to go back, to go forward.
To embrace the old, to find the new.
Growth.
Change.
It is amazing the forms it can take.
Sometimes it looks like a Georgian III mahogany breakfront bookcase from the early 1800's.
It's just that simple.
Xoxo,
C.
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