Now that the Baltimore Summer Antiques show is history, I’m looking forward to our next show in November. In the meantime, I’m not resting on my laurels. I’ve been buying some great items and will be buying more as opportunities present themselves.
One of the really great items I just acquired is a very rare Gallé Rio de Janeiro banjo vase. It’s the first time I’ve owned one, ever. I’ve seen a few in other color combinations, but this example is the best.
Daum Nancy violets are very desirable decoration. Most of the time the decoration is more important than the shape, but occasionally the shape is as important, such as this bowl with two applied handles. Add great color and superb detail, with hand-painted, gilded veins in the leaves and you get an extraordinary example.
When was the last time you saw a mermaid with two legs and two fins? Not often, I imagine. This German/Austrian, bronze, Art Nouveau, circa 1900 inkwell has one, as well as an octopus with a human-type face and teeth. It’s one of the most amusing inkwells that I’ve ever had.
Now that fall is here, I’m starting to work hard to list new items and search for new ones. We’re going soon on a European buying trip. I’ll list those items when we return and then bring them all to our next show in Winnetka, Illinois.
