ADDING TO MY SHOP ZOO

I love large animal sculptures in design--they add energy to more formal (stuffy) rooms and add warmth to just about any space. I have a many many beasties---Indonesian mythological horse & rider, a pair of carved Chinese camels, koi fish, a tortoise for good luck, a very large Tonala cat, dog portraits, tons of Staffordshire lions and dogs, various shi-shis (foo dogs) dragons, just sold a pair of monkeys.......I think that you get the picture.

Gerry brought in this amazing hippopotamus a couple of weeks ago and he (maybe she?) has become my best buddy. I think he's Terracotta and marked "Italy". The modeling and detail are top notch--she has a wonderful attitude and she's very large: 36 inches wide.

Of course, we have new large (25" high) Shi-Shis that are great protectors

With Mercury in retrograde I need all of the tortoise energy that I can find. I think I'll bring Mr. Tortoise up to the front of shop.

Sending blessings for the week,

Mary & Cole

MACARONI-BEADED BALTIC CHANDELIER == TO DIE FOR

Just look at what came home on Thursday. And she's just about perfect. Not a single macaroni bead is missing. Old macaroni beads are the most impossible beads to replace; so if strands are missing, the value of the fixture is greatly diminished. This girl needs a good cleaning, new candle covers and the wiring checked (perhaps rewired) and then she's set to go. Best of all, she was a sleeper.

There were two paintings that we both loved

I love Italian Old Masters, especially when the painting features cupids with symbolism--the wheat sheaf, quiver and grapes. The tortoise shell framing on this painting is exceptional; the condition is quite good also.

And of course, French 19th century paintings ring bells, too.

I have too much inventory (and can't fit in any thing else=which means that I can't shop)..........THEREFORE:

*****EVERYTHING IN SHOP IS REDUCED BY 20% (at least) 

          THROUGH THE END OF FEBRUARY*****

Just go to my website  mjhdesignarts.com to contact me or purchase. (Or call: 714-401-0556)

Well, it's off to bed.

Blessings for the day.

Mary & Cole

I CAN'T TALK ABOUT IT

I am so disheartened..........In my humble opinion, every single one of those senators who voted not to convict "mr. small t" are traitors. They have betrayed the oath they took to defend The Constitution and they have betrayed their oath to be impartial jurors. Now we are in even more serious trouble. God hear our prayers, we beseech You.

But I still have been on the hunt. This week I came up empty handed, but here are the things that called to me and things that are coming up at auction.

Well, I didn't quite go without a good buy.......I bought this pair of amazingly rare (it's a pair!!) of very early 19th century French Faience Tureens and Under plates from my neighbor, Pamm. I love them and I couldn't stand the fact that they might be split up; so they came home with me......just a couple of steps.

I love the fruit finial, the green and scarlet colors--and most of all, the chinoiserie silhouette with parasol. The tureens are not marked and are nearly perfect, with the exception of anticipated normal crazing.

Things I liked at Thursday's auction (didn't go as I didn't want to spend any $$$):

I love this set of 4 mid-century Mexican abstract gouaches........but too pricey for me at the moment....look at the colors and sharpness of the paintings. The artist is not listed, but from these works, it seems as if he should be.

....A great little Italian/Venetian chest of drawers with original paint.

I loved this little Venetian early 20th c. chest of drawers. Once again, I'm leaning Chinoiserie. I also  fell in love with this Italian 20th century carved Chinoiserie mirror..........but it was not to be.......

All of the original elements are present......and it doesn't need any restoration work. (Didn't come home).

Items Coming Up at End of Month: These are all very traditional high-end items that will go to the block at Andrew Jones Auction.
This is my favorite of the entire auction--just the right size; just the right wood; just the right era; just the right energy.

We need more chairs like we need extra holes in our heads--but here goes......
This is my favorite pair, probably because I sell every pair of this type almost the minute they walk in the door...........

And these chairs are not a bit shabby--a bit pricey, though.

Of course, there had to be a Regency Tilt Top Breakfast Table--one of my addictions......but I do sell all that I can find!!

Well, I'm off to bed. Blessing and restoration to our great nation.

Mary & Cole