'TIS TEN DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

I am so proud of myself: I have wrapped one present. I still have a few more to purchase.

Now------the new Fortuny Pillows:

This is a very unusual c.1920-1930 "Ucelli" pattern antique Fortuny textile. I have never seen this color used in very early Fortuny--it's a rich tomato red with a gold-tone overlay. The original "Ucelli" wood blocks were still sharp and crisp when this fabric was created and this particular piece had never been used.

I chose a textured Clarence House gold silk strie (visible in the first photo) for the backing and micro-welt.

Here is a photo of a pillow created with c. 1970-80 "Ucelli"--there are subtle differences. One of the

most noticeable differences between early Fortuny and post 1940 Fortuny is the width of the textile. Early Fortuny is printed on cotton that is no more than 30 inches wide; whereas latter Fortuny is printed on cotton that is the standard 54 inches wide. The width of the top pillows is 29/30 inches.

"Melagrana" Pillows: these two pairs of pillows were created using the "Melagrana" from the tunic that I bought at auction a couple of months ago.

The pair with the antique metallic braid decoration was crafted with the front section of the tunic where there was a center seam. The antique braid covers the seam and I think it adds more interest to the pillows...thoughts?

And now for a a couple of fun (not serious Fortuny) pillows. I bought the 1940s/50s tropical bark cloth from a fellow dealer--it was, miraculously, in mint condition..

I had a lot of catching up to do at the shop (I had a little accident and had to spend a few days at home); so I didn't go to auction on Thursday. That does not mean Gerry stayed home. We had agreed that we didn't have any room for new stuff (it's all just stuff). Famous last words: Gerry bought 18 chairs--yikes!!! Fortunately, Roberto and I hustled and just about everything fit (squeed in tight). By the grace of God and His perfect timing, I sold the large French weathered oak and pine farm table exactly when I needed to and it was delivered last Saturday, meaning that I had a few extra inches to space.

Here's what one (very congested) section of shop looks like:

Those pagoda-top chairs sitting on the lacquered table are amazing....they are 4 of the 18 chairs. Here are another 6 of the 18:

These chairs are pretty good, too. They date to about the 1980s and are in great condition, don't even need to to be reupholstered. There are several reditions of this type of faux bois chair--and these are the better, more highly detailed iteration; are super comfortable and all arm chairs.
Now, for the best of the 18.....set of 6 (all arms) Chinese Chippendale faux bamboo in a yummy green

All of these 6 chairs are in great condition, also. The green needs a bit of touch up in a few spots, but my miracle worker, Roberto, will have them spiffed up in less than an hour. They dovetail with the new 1950s/40s bark cloth pillows! (And Gerry didn't even know about the pillows until after he bought the chairs)
Christmas is closing in on us. This year has been filled with growth and love and increased sales. Growth, by it's very nature, tends to be a bit uncomfortable. This year was no exception, but this time, growth came with a bit more tenderness and to a stronger me. I'm wondering what 2020 holds--I've been approached by some one to start another venture involving antique/vintage furniture. We'll see. I love the serendipitous nature of stepping forth without exactly knowing the future.

Sending blessings for this last busy week before Christmas. Some times I forget that this is the day we celebrate the Light of Christ coming to all. It's good to remember that Light leaves no room for darkness if we choose to focus on the light.

Blessing for the day.
Mary & Cole