UPDATES--Goodbye Sweet Ostrich

It was not to be.......the ostrich coat went for a lot more than what we were willing to pay. But G. did bring home a couple of gorgeous lots of St. Laurent suits (about 13 total) and for good price points.

As promised, here are the photos of last week's 18th c. Chinese Lacquer Screen-The Front

And The Reverse

And here's a shot of the back corner where the altar table and screen are hiding

As you can see, it's pretty full.......hmmmm...got to get that stuff out the door. So I guess I'd better have a SALE--just go to my website mjhdesignarts.com and contact me through site.

Sending blessing for the week-end.

Mary, Jones & Cole

CAUGHT MY EYE

A fellow dealer at The Pasadena Antique Center brought this amazing mirror in on Saturday. It's huge--I would guess at least 60" diameter. It's brutalist to the max and I want it. (Unfortunately, the price point is too rich for my blood)

I don't know who the designer was or its country of origin; it is really powerful. Definitely speaks to my proposed method of ending misogyny. 

UPDATES+++SERENDIPITY STRIKES (Blessings In Disguise)

I purchased this great lamp created with a Famille Verte Chinese vase from another dealer here at the Pasadena Antique Center. It was a little forlorn--needed a good cleaning and the electrical fittings were dangling. So I sent her off ASAP to Lupe (great lamp/electrical guy who even picks up and delivers) and Lupe returned the lamp on Tuesday. With all of the work done. 

On Wednesday, while I was talking with Steve (also a dealer at The Center who specializes in Asian Antiques), I noticed that the lamp was crooked. I couldn't believe it---Lupe had just returned her!!! (My language was a bit stronger)  I walked over to the lamp and picked her up and then I became really incensed: some one--we have many spotters from China who only buy Chinese porcelain--had taken the entire lamp apart; separated it from the carved rosewood stand; unscrewed the wiring and lost the nut that holds the lamp and electrical fittings together....I was pretty PI____D.  But all at once, both Steve and I looked at each other and said in one breath: it's older!!! I had thought that the lamp was c. 1940-1960, but since we could now see the bottom, we knew that vase dated to c. 1880-1890. That is a huge difference in value. Yes, the vase is drilled, but antique Chinese porcelain vases of this size (about 18 inches) are getting much more difficult to find; the drill hole has become less significant in determining value.

The coloration of this particular vase is spectacular--it is a pure apple green background with a translucent glaze. The detailed Famille Rose painting is a bit rough, which is typical of Chinese porcelains of this time period. If the vase were older, the painting would be more refined.

I removed the electrical fittings (they will work for another lamp); cleaned off the putty that had been used to cement the vase to the rosewood base; and raised the price a few hundred.

You just never know the amazing gifts that will tumble into your lap. And I'm grateful. I love Chinese (all Asian) porcelains. Perhaps I will keep this vase.......I love the color and the Chinese symbols depicted on the body.

Have a super Sunday. Jones had his hair done yesterday and he is so handsome!!!  

Everyone is coming for dinner today to celebrate Lauren's sixth birthday---first time viewing the two-seater. So will have 11 for dinner and I need to get to the shop for a while. I'm almost ready.

Be well.

Mary and Jones (& Cole)

IT'S THURSDAY--AGAIN

It's auction time--again. My cash flow is a little under the weather today; so I will be buying very judiciously.

Last week I was very good and stayed true to my goal--I didn't buy any furniture, wasn't even tempted by a single chair.  But I did buy these amazing floor lamps

   

I believe the lamps date to the late 1960's, perhaps late 1970's. They are hand wrought French gilt iron of Easter Lily form. If the gilt iron detailing, gorgeous tripod foot and great condition and rarity weren't enough bells and whistles==LOOK AT THE SHADES!!

If I were to replace these shades, each one would cost over $200.00.

So I'm going to auction aiming for a couple of hits and am going without any preconceived limitations (other than the final tally for the day).

Jones says "hi"--we are both loving the change in temperature...today will be a true Fall day with temps in the 70's (mink coat time). I am so grateful.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Mary and Jones (and Cole)

Bonita Interiors--Angie Upstairs

My favorite chairs and ottoman

Bonita Interiors is located directly upstairs from me at the Pasadena Antique Center.  Angie brings an artist's perspective to every inch of her shop. In May, Angie completely remodeled her shop--painting, new merchandise, etc. After being closed for two weeks--the minute she opened back up the sold tags (as seen above) sprouted. I think that she almost sold out the first couple of days that she was open. The photo above featured my absolute favorite chairs in a blue/white Ikat fabric. It is a bit hard to see, but the bottoms of the slipper chairs are scolloped and her upholsterer did an amazing job--even the welting is perfectly placed--not an easy feat.

Here are a few more shots of the the shop:

I love these colors--and everything is sold here, too.

Just a small part of Angie's inventory

Angie's sense of color leaves me in awe--she goes where angels (pun not intended) fear to tread and it all works. I took some photos of her original art work, but the photos were awful. But you can get a tiny sense of her painters hand in the drips/child image in the first photo.

Bonita Interiors carries an extensive inventory of newly lacquered mid-20th century chests and tables--always with Angie's unique eye for a slightly different perspective.  (See Jones' tail?) In fact, Jones matches that chest of drawers perfectly. Bonita Interiors selection of mid-century couches is extensive; each piece is unique and beautifully detailed. The ceramic objects and lamps are chosen with a perfect pitch intended. And her collection of mid-century and current works on paper and other art stretches from traditional to abstract to funky. Her prices are reasonable--she makes me hustle to keep up.


Here she is making faces at me (I hate to have my photo taken, too)--she is sitting on the chair that she designed to take the place of the Ikat chairs--and she hits it with this one. To mix a Persian rug with mid-century is not the tried and true (and rather boring) way of displaying mid-century.

This grasshopper gives just a hint of the "little bit of funk" that Angie injects into her interiors--which all have a sense of flow.

But Angie is not limited to that odd funky look. Here is a great vignette that is 100% traditional American...The wall color is more intense and shows off the mid-century mirror a bit better. Look at that little funky figure nestled among the strictly traditional landscape!! (my photo is out of focus)

     
   

Working with Angie is a delight as she is a true professional and passionate about her trade. But her number one passions are her 3 gorgeous children and husband. Everything in proper perspective.


Ooooooooops. I forgot to mention--the best thing about Angie is that she is "in love" with Jones.


Bonita Interiors (just above me)
Pasadena Antique Center
480 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA


(I don't know why the text at the beginning is highlighted in white--if anyone knows the answer, please let me know. I am still technologically challenged)


Mary