HUNTING................AND NOW WE ARE SHUT DOWN (AGAIN)

AREN'T THEY GORGEOUS?

Finally--We were able to buy something really exceptional. Anyone who has read this blog for any period of time knows that I am a certified chair-aholic. I love chairs (the good ones). Can you imagine the stories an 18th century chair could tell? The overheard conversations? The palace or simply family intrigues and joys and sorrows? We sold a lot of chairs this week; so I felt that I could splurge and replace a couple. 

The pair shown above is 19th c. (maybe earlier--I need to check carefully) Louis XVI Bergeres that are finely carved and upholstered in a yummy silk salmon-colored velvet (there is wear to the upholstery, but the patina only seems to make the chairs more beautiful).

AND NOW FOR THE COUNTERPOINT

Gerry spotted this amazing trade sign at an auction that is located about 60 miles from Los Angeles. He was advertised as being Spanish in origin, but I think he's Portuguese. "Wilfred" is very big--48"w x 34"h and most probably dates to the early 20th century. He is in overall very good original condition--just look at that snout and that forged iron curly tail. Wilfred was very pricey, but we just had to have him.

Although we are paying quite a bit more for inventory and are unable to purchase many items as the pricing is prohibitive, if Wilfred had not been posted on an online auction, we would never have known about him.

Needless to say, I am missing my friends after so many months and cannot wait to see everyone (and bid against them--cause that is what we do).

I know that so many others are in much more severe circumstances, but I am very frustrated that California opened up so quickly. The pressure on Gov. Newsom must have been intense==but geez...... We should have followed ALL the CDC guidelines. Orange County (where I live) had a very low number of cases and then, all of a sudden, we are experiencing a huge increase in those sickened--even more than LA County. And guess what??? People (some) still will not wear a mask. The mask is for our safety--it's not a political statement. 

Fortunately, our collective (Pasadena Antique Center, Pasadena, CA) is open 1 day per week (to dealers only); so I can meet Roberto and get a lot of work done and also Lalo (upholstery)--which means that I can be a little creative. (BTW--Roberto is fine and taking really good care of himself and family)

John Lewis was one of my heroes. Yes, he was short in stature (like me)--but oh, so powerful. Our next generation is still very young--we need to focus our attention on promoting their activism and motivate them to speak truth to power. We must inspire this generation to engage in the quest to bring respect and the rights of citizenship and basic humanity to all.

Well, my eyes keep closing; so it's off to bed.

Sending blessings for the week----stay strong.

Blessings to all of  us who take this journey..........

Mary

HIDDEN TREASURES

Like for so many small business owners, the past 4 months have been a challenge (huge)......For me personally, simply keeping focused on personal growth has been my biggest hurdle. (I admit to a bit of fear of back-tracking along my quests because I'm stuck at home without being challenged) But then, there is the fact that buying has also been a big challenge as there is little to buy and I've got to keep watch over a negligible cash flow........soooo I decided to inspect items that I bought ages ago, but never really put on display. First up--I had Roberto retrieve this large giltwood frame from behind an armoire

Do you see that little tag at the bottom of the gilt frame? Yep, it says "Degas" and there is a an old sticker on the back indicating the original seller. Jackson and Graham was a high-end London decorative arts dealer active during the same period that Degas was at his most creative..........

I was going to list this frame for $450......but after checking out other similar frames (and without provenance)--I can easily price it at triple that number. (Organizing seems to be paying off--plus, it's still a hunt)

Then I decided to photograph a pair of silver plate candlesticks that had been sitting in the back of a cabinet for a couple of years

These sticks were tarnished--so we polished them and I really checked them out........hahaha!! They are Sheffield and in super condition. They have a Regency form (early 19th c.) and the only copper showing through is in the interior of the bobeches...

My $195 candlesticks just jumped way up. These sticks have the original felt covering the iron base. And the fabrication method is that of 19th century Sheffield sticks.

(Note: the most important part of a candlestick without hallmarks in determining its age is the bottom where the construction is revealed.)

At least a year ago I bought this little Imari lamp thinking it was not great and never looked at it again...

She's pretty cute--the porcelain dates to the Meiji period and it was probably electrified in the 1950s. So she's being rewired and I think I have a shade that just might work.

I've discovered a few more treasures---I think I'll keep on cleaning up and organizing.............

Update: Here's a better photo of the Billy Haines lamps. I ordered shades from Restoration Hardware and Jon Michael will come on Tuesday to rewire them.... and then they will be ready to post.

I love that crackle glaze!!

I am not celebrating the 4th of July this year. I have, instead, prayed for a renewed national commitment to taking the necessary steps to move us forward out of bigotry and division. Discarding partisan politics........we need to unite to work for the "greater good".........we need to remove the stain of the last four years. Restoration, redemption and growth can happen, but it's not going to be a quick fix. We need to all arise from slumber to actively participate in the coming elections.

Blessings for the week.

Mary

IT'S GETTING HARDER

Just when you think you have everything lined up to work smoothly, life takes an intervening step and new paths must be found.

My weekly auction haunt has changed its structure as a result of COVID-19.....They are not going to be having weekly on-site auctions....at least for now everything has gone online and the competition is fierce. No more weekly "sleepers" for me. And I'm bummed (with a capital "B").

But I did get this amazing pair of lamps last week...and paid dearly for them (unhappy face inserted here)

This great pair of mid-20th century lamps was created by William (Billy) Haines who used 19th century Chinese Pale Celadon vases to form the bases of the lamps. The vases measure 19" in height which, when added to the height of the electrical fittings, brings the total height of the lamps to about 33 inches. There might be a signature on the bottom of the vases when I take them apart, the wood plinths upon which the vases sit are typical Billy Haines--tall lacquered wood, with the characteristic switch located at the back of the base. One original finial remains and it is painted in typical Billy Haines fashion. Additionally, the lacquered wood shaft leading to the double socket electrical fittings is a typical design element of Billy Haines Lamps. I love the Pale Crackle Glazed Celadon vases--which have considerably value in their own right.

I'll post better photos of the lamps this week, once I get them into the shop.

Now, I'm off to tilt at more windmills.

Blessings for the week.

Mary

I KNOW......IT'S BEEN FOREVER!!!

This majolica charger is one of a set of 12 by Bordallo Pinheiro. The beautiful double lemon leaf incised pattern reminds me of a mandala (The purpose of a mandala is to help transform ordinary minds into extraordinary ones during meditation, according to Hindu and Buddhist tradition). Transformation and growth--hopefully this is what this year with its unimaginable challenges will birth. I cannot even contemplate the human costs.

I have missed blogging over the past three (How did this happen?) months. But my brain refused to create or even think of anything beyond what lay immediately before me....I think it has started working again.....we'll see.

Of course, I am overjoyed that The Supreme Court has handed down momentous, progressive decisions regarding equality for all. No....you cannot discriminate on the basis of sex. No.....you cannot (at least for the moment) deport hundreds of thousands of young people who know no other home than the U.S. Yes! Finally after 160 years, you will neither torture nor lynch Black American citizens without the full force of the law coming to bear. As you might have guessed by now, I am (and have always been) pro-humanity. The changes that are being wrought by the Black Lives Matter coalition should have taken place in the 1960s and 1970s. I thank God that we are finally acknowledging our divisions and sins. We have a long way to travel until our National consciousness has been transformed, but we are finally back on that path.

I haven't been buying much....cash flow + nothing to buy + no room + no desire, etc., etc.,--whine, whine, whine + complain + complain. (And The Pasadena Antique Center has not reopened yet--next week)

BUT we did acquire a few things and restored others:

First up and my pride and joy for the moment. I discovered this piece and Gerry bought and I restored it with Camilo and Roberto.

We acquired this very early 19th century (maybe late 18th century) Swedish Gustavian Drop Front Secretaire just before COVID hit us. It was in a kinda scruffy condition and in need of a bit of TLC. It went to Camilo to have new feet carved (Camilo did a great job) and some minor moldings restored. And then, last Wednesday, Roberto applied the finishing touches--both of us worked to figure out how to match the centuries old paint (we are not quite finished with the feet). The secretaire is in the uncommon two-part form; hidden behind the fall front are 18 small drawers and a tambour central section. The drawers retain (in near mint condition) their FAUX GRAINED painted fronts......this feature, alone, makes the secretaire exceptional.

I reupholstered some benches in a divine Clarence House woven linen textile........This is a pair of Regency-style small ottomans--they are detailed in patinated nails and buttons--I just love this fabric.

And I reupholstered this silver gilt iron bench in the same fabric but with deep tufting-perfect for the foot of a bed or in front of a fire.

I joined Incollect.com a couple of months ago. Incollect.com is a hosting site, similar to 1stdibs (of which I'm also a member), but it is so more more classy than 1stidibs. You can check "me" out if you search MJH Design Arts once you have landed on Incollect.com. (I'm also a 1stdibs and Chairish dealer/member) Being a dealer on 1stdibs is extremely challenging and pricey--hopefully Incollect will continue to expand to the point where I (like so many others) will be able to let go of 1stdibs.

An update. Our sweet boy, Cole, went to play with Jones. He was the most faithful labrador--loving, naughty and devoted.

Well, I guess this is a fairly good start to my return to Jones & Cole. Please send me blessings for reopening the shop next week......I do need to make some big sales and pronto!

Sending blessings.....

Mary

KINGSTON----i.e., I got nothing

Well......... I am now entering day No.39 of my being home. That's means home and that's it. No masks, no 6 feet, no gloves.........my immune system is super compromised so I simply can't go out. Soooooo I'm down to posting about my cat. Kingston has fought me all day for the computer---I guess he likes the warmth. He patiently waits beside me and the moment I leave the computer, he assumes either that position or one completely covering the key pad.

There might be some glimmer of hope on the horizon--take a look at this map

It looks like (if the data trend holds) California might consider opening up certain parts of the economy during the second week of May........Of course there is no guarantee about anything these days, but it does brighten my spirit just a bit.

Cole has been failing over the last couple of months--he is officially a very very old lab--almost 15. So we are living every moment to the fullest with him--he now gets treats and loves non-stop and boy!--has he become the most spoiled dog ever.

Wishing safety, care and blessings

Mary & Cole

MORE PRETTY THINGS

My first passion (after cars when I was 5) was jewelry. Living in Mexico gave me a huge advantage when it came to being exposed to magnificent gems and jewelry design. My mother and I would go shopping in the "Zona Rosa" in Mexico City--at the time this section of Mexico City had gorgeous shops--the jewelry stores were always my favorites....

......The Verdura designs far outstrip the jewelry designs that entralled me as a child...but the Zona Rosa played its part in training me eye to focus on beauty and form.

Here's another Verdura masterpiece--I think that the majority of Verdura designs were masterpieces.

Please stay safe; focus on beauty; focus on gratitude; focus on new growth; focus on our communities; focus on being a positive force---with just a tiny bit of light, darkness dissolves.

Blessings for the day.

Mary & Cole

A VERY PRETTY THING......AND OTHER THOUGHTS

I have always felt that I was a fairly patient person. But now I'm not so sure. I have not left the house since March 14 and I'm going just a bit nuts: I miss my peers; I miss the stimulation of my clients; I miss Roberto and worry about him and his family as I do not have any work to give him....... I miss being able to create; I miss my auction (almost to the point of having a full fledged withdrawal meltdown). I do not 

miss driving in LA traffic--that's about the only thing that I do not miss.

.........So I've been spending more time looking at very pretty things!! The Verdura piece above was commissioned by Dorothy Hirshon in the early 1940's. I think I need it to lift my lagging spirirts. YEP!!!, this might just do the trick and hold me over until we have good testing methodologies and a vaccine.

                                    # # # # # #

Now, I have caught up with things that were lagging....Sent the 18th c. Swedish Drop Front Secretary to Camilo (actually he picked it up and then took his family to the beach) to restore. 

Here is the secretary waiting for me at auction...

She looks pretty down-trodden and lonely. Here she is in my garage waiting for restoration

She looks even worse in the garage....but now I can show you the inside of the drop front, which is finely detailed in burl wood and is in excellent condition. It was a surprise to find that the fitted secretary section had not been painted. Good fortune did strike: all of the hardware (except the metal lid support) is original and I even have the key! Now to the last photo: once I could see the bottom of the secretary, it became evident that my puzzlement regarding the feet was spot-on. The front feet are old replacements---I knew that the back feet were bad replacements, but the front ones kinda looked OK. Camilo will replace all four feet; he'll carved a small section of the dentil molding that encircles the top section and there are couple of other areas that need a little help. When Camilo is finished, Roberto will match the painted surface.
When all spiffed up the Secretary will look similar to this one (I think this came from Tone-On-Tone, Loi Thai's shop in DC, as I recognize the topiaries)

I think this gorgeous secretary (which is superior to mine) is a one-piece; whereas mine is a two-piece. This example has a beautiful soft gray surface; mine has a scraped surface, which is also acceptable. I'll have Roberto soften the painted surface just a bit. But you get the idea. Thank you, Loi.

My thoughts are with New York and all of the parts of the world that are being devastated by COVID-19.
Prayers for our health and safety. I pray that we emerge with a renewed sense of community and purpose; with a restructuring of our priorities; with a renewed commitment to our communities.

Blessings for the day.

Mary & Cole