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Blue sea, blue sky, white sand, warm yellow sun ... ... Mediterranean Sea resort of scenery always fascinated, Boucheron (Boucheron) new Dolce Riviera fine jewelry line, put them in exaggerated condensation landscape, magnificent, rich ruby color works on the jewelry. The Boucheron (Boucheron) Dolce Riviera jewelry series is divided into Aiguebelle, Beau Rivage, Capriccioli, Isola Bella and Paraggi five small series, corresponding to the different styles around the Mediterranean resort of five beautiful scenery. Aiguebelle series of Aiguebelle beaches named by French, meaning "beautiful water", colorful and perfectly clear crystal opal stone, like the one under the sun and sea spray thrown up; Beau Rivage means "beautiful shore" , blue, white and green stones outlined with blue sky and white sand coast; Capriccioli same blue and green color, showing the Italian Capriccioli beach style; Isola Bella is Italian for "beautiful island", set off with gold powder color, orange, yellow, green, purple gems, depicting the island's landscape; Paraggi is surrounded by mountains of Italy, a secret beach, turquoise and red coral with a round pearl, such as resort-like mystery, this place is quiet.
Title: Armband, One of a Pair. Date: late 19th–early 20th century. Geography: Country of Origin Central Asia or Iran. Medium: Silver, chased, with gilt em...
Afghan blue vintage tribal 3 piece jewellery set, kuchi jewellery, Afghan jewellery, Afghan Fashion Available to purchase with the face framing headpiece or with the normal headpiece. Blue colour Set includes: -1 pair of earrings -1 chocker -1 headpiece Message for any enquiries Our Aim as a business is to connect Afghan women with their roots and to make anyone that purchases our jewellery feel powerful and beautiful as each and everyone of our items is handcrafted with care and love.
Afghan blue vintage tribal 3 piece jewellery set, kuchi jewellery, Afghan jewellery, Afghan Fashion Available to purchase with the face framing headpiece or with the normal headpiece. Blue colour Set includes: -1 pair of earrings -1 chocker -1 headpiece Message for any enquiries Our Aim as a business is to connect Afghan women with their roots and to make anyone that purchases our jewellery feel powerful and beautiful as each and everyone of our items is handcrafted with care and love.
By the EM period (3,000-2,000 BCE) the production of certain material activities had become separated from the general population, and the producers of such items can be termed artisans. The genesis of an entire class of such people was cemented in Minoan society in the MM and LM periods. The creation of an artisan class led to precious objects being worked by professionals for their livelihood. The rise of such a class was likely tied to international trade, as local experts' wares were going not only to the nobility in Crete but to those who could afford it around the eastern Mediterranean. A Minoan axe head mold from the MM period Around the start of the MM period in nearby Mesopotamia the notion of an artisan was evolving simultaneously. In the northern Mesopotamian town of Titris most crafts were still done at home by the whole family, such as: pottery, stoneworking, or metalworking. By this time certain tasks were being done in specialized workshops either in a specific location in town or outside the city. Specifically these early Mesopotamian artisans were working in textiles and flint knapping. Mesopotamia is an interesting parallel, but such early detail is not known for the development of Cretan artisanry by the MM period. Minoan potter and kiln, in the south stoa of building T, Kommos, Crete The general trend was that certain difficult tasks were siphoned off to specific people who were experienced aficionados in operating with that object. People like doing specific things, and in a world where most of your daily use objects were made by your family, certain people enjoyed and were better at doing certain crafts. While the average commoner would pass their skills down to their children (presumably), these experts would have become well known and been flooded with aspiring apprentices. Parents still compete to send their children to experts in order to learn some useful skill, that human phenomenon is still rife in all urban societies today. Urban artisans were often grouped into sections of towns, most likely from devotees tending to live nearby their master or by a royal decree. Highly skilled artisans in each town likely vied for influence among the local ruling class, as during the Italian Renaissance 3,500 years later, temple painting and noble patronage were paramount to an artist's fame and success. Not every artist was painting frescoes in the palace-temple, the majority of artisans made pottery or tools for commoners. A cup with reed decorations, from Knossos Throughout the EM period artisans were not confined to a quarter in town or in the temple, and were dispersed throughout cities and the countryside. With the rise of the temple hierarchy the lives of artisans changed, and during the MM period at Mallia artisans became confined to one quarter of the town, Quarter Mu. At Knossos by 1,700 BCE specific artisans were confined in the temple. While it is not known if the other Minoan cities had artisanal quarters, it is likely that the palace-temple concocted some manner of oversight. The close contact between artisanal excellence and the wealth of local nobility continues throughout the remainder of the bronze age. A woman (priestess or goddess) on a swing, from Agia Triadha, 1,450-1,300 BCE Stone and Bronze A stone goblet from Zakros By the MM and LM periods expert artisans had a place in their society comparable to modern artists. Artisan workshops existed for any and all materials, completely woven into the fabric of daily life for commoners and the nobility alike. Specialization created a multiplicity of different workshops: lapidaries for gemstones, bronze smiths, seal carvers, ivory carvers, faience workers, and stone carvers who worked with many varieties including rock crystal. Minoan gypsum vase manufacture diagram Rock crystal rhyton from Zakro, 1,700-1,400 BCE Stone chalice from Zakro, 1,700-1,450 BCE A pouring bowl with a duck head handle, made of rock crystal and found in grave circle B at Mycenae, 1,600-1,500 BCE. This piece's origination is disputed, but even if it is Mycenaean such expert rock crystal artisans on Crete most likely made similar objects The Bull Head rhyton from Knossos. Carved out of stone, the horns were probably gilded wood, its eyes had painted irises, its eyelashes are jasper, and its muzzle is tridacna shell A stone lamp from Mallia A marble Minoan bowl A dolomitic limestone bowl, from Khania, Crete A highly decorated stone axe head from Mallia, Crete, 1,600-1,500 BCE Bronze smiths made a diverse variety of items, such as: weapons, tools, utensils, votive figurines, mirrors, as well as vases and pots. While no such metal pots have been found, there have been many clay pots found with designs mimicking bronze rivets and chain links. Bronze smiths also made jewelry, and bronze bracelets were popularly worn from central Europe through mainland Greece. While no such bronze bracelets from Crete survive it is highly likely they were made considering they are found in the Mycenaean material world. Decorated examples from across Europe show that the local bronze smith was not only a weapons craftsman, but a creative and inventive artist as well. A diagram of Minoan metal tools A similar Mycenaean bronze double axe and pickaxe, 1,550-1,500 BCE A copper spouted cup from LM IIIB period (1,300-1,200 BCE) A metal pot from LM III A-B periods (1,400-1,200 BCE) A bronze Mycenaean arm band from Kadmeia, the citadel of Thebes, from 1,370-1,300 BCE The Mycenaean bronze armlet from Thebes is in fact much more ornamental than other bronze armlets seen across Europe in the late bronze age. A bronze bracelet from Germany, 1,250 BCE A bronze bracelet from Halstatt, Austria, 1,100-1,300 BCE A bronze bracelet from central Europe, made around 1,000 BCE Gold In Minoan culture, wearing gold and silver jewelry was not reserved for one gender. This high demand across the entire island by every noble created a dense market and severe competition. Gold artisans operated on very small scales, creating fine precision in necklaces and rings. Often the items required multiple precious materials, although it is unknown whether a single artisan would do this work or multiple artisans would collaborate. Multiple styles of gold and lapis lazuli rings are found in the Aegina treasure, each with a different and unique aesthetic style. A Minoan gold and lapis lazuli ring, 1,850-1,550 BCE A ring in the shape of a shield or double axe, from the treasure of Aegina, Minoan A ring with a knot design made of gold and lapis lazuli, from the Aegina treasure, Minoan A ring with a meander design made of gold and lapis lazuli, from the Aegina treasure, Minoan Minoan necklaces from Arkhanes, Crete Gold and rock crystal necklaces from Agia Triadha, LMI period Two necklaces from the Aegina treasure, Minoan, the bottom one is made of gold and the top one is made of gold, carnelian, and jasper Gold earring from the treasure of Aegina, of Minoan craftsmanship Gold was not only used for jewelry, but fine inlays decorated the swords as well. Gold artisans also made elaborate inlays on hilts and hammered miniature designs into round gold crossguards. Small gold objects were found throughout the graves at Mycenae and at the treasure of Aegina. A few of these small gold objects show specific motifs shared with classical Greek art, such as the meander design in a ring and two owl pendants. Certain objects such as the ivory bull leaper figurine included both careful gold working as well as masterful ivory carving. Both of which are difficult tasks to individually perfect and suggests that at least some high quality objects were combinatorial efforts between multiple experts, likely being commissioned or planned by palace-temple patronage. Gold necklace beads of lions and bull heads, from Agia Triadha, 1,350-1,300 BCE A gold bead in the shape of a duck, from Knossos A gold bracelet from Mochlos, Crete, 2,500-2,000 BCE A gold leaf attachment to the gold diadem from Mochlos, Crete, 2,500-2,000 BCE A gold necklace bead with cylindrical design, from Kalathiana of Mesara, Crete The gold crossguard with an acrobat, Minoan A small flat gold tripartite shrine from grave circle A at Mycenae, most likely Minoan craftsmanship and made between 1,600-1,500 BCE Multiple small gold items found by Heinrich Schliemann at Mycenae Two gold pendants in the shape of owls, from the Aegina treasure, Minoan A gold bee pendant from Mallia, Crete, 1,800-1,700 BCE There was significant overlap between individual artisans and styles between Crete and mainland Greece. A trove of gold objects found on the island of Aegina off the coast of Greece was first presumed to be Mycenaean, but the pieces are much more in common with Minoan styles. These pieces were made by either local Greeks familiar with Minoan designs, acquired from Minoans by trade, or by were made by traveling hired (or captive) Minoan artisans. Some pieces, like the “Master of Animals” shows Egyptian influences as well, and some pieces may have been uniquely Mycenaean such as the circular decorated gold plaques. Detailed, complex, and elaborate gold pieces have been found on both the mainland and Crete, and many pieces share common motifs (like rosettes). Minoan artists were hired on commission by Egyptian rulers, certainly similar situations would have occurred between Greeks and Minoans. Whether these expert gold smiths received foreign commissions is unknown, although certainly fresco painting and gold working were the two artisanal trades most closely connected to the nobility. Gold pendant of the figure called “Master of the Animals”, from the Aegina treasure, Minoan, 1,700-1,500 BCE A gold plaque with a rosette design from Mycenae, made around 1,500 BCE A gold baldric (shoulder belt for a sword) with rosettes from shaft grave IV at Mycenae A gold bracelet with a spiral rosette from shaft grave V, Mycenae, from around 1,500 BCE A black and white picture of another gold bracelet with a flower rosette from circle A, tomb IV, Mycenae, 1,550-1,500 BCE A color photo of that gold bracelet with a flower rosette Gold necklace attachments in the shape of a bull's head, 1,350-1,300 BCE, from Agia Triadha Minoan artists also copied Egyptian forms, as seen in this gold pendant falcon, NT period Mirrors People enjoy looking at their reflections, and this desire to see oneself and beautify oneself compelled artisans to create mirrors. While most mirrors during the bronze age were made of bronze, other materials worked just as well if not better. The earliest mirrors in the middle east come from Catalhoyuk and are from around 6,000 BCE. These mirrors were 9cm long polished obsidian disks, and were very effective for their purpose. The use of such a precious and difficult material necessitated these objects being the playthings of the wealthy in neolithic near eastern society. Prior to the copper age most people could easily obtain mirrors through using reflective water. These mirrors would use any wetted dark polished stone or ceramic bowl which was filled with water or oil. Even after rise of copper/bronze mirrors, such simple reflective mirrors are still common. It is assumed that various ceramic “frying pan” objects from the Cyclades contemporaneous to the EM period on Crete were most likely this style of early mirror. These objects have a small lip along the edge, allowing the interior to be filled with the reflective liquid. A person reflected in an obsidian mirror from Catalhoyuk A Cycladic “frying pan” terracotta piece of unknown function, from Chalandriani Syros, 2,500-2,200 BCE The first metal mirrors in the near east were polished copper disks from the Uruk period in Mesopotamia and during the Pre-Dynsatic period in Egypt, during the 1,000 years prior to the EM period. Specialized metal working eventually spread to Crete, with metal mirrors appearing during the EM period made of gold, tin, copper, or silver. Of these materials, silver was the most reflective, moreso than bronze. By 2,600 BCE the best metal mirrors were being produced with an alloy of bronze, using 6-15% tin. This new bronze quickly eclipsed previously popular mirrors made of arsenical copper. It was not only more reflective than previous EM period mirror, but it was cheaper to manufacture as well. Before this development, people had to be able to afford expensive silver or copper designs in order to have a fine mirror. With this technological revolution metal mirrors had become democratized amongst the EM elite. The new style also involved casting the whole object in a single mold, then allowing the liquid metal to settle which forms a curved reflective surface when cooled. Even if the most reflective surface known to artisans of the period was still silver, the previously excluded group now holding bronze mirrors in their hands did not seem to mind. An Egyptian New Kingdom period bronze mirror cast in one piece in a similar manner to Minoan mirrors, 1,570-1,070 BCE Minoan artisans most likely experimented with the ratios between copper and tin. Each differing ratio changes the reflectivity, with 8% tin creating less reflection and 20% tin much more. High levels of tin with bronze creates a material called speculum which usually has 33-45% tin, with this level of reflectivity it almost looks like silver. In addition to resembling silver it is also resistant to tarnishing. Although no speculum mirrors have been found, it is likely that they were made considering the huge desirability of silver mirrors among both elites and commoners alike. Other Crafts Glass faience working was first imported into Crete from Egypt around 2,000 BCE. Originally it was only used for pendants and beads, but eventually people were creating vases, statuettes, and plaques. The most elaborate faience objects found on Crete are from the repositories in the west wing of the Knossian labyrinth. The snake goddess figurines and votive dresses were all faience, and made by masters in their craft. A reconstruction of the inside of a Knossian faience workshop A faience snake goddess figurine from Knossos A faience plaque of a wild goat from the Snake Goddess Sanctuary at Knossos, made between 1,700-1,600 BCE Another faience plaque of a wild goat from the Snake Goddess Sanctuary at Knossos, made between 1,700-1,600 BCE At times multiple crafts were combined into composite works of art, such as with damascening which was perfected and used on some swords. This process consists of finely inlaying silver and gold threads into bronze along with patches of black enamel. Shell carving as an art form was developed by the Cycladic culture prior to the MM period focusing on figurines and bracelets. By the NT period Minoan society had adopted this skill and perfected its aesthetic power. Shell inlays were routinely integrated by design into wooden chests and furniture of the wealthy. Ivory carving was also used to decorate wooden chests and other pieces of furniture, and the gaming or divination board from the east wing of Knossos is a prime example of the Minoan's expertise in what was originally most likely a Syrian craft. The gaming or divination board from the east wing of Knossos The board is covered in plaques of ivory and crystal, plated in gold, all stuck together with silver and blue paste. In a similar fashion to miniature fresco painting, miniature ivory pieces have been found. At Phaistos such tiny carvings include a bull's leg, and a lion's head with gold mane. At Zakro ivory pieces in the shape of double axes were found. By the late NT period artisans were commonly carving even larger ivory pieces, and this tradition of combining both ivory and gold never died out along with the Minoans, but was passed down into the CP. That remarkable fact truly shows the power which expert artisans had on society: their influence and craft being so beautiful, valued, and powerful, that specific skills passed from expert to novice could outlast is originating culture entirely. Cretans could forget their history, language, writing, and deities, but could not forget gold and ivory artisanal techniques. A detailed image of the Minoan divination gaming board and its pieces A painted plaster reproduction of the gaming board Vases were commonplace, and as they were such a ubiquitous item with an abundance of craftsmen, their artistic quality was highly intricate and their market highly competitive. Some of these expertly made vases still exist, such as: The Harvester Vase, Boxer Vase, and the Chieftain's Vase. They were made out of a variety of materials, sometimes using extremely hard rock, and other times clay. Likely artisans specialized in one type of material. Plaster and wood reproduction of the Harvesters Vase, by Gillieron and his son. On the left the bottom half is left unreconstructed, on the right they added their imagined version Full picture of the Harvesters Vase The Chieftain's cup The boxer wearing a smooth helmet from the Boxer Vase A “fruit bowl” with a toothed rim, Kamares Ware, Minoan A Minoan goblet with attached sculpted flowers, made around 1,700 BCE Both wood and bronze furniture were extremely common and were also finely crafted, yet such fragile pieces rarely survive. This conundrum leaves modern archeologists with a smidgeon of the full abundance of such rich items. The Minoans also used sponges to fill their pillows and mattresses, and possibly also used sponges for painting. While this may seem odd, our current tradition involves plucked animal feathers. A plaster cast of an ornate wooden table which was covered in ash from the Theran eruption, from Akrotiri. This piece of furniture is the only wooden object of its kind found from the Minoan civilization, its existence shows a highly developed woodworking industry even in Minoan colonies Another example of a wooden table is seen on the Agia Triadha sarcophagus. Such wooden tables designed for sacrifices would have been commonplace but none have survived A diagram of Minoan wood working tools Pottery The earliest style of pottery is Pirgos ware. Imported to Crete around 2,700 BCE from the Cyclades, it resembled mainland neolithic pottery but its styles birthed the industry on the island. Within 200 years By 2,500 BCE a new styles had appeared such as Agios Onoufrios and Vasiliki ware, along with innovative shapes such as bird or animal form pottery. At some point right before the first great temples and the MM period, the potter's fast wheel and kilns are invented. These two innovations exacerbated the explosion in growth. It is not known whether these innovations were spurred from the growth in urbanism or results of novel urban intellectual contact. Potters could now create significant amounts of highly similar pots, and more easily create a signature style. Certainly the wealth and popularity of potters who had caught on to such technologies increased. Commoners in an urban setting also needed pottery as much as their rural counterparts, and an immense market was primed for prospective businessmen. Every household needed multiple bowls, cups, cooking jars, storage jars, washing basins, toys, and lamps, many people would want bath tubs although it is unknown how many had such luxury. Minoan handled jar A clay box in the shape of a boat from Akrotiri, LM period Kamares ware was most likely invented at Phaistos, directly following the birth of urban temples and the fast wheel. This pottery was unique in that it is only found in OT palaces, its use was reserved for the elite. This was the first time on Crete that a distinct style of pottery had been completely monopolized by a class. Its creation was spurred on by both urban nobles who wanted distinctive and unique possessions, and the highly competitive world of urban potters with fast wheels. The artisans who created this style used delicate care in creating eggshell thin walls for cups, some down to 1mm wide. Kamares ware cups from dartmouth.edu A Kamares wear spouted cup from Phaistos, MM I-II period Potters of the OT period also developed styles which resembled metal pots, such as placing unnecessary clay “rivets” on pots. This fashion would stay popular through to the NT period, as potters around 1,500 BCE perfected metal mimicry with the tortoise shell ripple effect (resembling the rippling of metal). While it seems unusual that potters would recreate metal pots with clay, they were in effect creating cheap knock-offs of high status goods. The tastes of the nobility through their bronze and silver cups were filtered down to rural areas from the fashionable urban palaces. Commoners desired these aesthetically appealing objects, and potters wanting to cash in on the latest trends fulfilled that desire. Homer mentions the wealthy owning bronze cauldrons, which have been found across the LBA Aegean. These large, heavy, and valuable objects were de facto methods of storing wealth, and were even traded as an extremely awkward form of currency. While high status items often showed your wealth, bronze cauldrons also stored that wealth and in turn became an exclusively high class object. The popularity of such items by the rich also spurred potters to create terracotta metal mimics, allowing a merchant or farmer to own a knock-off bronze cauldron of their own. A reproduction of the Kamares ware “Lily Vase”, 1,700-1,550 BCE As the use of Kamares ware flourished among the wealthy on Crete, potters experimented with other types of scenes. Some would incorporate elaborately decorated animals onto their work, creating a fanciful new styles which arose to rival Kamares' refined elegance. NT period pottery includes the new Marine, Floral, and Sea Life styles. Beginning around 1,600 BCE many potters began to incorporate more images of oceanic animals into their works, creating a style of bright colorful and playful designs in contrast to the darker contrasts of red, white, and black on Kamares ware. Around this period Minoan merchants were at their peak, travel across the Aegean at least. Possibly more people had experience with sea life, which drew more potters to experiment with its incorporation into art. Three pieces of pottery with elaborate sea scenes, from Santorini A Minoan pithos jar with dolphins In addition to animal scenes, two other styles were invented in the NT period: the Marine and Floral styles. Each had a unique aesthetic standing in contrast to the now seemingly plain and antiquated Kamares ware. Specifically these two NT styles were the direct result of specific innovations in pottery technology: better materials, higher firing temperatures, and faster pottery wheels. Generally NT vases were more slender and tapered at the base, and the novel form of a stirrup jar became popular. As society evolved after the devastation of 1,700 its changing art forms truly shows a shift in the average patron's mentality. The background white so prominent on previous styles of pottery was disregarded, replaced with darker colors, spirals, and lines, and less commonly with plants and animals. The Marine style often used animals to cover empty spaces, a bronze age example of artists' horror vacui. The aesthetics of individual fashion on Crete were rapidly changing throughout its entire history, but a larger shift in the general style of pottery during this period shows a larger societal change in the Minoans' aesthetics. The most famous Marine style jug with a decorative octopus, 1,500-1,400 BCE A marine style Minoan jug decorated with reeds, made around 1,400 BCE The most famous floral style Minoan jug, 1,550-1,500 BCE A Knossian palace style jug with an octopus, 1,500-1,400 BCE All good things come to an end, and for the highly elaborate Minoan pottery its end is in rigid formalism. Through the LM period artists continued to make beautiful pieces, but in general starting around 1,400 BCE there is a trend toward a straight and formal depiction of objects. This mirrored the trajectory of mainland Greek art, which during this period came to dominate Crete, replacing native styles with Mycenaean geometricism. Scenes of animals became simplified, and then standardized across the island. The wealthy palace elite no longer existed as a force for patronage as they once had a few hundred years before. Without the propulsion of the upper class' patronage expert artisans languished in obscurity. A representative example of the decline in creative abstraction in late Minoan pottery, a Minoan jug made between 1,300-1,200 BCE A Mycenaean stirrup jar with an octopus made between 1,200-1,100 BCE. This style of octopus is distinctively Mycenaean and begins to appear across Crete (replacing the Minoan marine style of octopuses) between 1,380-1,000 BCE Novelty continued as always to stay en vogue, as the period of Knossian dominance from 1,470-1,380 heralded a new style called (who could have guessed) “Palace Style”. During this period Mycenaean styles were heavily imported into Crete, coming either through trade or brought by Mycenaean conquerors. Mycenaean pottery, while aesthetically different, was not stylistically bland. New forms such as three handled amphorae, squat alabastron vessels, ritual vessels with figure eight handles, and libation jugs with spikes. Birds, helmets, and shields begin to appear on Cretan pottery during this period. Similar to the 17th century BCE trend of colonists and seafarers bringing ocean life onto pottery, depictions of warfare show us artists trapped in a period of bloody warfare. As the entire system collapsed around the turn of the millennium, both Minoan and Mycenaean styles faded away, with minor stylistic continuity preserved in small mountain holdouts. This period heralds an emergence of a dark age Hellenic community with an aesthetic sense distinct from its Mycenaean and Minoan forebears. A Palace Style jug from Katsampas, LM II period References The Minoans, by Rodney Castleden http://amzn.to/1EaVS2X Gallery of Minoan Objects, Manufacture Designs http://www.fhw.gr/chronos/02/crete/en/gallery/long_pot.html Minoan Mirrors http://www.minoanatlantis.com/Minoan_Mirror_Web.php Minoan pottery from ancient encyclopedia http://www.ancient.eu/article/391/ The Knossos Game Board http://gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca/Archives/Brumbaugh/ Bull's Head Rhyton http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/4/eh430.jsp?obj_id=7883
This headdress comprises bands of multiple silver chains and silver rings that is made to fit over the top of the head, so that the side ornaments hang around the ears as temporal ornaments. The central bands features attractive hinged sections that include silver spheres that have been overlaid with gold. Each band terminates with … Read more
Our hand selected mix of necklaces was chosen for belly dancers, but, with their unique designs & detailing we find EVERYONE loves them!
My vision for the room was for it to be a calm, serene retreat- and since it was on the second floor, it would have a perch feel- almost like a tree house. I chose a color palette that was very soothing to us: grays, champagnes, browns, creams, mushroom and a hint of turquoise. The room is rather large at 14' x 30' and was a combination of two rooms. When we took down the original fireplace in the dining room (because of damage) we were then able to take down the chimney between the then master bedroom and a small cedar-lined closet and small master bath (both not original to the house). Where the bed is currently was the closet and the master bath was in the area of the french doors. It was an odd and awkward layout as you had to walk through the closet to get to the master bath. We moved the master bath to the ell and took down the wall and chimney that sat in the middle of the two rooms- making a large master bedroom. The whole East side of the upstairs is the master suite. We added this fireplace in Phase I of the renovation. The mantel was found at a salvage shop in Portland, Maine. What I loved about the mantel was that it looks like a "cousin" to the original mantels on the first floor! As was common practice when the house was built (1850) items in public places would have been nicer/ more grand than the items placed in private rooms, like a bedroom- so that this mantel is similar, yet simpler is perfect. The floor is original in this room, though we did have them sanded and restained, as we did throughout the house. The wall color is Benjamin Moore's Titanium OC-49 in eggshell finish, trim is Benjamin Moore's White Dove in Latex Stain Impervo. (all my paint color from the house on my sidebar under "my paint colors") Antique mirror found at Marche aux Puces (Paris Flea Market) hung with antique chain on door. Antique marble urn turned into lamp. Antique French table. I was asked to describe my color palette, and I have long described the colors I use in the house as the colors you would see in a dried hydrangea- aged, muted, worn color. In this room I would say I have used more of the neutral tones from those dried petals. Vignette on antique French commode. Aren't the birds the sweetest?! They were individual gifts from my mother and my sister, Patti, one Christmas- the same Christmas! Each had purchased a pair of birds, unbeknownst to the other, as my Christmas present. They were both really excited about their gift as they knew I would love it....Over Thanksgiving that year they were telling each other what they had gotten me for Christmas and they both realized that they had purchased the exact same gift (my mother found her pair in Hawaii and my sister found hers in Baton Rouge.) They were so mad that the other had the same gift! And, I was so happy and thrilled when I opened them- first one pair, then the other- I love having four!!! The birds are well-fed, dining on real birdseed! Caribou antlers. here Details of antique chair wrapped in natural linen with mushroom velvet interior and cushion. Pillow is the same fabric as used on a pair shams on the bed. Finish is as found! This is the view when you walk in the room from the upstairs landing. Antique Chinese ginger jars and jardiniere with lid. Wood pricket found in France and iron candle holder found in Johnson City,Texas. Old wicker trunk has leather straps (broken, but still there!) Piece of forestwood on top of the basket. After I had finally pulled the master bedroom together I realized I wanted/needed a small table next to this chair. I remembered this vintage concrete baluster that was in the basement (it is one of a pair) and this vintage copper Indian (India) tray that I was using on the upstairs back porch- luckily I just happened to have another vintage brass Indian (India) tray (that I couldn't pass up because it was so gorgeous and the price was great) sitting outside in the winter elements developing patina since someone had overly polished it, so I just switched them out- this one came inside and the other tray went to the back porch. (Everyone has an extra Indian (India) tray sitting around, yes?!;) The copper tray was perfect in the room as it has a beautiful turquoise patina. A closeup of the table top can be seen here. This orchid bloomed for over a year, went into a three month hibernation and is now blooming again! The "Ella bed" is used, but rarely- as she much prefers our bed! Antique French processional crosses. Bases are antique glazed terracotta. We purchased the bases from a dealer in Kansas City years ago- he was tired of looking at them, so he sold them to us for a great price. I sold many found-objects turned into lamps with these bases, but here we used them (cutting at different heights for the right scale/balance) for each cross. The two other small bases are marble and alabaster pieces from old lamps. A closeup of the bedding. The two back shams were made using the reverse side of the fabric, as the colors were softer, more muted (the fabric is actually softer to the touch too.) The two shams in front match the champagne-colored coverlet (discontinued, Donna Karan). The large pillow was made from an antique rug; we found the pillow at the Scott Antiques Market in Atlanta. The hint of turquoise in the pillow was the inspiration to add turquoise into the room. The small boudoir pillow is a green/blue velvet (Como/ color: Gris from Calico Corners). The same velvet is also on the ottoman at the foot of the bed (this is where Ella sleeps every night, with her own down comforter;) My antique Chinese ginger jars that I use in the room range in color from green to turquoise, so finding a turquoise velvet that worked with the whole range of color proved to be difficult. I would bring home samples thinking they were perfect, only to have them read too "blue" or too "green" when in the room and next to the ginger jars. French doors which open to the upstairs porch here were added in Phase I of the renovation. The original door that opened from the master bedroom to the porch is now the door to the master closet. I used antique marble for the fireplace surround, found at Nor'East Architectural Salvage (a great source if you are in the area.) The antique olive jar was purchased from Mark Sage of Love Train Antiques in Atlanta (aka Bobo Designs.) The chaise is covered in a slubby basket weave linen that actually has muted threads of turquoise running through it. Brown velvet pillow from Ikea, topped with a pillow made from an antique tapestry piece. Curtains are white linen, from Ikea. Curtain rods are bamboo rods from the garden center ($1 each!) The curtain rod finials are old curtain rings that I stained to closely match the color of the bamboo, and they fit over the end of the rod (with a little help of some tacky putty.) The bed skirt is a natural linen and was custom made. Pair of antique charcoal architectural renderings on the wall behind the desk. The cream rugs are from Lowe's, and the black cowhide is from Ikea. I researched using real lambs wool rugs, and everything I read complained about the shedding. Some articles said that it would eventually subside, but some said that could take a year! I even went to Ikea, put one on my cart and after being covered in wool dust-bunnies;) I carefully put it back. Since we have allergies the faux rugs have worked beautifully, and the price can't be beat! Antique French commode found in Avignon, France. Antique Italian mirror purchased from a dealer/friend in Dallas. The antique marble prickets were found on our first trip to the Paris Flea Market. The 18th century wood candlestick (turned into lamp) has the faintest hint of having been gilded at one time, and has a real candle base. Antique Chinese ginger jar. The table and chair were found on the same day, in the same place as our kitchen pedestal table... it was a good day! here The oil painting was a curb-side requisition found on a junk pile in Dallas! I paired it with a beautiful antique gilt frame. Design books sit on the table and I will randomly open to different pages for inspiration. Antique English sterling and horn magnifying glass helps me see all the little details up close! This is the second entrance into the room. The table with antique oval English urn is filled with white and cream alabaster grapes of various sizes. For reference, the hall window in front of the urn is directly over the front door. The story of the making of the headboard from reclaimed barn wood from our barn renovation is here. The story about the finish on the headboard can be found here. Both pieces of art were found at a gallery outside of Aix-en-Provence, France. Me thinks we might have paid too much for the bottom antique oil painting as they gave us the antique watercolor of the cows!! We fell in love with the landscape oil as it reminds us of the region. It is painted by Barthelemy Niollon, who has works in a museum in Aix. He was a close friend of Cezanne (though they painted with different techniques), and was a steadfast supporter of his work after Cezanne's death. In this photo you can see the other bedroom door. This is the door most often used as it is just to the right as you come up the stairs. This photo also gives you a view into the master bath and lets you see how the two rooms connect. The crosses sit on an 18th century Georgian bookcase found at an estate sale in Dallas. My assistant! It's hard work being Ella;)
