|  We
know they call her ‘The Ugly Duchess’ in Lewis Carroll’s
story of ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ but we don’t want
to hurt her feelings, so we’re just calling Her Grace The
Duchess. She’s in charge of the classy stuff: ‘Housewares’
includes China, Crystal, Sterling Silver and Silverplate, and Objets
d’Art. Since there’s no butler that we know of in ‘Alice’
and a footman isn’t quite grand enough to be made responsible
for the finer things of the household, who could be more distinguished
than The Duchess?
Her Grace will have vintage China & Porcelain from the likes
of Wedgwood, Belleek and other fine firms. She shows vintage Sterling
Silver and Silverplate Flatware & Holloware from around the
world, but primarily from the US, the UK and Mexico. Most of the
Silver dates from 1890 to 1940, and could include the fine craftsmanship
of Tiffany’s, Shreve & Co., Whiting and other highly respected
silversmiths, in addition to others less well known. The Duchess,
being experienced with such things, may supply links to some sources
for information about china and silver marks, and may even let you
know what fork or dish to use when, just to enhance your dining
experience. Aren’t you just dying to know what a ‘Terrapin
Dish’ looks like?
 Objets
d’Art is just a fancy word for classy stuff that’s nice
to look at, but not usually terribly useful—except for Vases.
Here you will find Chinese Cloisonne enamel and Cinnabar lacquer
and possibly some carved Ivory. These aren’t tourist pieces;
the Ivories would be from earlier than the 1920’s, the Cloisonne
& Cinnabar from the 1930’s or earlier.
So please step into The Duchess’ Parlor
and let her share these treasures with you. You’ll always
be welcome.
Copyright 2005 by The Mad Hatter’s
Tea Party
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