September 24th, 2009 — Antique, Antique Bird Cages, Antiquities, Collectible, Decorative Arts, Furnishings
Years ago, before the introduction of plastics and resins, even animals’ indoor homes like antique bird cages were considered beautiful pieces of furniture. Of course, some were plain and utilitarian, but many more were actually created in the popular furniture styles of the times. Bird cages were designed to fit into the home’s aesthetic and enhance a room rather than stick out because they were different, or worse, be an eyesore.
Antique bird cages can be quite valuable, depending on the material, the style and the age. An important thing to remember about these cages is that years ago, materials were used that we know aren’t exactly healthy for pets today. Some cages may contain lead-based materials or paint that isn’t healthy for anyone, let alone the occupant of the cage. If you’re looking for a cage that’s not just for decoration, but will be home for your feathered friend, choose a modern cage. You can find bird cages today in many different styles and designs. Just look beyond your local pet shop or pet superstore to the more niche stores and you can find bird cages just as ornate as those from 100 years ago.
If you’re looking at antique bird cages as purely decorative and collectible items, then you can worry much less about the materials and concentrate on the design, instead. You can pay hundreds of dollars for some cages, so it pays to know what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend before you start.
You can be eclectic and collect several different antique bird cages, representing many different styles and cultures, or you can focus on a particular country of origin, or furniture style. You might want to buy only those bird cages that look Georgian or Victorian, with ornate designs and scrolls popular in the furniture of the time. Or you might want only very exotic Tunisian-style bird cages with their recognizable shape and curvy wire design. Wooden bird cages that look like large mansions, or small ones with ornate wire and beadwork—it’s your choice, and you have lots of variety to choose from, especially if you search through online auctions.
Unfortunately, many auctions will say little other than “old bird cage” or “wooden bird cage, looks antique.” If antique bird cages don’t bear a manufacturer’s name, artist’s name or date, it can be difficult to tell how old they are, what materials were used, and even where they came from. Some styles are pretty obvious, as with most Asian bird cages, but other times it can be very difficult to tell a reproduction bird cage from an actual antique. And sometimes the country of origin is just a best guess depending on the style and materials.
Antique bird cages can be stunning pieces of art as well as interesting conversation pieces. In the end, you’ll want to purchase them for their beauty and how much they interest you, rather than their age or whether they’re made of wood or bronze.
Originally posted 2008-12-02 05:00:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 15th, 2009 — Antique, Antiquities, Asian Antiques, Chinese Antiques, Collectible, Decorative Arts
For anyone who enjoys Asian art, an antique silk screen can make a gorgeous addition to your home. Paintings and even silkscreened prints with an Asian theme can give a room a distinct atmosphere, but there’s nothing quite like a paneled screen that can be hung on the wall like artwork or placed on the floor. And while a new silk screen might offer a wider variety of colors and designs than antique ones probably do, new ones just don’t bring with them that ancient feel and authenticity.
A reproduction of an antique Chinese silk screen will probably cost anywhere from $100 to $300 today. Some reproductions are hand-painted in much the style one would have been done hundreds of years ago, so if you’re looking for a screen as close to an antique original as possible, these are your best option for finding one affordably.
A true antique silk screen could cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars and on up, but most likely you’ll find true antique screens priced well into the thousands, with some very exquisite pieces easy reaching five figures. Much depends on how the screen is made, its age, its condition and whether or not it has the original fasteners and findings.
An antique silk screen that’s handpainted with four panels and a very small, unobtrusive frame is the most common type you’ll probably find. In many, the entire painting was done as one solid piece of art across all four panels, and there’s no real border to speak of. In some screens, each panel has its own image, and most of these have some sort of frame or border around each panel. Some have the border around each panel, with each panel as part of the large painting, as well.
The least expensive type of screen will most likely be the kind with no border around the individual panels and one large artwork covering the whole thing. The price is determined by the age of the screen and its condition. Sometimes a silk screen isn’t painted, but embroidered instead, or finished with a combination of the two. Often these will have the borders around each panel. Ask what type of wood makes up the frame—zitan wood is especially valuable, as it’s so rarely used for things today. It’s an extremely dense wood that sinks in water, and was once a popular type of wood in China. A wooden-framed screen could be rather plain with only straight borders and legs, but some are intricately carved, adding greatly to the value.
When you’re looking a silk screen, either in person or on eBay, ask if the fastenings are original or if they’ve been replaced. Be sure and ask about any damage, as well, because pictures don’t always reveal small details. Any antique screen will likely grow in value at it ages, so they’re all good investments. The ultimate test in whether you should purchase an antique silk screen, though, is whether or not you love the artwork.
Originally posted 2008-12-07 05:00:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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