September 28th, 2009 — Collectibles, Decorative Arts, Decorative Collectibles, Figurines, Glassware, Japanese Art
Japanese art is a type of art that has a very distinctive look. If a painting, a vase, a sculpture or some other type of art is Japanese, particularly if it’s antique art, it usually only takes a quick look for you to recognize the art’s origin. Just as every culture has its own specific properties, the artwork of Japan will always have certain traits in common, no matter what kind of media the artist used to express himself.
Some of the most popular pieces of antique Japanese art are, of course, the paintings. Scroll paintings are distinctively Asian, and come in many sizes and levels of detail. Authentic scroll paintings only dating back as far as the early 20th century cost as little as $200, but some Zen scroll paintings from that period that bear the artists name as well as the temple, and are in excellent condition, can be worth as much as a few thousand dollars.
Another popular type of antique Japanese art is porcelain. Early 20th century porcelain pieces are generally going to cost at least a few hundred dollars, provided they’re in good condition. Vases from the 19th century will generally cost at least that much, if not more. Japanese carvings like those on top of wooden treasure boxes can be worth thousands of dollars. Most likely, though, the exact year of manufacture isn’t known, and they’re more reasonably prices.
Japanese art is full of renderings of Buddha, so many antique pieces feature him in paintings, carvings, or stand-alone statues. These can be valuable, particularly if they’re carved of ivory or stone, and are more than 100 years old. Japanese decorative bronze work is a popular type of antique, too, as they often added detailed embellishments to things like bronze vases or chests.
Most Japanese artwork is easily recognized because of the brush strokes and the subject matter. Landscapes are popular, often featuring cherry blossoms and lots of trees. Wildlife is a popular subject in Japanese art, with cranes being a popular bird. And let’s not forget dragons. Dragons have an important place in Japanese mythology and culture, and are often depicted looking like serpents. Unlike the negative view much of the world holds against serpents, the Japanese thought serpents and dragons to be good luck, and very valuable.
When you’re shopping for antique Japanese art, if a piece you love is out of your price range, you can usually find reproductions of most anything for a more reasonable price. Nothing beats the authentic piece, though, so make sure that the seller is knowledgeable about the piece and Japanese art in general. Unfortunately with many pieces of art, especially paintings, the only way to determine if you’re getting a fair price is to have the item appraised. You might want a piece for its beauty, but be prepared to have it appraised eventually. Many sellers don’t even know the true value of the pieces they have up for auction, so look for similar items online and compare the prices.
Originally posted 2008-12-05 14:00:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Tapestries Collectibles -> Linens, Fabric & Textiles -> Tapestries Tapestries are more than just beautiful wall hangings, they're woven art that served to tell stories in ancient times. The Odyssey and the Iliad were both “told” in woven form as large, rich tapestries. Every period in history has had major events...... -
Thomas Kinkade Collectables -> Collectibles -> Disneyana Thomas Kinkade is a living, American artist whose work is so popular today that many people have no idea they even have Thomas Kinkade artwork in their homes in some form or another. There seems to be no middle ground when it comes his...... -
Vintage Car Collectibles Ever since the beginning of the automotive industry, there have been miniature toy style versions of many popular cars, and these have been popular not only among children but also collectors as well. Vintage car collectibles are toys that make excellent collectibles because they are small and easily capable of...... -
Perfume Bottles Collectibles -> Vanity-Perfume-and-Shaving -> Perfumes Perfume bottles are a highly collectible item, not just because of their uniqueness and beauty, but because they’re easy to store and display. They’re small, smaller than many other types of collectible items, so even those with limited space can enjoy collecting at least a...... -
Wall Tapestries Dealers -> Textiles-Linens -> Tapestries A wall tapestry can be a beautiful addition to your home, whether it's a reproduction or an antique piece. A tapestry is much more than a woven cloth that covers the wall, it's often a piece of history that tells a story, and speaks......
Related Websites - Antique Mirrors Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Mirrors Antique mirrors are a highly collectible item, with many of the frames boasting decorative carving and detail much like elaborate, wooden picture frames of old. A mirror itself is little more than glass covering a reflective surface and not very impressive—many of us carry......
- Art Deco Furniture Antiques -> Periods and Styles -> Art Deco Art deco furniture antiques are highly sought after and are often very unique pieces. If you love this time period, or if you are simply looking for furniture that transcends the every day mundane design, art deco furniture is the perfect choice.......
-
Silk Screen Dealers -> Antiques -> Asian 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...... - Antique Chinese Parrot Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese If you are interested in a unique Asian collectible that is sure to get plenty of discussions going, antique Chinese parrots are an excellent choice. These delightful decorative collectibles come in many different shapes and styles and many are vibrantly colored and well designed. Most......
- Antique Door Locks Antiques -> Architectural & Garden -> Doors The look of antique furniture and hardware can lend such old-fashioned charm to a room, so it's no wonder than an antique door lock is a popular item that can look great in all but the most modern décor. Someone searching for this......
Online Stores Online Stores
September 16th, 2009 — Collectibles, Decorative Arts, Persian Rugs
Iran is the country of origin of the Persian rug, and still the largest producer of carpets and rugs in the world today. In Iran, investors purchase Persian carpets the way some investors buy gold and diamonds; they know the value will only increase with time. Persia, now known as Iran, has been exporting its rugs since the 1500s, and has influence carpeting designs and styles through the years. A hand-woven, authentic Persian rug is almost always very valuable; the exception would be a rug that was heavily damaged, but sometimes even damaged rugs are surprisingly valuable.
A Persian rug, or a rug that attempts to look like one, is an easily recognizable item. The colors and the intricate design usually make it clear that it’s Iranian in origin. Though it might not be immediately obvious to the casual observer, Persian rugs differ depending on the tribe that created them, and the geographical area where they were produced. They’re often named according to the town in which they were woven, or they’re named after the tribe that created them. An expert can look at the way a rug is woven and tell who produced it, and where.
Older and antique Persian rugs are typically more valuable than new ones, but a new Persian rug can still cost thousands of dollars. Large rugs are naturally more expensive, but you can find some very small runners or area rugs that are more affordable. The design in these rugs can range from several shades of the same or similar colors in an abstract pattern to brightly colored scenes complete with people and animals.
Newer rugs will probably have very symmetrical and exact designs, but an older Persian rug that was hand woven in a village or by a nomadic people won’t be quite so perfect because the loom that was used was probably wooden and not completely precise. This only adds to the charm and value of the rug.
If you have the opportunity to examine the Persian rug in person, feel it. Does it feel dry and rough, or is it pleasing to the touch? Some wool that’s removed from butchered sheep finds it way into these rugs—usually discount rugs that seem far too inexpensive to be a real Persian rug. You’ll want to avoid these “dead wool” rugs because they won’t stand up to wear the way a quality wool rug will. In fact, good wool will develop a sheen after being used that collectors prize as the mark of an authentic, quality Persian rug.
You may wish to consult a Persian rug expert to have a look at your potential purchase. But barring that, consider the color combination and pattern or scene. If it blends together and you enjoy the appearance of it as artwork, then chances are you’ll be happy with your purchase. If you’re buying through an auction, ask the seller if there are patches or repair, and get his or her impression about whether the rug feels dry or smooth.
Originally posted 2008-12-04 05:00:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Avon Collectibles Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Decorative Collectible Brands-> Avon The Avon Company has been a respected institution in the United States since 1886, and their line of decorative collectibles contain some of the most sought after pieces on record. The company first began producing Avon collectibles in the mid-1960’s and...... -
Barbie Dream House Dolls-and-Bears -> Barbie-Vintage-Pre-1973 -> Structures-and-Furniture The first Barbie Dream House was introduced in 1960, and could fold up into a small box that was easily carried around by a little girl. Ponytail Barbie, the Barbie whose hair was pulled back into a ponytail with short bangs in front, wanted nothing...... -
Cairn Terrier Collectibles Collectibles -> Animals -> Dog-> Cairn Terrier For those that love this intrepid breed, cairn terrier collectibles are a wonderful expression of their devotion. Whether you are shopping for yourself, or you need a gift for a lover of this breed, there are countless types of cairn terrier collectibles that...... -
Grand Piano Dealers -> Musical Instruments -> Keyboard The first pianos to be called “grand” were manufactured in 1777, and soon became status symbols that the wealthy and affluent all wanted to own. A grand piano can command a room. Usually, it's the largest piece of “furniture” in a room, and...... -
Boyds Bears Dolls-and-Bears -> Bears -> Boyds Boyds Bears are the creation of Gary Lowenthal and his wife, Justina Unger. Before they were married, they owned an antique shop together in 1979, and found that they couldn’t afford the types of antiques they wanted to carry. So in 1982 they started making......
Related Websites -
Money Saving Monday Tip #16 - Clothes on the Cheap I love clothes, especially nice clothes for work but I detest paying the high prices most major stores charge. Here are some places you can get decent clothing and not pay an arm and a leg for them: Thrift Stores Probably the cheapest option, thrift stores can contain some...... -
Celtic Tattoos /caption] If you're looking for a tattoo design that is meaningful as well as beautiful, a Celtic tattoo might be a good choice for you. The artwork of the Celts reflects centuries of history - the origins of Celtic knotwork date back to 700 B.C.! Fortunately for us, it just...... -
Rare Coins Coins and Paper Money -> Ancient Coins -> Persian, Indian, Asian There is something very special about rare coins. No matter where in the world they came from, they usually have a very rich history and collectors will search to the ends of the earth to find that special rare...... - Valuable Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> Postal History If you are interested in stamp collecting as more than just a hobby, it is important to focus on finding valuable stamps. These are the ones that will enhance your personal collection and provide you with a solid investment that you can count on.......
Online Stores Online Stores
September 12th, 2009 — Collectibles, Decorative Arts, Decorative Collectibles, Thomas Kinkade
Thomas Kinkade is a living, American artist whose work is so popular today that many people have no idea they even have Thomas Kinkade artwork in their homes in some form or another. There seems to be no middle ground when it comes his art. People either dismiss it as throwaway art, no more skillful than a paint by numbers, they revile it for the commercialism that has made it so popular, or they cherish the homespun and idyllic scenes, the soft, pastel colors, and the light glow inherent in the paintings.
Unlike any other artist in history, Thomas Kinkade has taken an active hand in marketing his creations to the world. He has sold prints of his artwork on television, through the QVC home shopping network. He’s even trademarked the phrases “Painter of Light” and “America’s most collected living artist.”
A Thomas Kinkade painting is recognizable by the subject matter. The images are distinctly American, with some of them even coming from his hometown. Nature is often depicted in gardens, running water like streams, street, stone cottages and other settings. His paintings are simple scenes with no hidden messages or subliminal symbolism, and much of mainstream America appreciates these images of home and country, while others criticize their simplicity and straightforward style, claiming its not true art.
Often, a Thomas Kinkade painting will contain images of his daughters, or their names. And the letter ‘n’ is often emphasized in tribute to his wife. Churches and other symbols of the Christian faith are often depicted in his paintings, as he’s a devout believer who says he wants to use his artwork to touch people of all faiths. These religious paintings have made Kinkade popular among the American religious community.
Thomas Kinkade has earned millions through his artwork, thanks to unashamed promotion of it. He’s often asked to help commemorate milestones like an anniversary at Disney, and he has helped the efforts of many non-profit organizations like The Salvation Army and The Make-A-Wish Foundation. While many criticize him for his commercialism, others argue that artwork that isn’t viewed and appreciated is pointless, and at least he’s brought art to the mainstream.
Because of his efforts to popularize his artwork, a Thomas Kinkade print is one of the most easily accessible pieces of art that exists today. Original paintings cost in the thousands, but prints are affordable, helping to make him commercially popular. They can be purchased online, in auctions like eBay, and in shops that specialize in artist prints.
If you’re looking for an original painting, buy it from a respected art dealer to prevent being sold a forgery. If the price is only a few hundred dollars, chances are it’s not a true Thomas Kinkade. Other items featuring his art range from things like calendars to collector tins, so if you’re a fan you can enjoy his art in just about any form you can imagine. You can also purchase a variety of items directly from the artist’s website.
Originally posted 2008-11-11 06:19:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Proper Wine Collection Storage Regardless of whether you are just beginning your wine collection or if you have been collecting and building your wine collection for many years, the goal when it comes to collecting wine is to keep them in perfect drinking condition. The whole idea of keeping these bottles around is so...... - Miniature Collectibles Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Miniatures When it comes to a delightful collectible that won’t take up a lot of space, miniature collectibles are the ideal answer. These tiny little works of art require a great deal of craftsmanship and many of them feature amazingly lifelike details. You can find......
- Persian Rugs Collectibles -> Linens-Fabric-and-Textiles -> Rugs Iran is the country of origin of the Persian rug, and still the largest producer of carpets and rugs in the world today. In Iran, investors purchase Persian carpets the way some investors buy gold and diamonds; they know the value will only increase with......
- Wall Tapestries Dealers -> Textiles-Linens -> Tapestries A wall tapestry can be a beautiful addition to your home, whether it's a reproduction or an antique piece. A tapestry is much more than a woven cloth that covers the wall, it's often a piece of history that tells a story, and speaks......
-
Marlon Brando Films Collectibles If you ask many people to name the greatest films of all time, many will name Marlon Brando films. He’s considered the greatest actor of all time by many movie fans and critics alike. Though he lived to be 80 years old and barely resembled his sex-symbol persona for......
Related Websites - On This Date in baseball-July 2 On July 2, 1989, Robin Yount of the Milwaukee Brewers collects the 2,500th hit of his career. Yount becomes the fifth youngest player to reach the milestone, behind Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, Hank Aaron, and Mel Ott. Yount will finish his career with 3,142 hits. On July 2, 1985, Joe......
-
natty's art /caption]before i begin, i want you to know i don't know this person - but browsing through flickr to get some pics up there at the top of the page, i stumbled onto this art by this artist, natty aka natalie kocsis. it's just plain amazing. i love the...... - Vintage Pin-Up Posters Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Posters Vintage pin-up posters represent a popular movie and magazine phase of US history. The ultimate pin-up girl was Marilyn Monroe, without whom no collection of vintage pin-ups would be complete. She was the pin-up queen of the 1950s, a sex symbol, and was considered......
-
Review: Frederica by Georgette Heyer By: Sasha Muradali, guest reviewer Frederica is a stylish and witty Regency novel by Georgette Heyer. The novel centers around a young girl named Frederica who brings her younger sister and the rest of their siblings to London. She is determined to secure a fabulous marriage for her astoundingly...... -
Andy Warhol Paintings Memorabilia -> Entertainment Memorabilia Andy Warhol paintings today are housed in museums, owned by private collectors and released as prints for public consumption. He was born Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1928. Though he died in 1987 from complications after gall bladder surgery, his name is still well known......
Online Stores Online Stores
