Antique Lesson - Enfilade

Today I want to talk to you about Enfilades as they relate to interior design.   An enfilade, which is  pronounced like this was originally used to describe a military formation used during war.  To be "in enfilade" means to align your troops so their weapons can be fired down the longest axis in a sweeping motion, such as along the line of a trench or battery.  

How does this relate to interior design you ask? 

Well, this term was adopted by the architectural community to describe a long line or series of rooms.  An enfilade is an axial arrangement of doorways throughout a series of rooms with vistas throughout all the rooms in the row.  

Like this . . . 

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This term is also used by the interior design community to describe a very long, low French buffet.  Again, the concept of a long linear formation.  One source I found stated in order for a buffet to be considered an enfilade it has to have at least four cupboard doors.  Otherwise, it would simply be considered a buffet.  Another source stated in order for the piece to be considered an enfilade the interior compartments have to be open and connected - for the French "enfiler" meaning "to thread."  Either way, here are some stunning examples of enfilades.

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And look! An enfilade in an enfilade!

Traditional Hall by Beverly Hills Interior Designers & Decorators DTM INTERIORS

Regardless of the origin, the next time you hear this word in context you will know exactly what it means.  It's good to be in the know. So glad this is a short week. M.

Antique Lesson - The Confidante

This chair goes by many names - confidante, conversation chair and tete'-a-tete' - it's purpose?  To allow people to have a private one on one conversation in a public area.  Think about that for a minute - someone designed a piece of furniture for the pure sake of a private chat (aka gossip, or sweet nothings)!  I really can't think of a piece of furniture with a more specific use!   

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2005/jun/30/oddshaped_chairs_proved_perfect_good_conversation/

While these are not suited for every home, they are very interesting . . . 

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If you have a grand foyer, it could be a unique option. 

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Also, if you recall, Windsor Smith brought back the interest in this unique piece with House Beautiful photographed her home for an feature article.  

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The more modern take on this piece is in the form of a chaise like this . . . 

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Also, this version (a two seater, if you will) could be used in lots of rooms for a statement piece.  Imagine floating it in the center of a room with two seating areas.

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I loved this one!  What a fun place to hang out and chat (cocktails are assumed here).

Celery Kemble (of course)

Of course, you don't have to have a special piece of furniture for a tete' a tete' . . . 

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Antique Lesson - Majolica

Wow!  Time flies.  It's been four months since my husband and I took our couple's getaway to Highlands, N.C.  where we stayed at the Old Edwards Inn.  If you recall, I promised to post about my visit to a local antique shop in Highlands where I met the cutest man who gave me an impromptu lesson on Majolica.

So, why the fascination with Majolica?  Well, I've seen bits and pieces of it my entire adult life.  When I was single, practicing law in Atlanta, I would go to Scott's antique market as a fun Saturday outing with friends.  There was a girl in our group who was totally crazy about Imari (which is an entirely separate post).  But, during our trips she would search endlessly for Imari.  When you are standing before booths  full of china, you see a lot of Majolica!  

Fast forward a decade -  I began working with a client who owns an extensive collection of Majolica.  She has a beautiful English country style, and needs no additional furnishings. I would come in to simply restyle her things for a fresh new look.    Since that first re-design, I've returned several times to provide seasonal styling/fluffing for her beautiful home.  You can see more of her space in my portfolio.

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  During that first visit to her home, my mind immediately jumped to those days at Scott's market.  So much so,  I had to have a small piece of my very own! 

One missing link to the puzzle for me in the whole Majolica thing - Why is Majolica, which originated in Spain on the island of Majorca, then produced extensively in Italy, associated with the English Country style in my mind?

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There is something about majolica that truly feels like the mountains to me.  No, not like the carved wooden bears and pinecones you see when you go skiing in Colorado.  This is a more refined, mountain feeling like some of the affluent mountain communities in North Carolina done in the English country style.  These homes always include Majolica and the pottery blends seamlessly with English country furnishings.  So, what's the connection?

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Apparently, in 1851 a Englishman by the name of Minton created something called Palissy ware majolica which was a blend of traditional majolica and the creations of the 16th century potter, Bernard Palissy who was known for is plant and animal motifs.  Minton called this pottery Pallisy ware majolica because his glazing technique was different from the original majolica seen in Italy and Spain.  However, over time, the "Pallisy ware" was dropped and the public simply called it all majolica.  Thus, the public embraced this Englishman and began to include his pottery in their homes.  I'm guessing it was very modern to see this in English homes when it first came on the scene.  Sort of like seeing a piece of modern artwork mixed in with traditional furnishings.  Funny to think of Majolica as trendy!

So, suffice it to say, majolica includes a very large array of pottery with all sorts of nuances and changes that have been made to the glazing techniques, motifs, and styles by manufacturers in many different countries.

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When I began drafting this post, I felt as though I had opened a can of worms.  There are individuals (historians really) who have devoted their entire careers to this pottery - extensive books written on it.  So, this post is by no means the "go to" on valuing this beautiful pottery.

 Instead, consider it a tiny introduction to a beautiful pottery that could be included in your home.  Here are just a few simple tips anyone can implement when discerning antique majolica.

Tip One - Check for markings.  
This is the easiest thing to do with any porcelain.  Just remember, not all Majolica is old/antique.  The three major producers of Majolica are Minton, Wedgewood and George Jones.  Of the three, George Jones is the most difficult to determine as the markings changed over the years.  However, there are many other less prominent producers with markings that are also authentic.  But, if you see any of these markings, you are dealing with the real deal.

Tip One - Always ask what circa is it?
This question is very different from "Is it old?" Old has so many interpretations - for example, the 60's are considered old for someone who was born in the 70's or later!  So, be more specific if you want to know how much age a piece has on it.

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Tip Two - Let the weight be your guide.
I think this is the best tip of all.  During my lesson with the shop keeper, he handed me one antique piece and one new piece and the weight of the two was significantly different.  The older piece was thick and heavy while the new piece felt thin and refined like china you would see being made today.

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Tip Three - Buy what you like.  
There are so many different styles of this pottery that you are sure to find a motif you like.  My favorite is the begonia leaf plates with all the colors.

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But if you are looking for something more subtle, there is a solid green that is lovely and would totally work in a neutral space.  Sanded majolica is also popular.

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Like anything, if you become interested in collecting this pottery on a larger scale, do your research.  There are entire books devoted to antique majolica.  Happy Weekend! M.

Antique Lesson - Knife Box

Believe it or not, in the middle ages people usually brought their own cutlery with them when eating away from home.  Later, as cutlery became more readily available, decorative cases, especially for the knives, were often left on display in the dining room.  These beautiful works of art were the ingenuity of the english cabinet-makers during the last quarter of the 18th century.   

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Mahogany and satinwood were the woods most frequently used and many were inlaid with lighter toned woods.  Look at these beautiful examples. 

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I think a pair of these would be so stunning on a buffet. 

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Here's a close up of the inside of the boxes.

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And this one includes the original cutlery.

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  These graceful receptacles, often made in pairs, still exist in fairly large numbers and are often converted into stationary cabinets for a more practical use.  As in the example below.

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Prior to knife boxes, were these knife urns.  They were placed on pedestals flanking a sideboard.  An English innovation for high-style dining rooms in the late 1760's, they went out of fashion the following decade with the creation of knife boxes that were place on the sideboard.

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That's the history of the knife box!  For more information, click here.
  Have a great day. M.

Antique Lesson - Bouillotte Table

Bouilloutte (click here for pronunciation) is a card game that was wildly popular in France in the 18th century.  It became such the rage a special table (and lamp) was created just for the game.  These tables included a felt top (also known as a bouchon) which would be place in the inset area while the table was used for playing the game and then removed to revel the marble top so the table could also have an everyday use.  

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The table is in the Louis style (notice the legs), and I think it's a marvelous piece.  I love the traditional french vibe but I also think it is wonderful mixed with more modern pieces (I even think the marble top allows it to blend nicely with midcentury modern pieces).

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For a very detailed discussion of this beautiful table click here.  Also, if you want to learn how to actually play the game, knock yourself out by clicking here!  M.

Antique Lesson - Heart Ex-Votos

Years ago, I saw an image that stopped me in my tracks.  Although I can't remember the specific shelter magazine,  it was an image of a stunning home and on a table was a very large collection of these.
I remember thinking, what in the world are those gorgeous things?  Why can't I collect something unique and cool?

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I've since learned these beautiful objects are called Heart Ex-Votos and they actually have a religious purpose.  They are a form of votive offering to a saint or divinity.   These offerings are given in the fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude or devotion.   They are generally placed in a church or chapel where the worshiper seeks grace or wishes to give thanks. 

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For the heart shaped ex-voto, many open like a locket and includes a prayer, note or thank you for the completion of a miracle.  So, the ex-voto is both public (since you leave it at the church for others to read for encouragement) and personal (since they usually include a very personal story about the giver). 

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Although some are made of silver, the large majority were created out of tin and may include a picture of the bearer or of the person the prayer is in honor of when presented.  

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Many shrines at the end of long pilgrimages, include large areas decorated with ex-votos.  These can take many forms of which the heart is one.  These have a Italian origin, but quickly spread to the New World by Spanish settlers. 

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If you are considering a unique collection, I think these are amazingly beautiful and interesting.  Have a wonderful day! M.

PS: for additional information on these lovely objects go here and here. 

Antique Lesson - Mustard Pot

I always assumed that mustard got it's name from the mustard plant which bears the seeds used in mustard.  But apparently, it's the other way around!

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The mustard plant acquired its name from the French (moutarde) which in turn came from the Latin word for infermented wine: mustum.  Wine was mixed with the powdered seed of a plant (now known as the mustard plant) and used to season foods.  Initially, it was served in it's powdered form table side (sort of like salt).  The change from dry to wet mustard took place some time in the 18th century.  So, mustard got it's name from infermented wine!  Source - The What is? Silver Dictionary.

One of the main reasons I continue to post on unusual silver pieces is because I am fascinated by how much time and energy were devoted to ensuring commonly used products (like mustard) were served in a beautiful way.  We are talking mustard here, people! 

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Once mustard pots became popular, silversmiths began to create a variety of shapes and styles.  It was very common for the body of the pot to be pierced to allow the beautiful blue glass (included to prevent corrosion) to show through as ornamentation. 

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I think a mustard pot would be a wonderful addition to a beautiful table setting.  You just have to think about something you could serve that requires mustard?  

No, I was not thinking hot dogs . . . Maybe something a bit more creative.

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How about Beef Tenderloin with Mustard Roasted Potatoes (from Smitten Kitchen) and extra mustard for serving in your silver mustard pot, of course!! 

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Wow!  I think I'm hungry now.  

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A post about silver making me hungry.  Who knew! 

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Have a great Monday. M.