Picture Plates and Majolica

I have an annoying attraction to whimsical things that don't take an easy place in my decorating scheme. I seem to be always decorating some fanciful woodsy thatched cottage with beautiful roses climbing over its roof. In my head.

It's furnished with this platter which has hung on my dining room wall until just recently, and this majolica vase from a shelf in my bedroom.

There's just no explaining the attraction to majolica if you don't already have it. But it's as organic as the object itself. The few pieces I own have been found in junk markets for ten dollars or less. One, a tiny brown and ochre  pitcher with a dragon handle I found in a Santa Barbara thrift shop for four dollars. "This is worth a bit," I said to my shopping companion. "Really?" she sniffed. A short time later it sold back at the shop for a bargain at one twenty five. I've regretted it ever since.

I've most often seen this old art pottery displayed in groupings, and I think that's the best way to appreciate it. The pieces all have an organic relatedness. They are almost always very colorful and incorporate natural themes. Often there is no mark to clue you in to its origin. Plates of an astonishing variety are the most common to find. Damage is almost always present, but detracts little from its value. If you just have to have a wonderful piece, go to an upscale market in Dallas or another big city, and have a few hundred in your pocket. Otherwise, you'll just have to keep a sharp eye out. It tends to blend in and look like something your nephew made in fourth grade unless you investigate it further.  

Here are a few details from my vase close up. I'm always surprised at how little damage there is considering it's intricate design. I've never seen a piece so elaborate as this. How about you?

When I am living in my little thatched cottage, this is where I shop!

It's the weekend!

 I hope you get a little time for a few musty shops!

 Ciao! for now

Jacqueline