Many years ago I stood for a long time in front of Mantegna’s painting The Adoration of the Magi, transfixed by the delicate blue and white porcelain vessel in which one of the Magi was presenting his gift of gold coins. The cup is Ming porcelain, and in 1490, when Mantegna painted this picture, it was incredibly rare and precious, and so its inclusion in the painting is symbolic …
Decorative French books
It seems we cannot get enough of these ‘livres de poche’ paperback books published by Flammarion. The series was developed in 1876 with the aim of making knowledge in all fields accessible to all …
Haberdashery rummaging
Those who are lucky enough to live within easy reach of The Old Haberdashery in Ticehurst will understand why the thought of its owner, Sonia Boriczewski, ‘hoarding finds for Eridge’ can set the pulse racing. The shop is always a cheering delight …
Finding vintage paintings
The Decorative Living Fair is good hunting ground for vintage and antique paintings, whether you are looking for a finely painted portrait or seascape, or a charming little canvas, perhaps with a few holes in it …
The charm of blue and white
Many years ago I stood for a long time in front of Mantegna’s painting The Adoration of the Magi, transfixed by the delicate blue and white porcelain vessel in which one of the Magi was presenting his gift of gold coins. The cup is Ming porcelain, and in 1490, when Mantegna painted this picture, it was incredibly rare and precious, and so its inclusion in the painting is symbolic …
Collecting white china
If you have decided to confine your tableware to the colour white, the Decorative Living Fair offers many opportunities to stock up on practical additions to your cupboards. There is something unfailingly satisfying about the way the light falls on the glaze of white china. Even the humblest little pot or kitchen storage jar glows, like well worn pearls …
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