Masons on Oak, Elm, Chestnut, Walnut, Fruitwoods & Country Furniture

Masons on Oak, Elm, Chestnut, Walnut, Fruitwoods & Country Furniture

When dressing the 16th – 19th century English and European Oak,

the first thing I think of is Masons Ironstone. They blend so well together.

A lot blends with Country furniture, Japanese Imari, English or French Green Majolica,

Pewter, Stoneware, Parian Ware, Antique and Contemporary Glass, Modern Ceramics,

Australian Pottery, Treen etc.

But, as I said, Masons are like wearing classic fashion items, they always look right.

Like the Little Black Dress, Cashmere Jumper or Black Blazer,

Single Breasted tailored Suit.

Timeless.

1686 - 1986

1686 – 1986

Notice how even a retro made semi Chippendale style dining chair can match so well with a striking piece of art 300 years older.

Contemporary framing can completely change the look of a copper engraving, painting, lithograph, even old photos. It’s not hard.

These chairs were unattractive, dark and had shocking patterned upholstery.

Once again, it’s not too hard to improve a chair.

I have these in a window display this week.

Quite eye catching, along with the descriptions of both.

As always it’s important to create interesting window displays

A Rare pair of Early 18th Century English Copper Engravings of Grand English Estates

A Rare pair of Early 18th Century English Copper Engravings of Grand English Estates

By Jan Kip and Leonard Knyff
1720
57 x 70cm
Johannes “Jan” Kip Amsterdam 1652 – 1722
Jan Kip was a Dutch draftsman, engraver and print dealer.
Kip and Leonard Knyff, made a speciality of engraved aerial views of English country houses and estates.
Personally, I find his work astounding and so ahead of his time.
Kip remains my favourite of all architectural artists.

*Maison du Seigneur
*Burlington House Pickadilly

Kip was a pupil of Bastiaen Stopendaal (1636–1707), from 1668 to 1670, before setting up on his own; his earliest dated engravings are from 1672. In April 1680, at the age of 27, he married Elisabeth Breda in Amsterdam.[1] After producing works for the court of William of Orange in Amsterdam, Kip followed William and Mary to London and settled in St. John Street in Farringdon, where he conducted a thriving printselling business. He also worked for various London publishers producing engravings after such artists as Francis Barlow (c. 1626–1704) and Caius Gabriel Cibber (1630–1700), largely for book illustrations. He made several engraved plates for Awnsham & John Churchill’s A Collection of Voyages & Travels (first published 1704). He signed the African scenes in volume V of the 1732 edition as “J. Kip”.

His most important works were the large fold-out folio illustrations for Britannia Illustrata, 1708; for the 65 folio plates he engraved for the antiquary Sir Robert Atkyns, The Ancient and Present State of Glostershire, 1712 (1st edition); and for Le Nouveau Théâtre de la Grande Bretagne ou description exacte des palais de la Reine, et des Maisons les plus considerables des des Seigneurs & des Gentilshommes de la Grande Bretagne, 1715, an extended reprint in collaboration with other artists.

A fine and rare mid 18th Century Chinese Spinach green Jade Carved marriage bowl in quatrilobe form

A fine and rare mid 18th Century Chinese Spinach green Jade Carved marriage bowl in quatrilobe form

Selling on behalf of a retired antique dealer

A fine and rare mid 18th Century Chinese Spinach green Jade Carved marriage bowl in quatrilobe form.

The everted rim, above low relief carving to the exterior of peony flowers with chrysanthemum carved handles, the leaves resting on the bowl, their bodies suspending loose ring handles.

Qianlong period 1736 – 1795

Remarkable workmanship. Perfect original condition.

H.7.3cm
W.25.5cm
D.12cm

Intricate Restoration of 19th century Italian terracotta Amphora.

Intricate Restoration of 19th century Italian terracotta Amphora.

We recently restored this 19th century Italian terracotta amphora.

They rest on the 31st floor and a freak wind gust broke one into pieces.
Here’s a few after and during photos of our work.
The first photos were taken once back in place.

Restoring is certainly our bread and butter when it comes to business income.
Seeing the smile on a customers face when delivering a finished piece can be more rewarding than the payment…

BTW, the views from this outstanding building are the best I’ve seen in Melbourne.