Shop – Page 4 – Ephemerascenti

Trade Beads as High Fashion Accessory

Ralph Lauren's 2013 Spring Collection ralph-lauren-rtw-ss2013-runway-04_142252375809 tradeBeads_b-8297 tradeBeads_b-8303 tradeBeads_b-8308 tradeBeads_b-8312 tradeBeads_b-8314

Spotted as accessories to Ralph Lauren’s colorful and wearable 2013 Spring Collection, loops and loops of vintage trade beads. Paired with ruffles, fringe, embroidery, serape inspired stripes, these and similar beads, like Lauren’s muses are no less traveled. The 2013 Spring Collection suggests Spain and Latin America and Lauren’s jodphurs, bolero vests, draped scarves, tilted berets and brimmed hats are re-imagined in colors that exude intensity and passion.

These vintage bohemian, or trade beads, were purchased from a group of modern day African traders from Mali and Ghana. Produced originally by Venetians known for their glass wares, they were imported by companies in Germany, Holland, and England then traded in Africa and the Americas. The height of what is referred to as the “trade” period was from the mid 1800s through the early 1900s. Millions of beads were made during that time utilizing various raw materials; metals and minerals. The sizes and shapes ranged from the traditional rounded to tubular, hexagonal, and unique globular and even claw like profiles.

Worn on the runway, in conjunction with a matador’s bolero vest, a poet’s blouse, or a chiffon dress, trade beads project a statement not unlike the image of this and previous Ralph Lauren collections and the women who wear them; well adorned and well traveled.

Curious where to find African trade beads? We have listed two strands at Ephemerascenti at Etsy. Please contact us regarding interest in other strands shown.

vogue photo credits: Monica Feudi/Feudiguaineri.com

Dansk Spiral Silver Plated Candle Holder

his Danish modern spiral was designed by Bertilli Vallieni also known for his art glass works. Marked “Dansk Designs France BV” this is an Eams era, mid century modern design produced in the 60s. Marked “France,” re-productions were later made in China. Silver plated, it holds 12 thin taper candles along its sensuous curves. We even have an original box of Dansk candles which was nibbled on by a naughty family dog. No worries, buyer may purchase candles, readily available through a variety of sources.

Johnson & Johnson Red Cross Kidney Plaster Kit Advertising Sales & Display Box

Red Cross Kidney Plaster Kit Advertising Sales & Display Box

This finger jointed display box for Johnson & Johnson Red Cross Kidney Plasters is an interesting piece of medical history. The company was founded in New Brunswick, N.J. Boxes or drawers like this were made from materials used for cigar boxes purchased from the neighboring William Black Co. Johnson & Johnson’s medicated plasters were made from an rubber compound from India that was then infused with medications which were then rolled out into flat pieces. One side provided the adhesion and one side the topical medication. The plasters treated and blocked pain from a variety of ailments including kidney disorders, sciatica, and rheumatism and “do not induce drug habits.” Ingredients such as capsicum, found in peppers was is in one such plaster compound. Other plasters listed on the drawers include Belladonna, Belladonna Capsicum, and Cough. The drawer pulls are not only decorative, but functional.

The details in the lithographs are priceless and range from the familiar red cross and Johnson and Johnson logo to the slogan “Feels Good on the Back” and depiction of a couple enjoying a lazy day on the shoreline under a wide umbrella. The thin wood on the back panel has split, probably decades ago. The lithograph on this panel has “split” with it. The graphics are still legible, regardless. Other panels describe the specific benefits of the use of their plasters. The front drawers’ lithographs detail the specific types of plasters that would have been stored within. Someone made a pencil notation on one of the drawer fronts.

A great resource on the web for Johnson & Johnson history and its people is the Kilmer House.

Measurements: 9″ tall X 9.5″ wide X 8″ deep

Modernist Still Life Handmade Puzzle “Painting”

This is a wonderful modernist floral still life that is also a 26 piece puzzle. Quarter inch furniture grade plywood was used for the puzzle. The pieces appear to have first been cut then a light stain was applied to the tops and sides of specific puzzle pieces. It was made and signed by the artist “Kari.” We found it at an estate sale in the midwest assembled and placed in an acrylic “frame” with backing sold with frame which may be hung like a painting.

Measurements: approximately 8″ x 10″ x 1.25″

Appalachian Folk Art Miniature Joe Byrnside Violin Fiddle

We discovered this sensitively made miniature violin at an antique “mall” east of Huntington, West Virginia in the middle 1980s. It was documented as being made by Joe Byrnside in Boone County, West Virginia, circa 1940s.

It is made of bent and carved wood, with decorative paint illustrating the maker’s signature J and B. The delicate metal “strings” are attached to the tail piece traveling over the bridge, up the neck and tightened over the tuning pegs. It also has F holes and a lovely scroll on which a short piece of old string, perhaps for hanging, is attached. The skill set shown indicates a true understanding of both the musical instrument as well as its construction. It is in excellent condition, all original to the maker’s vision and hand.

Measurements: approximately 12″ long x 3.5″ wide x 1.5″ tall

Steam Punk Raku Reptile or Dragon Egg Candle Holders

These unusual, original, artist made candle holders capture the spirit of steam punk’s SCI-FI fantasy. Crackled raku technique eggs and reptilian or dragon foot bases. A morph of the artistic and the functional, these are beautifully designed and rendered. They were originally purchased at the Columbus Arts Festival and given to us as gifts. Never used, that makes them perfect to purchase for yourself or for a gift. They have a blackish felt applied over the bottoms so they won’t slip, slide, or scratch any surface.

Measurements: 5.75″ tall x 3″ wide x 3.5″ deep

Vintage Bauer Pottery Ringware Nesting Bowls

Three beehive or ringware nesting mixing bowls discovered among the contents of our Grandmother’s basement. In remarkable condition for how long they were initially used and then stored. Bauer pottery, an American pottery that was founded in Paducah, KY was moved to California in the early 1900s. Operations were closed in 1962 the result of a dispute related to labor. Here are three bowls, the largest of the three bowls is ( 9″ x 4.5″) a soft green marked BAUER USA on the bottom clean and in very good vintage condition. The medium ( 7.5″ x 4″) is a pretty periwinkle blue glaze with no crazing, or chips. There is one tiny glaze flaw on the inside; there since its original firing. It is marked BAUER USA, clearly under the original gloss glaze. The smallest of the three is an off white (7″ x 3.5″) unmarked. It has no chips, just light crazing in the glaze but nothing detracting.

Antique Handmade Cross Assemblage from Ecuador

We purchased this beautiful cross at an antique dealer’s booth in Cincinnati in the middle 80s. It appears to be an old wooden cross that was repurposed for a handmade crucifix assemblage. The dealer purchased it while in Ecuador years before our purchase. The assemblage is quite unique. The original cross and base are very old, wooden. There appears to be a previous coating of a silvery metallic guilding. Much, but not all of this is worn away revealing much of the wood. Someone, prior to the dealer’s purchase, applied a paper image of Christ on the cross to the front of the cross. This is the condition it was in at the time of its discovery at the antique mall in Cincinnati. There is an old nail driven through the bottom of the base which adjoins the cross. The assemblage and its lovely patina make this an especially interesting cultural and historical relic.

Measurements: 9″ x 4.5″ x 3″ (Base 2.75″ x 3″)