Thursday, May 13, 2010

Old Oak Sideboard


Even with plans to change the pale gray wall color you can’t help but notice how beautifully the color complements the golden oak of this antique Mission sideboard. The clean lines and simple hardware give the piece a decidedly Asian influence perfect for a collection of Asian porcelain.

The large and elaborate porcelain figure represents the ancient Chinese wise man Sau, seen here watching over the charming figure of a baby with gilded koi fish. The elaborate floral and butterfly ginger jar, beautifully crafted in the cloisonné enamel technique, adds another luxurious dose of color.


Along the top ledge are four blue and white Chinese porcelain cups with intricate bird and branch designs clustered around the portrait of a young eighteenth century lady. This elegant hand colored print overlaps a larger fragmented eighteenth century print chosen at the flea market in Rome for it’s unique subject matter. This romantic work of art centered on an enthroned female was framed shadowbox style to accentuate the ravages of time on the 250 year old paper.

The image of an elegantly seated female is echoed by an unusual old cast metal sculpture depicting a regal noblewoman seated with an anchor. Light from the beautifully carved antique lamp of polish Carrara marble plays off the gilding of an unusual hand carved Italian Rococo scroll mirror, as well as a realistic pair of cast brass antelope antlers and the softly aged patina of a finely detailed brass wall sconce.

Photos and home staging by KS&D.