Sunday, July 26, 2009

A Glimpse of Our Blue Sevres and Meissen Collection and Lamp Transformation

I am out of town and most of my pictures are on my desktop computer and my possessions in my first home, so it's not too easy to post something new. Luckily, Chari of http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/ thought about this SundayFavorites idea on reposting one of our favorite posts on a Sunday, since it is really a day of rest. And you know how long it takes to upload new pics for a new post. I originally posted this for Met and Blue Monday but now it's a Sunday Favorite. Please visit Chari and all her participants who won't disappoint you.
Welcome to Blue and Met Monday! Blue Monday is hosted by Smiling Sal at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ and Metamorphosis Monday is hosted by Susan at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/. Please visit their blogs and then go to the others who are also participating. You'll be glad you did!


I will begin with my Met Monday post. Blue Monday will follow soon shortly. On Saturday, dh and I went to an auction,. This was only the second auction I ever attended. The first one will be in my Blue Mon. post.

Anyway, these small lampshades were thrown in with other items that we were bidding on and won. I did not know what to do with them at first but on our way home, the bulb in my brain started flashing. The yellowish ones are made out of capiz, a mother of pearl shell found mostly in the Philippines.
This is our hanging lamp in the home office.
This is how it looks lit.
I replaced the old shades with the capiz shades.
another view
with the lights on. How do you like it? I think I like the capiz shades better. They give out a warmer glow, don't you think so?
and here it is, a general view.
Hope you enjoyed the simple transformation of our hanging lamp in the office. Thanks for joining me. Now, don't forget to visit Susan at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ and check out her wonderful post. I don't know about you but as for me, I am always looking forward to what she is going to show us next.


And then check out the others who are posting for Met Monday too. See you all there!


But wait......don't go yet! Please check out my Blue Monday post below.

Welcome to Blue Monday! Blue Monday is hosted by Smilingsal at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ Be sure you visit her blog and check out her amazing blue surprises and then visit all who are participating this week. I know you won't be sorry.


For this week, I would like to share our Sevres and Meissen centerpieces, compotes and urns. We won all these at an estate auction in one day. We lucked out because there weren't a lot of bidders and we got them at very reasonable prices. That auction also started my hubby's interest in Sevres and Meissen pieces and other European pottery. I can blame my dear friend Laurie from http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/ for that, since she was the one who told us about the estate auction that was being held. Well, maybe I should be thankful since I am actually glad she did because it was HUGE, even the auctioneer said it was the biggest auction that he has EVER handled! The late owner owned antique shops, 2 historical antebellum houses and warehouses that were full of these magnificent pieces. So, I can't really blame dh for getting hooked. It's so funny because now, when we tour historical or antebellum houses and he sees similar pieces, he flips them over to check for the pottery mark to see who the maker is. The tour guides look at him like he is crazy. LOL!


This is a porcelain Sevres blue lidded vase with an ormolu pedestal. This vase is very heavy and it has a hand painted romantic design on the other side, which you will see in the next picture. I just love these signed pieces. They are two of my favorites. But then again, I have a lot of favorites.

Here is another one and you will see the courting couple in the next picture.

This is a Meissen "4 Seasons" compote. I just love all the details. Click on the pictures so you can see them too.
Here is another view.
Here is a Sevres porcelain compote

supported by 3 cupids. The following 2 pictures show more views. Don't forget to enlarge them.

This one below has a funny story. This auction was actually my first experience. DH was with me when it started and he was the one placing the bid, you know, raising his hand with our numbered card. We got there bright and early, even before the auction started. Around noon, he had to leave to see some patients in the clinic and told me to just raise that numbered card whenever I see something I like. I was nervous but my lusting for all those gorgeous displayed items overcame my fear, so I started bidding. When I won the item below, I thought I was bidding on a chair. Was I ever surprised when the auctioneer announced that I just won this Meissen blue musical ladies compote! I guess I need more experience. LOL! But you know, I was glad I did because it really is very pretty. It's one of my favorites too. I told ya I have a lot of favorites. :-) All these compotes are big and heavy. They are over 20 inches tall.
We have a pair of these lidded vases. I am not sure if they are Meissen or Sevres. We were running out of place to display all the bulky winnings so we ended up putting this pair on top of the tall French provincial cabinet in the dining room. I forgot to check the signature and maker before we put them up there and I am not about to climb up to check now. I am afraid to break them. Just as I said, they are real heavy.
Don't you just like the cherub on the lid?


The auction lasted from 8 AM to 5 PM. Before it ended, I called John to tell him to call our maintenance guy and ask him to bring a truck...LOL! That must have made him nervous! I ended up winning 8 Chippendale chairs, a massive Victorian hunt centerpiece with a stag, hunters and hounds (you'll see it in between the 2 urns above the French cabinet. The base is dark blue so it can count here too), a pair of gold leaf torchiere lamp posts, a pair of oil paintings on canvas, a wrought iron framed Italian scene painting, a pair of wall oval mirrors, a Canterbury magazine rack, a pair of marble top Mohogany side tables, a pair of huge Sevres eggs (I will blog about them one of these days, another one of my hubby's obsessions, LOL), a Tiffany style table lamp, and all the items I just showed you above. The lady who checked them out asked me if we have a store. We filled the truck, John's mini van, my SUV and our maintenance guy had to call his wife to bring another vehicle. That's what happens when you turn your wife loose. But you know, I was just being obedient. If you recall, he told me to raise my numbered card everytime I see something I like, right? LOL!

Thanks once again for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed this post.


And thanks to Sal for hosting this fun event. Don't forget to visit her at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/.

64 comments:

Justine said...

I'm here! I'm finally HERE! Wooooooooo hooooooooooooooo! Wow, you bought a LOT that day. Dare I even ask how much you paid for 50 billion truck-loads of stuff? LOL! But, everything you got is gorgeous. One question though. What exactly IS a compote?

I think your chandelier looks way nicer now with those pretty shades!
Justine :o )

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

First the new shades are gorgeous on the chandelier. Now for all the other lovely items. You know that I absolutely LOVE all of them. The detail and the colors are so exquisite. I think the colors are also so delicate. You are truly fortunate to have all these fabulous pieces. What a great post. Love ya. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine! Oh, I love those little shell lamp shades and they look marvelous on your light fixture. Now those gorgeous blue pieces are just amazing! Everthing is so intricate - wow, I think you hit the Mother Lode!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;0

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Gorgeous blues...wow! What fabulous pieces!

Susan

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

I love your new lampshades. They provide such a pretty glow. You have so.. many beautiful things. You're a very lucky lady.
Hugs, Terrie

Dixie said...

wonderful blue monday post... and I love the new shades for your lamps... beautiful! Dixie

lvroftiques said...

First let me start by saying "the golden shades do look wonderful and cast a warm glow"

Secondly...HOLY COW!! AI CHI WAA WAA!! YIMMINNY CRICKETS!!!OMG!!! As I wipe the slobber from my mouth. Girlfriend as one who has been to too many auctions to count...I think that Mr. Jimmys was the auction of the decade! You SCORED!!! I've never seen soo much fabulousness in one post! And to think that I know ya??!! Well YKWIM! *winks* I have already taken the liberty of copying to my photos each and every one of your beauties for later admiration *winks* If I didn't already love ya, I'd really have to hate ya! *winks* Vanna

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Christine...You are right...those new shades look fantastic on your chandelier! And I love all of your blue ...especially those Sevres vases!! Gorgeous!!...Debbie

Anonymous said...

Hello Christine! The lamp shade transformation really does warm things off! What a great inspiration! Your blue is so exquisite. You own some very nice pieces. Have a nice week...

Cindy J. said...

Hi there sweetie! Well we all know how crazy John is about you and how much he loved these things you bought. It is truly mind boggling taking in all of the exquisite beauty of these pieces. The detail is amazing, I can't help but think of the work and the artistry involved. Thank-you so much for sharing with us. I think these pieces found a wonderful home. Oh and I do love those shades on your light. Love, Cindy

The Quintessential Magpie said...

What absolutely amazing urns! They are just incredible. I could hardly bear to take my eyes off of them. Thanks so much for sharing those and the lighting transformation, too!

Happy Blue Monday and Met Day, too!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Carrie said...

The capiz shell shades really warmed up the chandilier.
Your beautiful vases are stunning designs! Such lovely colors and patterns.

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

You really have to think fast at an auction....and you did.....wise choice! The blues are gorgeous! Linda

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Those are some lovely, ornate pieces. Auctions can be lots of fun!

Debra Kaye said...

What a bunch of beautiful blue!! I enjoyed my visit here today. So nice to meet you!

Happy Blue Monday.

Lynda said...

I love mini-shades on a chandelier. Yours went from lovely to magnificent!

Exquisite blue capotes! The auction house must luuuv you! ;>)

SmilingSally said...

I've never been to an auction, but I'd love to go one day. I'm afraid that I'd need several vehicles too, although my husband would NOT be happy with that! Your chandelier looks much improved; those shades are special. I love all of the blue pieces. The prettiest is the "chair." LOL
Thanks for sharing. Happy Blue Monday.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Wow Christine..your shades are wonderful..you know how to spot a treasure..All your blue is magnificent..I could handle looking at them on a daily basis..lol.. thanks for swinging by yesterday. We had a super time yesterday.. I'm off to take hubby to the doctor.. have a super day..hugs ~lynne~

Silvia said...

hi xinex! funny, i was just looking at your beautiful home on micasa, my favorite its the dining room you have great taste..thank you for following my blog..be back to visit soon...x

Anonymous said...

Wonderful chandelier transformation, Christine and I absolutely love your gorgeous Blue Monday contribution!

Nicole ~ said...

I love the new shades, they are very pretty, and do make it look warmer.

You have so many beautiful pieces there!! I love the detail that each one of them have. You are a lucky girl!! I agree with you, you were being obedient, after all he did tell you to raise your hand.

Have a great day, Nicole~

Bo said...

Hi Christine...Holy smokes, you have been bitten by the auction bug...and what a buy you made. I hope you took out a rider on your insurance policy...I thought only kings & queens had pieces like that...GORGEOUS!!!
oh yeah, I love the chandy shades too!
;-) Bo

Cass @ That Old House said...

Love the chandelier shades, great new look. But those auction finds!!! Spectacular!

JudyBug said...

Oh my goodness. Your Blue Monday pics have me just drooling. The Sevres piece is just too die for!

Sweetie said...

What a wonderful auction. The Sevres porcelain compote supported by the three cupids is my very favorite piece. Happy Blue Monday!
Sweetie

The Norwegian said...

An auction with Sevres and Meissen. I'm not sure it gets any better than that! You have treasures of a lifetime. What fun to read of your adventures...mindful of AliBaba...

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

Hey gf, I have never figured out how to post on your blog so here goes nothing...

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

Hey , It worked!!!! paint me happy! Thanks for visiting and for all the info you shared. Now we have a place to visit again...

Glenda said...

Liked the change in shades for your light fixture. Opportunity knocked and you answered. I do believe in a "use it or lose it" way of thinking, for some things, and this is a perfect example. I like the use you found for the shades.

If I owned any Meissen porcelain, the bank would be holding prayer meeting for me every Wednesday night, praying that I stayed healthy and could pay them back what I owed them.

I am really glad you had such good luck and so much fun at your first auction. The only genuine auction I ever went to was for some property that was across from the 3+ acres we owned at one time. We didn't stand a chance. A group had gotten together and outbid everyone there. They pooled their resources and the property and turned it into a hunting club. That was fine with us. We had just been trying to buy the lot directly in front of us. They never did build anything anywhere close to the front of the property. They stayed back in the woods away from the road frontage.

I really enjoyed your post and I think your camera work was excellent, showing a lot of detail.

Anonymous said...

Christine you do not look old enough to be a grandma!!
We used to go to auctions when we lived in Vancouver, B.C. I loved them and the excitement in the air.
You scored.
I know what a compote is because I"m French and my grandmere used to have a few.
Happy Day
Love Claudie

Designs on 47th Street said...

Wow! Yes, I love your new lamp shades. They really make a difference. And those auction finds are something else!

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I really get excited seeing new names and making new friends. Do come again.

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine. These photos are gorgeous. I love all the blue angel figurines. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I hope to see you around again.

Tomarie said...

C, the shades totally change your light fixture and add to that warm and elegant "feel" you already have going on in your room! Your collection in one word~~DREAMYYYYY!! The artistry is amazing! So glad these have an owner that will care and appreciate their beauty and history! Great job at the auction! :-) L~

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hey Girlfriend...

Girl, you made off like a bandit at that estate auction...I just giggled when I read your entire list of treasures that you took home...hehe!!!

Well first of all, I love the capiz lamp shades on your chandelier...much prettier than that off-white shades, and you're right about the soft amber ambiance that they give off! Don't you just love when something works out so nicely...even when you didn't plan for it? hehe!!!

Secondly, I'm so glad that showcased your Meissen and Sevres ware...since we can enlarge the photos on our blogs, I was really able to study them! Christine, they are absolutely gorgeous...just breathtaking! I kept trying to pick a favorite but just couldn't...they're all so very beautiful!!! Although you know how I love cherubs so I especially like them!!! What a blessing to own such beautiful pieces...I'd be starring at them constantly if they were mine...hehe!!! Thank you so much for sharing them....I soooooo enjoyed them!!!

Have a great Monday, Sweetie...
Love ya,
Chari

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, those shades made a huge difference on that chandellier. You're right, the light is so much softer and more elegant looking. I am so glad to get to see large pictures of your auction purchases (I did click on most of them to enlarge them), and the details and colors are extrordinary! It just makes me smile that you and John are having so much fun together at these auctions -- not to mention you are making such great investments! laurie

Unknown said...

You scored some great finds at the auction. I love the capiz shades, they look wonderful on the light.

Nancy Wyatt said...

Great finds at the auction and a wise choice changing out the shades!

Unknown said...

Wow, they're ornately gorgeous to say the least!

DesignTies said...

It's amazing how a small change like changing the shades on a chandelier can make such a big difference :-) The new shades do give off a much nicer glow than the white shades you had before. Good find!!

The pieces you shared in your Blue Monday post look so elegant. It's obvious that you have a real passion for your collection :-)

Thanks for checking out my Met Monday post :-)

Kelly (one half of DesignTies)

Femin Susan said...

Hi......
Super...... Super shads...... thanks for sharing.....

~CC Catherine said...

Christine, Thanks for stopping by today! Your Blue Monday post is gorgeous! Love what you did with the new shades! ;) ~CC Catherine

imjacobsmom said...

Where have I been.....I didn't know you started blogging! That's great 'cuz you always had the neatest rooms on RMS. I am going to have to stop back and get caught up. Happy Blue Monday! ~ Robyn

Susan @ The Good Life! said...

Absolutely beautiful! I love your vases! Your home is beautiful! Have I told you that before?

Silvia said...

thanks xinex !!.
the chandy its really nice and shades are gorgeous looks very pretty ,as for the rest of the pieces one word BEAUTIFUL...x.

Picket said...

Gosh girl...you did fantastic at the bidding..love the difference the new shades make..so much warnmer and what gorgeous blue treasures you have girl...but then again your whole house is full of beautiful treasures...thanks for coming by sweetie and I hope you have a great week!

Anonymous said...

OM Gosh what a beautiful home. And I love the Meissen "4 Seasons" compote, I've never heard of them, but I would love each and every one of those. Loved those new shades too, what a difference.

Thanks for dropping by, I love to make new friends, come back often.

Hugs,
Chris

Kathysue said...

Hi C, the shades look great in the office,they just add another layer of warmth.Now for the urns,OM goodness I am drooling they are allllll so gorgeous and perfect for you lovely home.You have so many gorgeous pieces,it is always fun to see your lovely pieces and hear about your adventures.Hugs Kathysue

Helen said...

Your treasures are just that -- treasures! Enjoy them forever... I also love the new lamp shades!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

hey c/x I don't know how anything works...I did not see a reward...lol Thanks your a doll.

Julio Muao said...

Hi Xinex,

I love the new shades. As for your new treasures from the estate auction, fantastic!!! I can't get over the beautiful detail and color vases and the compotes. And those compotes fabulous! Great eye. Congratulations on your new heirloom collectibles. Thank you for the inspiration.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Girlfriend...

How are things going down in Florida...will you be there much longer? So happy to have you join in with Sunday Favorites today, my friend! I remember this post but sure did enjoy going through it again...loved seeing all that Sevres and Meissen collection again! It's just so exquisite!!! I was just thinking about how many times that you've been able to use some of those fabulous pieces in your tablescapes! What a lovely way to show them off and enjoy them at the same time!!! While I love each and every piece...I still think my favorite is the Sevres with the cupids! Of course, you know me and my cupid/angel fixation! Hehe!!!

Enjoyed seeing that pretty chandelier transformation again too! The capiz shell shades are so pretty and really made a beautiful addition to that chandelier!!!

Thanks again for joining in with Sunday Favorites, Girlfriend!!! Have a super Sunday!

Love ya,
Chari

Susan @ The Good Life! said...

Love the chandelier and I love your blue collection! I love auctions, but they scare my husband silly!!!!

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Glad to hear you were such an obedient wife. lol. I only wish I was so lucky. My husband would have taken the paddle with him when he left. You have some beautiful pieces there. Just breath taking. I remember seeing this post the first time around. But who doesn't like looking at beautiful things a second time. Thanks for sharing this post again.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Wonderful post Girl...now you know my ole heart skipped a beat over those blues...Beautiful my friend...May you have a great week and I'll talk to you when I get back from Texas....hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Debjani said...

I love all your comments and photos. Please keep posting to them.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Oh my!!! The little capiz lampshades work perfectly! And wow! you really did have fun at this auction! How fun it would have been to go with you :o) I love auctions and estate sales...

You have a beautiful home.

also...
Mele Kalikimaka! Maligayang Pasko!

(still getting around to visit the Christmas parties and to those that have left such wonderful comments at mine…since this was our daughter’s last weekend home before flying back to college today!)

Blessings & Aloha!
Thank you for stopping by my family’s Christmas memory party :o) and I'm happy you liked the Santa Sketch ;o)

Anonymous said...

Oh what lovely stuff! Being MaidenShade, of course I adore those new shades of yours!!!

Hi, just a note to let you know I held the drawing last evening and posted the results today. I'm sorry you didn't win, but wanted to thank you for entering.

Please come by and visit soon - I love to get company.

Have a great week! xJ
http://MaidenShade.wordpress.com

Diana LaMarre said...

Those compotes are gorgeous. I just love that shade of blue. What fun pieces to collect!

Anonymous said...

Those treasures are soooo pretty! I would love to have a tour in your house. :)

Anonymous said...

thats right,you were just being obedient.haha.wonderful finds.i want to see the chairs.yummy..................ann

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Christine...Love you new shades...the Capiz shades are gorgeous on your chandlier. I also love seeing all the amazing pieces you've collected...just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing this post again...love it!

Salmagundi said...

Beautiful! Beautiful! I felt like I was in Versaille again. You really have some great treasures. Sally

Blondie's Journal said...

Christine,

I remember when you posted this becaue I was amazed by all of the beautiful things you won and how funny it was that you needed all those vehicles to bring it home!! But I don't see a comment. Maybe I was speechless (for once in my life). ;-)

I would love to see the Chippendale chairs. Did you replace something else for them??

And the mirrors?? Maybe you should do a post showing where you put all these treasures!!

xoxo
Jane

Jessie said...

It’s wise to choose a reputable company to organize your estate auction. If you have more valuable assets that need to be sold, a well-organized auction is the way to go.

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