Posts Tagged ‘Antique’

Shop Till You Drop in Antique Haven Beijing

As a newly emerging global superpower the Chinese capital is flexing its muscles when it comes to offering both locals and visitors a world class shopping experience.  Contending with other Asian shopping Meccas such as Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong, Beijing is rolling out the red carpet for all shopaholics with designated shopping districts and mega malls selling everything from Chinese antiques to designer brands.

As the most popular commercial district of BeijingWangfujing Street enjoys an unparalleled reputation for its 1km stretch of historic shop fronts. Often compared to France’s Champs Elysees this bustling shopper’s market attracts nearly 500,000 visitors daily. Home to the Wangfujing Department Store, Sun Dong An Plaza, the Oriental Plaza and countless other shops selling everything under the sun, enchanting souvenirs are also available here. Those in search of an authentic Chinese shopping experience should head down to Qianmen Street just south of Tiananmen Square where traditional Chinese wares are sold in renowned stores such as the Pianyi Workshop, Quanjude and Douyichu.

For those priceless Chinese silks however there’s no finer alternative to Silk Street which is a seven storey paradise for all silk lovers. Offering visitors a myriad of multihued scarves, robes and shirts made from the finest silk this one stop silk shop also offers cashmere scarves and other exquisite silk items in addition to traditional Chinese antiques and handicrafts. Stunning carpets, bed linen, jewellery, calligraphy and paintings are also sold here at bargain prices found nowhere else in Beijing.  Dubbed as the biggest antique market of its kind in the continent, Panjiayuan Market is a treasure trove for all antique lovers.  With more than 3000 shops spread out across nearly 49,000m2 , this preferred haunt of Hilary Clinton is a sight that has to be seen to be believed. Buddhist relics and ethnic apparel are also available here alongside ancient coins and artwork.

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Reputed to be one of Asia’s most expansive curio distribution centres, the 23,400 square metre Beijing Curio City houses nearly 500 shops selling jade, ancient porcelain, jewellery, carpets, antique furnishings and wood carvings.  Other points of interest for antique collectors include Liangma Collection Market, Liulichang Antique Street and Gaobeidian Antique Furniture Street which is a hotspot for Chinese classical furniture.

The Yaxiu Market is a well-known bargain clothing bazaar that sells clothes, accessories and your own tailor made Chinese Qipao dress for a fraction of the cost elsewhere in no more than 24 hours. Brand conscious shoppers on the other hand should venture down Jianguomenwai Street which is crowded with chic department stores and malls. Highlights include Guiyou Department Store, the China World Shopping Mall, Friendship Store and Scitech Plaza while the fashionable Xidan shopping district also offers global brands in an exclusive setting. Home to theChung-Yo Department Store, Xidan Shopping Center, Huanan Mansion, Xidan Bazaar and Weiwei Bride Wedding Dress Photo Studio, the famed Capital Bookstore is also located here.

Floral fanatics on the other hand will be mesmerized with the sweet scented flowery offerings in one of the city’s largest flower markets at Lai Tai Lady’s Street. Expect to see enormous blooms, vibrant orchids and plants at this vibrant venue in addition to over 20 shops selling decorative fish and other aquarium essentials.

Those on the lookout for a conveniently placed hotel in Beijing will find no better alternative to the stylish Grand Millennium Beijing. Ideally situated in the city centre of the Chinese capital this contemporary Beijing hotel also offers top-notch conference, spa and restaurant facilities.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Chesterfield Leather Sofa, Antique Chesterfield Sofas, Chesterfield Furniture

Buy Chesterfield Sofas Click Here
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www.designersofas4u.co.uk

The traditional import of couch is a part of a set of furniture with single partially of the back come to an end raised up. New like a sunlight hours bed before a chaise longue than a fresh couch, perhaps. In the field of old French language the characterize couch inevitable to perjure yourself down. Footstools

The characterize couch straight away course a part of a set of furniture so as to is intended in favor of a living area, mostly referred to in the role of a settee before a chaise longue. Whilst making an allowance for a chaise longue in favor of your home-based, you need an elegant and classic design to complement your surroundings.

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Chesterfield furniture is by a long way recognisable with its deep buttons and its tall winged armchairs supported by a backdrop of Queen Anne legs. Chesterfield settees and chairs are still considered a sign of elegance. Our tailored service course so as to our customers search out the superlative viable values; quality and strength in the field of their Chesterfield furniture whilst too mirroring the dissimilar needs and needs of our customers. Sofas

In the field of the 1970s, Chesterfield suites were by the side of the height of their popularity. Those stopped regarding it in the role of a part of a set of furniture so as to was mostly found in the field of offices before area of high pressure lesson hotels. Chesterfield furniture was mostly made in the field of a traditional leather before velvet.

In the present day, the Chesterfield suite has untouched in the field of design. You can get the deep buttoned traditional chesterfield settee before settle in favor of a new classical chesterfield settee with two matching chairs. If your home-based is fresh, you may possibly decide to die in favor of the classic design. If your area is tubby you may possibly yearn for to allow traditional furniture with single Chesterfield chaise longue and single before two variations of a classic chair. Its a material of taste. Mixing chesterfield furniture with both fresh and antiqued furniture can come about fun and pleasant to the eye.

By the side of DesignerSofas4u, we offer a tailored make contact with to our customers with a service so as to can design a chesterfield to suit in the least area in the field of the home-based before bureau.

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Antique Lamps ? Decorative Lamps for Interior Design

I must first admit to being a convinced photophobic, a term defined as “an intense aversion to strong light”.  On entering a brightly lit room, I find myself subconsciously groping for the dimmer switch!  Bright light is good – in an operating room, an airport or film shoot!  but, definitely not in a comfortable room.  In fact, a room ceases to be comfortable when lit like a night time tennis tournament!

A successful interior project must have successful lighting, lighting being an integral component.  One can have the finest of everything; stunning interior design, fabrics and furniture, but in the end, an interior lives or dies by lighting.

Decorative lighting, as the name suggests, is principally seen as a class of decorative art with the secondary benefit of providing light.  If intensive, bright light is required, then decorative lighting will not be effective.

When an antique lamp is being considered, it can be thought of in similar terms to decorating a room with a painting, antique rug, or antique furniture.  Firstly, to classify a lamp as antique, the lamp must be a minimum of 100 years old, as this is the age requirement for an antique to be an antique.

If a decorative theme is required, lamps can be selected to compliment a specific interior such as Chinese, or a more eclectic Oriental theme, an English country look, or a formal classic style, in fact, the style of lamp chosen can really match any period of design required.

Table lamps fall into one of two categories:- 

The first would classify as accent lamps, which usually have an overall height of no more than 15″ / 38cm when fitted with a lamp shade.  As the name suggests, the accent lamp is meant to accentuate a particular object, or, to draw attention to a specific area. This may be a mantelpiece, bookshelf or small side table in an entrance hall or perhaps amongst a group of photo frames or collection of small objects.  The careful placement of accent lighting will add a further dimension to the feel & comfort of a room.

The second category being the standard table lamp, usually measured to a total height of up to 35″ / 89cm. 

Illustrated is a fine pair of “Purely Decorative” antique accent lamps -:

 

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A delightful pair of mid19th century, decorative accent lamps as well modelled, Chinese, Sancai figures of two of the Taoist immortals. These spiritual beings, central to religious Taoism number eight in total and perhaps are intended to be allegorical.

These super-humans or perfect persons, came to be worshipped and emulated by Taoists. The Eight Immortals frequently appear in Chinese literature, mythology and art; each carries a symbol, or attribute, and is imbued with a special power.

These perfect eight, dwell far away in an untroubled place, (the isle of the blessed),

where they experience an effortless existence of physical freedom. They are ageless, eat nothing but air, drink nothing but dew, and enjoy the power of flight.  They truly exemplify the Taoist virtue of spontaneity and spiritual transcendence.  

The male figure illustrated is “Lan Caihe”, who carries his attribute, a basket of flowers. The female figure is a young girl, “He Xiangu”, – the last of the Immortals,   She carries with her, her attribute, a magical Lotus flower.  

Both immortals dressed in Ming dynasty tunic robes and glazed in the Chinese three-colour combination of manganese, yellow and green, known as “Sancai”.

The immortals shown skimming across the surface of the ocean on their journey to the isle of the blessed,

The two immortals standing on custom made, gilt wood, square shaped, Chinese table stands.

Each lamp fitted with a custom made, rich butter yellow silk, square lamp shade, piped in Spring Grass green silk.    Both figures are in original condition.

Circa 1850                                             Overall height (including shades) 18″ / 46cm

The lamp base, however, is only half of the story.  The partnering of the right lamp shade is essential in producing the desired effect.  Once selected it should bring the look together by a thoughtful combination of style, size, shape, colour, appropriate fabric and passementerie.  Both lamp and shade should be chosen to compliment the existing, or planned interior.

Decorative lamps are purely decorative.  They are meant to be decorative, not a principal source of interior lighting.  Lamps of this type can also be divided by gender!

Everyone is familiar with the concept of decorative objects considered as feminine or masculine.  There are, of course, no fixed rules; however, general observations can be made. 

Typically, feminine will be seen as pretty, i.e., flowers, song birds, cupids etc and whilst this is a sweeping statement, it will serve to separate masculine as being, robust, handsome, sculptured, i.e. architectural elements, horses etc.

Traditional attitudes have generally placed interior design in the feminine compartment, but attitudes change and men are now widely accepted as partners in sharing an interest in interior design and decoration.

From a purely male perspective, men will see table lamps as a subject that allows for creative expression.  Lamps for the den, for the office, for a library, or simply to add to the pleasure derived from their living space.

Finally, antique decorative lighting is not “novelty lighting” which is another subject altogether!  In point of fact, I very recently saw a table lamp as a figure of the Virgin Mary, which, when the lamp was switched on, the Virgins hallo lit up and the lamp base played a tinkly little version of the Ave Maria!    

There is a generally acceptable level of comfortable interior lighting, which, of course, will swing wildly from person to person, (except, of course for the photophobic)!  From a psychological point of view, interior lighting is a major contributor to well being.  Soft interior lighting is sensed as an atmosphere that is calming and relaxing – combined with a favourite chair and a good magazine, it’s positively therapeutic!

 

The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co specialise in antique lamps with an exclusive on-line range of over 100 unique lamps.

Custom made silk lamp shades can be ordered.  Lamps are shipped ready wired to the US, the UK and Australia.

For further information you are invited to visit their web site at -:

http://www.antiquelampshop.com

© The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co 2010

 

Maurice Robertson, principal of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co, has had a lifetime’s association with antique porcelain and pottery, with his commercial experience spanning a period of over 45 years,including valuer to the Australian Government’s Incentive to the Arts Scheme. His long experience with antique ceramics and glass also includes dealing with leading museums and numerous international private collections. He has extended his ceramics expertise into the quality table lamps seen on the company’s site and is well known to local and international interior designers who have included many of his table lamps in their projects. He has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister.

More Antique Furniture Articles

ANTIQUE BOOKCASES

Antique bookcases are classic and timeless pieces of furniture that add class, glamor and taste to any room. Antique collectors will go to great lengths and pay exorbitant amounts of money go get their hands on different antiques.

These bookcases represent a past time era mainly the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian era and are desirable because of their age, unique design, rarity, beauty and personal attachment. These bookcases can be bought online, from antique dealers, interior design outlets or from auctions. You will find these them displayed in museums, libraries, offices, schools, colleges and homes where books are essential.

Antique bookcases are made from the best woods, usually mahogany, walnut or oak and come in a variety of styles and sizes ranging from traditional to contemporary designs. The revolving bookcase and the narrow Georgian style are some of the most common styles. They are usually decorated using glass and metal to add to their beauty and functionality. It is possible to restore an old antique bookcase by consulting well trained antique dealers.

Antique bookcases require specialized care. They should not be placed under direct sunlight as this can cause yellowing of the wood. Heat and moisture can also damage them causing shrinkage and expansion, affecting the joinery and finish of the antique. Furniture wax can be used to vanish the antiques and offers protection from dust and moisture. One should follow the recommendations of the manufacturer is taking care of antiques and other antiques.

Antique bookcases are usually very highly priced, ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars, but are worth every cent that you will for them. They can be used and passed down many generations while retaining their timeless glamor. With proper care, their beauty and grace never fades and their value increases with every passing year.

If you are passionate about antique bookcases or you just want to buy antique pieces for your home or office, you may want to check out our current catalog of antique furniture on our website: http://MaineAntiqueFurniture.com

www.newel.com – Newel.com: Antique French Louis XV style bleached and carved single size headboard (only) with tufted red damask upholstery (French, Louis XV, bed, single-size, bleached) (Newel Art and Antiques, New York City)

Appraise Your Antique Sideboards

Antique furniture is very popular with several individuals. Many people enjoy looking through antique stores as a casual observer; others, however, make the study and collection of antiques their life’s work. There is a science to determining the value of an antique. By definition, an antique is anything that is at least one hundred years old or more according to United States Customs, but this legal guideline is essentially for import and export revenue purposes. Age is an important factor in terms of how antiques are judged, but it is only one aspect out of many. Other components of an antique’s value include its materials, country of origin, manufacturer, previous owners, condition, authenticity, and rarity.

Whether you are a connoisseur of antique sideboards or chaise-lounges, you understand how antique appraisal works. There is no one overriding factor that determines the value of a particular piece. Instead, it is the piece as a whole. A small overstuffed couch that is no longer useable and has a few stains and small tears might not seem terribly valuable; however, once you discover that it was owned by Benjamin Franklin, the value increases substantially.  The term for the history of the item is “provenance.” A particular piece might not have been owned by someone famous but if that writing desk was the surface on which the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, then its value is much higher than it would have been!

The condition of the piece is another important factor. Natural materials, such as wood buffet servers, will show their age. If a piece of 200-year-old pottery did not have a few cracks in it, it is very likely to be a fake. You do not want to see extensive damage, however. Natural damage is acceptable but if someone dropped it and did a poor repair job, the value of the antique drops substantially. If you are someone who is looking to sell an antique, remember that the market determines the value; it is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

The most important value of an antique, however, is how much it is appreciated wherever it finds a home. The monetary value is always a factor, but an item is always worth much more than that. If someone loves it and appreciates its beauty and craftsmanship, then it is a valuable antique indeed! It is not difficult to find items such as antique buffets for affordable prices, however. You just need to do some research! Do not ignore online sites, you will often find the best value here!

Just another creative writer talking about anything and everything under the sun!