I don't know if you are all familiar with the show American Pickers, but my finds this week reminded me how much I love name of their shop, Antique Archaeology. It is dead-on. Thrifting (picking) allows us to explore and learn about the history of many cultures through the objects (artifacts) that we find (excavate).
This piece is by Mexican artisan Sigfredo Sigi Pineda. He is better known for his modern jewelry but his wall plaques are also quite stunning. I believe this is a piece from his "Zoomorphic" series and is made of different metals (brass and bronze) as well lapis lazuli (some sources also mention turquoise).
I also found a wee little pot from the Mexican potters of Mata Ortiz. Don't let the picture fool you. It is only 2" tall by 2" wide. Black on black, so subtle yet so captivating. I love it.
Remember studying the classics? ... This piece is of the goddess Athena on a horse and chariot also featuring an owl (the protector of Greek armies). These are often referred to as being in the style of Frederick Weinberg.
I wanted to feature a piece that I am not so sure about because sometimes you just have to take a gamble. Upon first sight it reminded me of the Iittala flora series by Oiva Toikka. I have not been able to find the shape and for all I know this may be a modern vase. It was still too sweet to leave behind.
**UPDATE: I believe it is a Handmade Boda vase for Kosta Boda of Sweden.**
However, this piece is most certainly Finnish and I recognized the shape because of this one I found previously. It is a design by Aimo Okkolin for Riihimaen Lasi Oy and still has the sticker as well as the stamp on the bottom.
Lastly, this piece is a special one and I dedicate it to my Aussie readers. It is a piece of Yarrabah pottery by Edwin Demeera from North Queensland. I particularly enjoyed this because I learned that the pottery provided jobs and training to Aboriginals. They also used aboriginal imagery for their pottery.
Well, that's it for me. What did you find this week?
Be sure to check out the rest of the goodies at Sophie's and Selena's.
Great finds! I always learn about something new reading your posts. The Pineda piece is cool, that's a completely new one to me. Was it from an estate? Oh, I've seen that Weinberg-esque piece listed somewhere, I think it may have been on Etsy earlier.
ReplyDeleteAll wonderful finds, but because I'm an Aussie, that Yarrabah vase most particularly...can I ask how you identified it? (for future reference I would love to know) It would also be lovely to know about its journey to the States...something to ponder...
ReplyDeletelovely, as ever. such a treat to wander through your finds.
ReplyDeleten♥
The top piece is gorgeous - would make a stunning focal point in a room.
ReplyDeleteWow, some beautiful pieces as usual. I bet that plaque looks incredible in situ.
ReplyDelete@ALaModern- I had never even heard of Sigi prior to finding this piece... I actually found it at a somewhat dumpy thrift so I was pleasantly surprised.
ReplyDelete@Kylie- I wish I could say that I knew of Yarrabah pottery prior to finding this piece but I didn't and sadly there really wasn't much science to it either... hehe. It was marked both "ED" and "Yarrabah" on the bottom and it also came with an informative tag inside that had a lot of information on the pottery itself. So i basically didn't have to "work" for it. :)
@woolf- Thanks! I feel the same way about your musings :)
@ lost property vintage- Can you believe that I originally left it behind?! I really try NOT to bring EVERYTHING home and I also suffer from questioning my instincts... but alas I went back for it. :)
@Lakota- I'm flattered! Um... yes... I bet it would look great in situ... heehee. If only I had more walls...
WOW - gorgeous finds! I like that little black pot too. As usual, your posts are very informative and interesting.
ReplyDeleteI am speechless. Where would one even begin to look for such wonderful creations outside of art galleries. I can not believe they were picker finds.
ReplyDeleteStunning wall plaque. Thanks for sharing all of your research and pieces!
ReplyDeleteyou always have all these work-of-art finds, so beautiful. Thanks for the wonderful info, it makes your finds so meaningful.
ReplyDeletelove~mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com
Very cool. Your pictures are so good the finds look like museum pieces. I dig the Athena and Horse thingy. You find better rummage sales / thrift shops then I do.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I found your blog.
http://jeanneselep.blogspot.com/2011/07/schumann-bavaria-china.html
Love your blog posts - always very informative and with such good photos of your finds.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot to learn :-)
Thanks for the sweet comments ladies... I truly am flattered!
ReplyDelete@dogsmom- I always go into shock when I find beautiful items at thrift stores, it just makes me wonder about our culture sometimes...
However, I am more than happy to pick these things up and welcome it because I'll give them a good home or find a good home for them. The one really bad thing about it is that it makes me really cheap or shall I say thrifty!
@Jeanne Selep, @Nostalgic in Maine- I'm glad you like the pictures... sometimes I wish I had better lighting in my apartment so that I can make vignettes but for now I'll settle for a little corner on my white desk. Sometimes you just have to make the most of what you've got!
my goodness, where are YOU thrifting to find such great pieces? i love that first piece of art, it's gorgeous!
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