Friday, March 15, 2013

Flashback Friday: My Lusterware Post


Back in December, I had a 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway
It was so much fun. 
And I loved not only choosing what I was going to give away for 12 DAYS STRAIGHT but I also loved talking about design elements each day.

So this Flashback Friday is brought to you by LUSTERWARE!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 12! My last day of Christmas gifts to give away.
Modern Charcoal Gray Lusterware Ceramic Vase


This modern spin on Lusterware is in a gorgeous charcoal gray and the shape of the vessel is a take on bamboo.
Look at the give away vase above: Do you see the shape of bamboo a little bit?  
Bamboo Vase
Do you see the Lusterware influence in the glaze?
Jonathan Adler "Lantern Vase"
YES, PLEASE!
The Look:
Lusterware is anything ceramic or porcelain with a metallic glaze that gives the look of iridescence, which happens in a second or third firing in a lower temperature kiln. This iridescence give each piece a pearlized look.  This firing technique can be traced back to 3rd Century AD...but most people associate Lusterware with the Italian, Spanish and later, the English varieties from the 16th Century until the mid 1900's. American style Lusterware took off with Tiffany & Co., Weller, Rookwood and Roseville pottery pieces among others.  Their artisans launched an Aesthetic Art Pottery movement. Luster is prevalent in Arts and Crafts and Art Deco pottery.  (This Art Pottery Category is a real category of its own, to see more click here or or check out this currated collection of links on Pinterest for a good idea of this style).

I washed and dried and washed and dried Lusterware throughout my days working for my father and my Grams at their Auction Gallery when I was a teen.  There always seemed to be some set of Lusterware in just about every auction.  Typically, it was the "Grandma's Attic",  Pink English toile or floral variety (which is a sought after collectible item, btw). But I remember once, there was a pale gray, Tiffany & Co. Lusterware vase that I had to wash.  I fell in love with it (I was probably about 15) and I asked my Gram if I would have enough money from the amount I was earning for the week, to buy it at Auction. Grams let out a hardy laugh and said, "Not on your life, kid". And she was right. It is HIGHLY collectible and these Tiffany pieces are regarded as an investment.

So, pretty much any piece of ceramic or porcelain, which has the "luster" glaze is within the
 LUSTERWARE family.
Early 19th Century Pink Luster Jug
Katie Elliott
Early 19th Century Pink Luster Jug,  picture a Jane Austin heroine pouring water from this jug to wash away her tears!
Victorian Lustre Pink Roses China
CGI.ebay.com
Victorian Floral Lusterware Plate, picture Queen Victoria eating cucumber sandwiches from this plate!
RESERVED for MARYBETH - Pair of White Lusterware Lamps, Retro Modern
Behind the Orange Door Etsy Shop
Mid Century White Lusterware Lamp, "Mad Men", Anyone?
vintage Bavarian Lusterware
Vintage Bavarian Lusterware set, I sort of see Julie Andrews serving the Von Trapp children tea with this, no?
(note the iridescence even on the inside of the teacups resembling sea shell iridescence).
LCT TIFFANY CELEDON GREEN MONUMENTAL ART POTTERY VASE ca 1910
Tiffany Art Pottery Lusterware Vase, 1910...say no more.
This is a monumental piece and a great example of the American Aesthetic Art Pottery Movement.
"NO THROWING THE BALL IN THE HOUSE, KIDS!!!"

I DARE YOU TO CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE HOW MUCH THIS IS SELLING FOR!


Now, who wants to have a sassy Lusterware vase of their own? I picture this on a fresh white mantle or bookshelf.
 (I would have taken a pic of it on MY mantle, but mine is all dolled up for Christmas!).
Don't tempt me to keep it for myself!
XXXOOO.

UPDATE: Winner has been chosen: MAREN C. you are the new owner of this Mod Lusterware Vase

linking to:

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
The Shabby Nest

No comments:

Post a Comment