Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Treasures of the Past.

I made a lucky discovery last week. This exquisitely painted fine chiffon tablecloth was lying at the bottom of a shelf, wrapped in yellowing tissue paper, in a vintage costume shop in the centre of Bath. I thought I could just make out a pink rose through the paper, so I had to investigate!

The beautifully hand painted roses were obviously produced by a very skilled artist, probably in the 1920's. I decided it had to come home with me.......

I have placed it on top of my green side table; the green paint shows through the fine chiffon to coordinate nicely with the leaves of the roses.

Oh' to be able to paint like this......
You may also be able to notice a new addition to my vintage hat stand collection. I was able to buy her a couple of weeks ago, but had to wait for her to arrive in the post. I was surprised when I removed her from the box, as she was much larger than I was expecting.
This wonderfully exotic creature originates from Paris, France. She is made from a large boudoir dolls head, with a turban like headdress that ties under her chin, which is finished with two wooden beads.
I have photographed her next to one of my other flapper girl hat stands; as you can see she stands much taller.
Beneath her base she carries the original Paris shop label. The fabric has faded somewhat and was once this vibrant pink, but I feel she has aged gracefully and the more mellow colours of her turban suit her golden glow.
Hope you are all having a great week,
Niki x

14 comments:

  1. Niki, she's gorgeous, and so is that lovely chiffon cloth. All delightful!
    Sue x

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  2. What a beautiful cloth Niki, the roses are delicious. Love the exotic hat stand, it suits the turban so well. Thanks for your lovely comments on my blog Niki. I was thinking of framing the fasteners too, not sure if M could put up with my collections spreading to the walls as well!
    Kimx
    Ps I got to your website too late yesterday, somebody had already reserved that gorgeous bolster!

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  3. Hi Niki, now I know how to recognise you, the lady in purple, lilac, violet and mauve! Beautiful finds, the hat stand lady is very elegant, she has a very knowing look about her though, I wonder what she knows!.
    best wishes,
    Lucy x

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  4. The roses on the chiffon tablecloth are STUNNING! And your newest doll is amazing! She looks right at home on your dresser!

    I hadn't realized you updated your shop (I usually receive an email, but didn't this time round). I see you made those GORGEOUS papered treasure boxes... but now I'm too late! Good for you though! heehee Perhaps you'll be making more??? =)

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  5. I just love everything on and around that little green table. Actually I love all those photos down the side too, just beautiful!!
    alicia ~ time worn style.

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  6. Lucky, lucky you! Finding such wonderful things!

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  7. You do seem to always manage to find the most gorgeous things! I love and collect vintage things with pink roses on them, too- so WOW on that tablecloth! And the turban-wrapped hat stand lady. Utterly beautiful.

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  8. Hi, I found your blog while browsing and come to visit off and on. I just love all of your beautiful handmade items. Blessings, Kathleen

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  9. Anonymous5:41 pm

    Thank you for visiting my blog..it brought me to tears!

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  10. Anonymous9:54 pm

    Hi Niki

    Your tablecloth is stunning ~ enjoy your treasures.

    Marie x

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  11. Anonymous11:02 pm

    Lovely tablecloth, and my eye was drawn more to your green table. I love it... gorgeous colour x

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  12. What an amazingly gorgeous cloth! Congratulations on such a wonderful find!

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  13. Hi Niki,
    That is a fabulous piece. I love your green table too.
    Great finds!
    Rosemary

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  14. Anonymous2:56 pm

    Oh that table cloth is to die for, I love it when you find something tucked away form prying eyes, just waiting for the right person to come along and save it from the eternal dust bin. Cheers Debra.

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx