Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Treasure Box Wednesday: The Vase Unknown

Anyone who thrifts regularly knows that thrifting for something specific is typically as futile as trying to herd cats. Or to use a metaphor, the Gods of Thrift are generous, yes, but they have quite the little sense of humor. And they seem to believe that their followers should be grateful for what the gods have deemed they can have-- above what they might actually have hoped to find.

It's a bit like discovering things washed upon a sandy shoreline. The stranded pirate might want a case of rum. What he gets might very well be a ladies' bonnet and a message from the stranded pirate two islands over asking someone with a ship for help.

Over the weekend, I went thrifting hoping I might run across some Fiestaware.

Now, you might be saying, "What? C'mon. You can't find Fiestaware at thrift stores!"

Only I have before. I live not far away from the land o' Fiesta's birthplace. So it's not quite as common as Pyrex, but it does lurk among our household items occasionally.

But, ah... the Gods of Thrift were on their game that day-- so it was not to be. No, instead I found myself with two Mystery Vases.

This intricate red jobbie had McCoy written all over it to me...
...Only not literally, or it wouldn't be an unknown vase. But the finish, the color, the organic lines with a bit of art deco to it... All the stylistic qualities of McCoy.

Yet my McCoy book doesn't show it. That's mystery number one.

Mystery number two is this little blue pottery vase....

Also organic lines, also the matte finish associated with some McCoy, and also with no mark on the bottom, I couldn't find this one in my book, either.

I love both of the vases just as much for their own innate qualities. But it would be nice to know who made them. Alas, that may take more time!

What won't take time is this--
My little vintage sheep planter from Japan which I found at the Goodwill. Folks who are long-time readers know I use these at Easter as part of a display. And this happy little sheep will be a nice addition to the collection.

I also happen to know where this tumbler and cereal bowl came from...
This is part of a Hazel Atlas Platonite dish set I've been pulling together, from the Depression era. I think I only have one other bowl, and the cup represents my first tumbler. At $1.25 each at the L&L Fleatique, I felt I did pretty darned well.

So that represents this week's Treasure Box!

Have you all had any interesting finds at the thrifts, and other resale venues? I'd love to hear about what makes you happy.

Have a great week, and I'll see you Sunday with a brand-new post!

No comments:

Post a Comment