A cameo is a miniature sculpture which is generally mounted as jewellery. However sometimes it can be even mounted as decorative boxes, buckles and many such daily use or rare accessories. Cameos are carved into respite and are gemstones. Generally the cameos are carved onto a contrast color background. Cameos are invaluable pieces which are purely used for decoration purposes.

Antique cameos since the era of 1800s are available today. They are priceless items which everyone craves for. Collection of cameos has become an interesting hobby today and people are ready to shell out any amount of money for it. However, it is necessary to identify genuine cameos so that maximum profit can be gained.     (more…)

Chinese blue and white porcelain has always been a favorite with collectors, but we need to go to the long history of China to find the beginning of blue and white’s popularity. It was as early as the 9th century when the first or, prototype blue and white was fired during the Tang dynasty. But we need to fast forward to the early 14th century when the production of fine translucent blue and white porcelain began at the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Jingdezhen was sometimes known as the porcelain capital of China, although at this time and for the following 300 years, it in fact was the porcelain capital of the world, as it was not until the early 18th century that porcelain began to be experimentally made in Saxony.     (more…)

Buying a Good Upright Bass

If you are a seasoned, experienced upright bass player, chances are you know what to look for in a good upright bass. Often though, even upright bass players that have been playing for quite some time, still don’t know what to look for in a bass. As a player myself, I know there is a “the grass is always greener” kind of attitude. The minute we get a bass (a keeper!) we will undoubtedly find something (or a few things) that we don’t like or particularly care for in the coming weeks or months with the bass when we first own it and get to know the instrument.     (more…)

Antique clocks since long have made their way into the living rooms of many homes. These clocks have a very rustic and erstwhile appeal. These clocks gained more popularity in England and from there traveled to all other places including some eastern countries. There are numerous types, sizes, metals, styles and patterns in which these clocks are available. The types of these antique clocks are as follows;

Lantern clock is a wall clock and is shaped like a lantern. It is generally made of brass. These clocks originated in the 17th century Europe and found its place in France and England. Since then they have dominated the antique clock world. The other names used for these clocks are Cromwellian clock, Bed post clock or Sheep head clock. These domestic clocks originated during the time when people were solely dependent upon local churches or priests to tell time. The other aspects that adorned these clocks were decorative dials, engravings, fret work etc. These patterns and motifs of the clocks have greatly been influenced by the Renaissance period. Usually all lantern clocks have only 1 hand indicating the hour time. Ropes and doors were used to enhance the further movement of clocks.     (more…)