Fresh Finds
I came across this pair of unusual coral prints at my local thrift store last week.
What I really love about them is the Chinese Red background color juxtaposed against the sepia toned coral.
I turned them around to discover they came from Z Gallerie.
I wasn't sure I could find a place for them but at $8 each I figured I would take the chance that I might just find the perfect spot...
I also recently found this Pagoda Jewelry Box and placed it on top of the secretary desk that houses my collection of Lotus Bowls and Quan Yins.
It's nice to be able to display items properly rather then just storing them away.
The lotus flower represents purity, rebirth and prosperity.
This one is an Antique Chinese Blanc de Chine Dehua White Porcelain Lotus Leaf Flower Bowl with two birds.
These ones are later versions.
I've never seen one I didn't love!
Whether ornate or simple.
I am considering painting the inside to really make them pop.
I would love any suggestions!
On second thought, is this better?
Same Chinese Red Color?
Comments
My only observation is that if the cabinet is painted Chinese red and the prints are left there, it's a very linear strip of red, you would really need something spectacular to draw the eye up and it couldn't be the pagoda..that would be too much red. But that's only an uneducated suggestion, really, I know nothing! Nothing! Quan Yins on red descending (s-m-l)brackets on the side walls? Ok, I'm getting carried away. Your eye is unbeatable, Terri - you'll figure it out and it will be perfect!
And your Lotus Bowls are breathtaking, be still my heart.
See I have enough Quan Yins! The next finds will be coming your way for your magic touch my friend!
At this point The only thing I feel good about is the grouping of them on top. I am not 100% sure about the coral prints. I love your idea of brackets and am going to try a pair with antique green glazed parrots on either side so please stay tuned, I will need you to weigh in! If I find another lotus bowl I will nab it for you!!! XO
Thank you for your feedback. Being the hard to please perfectionist that I am the only thing I am loving is the grouping of Quan Yins at the top. I am starting to doubt the coral prints.... Will keep tweaking and hope you will continue to offer your invaluable insights! Thanks so much for checking up on me:). XO
You are brilliant! I agree and would love to paint the secretary inside and out but what colors. That question immobilizes me! Maybe I should scour Pinterest for inspiration! Thank you for visiting, I love it when you do! Please come visit Alameda, you can stay with me!!!! It has changed so much.... Our thrift stores are the best!!!XO
I love the red pagoda on the top of your piece. It draws the eye up and looks great with your new steals on artwork!
Where did you find the white bowls? I love, love, love them! What a treasure!
Thanks for sharing your treasures!
Darling girl, you are out there for everyone to see and I love you so don't freak out on me, but step back and think. Does this picture seem a little schizophrenic or what? I love Oriental style, I love French Country style and I love Coastal style. Each style having Bold elements that are so special that if you mix them up together like this I might have to seek counseling. ; ) Are you running out of rooms to decorate? Build a guest house, buy and decorate a rental property, but don't smash them all together like this. Really, darling look at it with new eyes. You have just smothered the French Country wall paper with not one bold style ( which says LOOK AT ME ), which would have been fine in moderation, but now you have two completely different styles competing for dominance in this space. My poor head is spinning. ( You asked me for my opinion.) What are you trying say to your readers? If I was going to write a book on what not to do in in inerior design this would be my cover. I still love your heart and daring and your love of each of these styles, but darling... Pick ONE! Sorry if I hurt your feelings, but sometimes we need a little jolt to make us think. And after all it is your house. You can do what you want. I just feel sorry for your lovely french wallpaper to have to be invaded by the chinese.
Thank you so much for offering up your opinion, I really appreciate your take on it.
And I do agree with you on some level. I have definitely decided against the coral prints and am going to sell them. But... I have always loved Chinoiserie, which to me is a blend of French with a Chinese influence which is where the word Chinoiserie comes from so I personally do like the Toile mixed with Asian elements. Wait until you see what I found this weekend at the Alameda Point Flea Market. I can't wait to get them up and show it on the blog. You won't hurt my feelings if you don't like it though so please weigh in...
And you are right, I have run out of rooms to decorate hence always tweaking things :)
Thanks for your comment, and for keeping me on my toes!!!
We French love the ellegant perfection of the Chinese style. I love Chinoiserie. You will find accents of it in nearly every upscale home in France. As you may have heard we French are fiercely proud of our classic style, but do not want to be 'dominated' by the Chinese, Italian, Spanish, German, or Sweedish, or English Styles. I suppose it comes from being conqured so many times over the years. : ) Of course, when you are decorating with things you love your not thinking about the history of France. On a lighter note...I personally have a wonderful 18th century Chinese partner desk heavily carved with daffodils and hummingbirds with coi fish for legs in the library, but like you I love the ocean and it has heavily influenced my decor in the family room overlooking the rock water fall which flows into the grotto style pool. I need to be near the water. I live in Arizona where I love the dry weather and mild winters, but it is not my first choice which is California. You're a lucky gal to live there. I'm so glad I found your blog. You are so artistic and like me you are always reinventing your rooms. That's what drew me to your blog.
In 1968, when I was 19, I hitch-hiked from Kansas to Huntington Beach in 6 days. I fell madly in love with the ocean. It has never left me. I am eager to see what you have for us from the Alameda Point Flea Market, Dolfina. My husband was in the Navy in 1970 so we lived in Almeda where his ship the USS Oriskany CVA 34 was in dry dock. We lived only 5 blocks from the beach in an old Victorian with ginger bread trim and floor to ceiling bay windows in every room. Dreamy! Those were the days. I'll be watching, dear girl. Thanks for your open heart.
Suzanna
It is still the sweet town you remember so fondly but it has changed with the times as much as a little island city can anyway. I sure hope you have the opportunity to return again one day. I would love to meet you and take you down memory lane :) I am so honored that you relate to me and my blog and am grateful to have kind followers like yourself that take the time to comment and let me know you are there and care :)
Love hearing a bit about your lovely abode in Arizona, it sounds wonderful!
I look forward to chatting with you in my next post!!!!
XO
Terri