Antiques - What’s In a Word?
Every niche subject has its specific, descriptive words, its recognised terminology. These are words of international understanding, conveying a clear picture of the object being described.
In the world of antiques this is extremely important, particularly when the object is not able to be seen and handled by the person receiving the descriptive information.
Antiques are a vast subject and each category under the title of "antiques" has its own specific terminology. Key descriptive terms are used for antique categories such as silver, furniture, ceramics, glass, pictures, textiles, jewellery etc.
Within my subject of antique ceramics, porcelain and pottery, I have noticed a consistent confusion over a particular group of ceramic terms. These include the terms, "soft paste" and "hard paste" porcelain.
The term "soft paste" is sometimes thought to mean that soft paste porcelain is "softer" than hard paste porcelain, (also known as, true porcelain), however, both of these terms actually refer to the kiln temperature, not the porcelain itself.
It is actually the temperature that the porcelain is fired at; soft paste referring to a "soft fire", which is usually about 1200°C. Soft paste is also known as "artificial porcelain", or, "pate tendre", when referring to French porcelain.
By contrast, hard paste porcelain is fired with a hard fire, usually about 1450°C. Hard paste, or, true porcelain, derives its name from Chinese porcelain, first produced in that country over 2000 years ago.
True or hard paste porcelain is made by the combination of two integral ingredients, white China clay, or Kaolin and "petuntse" as known in English and derived from the Chinese, "Pai-tun-tzu".
Technically, petuntse is a natural, fusible rock, which, when worked into a paste, combined with white China clay and fired with a "hard" fire, at 1450°C, results in hard paste porcelain.
Most European, soft paste porcelains belong to the 18th century and in general terms, most European hard paste porcelains belong in the 19th century. But, as always, there are a few exceptions.
Another term which seems to be confused is the descriptive word for a ceramic figure. When the human form is depicted in porcelain or pottery, it is described as a "figure". I have recently seen such a description with a figure described as a statue. The term statue is reserved for a life sized figure as found in a large garden or park!
Alternately, when animals are described in porcelain and pottery, they are conventionally described as a "model" i.e., a model of a seated spaniel, a model of an alert greyhound etc
Every specialist subject from the vast range of antiques has its own recognised group of descriptive terms and using the correct terminology simply makes the information being offered clear and easily understood.
The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co specialise in antique lamps with an on-line range of over 100 unique, antique lamps. Lamps are shipped ready wired for the US the UK and Australia.
For more information you are invited to visit their web site at:-
© The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co 2009
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
antique lamps
,table lamp
,antique table lamp
,lamp
,chinese lamp
,antique chinese lamp
,antique chinese table lamp
,famille rose lamp
,antique lighting
,interior designer lighting
,lampshades
Shelley, is one of those names that most people with an interest in antiques and design find familiar. Shelley is probably most famous for its productions of the period from 1910 – 1940, this of course includes the exuberant period of design known as “Art Deco”. However, we need to go back to 1862 to find the origins of this famous name.
Chinese Famille Rose porcelain,here indeed is “a rose by many names”. These Chinese export porcelains, besides being known as Famille Rose,are also called, Rose Medallion, Mandarin and Canton export, to name just a few!
Along with so many traditional arts and crafts, the art of lampshade making has almost slipped away and just like a custom made garment, a quality, antique, table lamp calls for a lampshade of the same standing.
A classic lamp, by definition, is well qualified, having seen a minimum of 100 years of changes in fashion, trends and faddish crazes. Here it stands a century later, as elegant and timeless as the day it was made, having survived them all!
Today, while many candle sticks lie forgotten and ignored, this romantic style of lighting is being revived by The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co!. With their expert knowledge, candle sticks are transformed and reappear as objects of beauty and function. It really is "new light on an old subject" with the exchange from wax to electricity!
It may have been the Chinese who invented porcelain over 1000 years ago, but it took those fashionable French to give us the names of the coloured glazes, still used as standards in the West today, to identify the major range of Chinese ceramic colours
Antique armoires are sure to enamor everyone and especially those who truly understand the finer elements of antique furniture. Antique armoires are truly a classic possession for those savvy decorators, professional or amateur, who are fervently enthusiastic in decorating with antique furniture.
Antique Furniture is often an amuse to countless of people as it provides a phenomenal chance to showcase ones aesthetic sense towards decorating their interiors. Also, it would truly be incomplete in the event one forgets to mention the quantum of beauty these antique furniture items add to the structures that are built with one's hard earned money.
The second half of the 18th century saw marked transitions in American mapmaking – stimulated initially by the requirements of the British colonial administration and later by those of the state government.
Art Appraiser is who actually know the value your art work and helps you to own an art and protect your art investments. it is important for an artist to know the value of their art and how to market the art. It takes year of education, training and specialization to become the successful art appraiser. Art work has no definition it can be anything related to painting, sculptures, Antiques and photography.
Renowned for making exquisite pieces of silverware to this day, the origins of Reed & Barton can be traced back to 1824. This article talks about their history and how they became one of the more porminent names amongst silver antiques collectors today.
Whatever styles you choose, you are sure to find the right lamp to add that unique touch to your home and remember, its light that makes all the difference to an interior. As a personal view, I believe that it is actually impossible to think of interior design without lamp lighting.
Kutani is actually the name of a village, the name meaning, Nine Valleys. The Kutani village was situated in the province of Kaga, found in the centre of Hondo, the south island of Japan.
Accent lamps are small and sometimes, very small. The title itself is derived from the word, to accentuate, to highlight, or shed light on a small area.
The subject of "Dresden" porcelain is not only vast, but can be a complete minefield. Dresden is more of a region or style than a single maker and basically one with a lost history. It's not what's known about Dresden, but what's not known about Dresden that's central to the subject.
I believe that nothing holds more quintessential charm than early 19th century, English, blue transfer ware, otherwise known as "blue and white".
Discuss this Article
