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Q This seven-piece kitchen canister set was bought by my wife at a garage sale about 25 years ago. I think she paid $10. It is in perfect condition and the largest piece is 31 cm high (12 inches). The bottom of each piece has a crossed arrow symbol and the words “Blue Onion.” The salt and pepper shakers also have the word “JAPAN.” I would like to know how old the set is and what it is worth. Thank you.
Sigfred, Kitchener, Ont.
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A The design of your pottery set is based on 300 years of porcelain manufacture. The crossed arrows mark mimics that of the famous Meissen, Germany factory that popularized the ‘blue onion’ pattern in the early 1700s – one they probably adapted from an earlier Chinese porcelain floral design. The fruit and leaf finials were also used by Meissen. The jar shape also relates to a double gourd form seen in early Chinese porcelain. Your set was made in Japan during the 1950s or 1960s for the New York city import company of Arnart Imports Inc. Blue and white designs are always popular giving your set a value of $250 today.
Q I would like this old piece appraised in preparation for a sale. It is a solid oak rocking chair 84 cm high (33 inches). The seat, back and arms are curved with flower patterns and there are twelve spindles on each side. The condition is very good, but not perfect. There are no markings on it. It was a gift from my parents-in-law. They lived in Brandon, Man., and their hobby was going to auctions around western Manitoba buying, repairing and selling antiques. Thanks.
Ed, Ottawa, Ont.
A This is quite an impressive rocker. The curves were made by laminated wood being steamed – making it very comfortable. The incised carving is a nice touch and the number of spindles would push the original expense of this chair up which was likely ten dollars in 1901. I have no doubt this chair was bought in Winnipeg through Eaton’s of Canada at that time. The oak used for the curved and showy parts of the chair is spectacular quarter-cut oak – one that harbors the ‘flames’ in the grain. The minor missing veneer bits could be easily restored. Your chair is outstanding, which the public demands these days and it should rock to $250 today.
Q I received this small dish from my husband’s family. I have researched the mark and discovered it is from Ambrosius Lamm in Dresden, Germany. It measures seven cm across the top (2.75 inches). Can you tell me what this small dish might have been used for? Any other details would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Leigh, Ottawa, Ont.
A Excellent research. The mark depicting a lamb subtended by ‘Dresden’ is one of a porcelain decorating establishment that existed from 1887 to about 1949. They imitated styles of the esteemed Meissen and Vienna enterprises. Rudolf Pitschke was the proprietor as of 1928. ‘Dry and whole’ coupled with the size leads one to an individual nut dish use. The impressive rope strands producing a ‘basket’ are hand done along with the floral spray. It dates to the earlier part of the 20th century. The condition is remarkable holding a value of $65.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.)
* Appraisal values are estimates only.*
