Happy Easter, Happy Spring...

......Happy, Happy Everything!

(that was Lisa's first poem in pre-school!)

These whimsical hot air balloons creatively made using discarded

incandescent light bulbs, scraps of fabrics and little Easter animals

embody the spirit of renewal, childhood and soaring joy...

I hope they inspire you today as we all celebrate the renewal

of life and the tenderness of springtime...

from Rook No. 17 

At Auction This Week...

clockwise from the top:

landscape 1947 by Odette Bruriaux (1923-2003);

lead sculpture 19th century "icosaedre" with 18 faces by Zingeur;

stunning 17th century covered cup with ancient coins and "MA" on the cover in 

vermeil and silver;

nice pentagonal wooden frame, lovely geometric and floral carvings, ivory inlay;

emerald green biscotterie with silver fittings;

Restauration époque clock in gold plated bronze wiwth charming

figure of woman painting a child;

Antoine Verglas portrait of Carla Bruni, signed by Carla Bruni in ink;

small clock from Louis XV time, in blue and gold bronze, with roman numerals

let's go!

..and Top O' the Day to You, Too!

Wind at Your Back!

& here's a little Irish cottage 
just for you, sure!
(from gardenista)

{ FOUND } Meiji Era Handmade Treasures

March 3 is the traditional Day of the Doll Festival in Japan, where treasured dolls of historical significance are put on display and honored.

This pair of Meiji era Emperor and Empress dolls dating from about 1868 were made in the far provinces of Japan.. probably Shimune prefecture where dolls were made from Washi paper and wood.. unlike the city of Kyoto where dolls were made from fine silks and bisque... all completely hand made..utterly charming, their faces are placid and happy always...

The lovely pair stand tall at about 17" each... and still have their original packing boxes .. they are very fragile and I have adored them since I bought them for my antiques shop in 1998 (I was always a little relieved when interested parties ended up not buying them!) 

The last time I was antiquing in Paris I spied a very similar pair at an upscale antiques shop near the Louvre and had to look twice. I rarely see these and I find them captivating. I love their slightly rustic, ephemeral quality... very wabi sabi... imperfectly perfect.

Yesterday my talented young neighbor Katie Felong and I photographed the dolls .. thought you might enjoy seeing them now.

Enjoy!

What do you think of these gorgeous dolls? 

Would you display them in your decor?

I have used them for events, have integrated 

them into my home, and now they are

carefully packed away.

***

Consider joining us in Provence... 

you need this, cherie!

Download

more information about 

Chic Provence Design Tour 2013

nearly sold out!