February - A Time To Think Pink -

It is hard to believe it is February already! - A time when many are thinking Pink or Red for Valentines Day - or Heart Month - or perhaps for a little cheer during a long and dreary winter.

Many of the hundreds of Antique Haviland Limoges China patterns feature pink flowers especially pink roses.

Just Perfect for a Romantic Valentine Celebration!



Schleiger #29


Schleiger 847


Schleiger 1157 Baltimore Rose



Or Perhaps a Valentine Day Tea -



Schleiger 251


Schleiger 609


Schleiger 270


Schleiger 525





Some Antique Haviland patterns are really reminiscent of Antique Valentines with their doily type patterns



Schleiger Blank 205


Add beautiful Cranberry Glass -






and Pink Depression Glass



Royal Lace


Cherry Blossom



Antique and Vintage TransferWare China is quite special in reds and pinks -









And these French Sarreguemines Story Plates are both romantic and charming






February is always a Time for Special Gifts - Tokens of Love and Appreciation



Vintage Linens Lavender Sachet


Pretty Little Antique Haviland Pitcher Schleiger 146


Tiny Vanity Jar With Sterling Lid


Antique Locket


Visit Holly Lane Antiques And Think Pink!

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Collecting Early English White Ironstone -

Several years ago I happened on an issue of Architectural Digest magazine (January 2005) with a black cupboard filled with early White Ironstone ewers pictured. Stunning! The house being featured was located in the Hamptons. For me - a lover of early English White Ironstone - this was a most dramatic focal point of this room and a perfect way to display such a collection.




I often refer to this and share this magazine with visitors to my booth at the Antiques Shows we participate in. Many think these wonderful pieces from the past only have a place in a country style decor. In fact, the varied shapes - as the patterns of early English White Ironstone are named by their potters - work well in any environment.

They span the spectrum from the ribbed and classical



and those with panels, loops and arches



to those with grain



and grape designs




foliated and my favorites, those from the garden with the embossed flowers found in their prairies, meadows and gardens



Early English White Ironstone dating from the mid 1800's was originally known as the farmer's china - definitely meant to be well used in everyday life. It is a bit overwhelming to realize this and find pieces in remarkably good condition today. And as such, it is collected and cherished and displayed in amazing ways.

Classic simplicity at its best!



It was surprising for me to find White Ironstone on this Architectural Digest cover. More readily are collections found in the pages of magazines such as Country Living -



Usually displayed in old cupboards reminiscent of their original use in those early farm kitchens.






In my personal experiences as a member of WICA - White Ironstone China Association - I have visited the homes of collectors and am always in awe of their collections and their creative manner of displaying these collections. And unlike many antiques and collectibles most often these wonderful pieces from times long ago are being used today as they were meant to be used - not merely sitting on a shelf being admired.



When a visitor to our booth at Antiques Shows admires our display of Early English White Ironstone and expresses a desire for such a collection, I tell them to start with one piece and watch it grow. We have a customer who did just that many years ago. She visits us three times a year when we are participating at the Del Mar Antiques Show and at each visit has purchased just one piece of ironstone to be treasured. With patience and determination she now has a collection to be admired and cherished and enjoyed!






Holly Lane Antiques will be at the Del Mar Antiques Show Del Mar California Booth 820 - January 22 23 24. We would love to have you visit our booth and experience our collection of very special Early English White Ironstone.

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A Treat For My Senses -

I have always been drawn to antique and vintage linens and have developed a true fondness for those trimmed with wide crochet lace.











First, it was the beautiful tablecloths I found from England. They were unlike any I had ever seen before. So elegant - most likely for a special tea! From a time gone by when stress was replaced with time to enjoy beautiful things.



Then I happened onto pillowcases trimmed with the beautiful crochet lace. These I am told are being found in attic hope chests and were part of the trousseau collections young girls worked on to bring to their marriages. There is a vendor at the Rose Bowl where I am able to purchase these who periodically visits the East Coast and climbs into attics and find them - very often in unused condition. It really makes one wonder at the stories behind these treasures of antique linens.









When we traveled in Italy we were aware that our bathrooms had cotton towels not the plush towels we use here. And now I am finding these also with the wonderful wide crochet trim - mostly from England. These have become my recent antique linen addiction. I just love them! And have to wonder how something meant to be used daily has survived in such wonderful condition. Perhaps these are like the pillowcases and were part of a trousseau and never used - just waiting for prince charming to arrive.






Could it be in our world of so many colors I am drawn to these linens because of their whiteness - so simple and elegant at the same time? That could be true - perhaps that also explains my love of early English White Ironstone. Or maybe it is the feel of the purity of the cotton and linen fabrics of times gone by - before all the synthetics were added. Or maybe it is the English connection - a country I have always wanted to visit but never have.



Not to be forgotten are the small bits and pieces - doilies of one kind or another. Sadly without a use in today's world of decorating. I have enjoyed creating beautiful lavender sachets using these precious pieces of the past and giving them a new use.



I have been involved with needlework of one kind or another throughout my lifetime - needlepoint - embroidery - knitting - sewing - but never learned to crochet. Perhaps that has something to do with this love of mine for these particular linens trimmed so profusely with crochet lace.



Whatever the reason the fact remains that they are each beautiful in their own special way. They have captured my senses with their beauty and feel and smell - since I store them with lavender - and definitely call out to my heart.



At our Antiques Shows these lovely linens are so perfect with our Antique Haviland Limoges China. Holly Lane Antiques will be back at the Del Mar Antiques Show Jan 22 23 24.




Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.


Also visit our new internet store
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

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A Bit Distracted Recently

Holly Lane Antiques continues to offer a large selection of Antique Haviland Limoges China and wonderful Early English White Ironstone at their two internet locations - Ruby Lane and Antique Arts - links below.

However, this blog has been neglected for a while since my life has taken on a new focus. In October we brought my 99 year old dad to live with us. This has been a new adventure for all of us and after two months we are all settling in very well. What a wonderful experience for my daughters and grand children as they have the opportunity to experience his stories of life in the early 1900's. And to have four generations gathered for our Christmas celebrations was most special!





I have especially enjoyed observing the interaction of my 7 year old grandson with his 99 year old great grandfather. They have become great buddies! Memories to be cherished!




With the new year we will be continuing our Antiques Shows beginning with the Del Mar Show January 22 23 24 at the fairgrounds in Del Mar California. Holly Lane Antiques can be found again at space 820.

And with the new year I will be back here more often sharing information about our new treasures and adventures.

The beautiful Haviland set pictured at the beginning of this blog entry dates to the late 1800's - Haviland's earlier pieces. It is the Lierre Shape of Haviland and features a pattern of gilded leaves. The squash finials and split design of the ribbon handles add to the beauty of these pieces.




Among our most recent English White Ironstone pieces are this Hidden Motif Shape Pitcher and Niagara Fan Shape covered tureen. The Hidden Motif Shape was made by Jacob Furnival & Co Cobridge England. This 19th century English White Ironstone Pitcher has a lovely graceful shape with leaf sprays around the top and bottom of the wonderful rope handle. The hidden motif are the small 6 leaf sprays under the pitcher lip.




The Niagara Fan Shape was made by Anthony Shaw c.1856. This 19th century white ironstone tureen has a lovely classic shape along with an embossed leaf pattern on the lid at the base of a gorgeous finial. Both the body and lid are divided into paneled sections and it stands on a pedestal base.

Holly Lane Antiques Sends Best Wishes For A Happy New Year To All!

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.



Also visit our new internet store
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane