Good things come in three!

It's about time we spent some time gushing about these three new art pieces we recently acquired! Not only because of how stunning they are but because they gave from such a lovely home. One of our recent clients underwent a major renovation of her home and happens to be is a big time art lover - which is one of the many reasons why we LOVE her! We probably spent days and days admiring her art collection and carefully selecting which piece of art should go where. A new space required a new set of displays for her most favourite pieces. 

During one of our 'art sorting' days we stumbled upon these three charming oil paintings. Our client expressed to us that she could never really find the perfect spot for them in her home and always felt that the painting's themselves belonged in someone else's home that had all the right pre-requisites. We tried and tried to convince her otherwise but following the completion of our project she surprised us with generously gifting all the three paintings to us! We were absolutely floored at the gesture. I mean, just stop and look at these beauties!! 

What we know about these paintings is that they are oil and done on canvas. All three are signed by the same artist but the signature itself is hard to make out. We've tried to come up with the first half and the last half.. and then searched away but absolutely little comes up to match the depiction of these pieces. The frames are wood and carved with the most meticulous details. Perhaps one of the first most eye-catching components of these paintings - and when we discovered these in a dark storage space, it was the frame itself that made us think.. let's take a closer look at these. Most often than not, when something is framed with care and intention - it is a indication that the piece inside of that frame has some sort of value. 

Now, it's no secret that we are art lovers and art collectors. However, it is clear that these still life paintings are unlike any of those 'collectable' pieces we own. We tend to prefer paintings of people, specifically portraits or scenic Dutch landscapes. Despite all of those points.. we couldn't love these pieces more! These three paintings have a wonderful richness of colours, incredible depth to the still life set up (every time we look at them, we discover some new detail!) and they also pull at our heartstrings with those beautifully painted floral touches. 

This wouldn't truly be one of our posts if we didn't share some interior design wisdom with you when it comes to these pieces of art. This is what we've been able to gather that you can apply to pieces in your home! These three pieces were painted with a darker colour palette - however, not that dark that you are unable to decipher what the painting depicts. Age and storage have added to that dark appearance and these pieces would probably benefit from a good restoration. However, if you're like us you'd rather first start with trying a quick and easy fix. Remember, that art needs lots of light - whether natural or artificial. We strategically positioned these three pieces across from a large window in our home - it provides plenty of natural light without necessarily obstructing it with 'direct' light. Remember to be mindful of how any type of 'light' interacts with paintings of various materials (oil, acrylic, pastel etc.) 

Finally, we know you are itching to ask if these three pieces have to be 'displayed' together since they are all by the same artist and in the same style! As you can image, our answer is absolutely not!! We actually played around with how to hang these in our home - one wall, a pair of paintings, another wall with a single one.. next to several other paintings or on a simple panelled white wall.. 

We chose to keep all three together at least for the very start of their 'wall career' since these beauties haven't really had a chance to shine in unison yet! Once we get the inspiration to switch it up - you may very well see these pieces broken up! Have fun digging up some old storage art..we'll be busy over here gushing over these new pieces and our wonderful clients!!

xox

Vintage silk embroidery - The absolute must have!

We don't know where to start with this one. Not only do we love a stunning walk hanging but when the silk colours are as beautiful as this one.. we can't help but keep gushing! Silk embroidery is a significant part of Chinese history that are almost unanimous with the heritage of China long standing history.  However, Chinese legends provide another darling story about how silk became to be intertwined what we think of when it comes to Chinese art and craftsmanship.  

It is said that, Empress Hsi-Ling Lo-Tsu discovered silk one afternoon, while taking her tea beneath the shade of a mulberry tree. A silk cocoon fell into her cup and as she reached in to pull it out, the silk thread began to unwind, and thus the secret of silk was discovered.

Traditionally, Chinese silk embroidery was used to distinguish rank among people and was applied to garments purposefully, with designs, symbols and colors that were full of meaning.

Many of these vintage embroidery pieces are now draping the walls, tables and ottomans of modern 21st century homes. While several more of these pieces continue to be stored away for safe keeping in homes around the world to be passed down to through many generations to come. It's no secret that our entire mission statement when it comes to interior design and home decor pieces is that you should enjoy them! 

We believe that if you surround yourself with your utmost treasured pieces - your house becomes your home. In fact, it becomes a wonderful reflection of the places you've been, the treasures you've collected and those you love. It creates meaning and most importantly, purposeful living. 

These vintage pieces are a beautiful nod to ancient culture, heritage and craftsmanship. Make sure you give them the attention they deserve. So go ahead and hunt down that next must-have piece for your home - you won't regret it!! 

XO

Everyone needs little good luck charms!

Where do we even start with these two little pieces of sweetness?! We jumped at the opportunity to pick up these Chinese figurines at our last flea market. Our immediate attraction was based on the very colourful and detailed worked on each of these. Your first thought is what does all of this mean?! And truthfully, when we started out on this hunt for the 'meaning' of the figurines - we had no idea what we would discover! But luckily for you - we've got the skinny of all of it now! 

The Sanxing, Fu and Shou are the gods of two stars and the two qualities of Prosperity (Fu) and Longevity (Shou). These icons are thought to date back to the Ming dynasty, when the gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. They are often identified with other deities of the Chinese religion or Taoism. 

Not only are these figurines said to bring 'longevity' and 'prosperity' but they are riddled in symbolism with all the fruit and animals on each. For example, the apricot that appears on each is a symbol of success. It is said that during the imperial examination system, the first celebration honouring successful candidates took place in an apricot grove. Imagine that! The dragon that is also featured in the above figurine, is symbolic of benevolence, prosperity, longevity, and the renewal of life. Ancient Chinese believed the dragon brought rain, good harvest and fertility. 

So whether you believe that 'good luck' charms should adorn your bracelet or should be hung above the entrance door to your home - we believe the idea and messaging behind them is pure goodness! We are so glad to have learned about these meaningful 'good juju' pieces and we are certain we're never letting go of them! Not only are they interesting interior decor pieces but they are great conversation starters and absolutely the best reminders of what's truly important in life. Next time you're on the hunt for something meaningful to bring into your home - give something new a try. Remember, you don't always need to know everything before you go for it. Sometimes, half the fun is exploring and doing your research about your new found treasure! 

Xox