Crystal Epergne

Epergne is a type of table centerpiece, usually made of silver, but may be made of any metal, crystal, glass or porcelain.

An epergne generally has a large central "bowl" or basket sitting on three to five feet. From this center "bowl" radiate branches supporting small baskets, dishes, or candle holders. There may be between one to seven branches. Epergnes were traditionally made from silver, however from around the start of the 19th century, glass was also employed.

An epergne may be used to hold any type of food or dessert. It may also be used as a designer object to hold candles, flowers or ornaments for a holiday.

In traditional use, an epergne is a fancy way to display side dishes, fruit or sweetmeats, or can be used for chips, dips or other finger foods.

Pictures below show a cut crystal trumpet epergne from my collection, circa 1898. It is a single vase with a fluted rim and etched floral decoration, on a marked silver plated stand or base.

Height : 25.5cm.

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Cut crystal trumpet epergne with the silver plated stand.

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Cut crystal trumpet epergne removed from the silver plated stand.

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Cut crystal trumpet epergne.

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Silver plated stand.

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The base of the silver plated stand with hallmarks.

Why Do People Collect Antiques?

There are many reasons for people to collect antiques or to become an Antique collector. In addition, people have different views about owning antique collectibles. Here, there are seven reasons why people collect antiques :-

1. Collect antiques for sentimental value. People can become a collector of antiques because the items hold sentimental value. For example, a woman holds on to a ring that's given to her by a great grandmother or a table that's been in the family for three generations.
2. Restoring an antique and selling. Many people have started an antique business because they enjoy restoring antique pieces and selling them to people. It's really not about the money for some collectors.
3. Collector of favorite items. Some people enjoy collecting their items that center around their favorite game or comic book. For example, a 10 year old boy could be a collector of comic books and can have comic books from all over the world.
4. The chase of finding a certain antique. Some people experience a certain level of excitement when searching for a certain antique. Many collectors enjoy visiting stores or antique shops all over the country.
5. Collecting is a hobby. Many people see antique collecting as a hobby and enjoy doing this in their free time. Also, the antique hobbyist doesn't always buy antiques but like to window shop for antiques. Many people like to see what type of antiques is offered in different stores or countries.
6. Decorating with an antique style. Some people buy antiques to decorate their home and like the antique feel. Antique pieces can decorate a home in a beautiful fashion.
7. Antique dealers. There are some people that buy and sell antiques as a business or hobby. Antique Dealers should have a wealth of knowledge about different antiques. Antique Dealers like to find deals on antiques and make a profit from selling the antique.

Many people have their reasons for buying or collecting antiques. Also, collecting great antique pieces can provide someone with a wonderful experience and have an overwhelming appearance at home. If you are interested in buying antiques, then do the research and find an antique that work in your home. These tips should be helpful in answering why people enjoy buying antiques.

Indian Brass Bowl

Below is a beautiful small brass bowl in excellent condition, originating from India (late 19th to early 20th century), featuring the detailed decorative designs which appeared to be stamped into the bowl.

The main decorative band is engraved with seven procession of human figures (dancers) in between the leafy panels which undulates around the bowl, many of whom have two or four arms and animal heads, all against a densely punch-marked background.

Diameter : 11.5cm, Height : 5cm

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Indian Brass Serving Trays

Pictures below are the two beautiful brass serving trays originating from India (late 19th to early 20th century), featuring the detailed decorative designs which appeared to be stamped into the plates. Both of the trays can be used as a wall piece or a decorative table piece.

Diameter : 33cm each.

Indian brass serving tray 1
-Front-
This is a heavy brass tray with densely engraved decoration. The central floral motif is surrounded by a ring of smaller four-petalled flowers. Beyond this, the main decorative band consists of four prancing human figures and dogs, alternating with the highly stylized leafy scrolls all against the ring-punched background. It is in a very good condition. However, the rim has taken a few bumps.

Indian brass serving tray 1
-Back-

Indian brass serving tray 1
-Closer view-

Indian brass serving tray 2
-Front-
This brass tray is engraved with a central floral motif. Around that, it is with the series of circular and roughly oval fields which in it, alternating with four human figures and lions against a background of stylized flowers and ring-punched decorations. The tray is in an excellent condition.

Indian brass serving tray 2
-Back-

Indian brass serving tray 2
-Closer view-

Chinese Lacquered Sweet Meat Box

Pictures below show a Chinese lacquered sweet meat box from my collection. It is a wooden covered box with engraved Fu Lu Shou (福禄寿, God of good fortune, prosperity and longevity), flowers, vases and scrolls, and the stand of the box is also engraved with a lion head and foot on each of the four corners. As for the interior side of the box, it is divided into six parts for putting the sweet meat.

Sweet meat or bakkwa (肉干) is a Chinese salty-sweet dried meat product similar to jerky, made in the form of flat thin sheets. It is normally made from pork or chicken. Bakkwa is believed to have originated from a meat preservation and preparation technique used in ancient China that is still practiced in places with Hokkien influence. Bakkwa is particularly popular as a snack in East Asia and Southeast Asia.

Length : 27.5cm, Width : 14cm, Height : 16.5cm

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