JANUARY 2007 |  Name: D. Maria/Limoge Hand Painted
China painting was an art form in the 19th century. This beautiful pansy painting on china was painted and signed by D. Maria on Limoge Porcelain. The colorful pansies stand out in the blending blue and purple background. The plate has been hand trimmed in gold. BelleHavre collects the great china paintings of Limoge, Rosenthal and Nippon. |
DECEMBER 2006The Vatican Nativity |  Name: The Vatican Nativity
Authorized by the Vatican Museums The Vatican Nativity Porcelain Sculpture Collection is the first-ever collection of its kind officially authorized by the Vatican Museums and produced by The Franklin Mint. The certified, limited edition collection is crafted in fine bisque porcelain and intricately hand-painted in jewel-like colors with radiant accents of 24 karat gold. |
|
NOVEMBER 2006Scale Model of The Haughton-McIver House |  Name: Scale Model of the Haughton-McIver House
Artist: Martha Jourdan
This scale model of the Haughton-McIver House is a tribute to the historical land-mark. The detailed and extraordinary likeness model of the home was artisti-cally crafted by artist Martha Jourdan of Siler City, NC. As a hobby, Martha en-joyed making model homes of old and commanding structures but her work clearly depicts a mastery of this art form. Martha became interested in creating models after she completed her first dollhouse kit given to her by friend, mentor and woodworker Bill Wall. She has also created a model of the Meroney United Methodist Church in Bear Creek, the Cad Bray House and the Wren House in Siler City. The model took over a thousand hours of Martha’s time to create as she systematically developed the striking likeness. It needed 26 tiny columns so Bill Wall assisted in making a prototype and Mott Blair, a dentist, made a mold for the columns. The house is made of balsa and bass wood easily obtainable at hoppy shops, light weight, but strong. OCTOBER 2006Masonic 1860 Sword |  Name: Knight Templar Silver Sword
Date: 1860
 Phenomenally preserved circa 1860 historical knight templar’s silver sword made by legendary Ames Mfg. Company, the most acclaimed maker of swords in American history. The Ames Mfg Company, founded by mason Nathan Peabody, later became known as the Ames Sword Company, renowned maker of Civil War and military swords as well as Masonic and fraternal swords and regalia. Close to the Masonic heart, the sword prominently features the eternal symbols of square and compass of freemasonry. The design of this sword plays a very significant role in the history of the arts of Freemasonry from its medieval knight’s head pommel to its fanciful yet strong engravings all along the scabbard surface. The sleek black grip is solid natural wood with a large ornately stylized silver and red passion cross at its center. The sword is adorned with a lovely double-strand silver chain. This is one of the rare templar swords that pre-dates the custom where artists signed the blade, nor does it have a commandery name. During the Civil War period, many officers and soldiers were active Freemasons and Templarism was a very sought after rank within the York Rite. Although Freemasonry and Templarism were the personal passion of many a fighting man on both sides of the conflict, they never, ever brought their Masonic or fraternal swords with them into the military. The often believed piece of naïveté where Soldiers who were Masons took their Masonic swords with them into battle is not historically correct. While the men went into battle, the ritual swords remained safely at home, at the Lodge or in the Commandery. The study of the Brotherhood of Freemasonry existing on both the Confederate and Northern sides presents a very significant socio-cultural portrait of the period. This Sword by Ames is one of the finest artistic survivors from those intriguing years. |
|
SEPTEMBER 2006 Dresden, Germany, Lace Porcelain Art Name: The Chess Players
Date: Circa 1890-1900
Description: This porcelain art form has been lost since the bombing of Dresden, Germany in World War II which was considered the art capital of the World. Real lace was dipped in porcelain and fired. Then these delicate pieces were painted and flowers usually applied. Today, few pieces remain in good condition as the lace could not withstand the test of time. BelleHavre's collection of Dresden consists of many rare large figurines in exceptional condition. | | |
|
Collection Previews
