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A “Grotesque” vase sells for $455

The word “grotesque” has a few different meanings in decorative arts. It can be a general descriptor, covering anything strange and macabre. It can be more specific, referring to human faces with distorted features that appear as masks or adorn furniture or pottery. But would you use it to describe, say, a symmetrical glass vase standing on a round foot, with a flared, ruffled shape and a cobalt blue rim fading into the clear body? That vase, which sold for $455 at an auction by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates, came from the Grotesque glassware line made by Steuben in the 1920s to ...

While you wait for “Theo of Golden”

There is much buzz about Allen Levi’s debut novel “Theo of Golden.” The book format alone has 77 holds on it in our library system and there are more holds on other formats. Levi’s work is described by the publishers as “…a beautifully crafted novel about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the invisible threads of kindness that bind us to one another.” If you are wondering what to read as you wait to read about Theo, or if you love the book and want to read more charming, heartwarming, and uplifting books centered on human ...

Antique china sets feature multiple manufacturers

One complication to vintage and antique china sets is the fact that makers and decorators weren’t always the same. Many porcelain manufacturers in Europe and the United States made blank dishes that were sent to other factories for decorating. Some sold the blanks as they were for hobbyists to paint at home. This means that you might see two different makers’ marks in the same set of china; sometimes even on the same piece. If the decorator signed their work, there might be three. If you turned over this pedestal cup and saucer, which sold at Woody Auction for $120, you would see ...

Recent Reads

Here are few of my favorite recent reads. Library staff would be happy to help you place requests on these or any other titles. If you’d like to place your own request, visit www.newulmlibrary.org and choose Library Catalog. Margo and Ian have been losing real estate bidding wars for eighteen months now. Ian is ready to throw in the towel, but Margo clings to her dreams of the ideal suburban lifestyle. When she gets a tip about the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood, Margo is desperate to get an edge on the competition. In Best Offer Wins, Marisa Kashino expertly illustrates ...

In 2026, the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, begins on February 17. According to the Chinese zodiac, it is the Year of the Horse. Horses are important animals in Chinese culture and mythology, and they have appeared in decorative arts since prehistoric times. As in many cultures, there were stories of mythological horses, often with magical properties or features like wings; and horses belonging to or ridden by historical and legendary figures; but ordinary horses are worthy subjects, too. They are frequently depicted with riders, as in scenes that show battles, journeys, or ...

Foot warmer warms hearts as well as toes

Ever since humanity moved into temperate climates, we have faced the problem of how to keep warm in the winter. Our extremities are especially challenging. Throughout history, people have come up with various types of foot warmers, and many of the old types are collectible today. One of the most popular types among collectors has a small wooden frame and punched tin panels. The example shown here, measuring 6 by 10 1/2 inches, sold for $53 at Strawser Auction Group. One panel is hinged on one side, so it opens like a door, and an open metal container inside the box is filled with hot ...