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French Teniers MC Déposé

Blue and White

Is there anything more beautiful and calming as blue and white porcelain? Regardless of its provenance—French, Mexican, Asian, Nordic—the blue is just so calming.

I found this set in my local Goodwill. They sat quietly on a shelf —their simplicity and restraint standing out in the chaos and I was lucky enough to find them.

This nine piece set is a collection of Limoges French Teniers MC Déposé plates. Each plate has one of three transfer printed illustrations of fifteenth-century peasant life. The transfers are blue on white with a decorative border on the rim. They are marked ‘Teniers Déposé Terre De fer’ on the underside. The blue transfer designs are based on David Teniers the Younger's 17th-century "Peasants Bowling" and "Peasants Dancing" paintings and other Teniers designs.

Marked on base with interwoven "MG" and "TENIERS / DEPOSE / TERRE DE FER / FRANCE", all with impressions such as "M5" or "M6" and/ or a "3" beside a cross.

Attribution: Mavaleix & Granger, Limoges, France. Circa: Circa 1925. Condition: Excellent undamaged condition with some expected glaze crazing.

Plates are 9.25" in diameter and currently available in my Etsy shop.

More about Limoges French Teniers...

Limoges French Teniers MC Déposé refers to a type of porcelain made in the famous Limoges region of France, known for producing high-quality ceramics. Let's break it down:

Limoges: Limoges is a city in France renowned for its fine porcelain production, dating back to the 18th century. Limoges porcelain is highly collectible and often hand-painted.

Teniers: This likely refers to artwork inspired by the Flemish painter David Teniers the Younger (1610-1690), who was known for his scenes of peasant life, tavern scenes, and landscapes. Many decorative pieces from Limoges were inspired by classic European painters.

MC: This could be the maker's mark or initials of the factory or decorator responsible for this specific piece of Limoges porcelain.

Déposé: A French word meaning "registered" or "patented." This indicates that the design or brand is legally registered.

In summary, a Limoges French Teniers MC Déposé item would be a piece of Limoges porcelain, possibly decorated with scenes inspired by David Teniers, created by a specific artist or manufacturer marked with the initials "MC," and the design is patented or registered.

These items are often collectible, and their value depends on factors like age, condition, and rarity.

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This is a beautiful set of two handcrafted stoneware dishes and a matching gravy boat, all by the same artisan. Each piece is finished in a bold "Williamsburg" yellow matte glaze, with one of the bowls featuring a striking blue glaze on the exterior. These heavyweight, sturdy pieces are perfect for everyday use or display, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship I admire from this artist’s unique collection. Their handmade quality ensures no two pieces are exactly alike, making them a special addition to any home.

I was lucky enough to find these at an estate sale on the last day when prices were slashed. Now I can pass on that saving to you.

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M.A.Hadley

This vintage set is available at isearchedandfound.etsy.com

Growing up, my family was super close with another family, the Montgomerys. They were a big bunch—six kids in total! And one thing that always stuck with me was their entire collection of MA Hadley dishes. Whenever I stayed over at their place, we’d play jacks and Russian Bank late into the night, but my favorite part was waking up to breakfast. We'd have cereal in these amazing "Hadley" bowls, and get this—at the bottom of each bowl, there’d be a cute little farm animal waiting for you after you finished your cereal. I thought it was the coolest thing ever! It’s funny how those little, everyday memories can stick with you and mean so much.

While browsing my local thrift shop, I was thrilled to discover these rare MA Hadley pieces. I couldn’t resist adding them to my shop, and now I’m excited to offer them to fellow MA Hadley enthusiasts and collectors.

About MA Hadley M.A. Hadley refers to Mary Alice Hadley (1911–1965), an American ceramic artist who founded the Hadley Pottery Company, which became known for its distinctive hand-painted stoneware designs.

Hadley was born in 1911 in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she developed an early interest in painting and art. Her family owned a clay tile business, which likely influenced her path into ceramics.

She attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati and later studied at the Chicago Art Institute, honing her skills in painting and pottery design. In the 1930s, after marrying George Hadley, Mary Alice moved to Louisville, Kentucky. It was there that she began hand-painting pottery in her kitchen, creating pieces that were both functional and decorative. Her designs often featured whimsical scenes of farm life, animals, landscapes, and simple, playful folk motifs, with a focus on blues, greens, and earth tones.

Mary Alice’s early pieces gained local popularity, leading to the establishment of Hadley Pottery in Louisville in 1940. Her pottery was not just decorative; she was focused on creating durable, everyday items such as plates, bowls, and mugs. The pottery was made from stoneware, a type of clay fired at high temperatures, making it sturdy.

M.A. Hadley’s pottery became well-known across the United States for its charm and durability. Her folk-art-inspired designs continue to be produced today by Hadley Pottery, which remains in operation in Louisville.

After her passing in 1965, the company continued producing pieces in her style, and Hadley pottery remains a beloved collectible for many enthusiasts.

Hadley's work reflects American folk art traditions and has maintained a place in American decorative arts for decades. Collectors today still seek out vintage Hadley Pottery for its unique hand-painted designs and historical significance.

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Vintage Wool Blanket

I just sold this lovely blanket. I am so happy it has found a home because it has been in a box for many years. I bought it at an estate sale and always wanted to find a place in my home but between dogs and kids, I was never comfortable leaving it unattended. I do not know its story, who made it, where it was made but based on my memories of my grandmother's house, it was probably at the end of a twin bed, ready for a cool summer night to keep a tired child warm.

And maybe it is a camp blanket, meant for a cabin, to be stored away for cool evenings, somewhere in the mountains. I hope the buyer lets me know how they are going to use it.

And once again, an object with its memories passes on to another.

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Denby Pottery

I recently struck gold at a local charity shop, where I stumbled upon some Denby pottery pieces. I recognized the Denby name, which is why I scooped them up, but beyond that, I knew very little about the pottery or its pattern.

Determined to uncover more, I put on my sleuth hat and discovered that the pieces I had purchased were from the Russet pattern. This collection is known for its heavy, sturdy build, making it ideal for everyday use. There's something satisfying about the substantial feel of these pieces.

The Russet pattern was manufactured by Denby Pottery between 1976 and 1982. Denby, located in Derbyshire in the heart of England's Midlands, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1809.

Denby’s history is beautifully documented in some classic old films. One from 1948 (26 minutes) offers a fascinating glimpse into the entire process, from the collection of clay to the crafting of teapots, casseroles, and other items. Another film from 1960 (15 minutes) showcases their more modern manufacturing techniques. Both provide a wonderful look into the craftsmanship that makes Denby pottery so special.

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Redware Mug

Redware is a type of pottery known for its rich, reddish-brown color, which comes from the iron-rich clay used in its production. This type of pottery has a long history in America, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and was commonly used for a variety of household items.

The redware mug from Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Connecticut, is a faithful reproduction of the traditional redware pieces that were commonly used in early American homes. This mug is crafted using techniques that mirror those employed by early American potters, ensuring both historical accuracy and quality.

The glossy finish of the redware mug is achieved through a lead-free glaze, which gives it a smooth, shiny surface while preserving the rich, warm hue of the underlying clay. These mugs were not only functional but also added a touch of color and craftsmanship to everyday life.

Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum that aims to preserve and present the history of early 19th-century rural New England. The reproduction redware mug is part of their collection of historically inspired items, allowing visitors to take home a piece of history that reflects the craftsmanship and everyday life of early American settlers.

The mug measures 4" tall by 3" in diameter.

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Shoulder Jug

Salt-glaze pottery is typically stoneware featuring a glossy, translucent glaze with a slightly orange-peel texture. This effect is achieved by throwing common salt into the kiln during the high-temperature phase of firing.

These shoulder jugs were specifically designed to allow a matching butter crock to sit upside down on top of them for convenient storage.

Measures 11" tall by 7" wide

Watch this video from Larry's Antiques where he explains the benefits of the shoulder jug. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1486685995046920

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U&lc. Hoarding or Collecting?

Some of you might know that I have been downsizing even though I am still purchasing items from Goodwill to resell—making it very challenging to thin the "collections".

For a false sense of security that I am not "that" bad, I've been watching "Hoarders". As I listen to their sad stories and watch the wrenching struggle to "let go" I tell myself that I could never be like them— while understanding that the older I get, the harder it is to throw away that Valentine's Day card from 1976 or the notes written in the hand of my then 8 year old son or 12 year old daughter.

So how do you think I reacted when a fellow designer and friend called to tell me she had retired and was downsizing and she had saved all of her issues of U&lc for me and my designer husband. I immediately said "NO! I don't want them and please don't tell him about them." and then she said "Well, I guess I'll have to throw them into the dumpster." and that was when my resistance was broken or I should say totally destroyed!

But now I am glad I wavered. They are a treasure trove of quality pre-computer design from a time when we designers would spec and order fonts from type houses and paste them all down in position on bainbridge boards.

Back then designing was tangible and required much pre-thought and collaboration before spending the money on type and stats. Maybe that is why the quality stands out? Maybe we put much more thought into the design while it was in the preliminary stage because if we waited until we got to the paste-up stage, we would be stuck with larger type bills, we would have to wait another 24 hours to get new stats. And what about that the hand-inked drawing? Would it get creased or damaged when we needed to move it. No, better to plan it out, to draw tight comps and make sure we only glued that stuff down once!

I have added a few pages for you to see. These first two are interesting because the designers were asked to revisit designs from the past and to try to improve on the old ones. Their comments are above the new designs. And then below that is a number set made from bitten off pretzels.

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Those charming souvenirs from 1960s.

A bank like this one will only bring back memories to those of us over a certain age --and for everyone else, we feel for you that you no longer find these in gift shops by the lake or the beach or the mountain trail. Make no mistake, there are souvenirs but now they usually come from China.

The old ones were usually made by hand by someone somewhat local and they always had a cute sticker applied to remind you of your visit to the Smokey Mountains, Lake George or Stone Harbor NJ.

Leaving that gift shop with a memento in hand was truly a vacation experience. And keeping them on the shelf at home to remember the fun family time was crucial for all those inevitably lonely, sad moments that come with growing up.

This one is available on my Etsy shop isearchedandfound.com.

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Susan Baker Memorial Museum

Absolutely love Susan Baker! Found these again while sorting through boxes and remember the day we visited the museum as if it were yesterday. At that time, the late 1980s, when Lyme disease was ramping up in Connecticut, ticks were more an annoyance than a prescription for long term illness.

We were touring Provincetown on Cape Cod with another family and on the way home, happened by the Susan Baker Memorial Museum. Basically, it's her house, with an enclosed porch full of light and printed ephemera, all in her own hand. As a mother of three young children, I was so impressed with her productivity. I wanted to stay, to learn, to be her best friend. Instead, I bought a ton of her pamphlets—couldn't afford the wall art—and gave them a prominent place in my studio. I was inspired. Thank you Susan Baker wherever you are!

Oh here you are, still knocking it out in Provincetown!

And here...

Go, visit, and say hi from me!

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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Pair of Hat Boxes.

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What's it worth?

Ugh! We're working on clearing out our storage unit, and it seems like every single box is filled with memorabilia from all five of us. It's my fault for holding onto so much, but every little thing is loaded with a memory. Memories that are not there for the taking, memories that are embedded in these objects.

After having my kids provide input through zoom, photos, or in-person visits, and putting my collecting husband through the torment of making choices, I now have a bunch of stuff to either give away or sell. (I have already decided, without looking at comparables, to donate the doll-sized currency and the large glass gem.)

What to do? Search online for values of comparable objects and then decide to donate or list.

1. That little vintage doll from Germany has some value, maybe $15 if I am lucky so I think I will list it.

2. And what about the Pez Dispensers? I often read that some are worth thousands! Fingers crossed!

Eh? I think I'll donate the Pez.

3. The retractable sewing measuring tape looks promising. But mine is not in as good condition so I think I will donate it!

4. What about that Hard Rock Cafe pin? Here's a black version that sold last April so I think I will list this.

5. What about these Monopoly pieces. I have no idea how old these are but these sold so I will list these as well.

6. And finally, the Keith Haring Pin. I could not find any 'sold' listings on ebay but I did find these two current listings. I know we bought this early so I assume it is from the late 1980s and I am also going to assume I could make 20-30 for it so it too will get listed.

All in all, I have spent approximately 30 minutes researching, and if I sold everything I hope to sell, I could earn up to $75. Next step is to get these listed in the next few days.

But first, I am off to the beach!

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Art Tiles

Just found a beautiful tile at the thrift store this weekend. It was sitting in the jewelry case. I don't usually look at jewelry, never find anything I like but this Sunday, I took a chance and found this tile. The imagery is an especially heartwarming scene of a young boy and his faithful canine companion.

It was produced about 100 years ago by the American Encaustic Tiling Company in Zanesville, Ohio.

The little label on the back states "AE Tile Works. England, 1895." That is incorrect but the confusion is understandable. Founded in Zanesville, Ohio in 1875, the American Encaustic Tiling Company aimed to challenge the dominance of English tiles in the American market. Their impressive repertoire featured geometric and classical designs, as well as inlaid floor tiles, custom-made relief tiles, and mosaic imitations. Notably, the company began producing glazed tiles in 1880, followed by embossed tiles in 1881 and faience tiles in the 1920s.

This tile is currently available in my Etsy shop isearchedandfound.com.

Another wonderful tile company is the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown, PA.

From their website: "Between 1911 and 1912, Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930) built the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works to “master the potter’s art and establish pottery under personal control.” The success of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works rested on Mercer's pure genius. With a small capital investment, relatively inexpensive operating costs, and an ability to produce a range of wares that made the best use of biotechnology, the pottery produced unique tiles that were praised by critics and sought after by architects. The honest, hand-made quality of his work fully expressed the ideals of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, elevating Mercer to one of the movement’s most important proponents. His tiles were emblematic of the survival, or rebirth, of the handcraft tradition. By the turn of the century, he was recognized as a premiere maker of “artistic” tiles. For the next thirty years, his work was sought out by leading architects and tastemakers to decorate public and private buildings all across the country. Mercer’s pioneering influence was far-reaching and still affects many tilemakers today."

Some years ago, George and I made a purchase of several tiles. We held onto the belief that one day we would have a home suitable for the addition of these exquisite Moravian Tiles. Not only would they contribute to the historical narrative of the house, but they would also become part of the captivating stories weaved within its walls.

Mercer not only constructed the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works but also an exquisite residence adjacent to it: Fonthill Castle. But that's a tale for another post.

If you ever find yourself in the Philadelphia area, make it a point to visit the tile works. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

In fact, I am so confident in this assertion that I've included a link to a Google map for directions from Philadelphia to Doylestown.

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If I were a potter, this is the bowl I would liked to have made.

Link

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Light Blue Transfer Ware Bowl

Update! The cable guy knocked it off my desk!

I have been emptying my storage space slowly, opening boxes that I packed way back in 2011. This bowl was in one of those boxes. I had forgotten all about it, can't remember where I got it, but know that it is has always been one of my favorite possessions.

I decided it was important to learn where it was made, when it was made and who made it. Without any markings at all, I am striking out in Google searches. One thing that google searches can't add to the search tool is the weight of the piece, the feel of the glaze, the sound when you flick it with your fingernail.

This is a rather crude piece, with an imperfect match of the decoration along the rim. If you look carefully at the bottom center, you will see where the transfer paper did not continue, leave a harsh break in the pattern.

And it doesn't show in the first photo but here in this one, I have managed to capture the reflections that show the bumps in the glaze, bumps that almost look like big bits of dust that got glazed over. Or are they air bubbles?

This is not a large bowl, it only measures 6" across and the rim stand 1.5" off the table. It is a perfect size for candy or nuts or a trinket dish for your bureau to hold hairpins, your watch, your rings.

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Vintage Mexican Pottery Aztec Calendar Alfareria Jimenez Oaxaca 

Intricately carved and with extreme detail, this circa 1950s Aztec calendar plate was made by hand by Alfareria Jimenez of Oaxaca, Mexico. 

The plate is expertly carved. The geometric pattern for this plate is based on a Mixtec design found in the temples of Mitla, outside of Oaxaca. The design requires hours of work. The redware pottery pieces were dipped in an ivory glaze and then hand tooled to remove glaze in small amounts, leaving the underlying clay to show through. This type of hand-carved Mexican pottery is becoming very hard to find.

The Jimenez family is noted for their craftsmanship in hand-made dinnerware & decorative items. This plate is marked on the back "Alfareria Jimenez Zaragdza # 13 Oaxaca Mexico Calendario Azteca Hecho A Mano".

Item measures 10 ⅝" across. It is in excellent condition with a minor chip on the rim at the bottom. It is shown in two of the photos.

As of 7/4/23, this plate is still available in my Etsy Shop. https://iSearchedandFound.com

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Profile Press Ephemera

In a previous post, I mentioned my former boss and friend Fred R. Siegle. He and his wife Else are pictured above. Fred ran a print shop called Profile Press. It was on 25th Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, in a building that housed printers and binderies and type houses. The upper 20s was filled with the printing industry and then a bit farther north began the garment district.

Profile Press was my first real job out of college in 1972. I did have a short run with another designer, doing paste-ups of really schlocky packaging where the environment was toxic, and my co-worker was sexually harassing and blackmailing the boss. Getting the job with Fred was a life-saver.

In reality, Fred was a printing broker and a designer. His clients included many of the finest art galleries—Betty Parsons, OK Harris, Marlborough, and more.— along with small publishers and a variety of interesting people in the arts.

Each year, Fred self-published a charming keepsake book for his clients and delivered them during the holidays. Fred learned design during the 20's and 30's and his style reflected that.

I have been buying them whenever I see them available on used bookstore sites. Here are some examples, some which are available on Amazon or Oak Knoll Books.