Everyone Gets a Pagoda

Bogwater Jim

Lafayette, NJ 07848

973-383-6057

In the late 1800's, the English economy was booming. Working folks, who formerly just wished they could own some beautifully decorated dinnerware, suddenly found it possible. It was called "transferware." Copied from earlier, hand-painted ceramics, these prepared, stock designs were applied in scenic patterns, whether Oriental, pastoral or floral. Quantity and affordablity made transferware the rage of the day. One can imagine the kilns of the English potteries never cooling off.

I think of the young women of the period, carefully choosing their favorite color (red, blue, brown, green, mulberry and black). So many choices. Instead of lunch or a book club meeting, "girl's day out" might have meant a trip to the mercantile to add another piece to the household collection. How lovely, meeting a friend to discuss the merits of a farm scene vs. an Asian landscape.

The introduction of transferware just may represent a turning point in anthropology... the moment when homes got prettied-up for pretty's sake and shopping for everyday furnishings became a working class pastime.

I think this highly decorative creamware was a brilliant, happy, comforting addition to civilization.

Friendly paintings

Bogwater Jim
Lafayette, NJ
07848

973-383-6057

Of course, we love old china. There is the richness of the cobalt blue that ginger jars wear and the comfort of the swaggy little borders on plates that filled the cupboards of our childhood.

But oil paintings picturing these items sometimes thrill us even more. It's like seeing an old friend become famous.

Still lifes that offer that "reach-into-the-painting" sensation are a feast for the soul as well as the eye.

As realistic as these portrayals might be, there is
always a softness that canvas renders unavoidable.

Still-life artists possess the knowledge of what touches us and the skill to capture the essence of their subjects.

"Ladle and Plate", Robert Sabo/ 2007
"Ginger Jar", G. Rhodes/ English/ 1923

Toy Boats

Bogwater Jim
Lafayette, NJ

983-383-6057

"There is nothing-absolutely nothing-
half so much worth doing as simply
messing around in toy boats!"

-Rat, in Wind in the Willows

Simple, yet stately, these toys of
our youth evoke memories of of
less complicated times and help
us navigate around the rough edges
of our existence. ...They are a
specialty of ours, and you're invited
to stop in anytime and mess around with them!

Small collections

Bogwater Jim
Lafayette NJ
973 -383-6057

Have you ever noticed how when similar things are grouped, whether by color or shape, the most insignificant items become important? Strength in numbers. These little, old ashtray hands are elevated to collage stature. Their friendly, open palms extend a welcoming gesture.

Arranged on an old glass cakestand, their sugary white surfaces remind me of pastries........quite a delicious thought.

One customer bought a few for little soaps in guest rooms. Another uses them to hold rings. Postage stamps and paper clips fit just fine.

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