From left to right:
The blue bottle was a gift from a friend.
The ceramic vase was purchased in Nove, Italy. It's a fantastic place with warehouses full of any kind of ceramic item you could ever hope to find. I even got some Banana Republic ceramics seconds (a cake plate).
The nesting dolls were purchase by my husband in Uzbekistan or Afghanistan when he served there in 2002-2003. I'm half Polish, so we've always had sets of nesting dolls around in my family. But, since I don't know if they have lead paint, they have to be up where my daughter can't reach them.
A mantel clock inherited from my aunt. My grandmother (dad's mother) purchased it, probably in the 1940's or earlier.
A cloisonne vase purchased by my sister in China when she and her husband went to adopt their second daughter there. When they went to get their first daughter, she bought us cloisonne Christmas ornaments, but mine broke before I could use it. More lead paint questions...
An American flag given to my husband on his return from serving in Afghanistan.
The picture also implies that we might have some low ceilings, as the mantel and the crown molding appear to be really close. Actually, we have a REALLY tall mantel. My husband built it and I'm not sure why it's that tall.
So, go and visit Mel to see what everyone else is showing today!
I love having things that I have collected on my travels around my home. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe bottle and vases are gorgeous. I love the matroishka (think thats spelled right) dolls.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting to see what other people collect? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat is one tall mantel!
ReplyDeleteI like the look with the collections...my mantel has way too many picture frames on it.
Thanks for sharing!
I love the stories and the internationalism of your mantel.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting mantlepiece collection. I like knowing that there aren't two mantlepieces alike in the world!!
ReplyDeletenice collection!
ReplyDeleteAu Contrair - I think they are VERY interesting. They show you and your family are well travelled!
ReplyDeleteNow - I'm jealous.p
What a fascinating collection. I love the stories that go with each object.
ReplyDeleteGreat collection and I love all the stories. Beautiful mantle.
ReplyDeleteThat is one big mantel. So clutter free too! My dh has the strange urge to lay keys and wallets on any flat surface. I love the vase. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy eyes went straight to the clock, it's beautiful! That's a very nice collection, full of wonderful memories. Than you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day,
-D
The things we collect and display that hace significance are always interesting to me. Especially things that have stood the test of time. The clock is my favourite- it is really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the other soldiers said when your husband went shopping for dolls. ;)
ReplyDeleteNeat, it's always interesting to learn the little stories behind things.
ReplyDeleteWow, even though you began with "I have nothing to show", you had something gorgeous to show. Love your collection, the myriad origins and the stories associated with it.
ReplyDeleteI loved the cloisonne vase. And the clock. One pretty, the other very handsome.
ReplyDeleteSeem like you have collected some great pieces during your travels. They are nice additions to the mantel your husband built. So what if it's a little close to the crown molding...at least you have a proper large scale mantel (haha).
ReplyDelete