Cylinder seals were wonderful, small objects that are incised with graphic images and sometimes writings that were the “signature” of dignitaries, officials, and the upper class in the ancient Near East.  They are made of hard stones, often black or dark green, but also of Lapis Lazuli, chalcedony, agate, jasper, marble, carnelian and crystal.

Cylinder seals are the only object from the ancient Near East surviving in quantity over the entire period.  Therefore, for the history of art, they are unique.  In addition, some carry inscriptions naming the ancient owners, or giving other valuable information, which is also unique since captions on objects are extremely rare in this area and period. Since cylinder seals are small and mostly made of stone, many have survived intact, while other objects such as large sculpture in the round and large stone reliefs have rarely survived intact, if at all.  Victorious armies often destroyed them of set plan, or plunderers and vandals as well as the elements took a toll of them over the centuries.  Thus, a major collection of cylinder seals has an importance well beyond the size and bulk of the objects. 

Cylinder seals are somewhat a kin to Chinese scrolls in that they need to be “unraveled”, or “rolled out”.  Because they cannot be seen completely without turning them, they are sort of early animations. Some have one continuous scene, others are “compartmentalized”, and some have inscriptions.  Many of the earliest ones have simple geometric patterns, and there are many traditional scenes involving nobility, Gods, hunters, and beasts.  Most are meant to be scrolled horizontally.  There are small seals and large seals, some lean and some fat.  In many instances, the incised images are very hard to discern directly from the seal, often because of the stone’s particular coloration, and most seals that are auctioned nowadays come with a gray clay tablet on which the seal’s impression has been made, which makes it easier to visualize.  Remarkably, the three-dimensionality of the carving is usually quite pronounced.  Collectors prize the quality of the images, but Surena collection also included many that were of historical importance because of style or specific inscriptions.

Cylinder seals were pressed into wet clay to leave an impression of the design in order to seal vessels, consignments of goods and the door latches of storerooms so that it could be ascertained whether the contents had been tampered with.  People in the ancient Near East created seals around 3000 BC.  The early seals were “stamp seals” and had one or more flat sides depicting a design.  By 3200 BC, seals were made in cylinder form that permitted the seal to be rolled over wet clay to produce a continuous image or frieze. The primary use of seals was to designate ownership. They were impressed on the clay that sealed storage jars and on lumps of clay wrapped around ropes securing bales of goods.  When the clay hardened, the impression became a permanent record, a sign of ownership.  The shape and size of cylinder seals, the type of material used, and the designs carved into the surface varied according to period and area.



By: Gopal Dey

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The first thing that is seen after entering a entering a home is usually the Living room. Hence first impressions are largely made based on the living room. An exquisite living room decor will often leave the guests astounded. Furniture plays a key role in improving the decorating style of the living room. Some of the items that are typically a part of living room furniture are Fabric Sofas, Coffee-table, Modern rugs, Lounge chairs, T.V stands etc.

The modern look is emphasized by rustic furniture. People who are fascinated with the rugged country style will love rustic furniture. Pine log cabins are low-priced and well-liked. Many people buy living room furniture parts that are carved from wood by hand.

Sofas, chairs, bureaus are some of the furniture that are skillfully made with thorough elegance. Although simple materials are used, they become a success. Rustic furniture is liked because it is a perfect medley of form and function. Rustic furniture pieces have the look and grace that make it very popular. It is of great value for the next generations. Wood has the ability to make people feel the sensations of passion, comfort and peace. Leather furniture is much more durable and is an obvious choice to any ardent fan of function and reliability.

Italian décor integrates natural inspirations in its entire design. This look can be further enhanced by incorporating accessories. Pitchers, bowls and elegant ornaments add to the splendor. Candle holders and vases lit the room. Glass accessories and chandeliers light up the living room bestowing a sense of Italian glory.

Ideas for designing the living room decor:

Brainstorm ideas for the setup of the living room. Check your resources. Magazines, neighbor’s homes, natural beauty, Internet are all worth looking at. It is of great value to understand the insights of contemporary prominent interior designers. It should also be stressed that care should be taken not to get so much interested in the current trends that you just accept the fashion without thinking about it. Taking measurements of the room gives the necessary information that help in choosing which furniture is feasible and which is not. A fine sofa in the living room adds to the style and comfort of the living room.

The living room area displays home decor. Furniture plays a leading role in decorating the living room. Furniture bought with care considering the correct materials, size and colors and displayed with a sense of style will greatly enhance the appearance of a home.



By: vilio

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Every niche subject has its specific, descriptive words, its recognised terminology.  These are words of international understanding, conveying a clear picture of the object being described.

In the world of antiques this is extremely important, particularly when the object is not able to be seen and handled by the person receiving the descriptive information.

Antiques are a vast subject and each category under the title of “antiques” has its own specific terminology.  Key descriptive terms are used for antique categories such as silver, furniture, ceramics, glass, pictures, textiles, jewellery etc.

Within my subject of antique ceramics, porcelain and pottery, I have noticed a consistent confusion over a particular group of ceramic terms.  These include the terms, “soft paste” and “hard paste” porcelain.  

The term “soft paste” is sometimes thought to mean that soft paste porcelain is “softer” than hard paste porcelain, (also known as, true porcelain), however, both of these terms actually refer to the kiln temperature, not the porcelain itself.

It is actually the temperature that the porcelain is fired at; soft paste referring to a “soft fire”, which is usually about 1200°C.  Soft paste is also known as “artificial porcelain”, or, “pate tendre”, when referring to French porcelain.

By contrast, hard paste porcelain is fired with a hard fire, usually about 1450°C. Hard paste, or, true porcelain, derives its name from Chinese porcelain, first produced in that country over 2000 years ago.



True or hard paste porcelain is made by the combination of two integral ingredients, white China clay, or Kaolin and “petuntse” as known in English and derived from the Chinese, “Pai-tun-tzu”.

Technically, petuntse is a natural, fusible rock, which, when worked into a paste, combined with white China clay and fired with a “hard” fire, at 1450°C, results in hard paste porcelain.

Most European, soft paste porcelains belong to the 18th century and in general terms, most European hard paste porcelains belong in the 19th century.  But, as always, there are a few exceptions.  

Another term which seems to be confused is the descriptive word for a ceramic figure. When the human form is depicted in porcelain or pottery, it is described as a “figure”. I have recently seen such a description with a figure described as a statue.  The term statue is reserved for a life sized figure as found in a large garden or park!

Alternately, when animals are described in porcelain and pottery, they are conventionally described as a “model” i.e., a model of a seated spaniel, a model of an alert greyhound etc

Every specialist subject from the vast range of antiques has its own recognised group of descriptive terms and using the correct terminology simply makes the information being offered clear and easily understood.

 

The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co specialise in antique lamps with an on-line range of over 100 unique, antique lamps.  Lamps are shipped ready wired for the US the UK and Australia.

For more information you are invited to visit their web site at:-

www.antiquelampshop.com

© The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co 2009

 

 

 



By: Maurice Robertson

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