Collectables

JOHN MCPHEE EVALUATES READERS’ PRECIOUS OBJECTS.

I’VE HAD THIS lidded jar, which I bought from a second-hand shop somewhere in Brisbane, for years. I use it for flowers now and then, but have always wondered who made it and when. The maker’s mark on its bottom might indicate where it comes from. I’m hoping for any information. Christine Ogilvie, BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

You have me stumped with this. The transfer-printed and hand-painted jar is most probably meant for the storage of spice, but I can make no sense of the very decorative writing. Is it Latin for the botanical name of a plant? The jar looks like mid-20th century British design; the style made popular by the Festival of Britain, which tried to modernise British industry. But then it also looks a bit Scandinavian. Similarly, as 20th century marks are still poorly published, I have been unable to find any record of a mark like the one on the base — the outline of a vase superimposed over a green rectangle. Perhaps a reader can help?

John Mcphee is an art historian who has worked in art museums for 30 years and was curator of Australian Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Australia.

If you have a precious (or simply mysterious) object that puzzles you, send your inquiry, along with a colour print or high-resolution digital image, your suburb or town, and your daytime telephone number, to Collectables, Country Style, Locked Bag 5030, Alexandria, NSW 2015, or send an email to Nancy Merlo at nancy.merlo@news.com.au. The photographs must be clear and show the whole object against a white background. Photographs will not be returned, even if they are not published.