Collectables

JOHN MCPHEE EVALUATES READERS’ PRECIOUS OBJECTS.

I RECENTLY FOUND this beautiful brooch at my local Vinnies store. I would love to know more about the miniature portrait and possibly an indication of the age of the brooch. The frame around the portrait looks like cloisonné and appears to be hand painted. There is orange enamel also at the back (albeit coming off in places). I don’t think it is pure gold, more likely plated. Cath Singleton, BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

Jewellery which is unmarked usually offers few clues about its origin. However, the style and materials used in this brooch suggest European origin. It most likely comes from Italy where there has been, and still is, a strong tradition of jewellery made for the tourist trade. The miniature depicting a girl in a simple dress and a straw hat with flowers suggests a romanticised image of country life. The perfect souvenir of a trip to Europe. It might have been purchased in Florence or Rome and was made in the late 1800s.

I HAVE NO

idea of the history of this jug, which stands about 32 centimetre tall. I am hoping you will be able to let me know a little bit about it and its value. Sandy Price, GWANDALAN, NSW

Your hot water jug is from a toilet set, which may have originally consisted of a jug, basin, soap dish, toothbrush stand and perhaps a chamber pot. It was made in about 1910. The Oyama pattern was produced by Royal Doulton in the early 20th century. It is a more sophisticated pattern than the more commonly found Willow pattern, landscape views and floral decoration. The transfer-printed blue and white pattern features a Chinese dragon surrounded by various other Asian motifs. Blue and white, and Asian-styled decoration was made popular by the British Arts and Crafts, and Aesthetic movements in the late 19th century and remains popular today. 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 austcountrystyle@bauer-media.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.