Props Antique
Friday, June 11th, 2010
Antique Lamps – Papier Mache
Antique lamps, you would expect to be made of porcelain, glass, wood, or brass, but not paper! But, yes, there are papier mache antique lamps.
Papier Mache is a French word, which literally means, mashed paper, or, sometimes, chewed paper. There is a story that this interpretation originated from the 19th century London, when French workers in papier mache shops chewed paper as a preparation method.
No one knows if this is true, it’s probably one of those, “so they say” stories. Although we know it by its French name, papier mache was not produced in France until the mid 17th century. France gave us the name, due to the fact that the French were the first Europeans to make it.
But the history of papier mache goes a lot further back in time than the 17th century. We need to go back to the Chinese Han dynasty, over 2000 years ago to find the origins of this remarkable material.
China has always kept remarkably detailed records and today we know who it was that first discovered, just what could be done with those “scraps of paper!.”
Ts'ai Lun, 2,000 years ago, has been acknowledged as the inventor of paper, an invention that was to become one of the world’s most important discoveries. Ts'ai Lun was a Han government official and scholar, a scientist, who was working on further developing an earlier prototype paper. He was the first to have his efforts recorded, even though archaeological evidence shows that paper may have been made a little earlier.
With a mush made from linen, hemp and Mulberry bark, Ts’ai Lun spread it out on a bamboo mat to dry. After drying in the sun for some time, he discovered that the resultant sheet had become as hard as wood. This is the first acknowledged discovery of papier mache.
This newly discovered material was soon put to use and the earliest evidence for its practical use was as military helmets! The helmet shape was formed on a mould and when dried, was given several layers of a natural lacquer, produced from the resin of the Chinese Rhus tree. This produced a military style helmet which became the standard issue. It was also used to add decorative elements to amour and shields.
From its discovery in China, the technique of producing papier mache reached Japan and Persia where important examples of papier mache objects can be seen today in these countries national museums.
In time, decorated items made from papier mache began to be imported from Imperial China, along with silk and porcelain, reaching Europe in the early 17th century. By the 1660’s France began producing papier mache to be followed by England in the 1670’s.
The standard technique was layering, where strips of paper and sometimes, linen, are soaked in glue and added to a mould layer by layer
The English mid 18th century saw John Baskerville, a London fine book printer, binder and type founder who began to imitate the lacquered papier mache pieces from Japan. So successful were his results that he has left us with the name “japanning.” His assistant, Henry Clay, further invented a way to produce papier mache so strong that it was equally as durable as wood. He did this by gluing specially prepared paper under heat to form tough, heat resistant panels.
By the end of the 18th century, papier mache had become so popular that vast amounts of practical domestic wares were produced. But the real high point was the 19th century’s Victorian era. New uses were constantly made, including, bowls and tea trays, boxes, sculpture, props for the stage and even jewellery!
By about 1860 the production of papier mache had reached a peak of production, with products still being imported from China. With the rapid development of new materials, papier mache began to loose its popular demand, although the last manufacturer did not close until 1920.
The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co illustrate examples of antique papier mache lamps from their web site inventory.
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:-
© The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co 2009
About the Author
Maurice Robertson, principal of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co , has had a lifetime’s association with antique porcelain and pottery,with his commercial experience spaning a period of 40 years,including as a valuer to the Australian Government’s Incentive to the Arts Scheme. His long experience with antique ceramics and glass also includes dealing with leading museums and numerous international private collections. He has extended his ceramics expertise into the quality table lamps seen on the company’s site, he is well known to local and international interior designers who have included many of his table lamps in their projects and has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister.
Parents, can you give me some ideas?
I own a photography business and I am stocking up on some new props. I just found a really adorable little red wagon at an antique store and I've ordered some frilly tutus. Just looking for more ideas so can you possibly list a few prop ideas for each age group?
Newborn
Toddler
Kids
Pre-teens
Teen
Senior
Any suggestions are appreciated! 
I do traditional portraits (think posed in front of a background) as well as outdoor photos.
I liked the big ole white numbers for the first 4 years - it is fun to see how they "size up" to the number as they grow.
Books are always a good one - you could have the parents bring their favorite with them.
I also really liked when they sit in or by a basket and look like they were naughty and spilled out all the flowers that were in the basket.
I don't like props for older children.
Props Antique
3D Scanning & Retopology by Digital Double
|
|
Pit Props $24.99 Pit Props - Photographic Print |
|
|
Panto Props $24.99 Panto Props - Photographic Print |
|
|
Magician with Props $14.99 Magician with Props - Premium Poster |
|
|
Props Department $24.99 Props Department - Photographic Print |
|
|
Who Got the Props $9.96 Who Got the Props |
|
|
Wooden Props and Canvas Wings $11.91 Wooden Props and Canvas Wings |
|
|
The Props Used for The Lottery $69.99 The Props Used for "The Lottery" - Photographic Print |
|
|
Mclean Friendship Auctin Props $69.99 Mclean Friendship Auctin Props - Photographic Print |
|
|
An Edwardian Lady Props Herself Up $24.99 Vanessa Wagstaff An Edwardian Lady Props Herself Up - Photographic Print |
|
|
White Knuckle Extreme: Props 47 - Winter 2003 - $17.99 White Knuckle Extreme: Props 47 - Winter 2003 - |
|
|
Props Over Here $10.09 Urban Classics 12-inch vinyl series reissue from Sony UK. 'Props Over Here' is backed with the instrumental version plus 'World Famous' & 'World Famous' (instrumental). 2004. |
|
|
Props 47 $16.99 \N |
|
|
The Book of Props $11.95 Wayne Miller's mesmerizing verse brilliantly re-enacts moments in life when a random perception might trigger a momentary sense of the absent arrangement of existence. Sometimes a chorus of random street noises or an ephemeral scent of citrus can provide |
Lord of the Rings Replica Swords
The Lord Of The Ring movies, directed by Peter Jackson, shot mostly on location in his native New Zealand, have become instant classics, their critical and financial success making sword & sorcery movies acceptable again in Hollywood. The films dedication to practical authenticity when it came to swords and armour, coupled with Oscar winning production design, have created a range of replica weapons that should hold a place in any movie fans collection.
Alongside the release of the films themselves came a large selection of replica weapons and armour, officially licensed, from United Cutlery. What makes these items truly special is that they were made with the same care and attention that was lavished on the actual props, in many cases made using the same moulds!
Heading the line-up is the sword of the Kings of Gondor, Narsil, seen in the opening scenes of the first movie, cutting the all-important ring from Sauron’s finger. This is the broken blade that is re-forged by the elf lord Elrond in the final film, becoming Anduril, wielded by Aragorn in the third films climactic battle sequences. Replica’s are available of both versions, and are both magnificent, at over 50 inches long, with high quality stainless steel blades, antique silver and gold highlights and a leather wrapped grip. An equally impressive leather scabbard is available that fits either sword.
Also available are replica’s of the two important elvish swords worn by the fellowship; Glamdring, the sword wielded by Gandalf, and Sting, given by Bilbo Baggins to his nephew Frodo. In the movies these swords warned the adventurers of the presence of orcs by giving off a magical blue glow. Again, both blades are modelled from the actual movie props, with blades of high-quality stainless steel, with Glamdring possessing a leather wrapped grip. Leather scabbards are available separately for both weapons.
Many of the other heroes weapons featured on the films are also on available, including Aragorn’s original sword, the sword worn by Boromir, King Theoden and Eowyn’s swords and Arwen’s elvish blade. Again, the quality is uniforms excellent, with each sword sold with a presentation stand or wall plaque, and a certificate of authenticity.
The villains iconic weapons are not missed out either, with the terrible Ringwraith’s blades, and the brutish scimitars of the Uruk-Hai orcs also available, made in the same fashion and to the same quality as the hero’s blades, although, obviously not quite so pretty!
Finally, for those looking for the ultimate in quality, United Cutlery manufactured a small number of “Museum Quality” replicas of Sting, Glamdring and Anduril. These were hand-forged from carbon-steel in Toledo Spain, and come with additional certificates of authenticity signed by none other than famed artist and production designer for the films, John Howe.
About the Author
Keep up to date with film prop, replica weapons, and movie collectibles news and information at our website.
|
|
Cast Iron Skeleton Key Set Jail Cell Jailer Pirate $7.99 This reproduction 5 key set of 1800's jailers keys is made of cast iron, and coated with black enamel paint to make them look old. The keys are great for accenting any room with Western decor. The smallest key is 3 inches long, and the longest is 6 1/4 inches long. The keys do not come off the aluminum ring. These keys make a great gag gift for retiring law enforcement officers.... |
|
|
Corelle - Winter Frost, White - Hook Handle Cups & Optional Saucer (Set of 4) This wonderful pattern mixes and matches with your vintage corelle dishware.... |
|
|
Spring Blossom Green (Crazy Daisy) 12 Piece Set; 2 Each - Dinner, Lunch, Bread Plates, Cups, Saucers, Dessert Bowls Set has 2 of each item. , the Corelle Spring Blossom Green pattern (also known as Crazy Daisy) was introduced in 1972 and retired sometime after 1986. Corelle Corner states that sets could still be found in stores as late as the 1990's.... |
|
|
Movie Classics $17.13 BRIGHT DOUBLE NEON CLOCKS with a color neon tube on the outside and a white neon color tube in the inside, with tin sign advertisement inside! Chrome finish metal case, 12v adapter included and the clock is battery operated. (Battery not included) Good for Kids room, Recreation rooms, Restaurants, Diners, Bars, Game rooms, Garages and anyplace in the home! Available colors: Red, Blue, Orange, Gree... |
|
|
Large Santa's Sleigh Christmas Woodworking Yard Art Pattern $15.95 THIS IS A PATTERN ONLY FOR A CRAFT YOU MAKE - FILLED WITH PRESENTS THIS LARGE 3-D SANTA'S SLEIGH MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS YARD DISPLAY. IT ALSO LOOKS STUNNING WITH OUR "LARGE ELEGANT REINDEER" (Sold Separately - Amazon item # B0038L6KWA). MAKE THIS FANCY WHITE SLEIGH TO DISPLAY IN YOUR YARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS. LARGE SEAT HAS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR SANTA AND GIFTS. SLEIGH IS APPROX. 35" TALL X 59" LONG... |
