Back here I posted about what was in a box we brought out from a wardrobe to show a friend. There was nothing of value.
What we have that is of value was my non smoking grandmother's ashtray, used for visitors who did smoke. I remember reading how in The Netherlands, if you invited people to your home, you supplied drinks including alcohol, food and cigarettes, the latter usually in a decorative case. It was an insult to your hosts to bring your own (byo), as is done here. Now you may get food here or it might be 'ladies bring a plate', but bring your own drinks and if you smoke, go down to the very back of the garden so there is no smoke drift to the house.
The ashtray is sculpted and perhaps painted by reknown artist Guy Boyd, of the even more reknown Boyd family.
It is cracked and chipped. I took it to Melbourne's finest china repair shop about ten years ago and it was valued at about $100 and it would cost about $100 to make invisible repairs. I didn't go ahead. Maybe its value has risen since then and I am sure an invisible repair cost will have risen muchly.
It has great sentimental value to me.
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We have some of those items. Monetary value? Insignificant, but the sentimental value is HUGE.
ReplyDeleteFor sure EC.
DeleteThings that usually come free are most invaluable.
ReplyDeleteIf you say so Roentare.
DeleteIf the ashtray is sculpted and painted by the famous Boyd family, it would be worth having it reevaluated all these years later. Then sell it at auction.
ReplyDeleteIf it is a very sentimental art object (eg the last treasure granny saved from the Spanish Civil War), then repair and keep it, even if it doesn't make sense financially.
If I had know the vaue would increase I would have had it repaired back then. What will you do now? Just keep it or have it revalued to sell?
ReplyDeleteRiver, I won't sell it but I am considering having it repaired. The crack is so bad it could easily break in half.
DeletePlease excuse my mistakes, Lola is asleep on one of my arms, so typing is a little difficult.
ReplyDeleteIt's condition is part of its charm and history.
ReplyDeleteYes Graham, however as I said above, the crack is so bad it could easily break in half. I may have it repaired.
DeleteIt's so very pretty and a lovely memento of your grandmother.
ReplyDeleteJB, I can remember where it sat on an occasional table and which great uncles used it. And my father did too.
DeleteIt is strange, the momentos that we value? I have two round cake pans from my mother's cupboard. She used them to bake many a holiday cake in, and I think of that every time that I use them.
ReplyDeleteDebby, it is great that you still use the cake pans. Holiday cake; love it.
DeleteThe ashtray is very pretty - if you keep it, I would not "fix" anything - little dents are signs of a life being lived - if you want to sell it, it might be wise to let it be repaired.
ReplyDeleteYes, every country has its own customs, also in hospitality. I am quite often in The Netherlands, and am a bit surprised that you are always offered one (or should I write ONE?) biscuit or cake slice. To take more would be highly impolite.
Well, it's not my problem - I never eat more than one slice :-)
Thanks for your comment Britta. Repairing the ashtray will see it easily survive into the future but to keep it original is my inclination.
DeleteIt is so easy to get customs wrong in foreign countries and even at home. As a kid I was told off by grandparents for taking the last slice of cake on a plate when visiting relatives.
I remember being told off for the same thing but never understood why. SOMEBODY had to eat it, why not me?
Deletei can't remember the last time i saw an ashtray. I wonder what happened to the one I kept on my desk.
ReplyDeleteTP, the cleaner threw it in a rubbish bin.
DeleteI wouldn't worry about repairing it if it doesn't bother you in its current state! Don't the Japanese respect cracks and damage to objects, as signs of their utility and hence greater beauty?
ReplyDeleteSteve, how come that doesn't work with people? Japanese or otherwise.
DeleteIt's quite beautiful and to think the hands with souls who have touched it before or used it. Sometimes I wish trees, inanimate objects, etc--that they could whisper stories.
ReplyDeleteStrayer, and how rough my grandmother must have been when washing the ashtray.
DeleteIt is a quandary for sure. If it does come apart on you there a very good adhesives for ceramics these days and you could fix it yourself if you are a bit handy.
ReplyDeleteI am Pat and I have in the past, but my hands aren't steady enough now. Professional restorers could have it looking like new to any observer.
DeleteWhat a lovely piece and fascinating facts. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Darla.
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