Simple terracotta pieces like this four-inch, two-handled cup from the 2nd century A.D. can be surprisingly affordable.

In the previous installments of “Dining with Antiques,” we have so far covered a variety of vintage recipes and collectible dinnerware dating from the 1800s to the 1960s. This article, however, features some of the oldest collectibles on earth, along with some of the oldest recorded recipes.

It is hard to believe, but ancient Roman dinnerware, dating from as far back as the first century A.D., can be affordably purchased from auction houses and various dealers who specialize in antiquities. And many people collect it. Small, simple, unadorned clay pieces like the ones pictured here can sell in the $100 to $300 ranges. Terracotta bowls, mugs, rimmed plates, dippers, pitchers, strainers, cheese presses, jugs, mortars, vases and oil lamps (to light the dinner table) are fairly easy to find because this coarser tableware was produced locally in very large quantities for everyday use. (The more decorative, finer pieces were glazed and reserved for formal dining. They were often imported from specialized workshops within the Roman Empire and naturally bring much higher prices.) As with any collectible, be sure to buy from a reputable source because modern reproductions abound.

Collectors who want to reenact a Roman feast don’t eat out of their dishes, of course. However, these pieces can be artfully displayed in the center of a long table while authentic recipes are served around them. Many of the foods identified with the Mediterranean basin today (such as tomatoes and pasta) did not exist 2,000 years ago. But luckily, we do know the kinds of foods that were enjoyed.

A collection of Roman recipes called “Apicius” was compiled in the late 4th century A.D. and named for a Roman gourmand who lived 300 years earlier. It was first translated into English in 1936. “Apicius” is a masterwork—geared for experienced cooks from the wealthier classes and arranged in 10 sections including subjects on meats, garden vegetables, legumes, fowl and seafood with almost 500 dishes detailed. Most of the recipes call for a pungent broth called garum which is a mixture of fermented fish and strong spices.

The contents of the cookbook are immensely interesting. It reveals just a couple of desserts and very few breads (although there is an exact recipe for what we call French toast today). That is probably because bread, cakes and pastries were widely sold by a large variety of professional bakers and confectioners so home cooks rarely took the time with them. Also, porridges and mush made from wheat and cereal grains were often eaten in place of bread. There is no sugar in the book—all sweetness came from fruits, wine and honey. Starches like rice and potatoes are non-existent. And, there are very few salads.

An early 3rd-century A.D. shallow dish (six-inch diameter) with pedestal foot.

A seven-inch pottery wine jug, 2nd century A.D.

A 2nd century A.D. four-inch oil lamp.

Foods that still appeal to us today include versions of lamb stew, fried parsnips, meatballs, crab cakes, roasted ham, baked squash, omelets, stewed fruit and pork cutlets. But other dishes, such as stuffed dormouse, parboiled flamingo and pickled sow’s udder, are quite happily left in antiquity.

For those who wish to replicate an authentic ancient Roman meal, here is a three-course example. No proportions were included in the recipes, so add the listed herbs and ingredients to your taste. Many modernized versions can be found that have been adapted and changed for our palates, but the recipes here are the most authentic. Necessary translations, substitutions or clarifications are shown in parentheses.

A four-inch bowl from the 4th century A.D.

Gustum Versatile (Moveable Appetizers)
The movable appetizers (are) a composition of small white beets, cockles (clams), snails, mature leeks, celery root, chicken giblets (and) chicken wings cooked in oil, wine, vinegar, ginger, pepper and tarragon. (Do not overcook. Drain the appetizers after cooking and cool slightly).

Oil a pan and line it with mallow (endive) leaves (and then the warm appetizers). Add Damascus (dried) plums, tid-bits (meatballs) and sliced sausage. (Carry appetizers from person to person).

Locustas Assas (Broiled Lobster)
If broiled, they should appear in their shell, which is opened by splitting the live lobster in two. Season with pepper and coriander. Moisten with oil and broil them on the grill. When they are dry, keep on basting them more and more with oil or butter until they are properly broiled.

Lus in Locusta (Lobster Sauce)
(Boil together) chopped scallions fried lightly, crush(ed) pepper, lovage (celery leaves), caraway, cumin, (chopped) figs and dates, honey, vinegar, wine, garum and oil. While boiling add mustard.

(Garum can still be made, but it is time-consuming and unpleasant to ferment fish. Modern cooks can make an easier version by boiling down a quart of grape juice to a little over 1/3 cup and then adding 2 tablespoons of anchovy paste and a pinch of oregano. Some cooks also substitute a Vietnamese fish sauce called Nuoc Mam that can be found in the Asian section of your grocery store.)

Authentic accompanying vegetables include simmered asparagus, carrots, cabbage or peas flavored with any combination of the spices used above. Sliced fresh mushrooms and morels can also be added.

Patina Versatilis Vice Dulcis (Nut Custard Turn-Over)
Toast pignolia (pine nuts), hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts. Crush them with honey. Beat well and mix in milk, eggs, honey and oil. Thicken slowly on fire without boiling. Fill in molds, taking care that the nuts do not sink to the bottom. (Make any modern recipe of milk and egg custard to pour in with the nut mixture). Bake in a hot water bath. When cold, unmold.

It is not too hard to run across modern translations of “Apicius.” A 1958 edition was easily found in the Worthopedia price guide with a selling price of $23. It even included the original Latin text. Many collectors of ancient Roman pottery enjoy working their way through these unusual recipes.

Liz Holderman is a Worthologist who specializes in collectible books. “Dining with Antiques” is an ongoing feature in which she highlights usable collectible dinnerware, along with vintage recipes.

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WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

With collectibles and antiques ruling the roost in the West, the Asian market is not far behind. Although Indian antiquities are in great demand, most have been taken out of the country illegally.

Prior to independence, many antiquities were spirited away by the rulers of India. A number of them were gifted to the British rulers by the erstwhile maharajahs, rulers of princely states and rich people to curry favors. Today, many of these pieces are in private collections and museums outside of India.

Antique ax

For more information on this item, visit GoAntiques.

In modern India, people are unaware of the real value and importance of the antiques. Most of the popular collectibles are furniture, jewelry, ivory carvings, paintings, antique tiger skins, metal and stone statues, etc. and other collectibles of royal families. These are often sold by the descendants.

Innumerable insignificant forts and palaces still have hordes of heirlooms of princely states that existed before India’s independence in 1947. Also, the temple tradition of India runs for hundreds of years. The descendants and caretakers of these institutions have been selling heirlooms and other antiquities both legally and illegally for cash.

17th-century statue of Vishnu

For more information on this item, visit GoAntiques.

The nouveau riche has become the nouveau collectors in India. But the source of collectibles remains flea markets, select legal auctions and other private collections.

According to the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, under the constitution of India, antiquities such as coins, sculpture, epigraph or anything that has been in existence for the past 75 to 100 years has to be registered with the government. This is especially true if someone wants to trade in these items. A license is required for such trade. Rampant corruption, extensive bureaucracy and red tape make it extremely difficult to get a license.

A genuine collector faces many legal hassles for the registration of antiquities. And as the laws are stringent, corruption is rampant. It is sad to say that circumnavigating the law is an easier option and with the deep-rooted culture and heritage in India, not even 10 percent of the heirlooms and antiquities are registered with the government. It is simpler for people who possess heirlooms or the people who want to collect them to bypass the law.

Ahma girl in Bengal antique photo

For information on this item, visit GoAntiques.

Because of this, one does not find references to private collectors or their collections. Most of the antiquities in India, which are registered, are in public or private museums. Most of the temples and royal-family collections are also unrecorded.

Thus, when it comes to the rules of collecting in India, families having some heirloom or any antiquity want to keep them to themselves and do not want to bring them to the attention of the government.
Even anything dug up or excavated on a private property, if considered an antique, will be taken over by the state.

With constant demand from abroad for Indian antiques, manuscripts, coins and other highly coveted collectibles from abroad and high corruption within the museums and temple officials in India, it is common knowledge that rampant pilferage takes place to satiate that demand. It should be no surprise that the high demand leads to pilferage, looting, smuggling and carrying away of national treasures.

Indo-Persian matchlock gun

Matchlock gun closeup

For more information on this item, visit GoAntiques.

With the growing numbers of newly rich people in India and an awareness of investment in antiques by them, it is hoped that the framework of rules for collections, exchange and exhibitions are revised, making more people aware and proud of their heritage while still transacting the collections freely, either exchanging or selling.

Until that happens, unscrupulous individuals will make antique finds and objects a hush- hush job, and museums, rural temples and old forts that dot the country will remain a target for smugglers and looters.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Many collectors and museums have questions relating to the authentication of ancient Chinese jades in light of the current market where forgeries are commonplace. Today’s forgers are producing convincing fakes, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to rely on one’s eye and knowledge.

It is only natural that people are looking to science for help.

In 1999, the catalog for a German auction of Chinese jades included scientific reports of authenticity of the items for sale. To the best of my knowledge, this was the first time
This was done. While this approach is a step in the right direction, jade collectors should know what science provides beyond a piece of paper deemed a certificate of authenticity.

Science can’t give definitive answers

At the risk of chipping at the pedestal on which some place the “scientific method,” jade collectors need to understand that scientific investigation cannot always provide black-and-white answers to jade authentication questions. The first, and probably most important, step in the authentication of a jade object should always be the thoughtful consideration of its art-historical context, as well as comparison with similar, preferably excavated, jades.

Nephrite jade incense burner

This incense burner is from the Tang Dynasty (circa 618-907).

This step is analogous to what a museum curator does when considering whether to purchase a piece. It is important to bear in mind, however, that this is also done by those in the lucrative business of jade forgery.

The challenge for the collector, then, is to look longer and more carefully than the forgers.

How does the jade compare in shape and decoration to those in excavated contexts and in well-documented museum collections? How does it compare, under close scrutiny, in workmanship? It is surprising how many forgeries can be uncovered by close examination and careful research. An educated jade collector is more likely to make good collecting decisions and avoid forgeries.

Lab work’s expensive

It is only after this first step that scientific investigation should be considered. Given the significant expense, the collector must feel comfortable with the validity of the results. Does the laboratory have a demonstrated history in the study and analysis of ancient Chinese jades? What is the specific question to be answered by the analysis? Is there data to support a given scientific technique showing that it is the most appropriate tool to answer a given question? Is there an opportunity to talk to the analyst to ensure that specific questions are answered?

Scientific methods to analyze and authenticate jades require a little ingenuity. For instance, no one will argue that ancient jades were worked using modern tools and techniques. But what does the presence of tool marks produced by hand tell you? It does not necessarily prove that the jade is ancient because it is entirely possible that a jade could be worked by hand today.

Similarly, we have to think carefully about surface accretions. Although a laboratory can identify residues of a mineral abrasive on the surface of a jade, it is far more difficult to determine when it was applied. Natural mineral abrasives used in ancient times are still readily available today, so their presence proves nothing.

Forgers able to fake jade’s appearance

The same is true of earthy accretions such as soil and calcareous encrustations. The clever forger, intending to simulate the appearance of burial and/or significant age, could easily add these to the surface of a jade.

White jade Buddha

This seated Buddha is from the Tang Dynasty (circa 618-907).

The use of natural alteration or “weathering” as proof of age is also difficult. Some scientists contend a jade with a weathered surface is at least a thousand years old because it takes this long for such a surface to develop. I’m not sure that research has been done to back that up. Any such research would need to take into account a variety of factors, such as porosity of the jade surface and the presence of deleterious substances in the burial environment, as well as water content and acidity (measured as pH).

A particular type of alteration known to occur on ancient Chinese jades, called “burial alteration,” consists of a selective dissolution (leaching) on a microscopic scale along mineral grain boundaries of solutions of high pH (pH> 9). This type of high pH environment can occur during decay of the corpse(s) with which the jades were buried.

Natural burial alteration may not take long

In one study, a piece of jade was placed in a bath of pH 10 for three months, after which the same type of alteration found on jades from ancient burials was seen to have occurred. Showed that “burial alteration” can take place within a relatively short time, and in the case of jades in ancient tombs, probably occurred during the months immediately after burial when the corpse(s) decomposed. Thus, it is entirely possible that this type of alteration can be achieved quite easily over a few months by a forger using a variety of artificial means.

There are other methods of treating the surfaces of jade artificially. Many of these treatments may elude detection by scientific method. This means the jade collector cannot rely solely on science to answer questions of authenticity. Nevertheless, scientific investigation can help by supplying additional information such as the identification and structure of materials on the surface of a jade, which can assist in the assessment of authenticity.

Green jade seal

A nephrite green-jade seal made between 1736 and 1795 during the Qinglong Period.

Nonetheless, clear-cut answers to questions of authenticity are still few and far between. Jade collectors must concern themselves with the serious study of excavated and other well-documented jades, and grapple with multiple explanations for what they observe. Yet that is partially what makes jade collecting so rewarding.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

While the economy may be dominated by talk of bulls and bears, when it comes to the Chinese New Year, which begins Jan. 26, it is the Year of the Ox. The ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work, and people born under this sign are truthful and sincere. So this probably isn’t the sign for Bernie Madoff, architect of the $50-billion Ponzi scheme.

Chinese New Year Ox by Lladro

(Find out more about  this collectible at  the Lladro’s site.)

It was the Year of the Rat in 2008, which might sound a bit more like Madoff’s year, but it turns out that that was a time of hard work and prosperity—a good time to start a business or get married.

The Chinese New Year is based on a calendar that has been in use for centuries, a combination of lunar and solar calculations. The New Year starts with the new moon on the first day of the calendar new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later.

The 15th day of the New Year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

Since the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, the Chinese have to insert an extra month every few years to catch up with the solar calendar. The years also cycle through 12 animal signs—the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep or goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar or pig.

Ancient Chinese zodiac figures

(For further information on these exceptional Tang-era figures, click here.)

There are five types of ox years. The Metal Ox tends to clash with people who do not agree with him and isn’t very affectionate. The Water Ox is more reasonable and methodical. The Wood Ox flexible and socially adroit. The Fire Ox is forceful and proud.

This is the year of the Earth Ox. The Earth Ox is a “less creative” but “enduring” ox, secure, stable and industrious. Just the ox we need these days.

Antique mutton-fat white jade carving

(If you are interesting in learning more about this piece, visit GoAntiques dealer Objets D’Art Uniques.)

Chinese New Year—with a new animal sign and even nuances with the signs—offers a collecting cornucopia.

The Singapore Mint has, of course, Year of the Ox coins. The mint is striking 88 sets of two five-ounce coins—one gold coin, one silver—with the price for a set $10,604 Singapore or $7,143. The mint is offering other collectibles and gifts, as well.

Singapore coin set

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the New Year’s celebration, and a wide variety of Chinese lanterns is available at the AFC China Co.

On the Chinese calendar, 2010 will be the Year of the Tiger. Business can be difficult for the rash impulsive Tiger, according to the Chinese zodiac, and he could find that money is scarce or withheld from him. He will only be rewarded if he exercises prudence and patience. He must avoid impulsive acts and be conservative in his outlook. Zounds! Sound like the Year of the Tiger has already been here!

2012 Year of the Dragon vases

(To learn more about these Ming vases, go to Ancient Dragon House.)

Visit our Chinese New Year feature page for videos and more stories about Chinese collectibles.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Its January Antique and Decorative Arts Sale, Jan. 14, has 316 lots and a cross section of Native-American items, silver, French, English, American and Continental furniture, fine and decorative art, and a singular collection of Asian art, porcelain and statuary.

Among my selections are several Asian pieces, Korean and Chinese, with intrinsic, artistic value that will hold their own even in the volatile global economic crunch. Asian pieces of good classical artistic style as seen in the November Asian week Sotheby sale, along with contemporary Asian works of art, are still claiming high prices and make a good long/short term investment.

Lot 102, a Korean Koryo Dynasty (12th, 13th century) celadon inlaid stoneware vase depicting three blossoming chrysanthemums and banana leaves. Thirteen inches high, unmarked, with an estimate of $2,500-$4,000, it has the factors of rarity and artistic staying power to make the piece a good investment.

Korean Koryo Dynasty vase

Lot 123, an early Chinese Republic (1912-1949) eggshell porcelain vase with a continuous hand-painted landscape has an estimate of $2,000-$4,000. It is interesting not so much because of its artistic value but rather as a representative piece of the time in which it was made.

Chinese Republic eggshell vase

Lot 150, a Chinese Qing Dynasty gilt bronze “God of Prosperity” statue, superbly cast to depict a warrior seated on the back of a lion, raised on a lotus stand. This late 17th-century piece has an estimate of $5,000-$8,000.

Qing Dynasty statue

Lot 153, a unique and superbly crafted carved Chinese burl wood depicting mountains and 18 Lohan (Chinese sages) in a landscape. Signed Wu Chang Shuo, it is early 20th century with an estimate of $10,000-$15,000.

Chinese burl-wood mountain

Lot 159, a late third-quarter 20th century, Italian, carved shell cameo designed and executed by Gennaro Garofalo, depicting the Good Shepherd after the painting by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo which shows Christ as a youthful shepherd, signed Garofalo and set in an 18-karat gold setting. Estimate: $2,000-$4,000.

Garofalo cameo

Lot 267, Honolulu Pearl Harbor front page, Dec. 7, 1941. This mint condition newspaper, with headline reading “War! Oahu Bombed by Japanese Planes,” is going in with an estimate of $800- $1,200.

Pearl Harbor attack front page

Dallas Auction Gallery sells all items with a buyer’s premium of 19.5 percent for items up to $200,000 on the floor and 22.5 percent on Internet sales. For items more than $200,000, there is a 12 percent buyer’s premium on the floor and 17 percent for Internet sales.

– By Christopher Kent, a member of the WorthPoint board of advisers and director of evaluations for WorthPoint. He is also an antiques and collectibles generalist, fine-arts broker and president of CTK Design.

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles

“One of the great appeals of these pieces is that while they were made for utilitarian purposes—to hold things or to be sharp—they are also beautiful They’d take a piece of flint or bone and make something artful and useful out of it,” said Morgan, who is WorthPoint’s Indiana Jones or at least its expert on pre-Columbian and Native American collectibles and antiques.

Tripod bowl with rattle legs from the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, located circa 1950

What started as a boyhood hunt, led Morgan in college to take courses in anthropology, and materials and methods of primitive art. What Morgan learned was that there were strong commonalities among indigenous cultures.

“In primitive societies, the needs were pretty much the same—food, clothing, shelter,” Morgan said, “and depending upon how they were able to organize socially, you have simpler or more complex pieces.”

Decoration also cuts across time and geography. “There is a universality of symbols and shapes that are used time and again. There are a lot of circles, crosses and spirals.” Many of these primitive symbols point toward the same thing—man trying to understand his world and the forces in it.

Small pre-Columbian Mayan portrait vase depicting an old god, or the god of fire, in reddish buff terra cotta

The same is true for many other ancient items. “A stone ax made a thousand years ago in North America and one made in South America are virtually identical,” Morgan said.
It begins to get interesting as cultures mature and circumstances promote the development of more advanced and permanent civilization. With civilization, you begin to see broadly held beliefs—religion, for instance—manifest itself in the “Art” of the society.

While once collecting Native American, Central American and South American art might have required trekking jungles, climbing into tombs and excavating lost cities, eBay has made it a lot easier. “Right now, there is a lot of art out there, and it is having the effect of diluting prices generally,” Morgan said. “If you study and know what to look for, you can find very good values. You also need to have some idea of the origin of pieces.”

With indigenous and historical art, this is a very big issue. “There is a moral dilemma in collecting material that you don’t face in collecting furniture or a piece of china,” Morgan said.

Some of the material popping up on the Internet is coming from, what Morgan calls, “the cleaning out of America’s attic.” These are pieces that a father or grandfather may have picked up in their travels. But then there are pieces that may come from looting and illicit trade.

Votive sculpture heads from the region of Teotihuacan, often broken and placed in fields to ensure fertility

“Authentication is a big issue,” Morgan said. “Can you establish that it has been in a collection for a number of years?” Another way of protecting oneself is to work through reputable online auction houses. “What we are striving for is an honest and open market,” Morgan said.

A careful and knowledgeable collector will also be alert to warning signs about certain pieces. For example, Morgan said that the most durable items tend to be ceramic, or made of stone or bone. “You can find pre-Columbian as far back as a couple of thousand years.” But when less durable items, such as woven baskets, wooden pieces, come on the market, a buyer should beware. It is more likely that these are freshly excavated. “It is no secret that a lot of sites in Peru are still being dug,” Morgan said.

Although the term pre-Columbian art denotes any object before 1492, the most widely collected period is from about 1800 B.C. to 1500 A.D. and includes the well-known cultures of Mexico, Central and South America, including the Maya, Aztec, Moche and Inca.

Small tripod bowl with alligator legs from the Chiriqui region of Costa Rica

There remain great opportunities for building a collection of striking and antique pieces, Morgan said. “These cultures are fascinating and well worth learning about. And if you know what you are looking at and are dogged, you can get value.” If you don’t want to become an expert, Morgan advises working with a reputable dealer or auction house.

“There are so many cultures, so many forms, the first thing to do is to try specializing and do your best to understand that culture, the specifics forms of ceramics that they produced,” Morgan said.

Bowl from Guanacaste province, Costa Rica, with human-effigy supports

Starting out doesn’t take huge amounts of money. There are small antique pieces—a small bowl that can be gotten for as low as $50. Decent ceramic starter pieces may run $200 to $300. “Don’t worry about a little damage, these pieces are old, and little wear or a couple of chips are perfectly acceptable”

“One of the misconceptions is that this art is ridiculously expensive, but it isn’t,” Morgan said. “It really depends on how much someone works at it. It truly is a treasure hunt, and the rewards can be big for the learned and determined collector.”

This continued demand has also been fueling the illicit trade, and looting in many parts of Central and South America goes on unabated. This is in large part due to inadequate laws and officials who are willing to look the other way.

A recent, highly publicized seizure of 700 pre-Columbian artifacts from a shop in Peru may or may not point to a crackdown there. As it turns out, the shop was located across the street from the National Museum in Lima and had been there for some time. It was only when visiting journalists saw an ad and reported it to local officials that any action was taken.

One would have to assume that museum employees were aware of the existence of the shop and its wares prior to the bust and had simply not cared enough to report it. It’s this sort of passive or dismissive attitude on the part of officials, and often the populace, who see the artifacts that represent their collective cultural history as a commodity.

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A looted pre-Columbian Cemetery in Peru.

Of course, no commodity has value if there isn’t a ready market and buyers who are willing to pay. And it’s difficult to fault people who are often living far below the poverty line for exploiting this resource.

Ultimately, it is the dealers and collectors who knowingly or unknowingly finance this trade in undocumented artifacts. Responsible collectors should insist on buying only those items with a paper trail that can prove legal ownership.

Unfortunately for the collector, the vast majority of objects for sale have no such documentation to prove either ownership or authenticity.

Most collectors view themselves as being caring custodians or amateur archaeologists who appreciate the art and often have an interest in better understanding the cultures from which the pieces came. Historically, it was this interest in the material culture of ancient societies that gave rise to modern archaeology. It is the modern archaeologist who has made the recent distinction between legitimate and illegitimate collecting practices and who should be allowed to care for the world’s shared and finite material culture.

No one wants to see sites destroyed, and objects without context have limited value to science. Collectors—both individuals and institutions—have always had similar interests in the recovery and display of cultural objects, and both have been criticized for their collecting practices at times. There is a long tradition of conquering nations carting off the cultural treasures of the conquered to fill museums back home. In the early years of the last century, universities and museums assumed this role by sponsoring digs around the world as legitimate science and to build their own collections. This was often encouraged and supported by the host governments.

Today, many of these governments, including Mexico and Peru—which both have strict national patrimony laws—are actively working for the return of objects relating to their pre-Columbian past and are working with American museums and universities to that end.

One of the notable current cases is that of Yale University, which sponsored digs at Machu Picchu from 1912 to 1914. Hilda Vidal, a curator at Lima’s National Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, makes an argument for the return of the collection:

“My opinion reflects the opinion of most Peruvians. In general, anything that is patrimony of the cultures of the world, whether in museums in Asia or Europe or the United States, came to be there during the times when our governments were weak and the laws were weak, or during the Roman conquest or our conquest by the Spanish.

“Now that the world is more civilized, these countries should reflect on this issue. It saddens us Peruvians to go to museums abroad and see a Paracas textile. I am hopeful that in the future, all the cultural patrimony of the world will return to its country of origin.”

As collectors of antiquities, we have responsibilities, a responsibility to care for those things for which we are temporary custodians, to be considerate of our acquisitions and concerned about where the items we are collecting have come and to whom they really belong.

WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques and Collectibles

As Worthologist for political and presidential memorabilia, this particular item really caught my attention because the silk ribbon featured a very well preserved silk rendering of George Washington. The detail of the portrait, the crossed flags, the official buildings of the exposition, and the quotations all spoke to a high quality of workmanship for a general souvenir of a very unique event.

The Centennial International Exhibition was held in Philadelphia in 1876 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Independence of the United States in the very city where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed. According to Wikipedia, about 10 million visitors attended the exhibition from its opening day in May until it closed in November. It was the first World’s Fair to be held in the United States and it featured the first typewriter, Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone, the introduction of Heinz catsup, Hires root beer and one of the first electric lights.

Of the many souvenirs available to the visitors, a silk ribbon would not have been out of the ordinary. What is unusual was its condition. A silk ribbon of this era usually has frayed edges to show that it was worn as intended, or stored incorrectly through the years out in the open, exposed to the elements. In this example, though, the colors of the silk thread are still vibrant, without frays anywhere, no stains, and even the reverse shows no loose threads at all. A very well-preserved piece of American history.

But, what is the value? A quick check of past auction records in WorthPoint’s Worthopedia at the time of the video brought up an example of the same silk ribbon featuring George Washington and the crossed flags. Comparing the two showed that the one featured in the Worthopedia did show some fraying along its edge with an estimated value of $150 to $250 as of 2001.

However, more recent examples item added to the Worthopedia after the video was shot sold at auction in late 2007, one for a mere $38, while another sold at auction for $42. Why the huge difference between the estimated value in 2001 and the more recent ones? Within the six-year time frame, many additional examples may have surfaced, bringing a larger supply and therefore lower auction prices. Also, the ribbon of 2001 did not sell at auction, so the estimate may have been originally too high.

As with any historic item, though, preservation is the key. Here, the silk ribbon was placed in a commercially produced wooden frame under glass. While this is better than placing it in an open environment, it should be immediately removed from this frame and professionally attached to an acid free backing. An additional acid free mat should be placed to keep the ribbon from touching the glass. Use specially designed glass that helps filter out the harmful UV rays of normal lighting and of the sun. Once archivally framed, hang it on an inside wall and away from direct sunlight.

The Worthopedia is an excellent way to quickly determine value of items you may have had in your possession for many years. Then, once known, it is easier to determine just what you need to do to keep your historical item properly preserved for future generations.

To watch a video about this item, click here.

Ancient Illuminated Manuscripts

By Liz Holderman

If you have ever been lucky enough to see a page from an ancient illuminated manuscript, you will never forget the breathtaking colors and designs. Illuminated manuscripts are those in which the text is supplemented by elaborate illustrations in decorative gold or silver leaf (or other shiny metallic finishes). These illustrations project a flashing brilliance and were intended to give expensive stature to ancient documents.

Because most of these original books have disintegrated over time, the collection of individual pages has become acceptable by bibliophiles. Since the majority of these books are more than 500 of years old, even single leaves carry extremely high values.

The earliest surviving works date to AD 400. They were usually religious in nature and were primarily produced in monasteries in Ireland, Italy and other European locations. During the Middle Ages, publishers also appeared in the Netherlands, British Isles and Paris, where writing masters taught the craft to apprentices. (Individual books could take years to complete.) The introduction of the printing press in the late 1400s led to the decline of illuminated text, but the hand-painted technique continued into the 16th century.

Illumination was complex and costly. It was usually reserved for special display books (such as an alter Bible), devotional books purchased by the wealthy, commemorative or ceremonial books, diplomatic gifts and books in celebration of royal marriages. In later years, however, it was also used in more secular works such as illustrative chronicles, histories, law books, alchemy guides, maps and even romances. In addition to full-page frescoes, the technique was applied to the leading initials of chapters or paragraphs and to complex borders around the text, including interlacing columns of foliage and flowers. In more lavish examples, enlarged letters contained tiny biblical scenes and fantasy creatures disguised in the margins.

The embellished pictures that accompany the text are often called miniatures, not only because they are small, but also because the Latin word “miniare” means to color with red lead. That term has been used to describe these shimmering illustrations since the Middle Ages.

Illumination Techniques

Illuminated illustrations were usually painted with egg tempera on vellum parchment (a fine grade of goat, calf or sheep skin which has been soaked in lime). Brilliant colors were pulled from a variety of sources. Red came from iron oxide earth compounds; yellow from arsenic sulfide, turmeric or saffron; green from copper compounds such as verdigris and malachite; blue from ultramarine, lapis lazuli and indigo; white from lead carbonate and chalk; black from carbon and charcoal; and gold or silver from hammered-thin leaf. Calligraphic pen-work and text were produced with a black ink mixture of either lampblack or acidic iron gall.

Many medieval illuminated books contain neither dates nor illustrator names, because our modern concepts of self, place and time were mostly irrelevant during that period. However, the style of the script and the type of ornamentation can generally be attributed to a particular region or city and within certain date ranges.

Further Information and References:

For those with further interest, the Philadelphia Museum of Art contains an exhibit on the genre entitled “Leaves of Gold.” There are also numerous books and articles on the subject. References for this essay include “A Brief History of Illuminated Manuscripts,” by Phil Barber (2007), “Manuscript Illumination in Northern Europe,” by Susan Jones (2002) and “Illuminated Manuscripts,” by Louis Brehier and Bryan R. Johnson, transcribed from The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IX (1910).

the Aztecs I have on question have been in my possession for several years. I found them in an old store that has since closed up. I’ve enjoyed them, scanned them over a thousand times but also know that they are not to stay with me. Like most people, times are hard and needs must be met. I know, deep down, there is a collector or someone who can store them, protect them and secure them in a much better place then I can. With children and animals and lots of activity, it concerns me they will be broken.

There is some wonderful history in these two works of clay. Wonderful stories and aspects of things we probably never thought to look at. Just needs someone who knows what to look for to unlock their secrets.

I am honored to have been their keeper for this long but it is time for them to be enjoyed by someone else.

Yes, I am interested in selling them should that have crossed your mind.

Rare public offering of Shaker items

Pieces that Shakers produced for their personal use are, for the most part, in museums. This is why, as The New York Times points out, the August 2 Shaker-collectibles auction is so newsworthy and noteworthy.

Two cardiologists from Lima, Ohio, put up their 148-lot collection with Northeast Auctions.

Also under the gavel are pieces acquired by scholars Ted and Faith Andrews who amassed “the most comprehensive private collection ever of Shaker artifacts.” The Andrewses spent 40 years, starting in 1923, assembling their collection on a shoestring budget.

The Shakers were a Protestant sect that believed in absolute celibacy. That should have doomed them to one or two generations. To overcome this, the Shakers sought converts and took in orphans, thus allowing the group to stick around and produce some great furniture and artifacts.

Lucky strike

A 14-year-old British boy was testing out his new metal detector with his mother and a friend last fall when suddenly there was a whole lot of beeping going on. As an article on CoinLink tells it, the friend started digging through the dirt and came up with a 1,700-year-old Roman coin. Then another and another until 62 were unearthed dating back to the reigns of Emperors Diocletianus, Maximianus, Constantius and Galerius.

This week, it was ruled that the coins are “treasure”—more than 300 years old with less than 10% gold or silver. The lucky treasure hunters are now waiting to see if a museum will buy the coins. If that doesn’t happen, they get to get to split the proceeds of any sale with the property owner.

One woman’s junk, another woman’s folk art

In 1956, for reasons unknown, Tressa Prisbey started carting her 1,700 pencils, whirligigs, dolls, chairs and other assorted stuff to Simi Valley, Calif., a city northwest of Los Angeles. Prisbey used bottles she found in dumps as the material to build structures to house her collection.

Eventually “Bottle Village” was created and placed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of nine such folk-art environments to be so designated.

But as The Ventura County Star reports, Bottle City fell into major disrepair after a 1994 earthquake. There has been controversy ever since over whether public funds should be used to restore it. As it is, people may tour the village “at your own risk.”

Folk art is misunderstood, contends Sonja Cendak, exhibitions coordinator for the Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles.

“While not as lofty as fine arts, [folk art] is connected on the heart-to-heart level. You don’t need a fine arts degree to do it,” she said.

Speaking of folk art

The “Mount Rushmore of folk art” went up for auction recently, reports The Toledo Blade. In case you’re not familiar with the Mount Rushmore of folk art, it consists of enormous sculptures of Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, Teddy Roosevelt, Abe Lincoln and other luminaries that were carved in Braughman Memorial Park, about sixty miles from Columbus, Ohio.

The sculptor was a local undertaker whose property sat on an old stone quarry. What with material right at hand, he began carving in 1898 and didn’t stop for 22 years.

The park on 62 acres sold for $380,000. The gas-and-oil rights brought in another $60,000.

American Indian items are bringing unbelievable prices these days, and most dealers are completely unaware of the breadth of this market.

Arrow and spear points can bring thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars, but how do you recognize them? Books, books, and more books. There is so much written on this subject that you can really get your teeth into this research and benefit tremendously. Just think about the possibility of finding a spear point for $150 and selling it for $10,000. Wouldn’t that make your day? You can do this only if you recognize one of these special pieces when you see it. Ninety percent of what you see in the market place today is common, so most dealers don’t take the time to study where the rarity in this field of Indian artifacts lies.

The great thing about Indian artifact treasure is that there are so many areas to study. How about Banner Stones and Peace Pipes. Do you know much about them? Cradle Boards and Saddles are two more items that the average person would know very little about, but you can take advantage of their lack of knowledge and increase your bank account substantially it you know their value. The list is almost endless Drums, Gloves, Hats, Dolls,Clubs, Blankets, Belts, Baskets, Bags, Jars, Leggings, Moccasions, pipe bags, pipes and last but not least Rugs. I am almost tired out just listing the things that the Indians made that, today, can help us reach our goal of being financially independent.

The wonderful amount of knowledge that you will receive in your search of these items will help your understanding of our history in this country’s early days. All the things that I just listed were functional items used in everyday life, and not meant to be decorative. These are true relics of the past history of this country and will be appreciated by those who collect them.

There were many tribes in each state as they are laid out today, and these tribes often came into conflict with one another. As you study, you will find how their paths crossed and the consequences of these meetings. Wow, what a interesting subject to delve into. And while your’re at it, wouldn’t it be great if you made a huge amount of money based on your studies?

A beaded bag may bring over $20,000, while some baskets can command $10,000 or more. Bowls and other pottery might sell for $25,000-$35,000. Beaded pipe bags might bring $20,000-$30,000.

Have you got a phase one American Indian blanket? If so, you could be looking at a half million dollars or more. I remember the gentleman on the Antique Road Show that was told his blanket could receive this type of bid. I thought he was going to have a heart attack. This blanket had been used as a comforter on his couch, and the dog had slept on it.

When you study this, you are introduced to real Indian life right hear in this country. Think how much fun it would be to visit the places where the items were made. Remember the phrase, “Buy American”? As items originally from Europe and Asia are being returned to their countries, here is your chance to buy American.

Cecil, a member of the antiques & collectibles wealth building club I lead, The 31 Club,became friends with a lady in Evansville, Indiana who often asked him to either buy or sell items she had collected. One day she ask him to take a look at an Indian blanket she had. Cecil looked it over, and rather than try to buy it, he told her that she should have one of the leading auction houses look at it. I will never forget this story because this is the way our 31 Club will operate. We want to make money but also be honest and help others if we can. You see, she had been good to Cecil in the past, and he recognized this rug as something special, so he wanted to help her. Could he have bought the rug for $5,000 or $10,000? Maybe. When she took it to the auction house, they gave her an estimate of $250,000. Do you think Cecil made a friend for life and will continue to work with him?

Discover how our book can be the tool that helps you become financially free simply buying and selling antiques, collectibles and fine art. www.31corp.com