Areas Of Knowledge & Education In Cultural Collections

There is no doubt in my own mind how much there is to be learned from our cultural history and diversity. The Quiet West collection by itself has a wide array of fascinating things to learn about. I have found it takes many years, if not a lifetime of ongoing learning, to become adept at identifying what’s what.

In the garments, there is a full range of textiles to identify, to include the type of fabric, or looming techniques, screen printing, hand printing, hand painting, various weaves, patterns, and a multitude of different embellishments. Most of the techniques used in the early part of the twentieth century were labour intensive, and are not the norm in today’s world of fast fashion. Many of the fabrics they used, are now obsolete. In the case of fancy silk brocades and embellished fabrics, the prices on today’s fabrics, if they do exist, can be prohibitively expensive.

In addition, the era or time frame when the item was created can be identified by certain features and fabrics. The authenticity of things prior to the 1990’s is easier to determine than it is for the replicas, fakes and knock-offs that have been made in more recent years. Items with all labels and tags really help to narrow down the time frame.

For instance in North America, garments made between 1968 – 1984 will often have small square union labels near the zipper, or on an inside seam. Notable designers with intact labels, also make it possible to narrow down the time frame in which it was made.

Jewelery is a vast field all on its own. The design, techniques, famous designers, era, and materials used – is a dazzling and vast subject of study. There is an endless array of knowledge in the coloured gemstones, lamp work beads, various art glass techniques, organic materials like amber, coral, and pearls, plus coatings, crystals, cuts, machinations, and even the plastics they used. Lucite jewelery was very popular in the fifties.

Certain mystery materials, especially if they are organic, makes for an interesting show and tell. Shells also offer a range of studies in the different types, classifications, markings, shapes, and colours. Antique and vintage ivory, although banned in many countries now, is still intriguing to examine and learn about.

Not to be facetious, but you can’t put a carved necklace back on the elephant anyway. So you might as well examine it, and preserve it so others can see and learn about it as well. I don’t believe in the destruction of artifacts. Although I do most certainly believe elephants and other animals with tusks should be protected from poaching.

However, a number of animals die naturally. The average lifespan of an elephant is 48-70 years. It’s too bad they could not find a way to put markings on legitimate ivory from elephants that died naturally. But alas, human nature has caused harm, so all of the ivory is now off-limits, except for educational purposes.

The number of sterling silver hallmarks in existence can literally make your head spin. There is an entire encyclopedia from Mexico alone. Europe also has thousands of hallmarks and symbols to be identified. Some of the most famous designers rise to the surface, and after awhile, you can learn to recognize the distinctive styles, designers and countries of origin. Doing the macro photography has helped me have a better eye for jewelery design. The macro photography often shows things you didn’t notice, so it has an added benefit.

Antique and vintage porcelain is another vast area full of intrigue, with a sophisticated level of academia to go with it. My personal favourite is early to mid-century hand painted Japanese porcelain. The more refined the porcelain, the more intricate the painting in depth and colour, combined with the culturally unique aspects of the painting and gilding, all contribute to its stunning beauty. It is very photogenic, and a real pleasure to look at and photograph.

The symbols or markings on porcelain help us identify the era and maker. In the case of Japanese and other Asian porcelain, the symbols have to be examined closely. The markings contribute a great deal towards increasing our knowledge about them. Fine porcelain has been shipped around the world for centuries.

One of the recent listings features a 1950’s mid-century dresser box with hand painted roses and gilding. It was made during the post war time frame when Japan was creating porcelain for export to the western world. Much of it was developed with imagery and design they thought would appeal to western culture. Below is a link to show this particular design:

https://www.quietwest.com/shop/accessories/esd-1950s-hand-painted-porcelain-dresser-box-japan-21546/

It is an example of ESD porcelain from Japan. ESD stands for Economic Sustainable Development. It has been well understood on a global level, for many decades, how important specialized talents, artistry, and artifacts contribute to the culture of a nation.

In all cultures – we help to protect and reflect our future, by preserving our past.