Phrase of the day: caveat emptor.
The dictionary defines this as, "the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of the goods before purchase is made." It's the Latin and legal way of saying: let the buyer beware.
From time to time, Barbara Brackman writes about quilts on online markets and critiques the piece and why it isn't what it what the seller is advertising or how the piece isn't worth the price. The most famous post being, " 'Oldest Known Quilt' Reduced by Millions" which you can read here.
A few weeks ago I posted about visiting a local flea market and being shocked at the prices of quilts (here).
One has to be careful these days when buying and the quilt market is sure reflecting the prices we are seeing for eggs and other goods right now.
This crazy quilt is being offered for $250 as "Antique Crazy Quilt Velvet Silk Embroidery Patchwork:"
That's right folks. There's very little velvets, silks, or embroidery left to the piece. Clearly the seller didn't learn the first rule of antique collecting or even the Antique Roadshow:
CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION!
My point to this article is really simple. If you are considering buying a vintage or antique textile right now, be careful. Whenever economic markets are crazy, so are the prices.
There are many knowledgeable quilt dealers who understand the value of what they have but there are even more who have no background or respect for the textiles--or those of us who study them.
I still look and study what's out there, even if I'm not going to buy anything. Once in a while, I even find something different like this crazy teapot cozy that is charming and interesting selling for $150 or best offer:
It's a great example of how the crazy technique was used in other household goods and the scale of the pieces is perfect for the cozy. I'd be tempted to even reproduce this idea in another piece.
So in summary, be careful when shopping!
Have a safe and happy day!
No comments:
Post a Comment