In design, imitation often leads to innovation. Trying to recreate something you’ve seen others make can take some out-of-thebox thinking to find substitutes for inaccessible materials or fill in the gaps of unknown steps. Antique furniture is filled with examples, especially when foreign influence is involved.
By the 18th century, trade with East Asia brought new ideas for furniture, like the use of bamboo and lacquer, to Europe and America. Inspired by these new styles, and motivated by the need for inexpensive, accessible versions, Western artisans created imitation bamboo from hardwoods like maple and learned to mimic lacquer finishes with layers of paint or varnish.
Commodore Perry’s visit to Japan in 1853 and then a Japanese exhibit at the Centennial Exposition of 1876 had an enormous influence on European and American decorative arts. Decorated bamboo furniture like the stand pictured here became popular in the 19th century. Flat surfaces were often painted or decoupaged with designs reminiscent of East Asian lacquer. At the time, these pieces would have been inexpensive versions of pricey imported furniture. Now, they can be worth more than expected. This stand sold at Copake Auction Inc. for $312, more than triple its presale estimate of $75.
Q: I have a collection of Avon’s Cape Cod dishes and am wondering if you can lead me to someone interested in buying my collection. We have to downsize at this time in our lives.
A: The California Perfume Company changed its name to Avon in 1929. In 1975, Avon introduced the 1876 Cape Cod Collection of glass dinnerware, made by Wheaton Glass Company and inspired by early Sandwich glass patterns. Glassware like this sells at general antiques shows, glass shows or online. A glass collectors’ club like the National American Glass Club (glassclub.org) or the National Depression Glass Association (ndga.net) may have more selling advice and resources. You may also want to contact a matching service like Replacements LTD, Classic Replacements or Missing Pieces. They buy and sell individual pieces of china and glassware in discontinued patterns.
TIP: Veneered furniture should not be placed near steam radiators, open windows, or groups of potted plants. The veneer will eventually “bubble” from the moisture.
CURRENT PRICES
Folk art, whirligig, man in canoe, red plaid shirt, paddle arms, green canoe, yellow stripe, carved, painted, on stand, 20th century, 16 x 10 1/2 inches, $185.
Leather, bag, Ojibwe, beaded flowers and leaves, multicolor, red stitched border, fringe, drawstring closure, c. 1930, 9 1/2 x 6 inches, $305.
Firefighting, hydrant, salesman’s sample, metal, white, red, cutaway top and base, marked, Mueller, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 13 inches, $1,510.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
The distinctive style of this decorated bamboo stand came from Western artisans replicating East Asian furniture.
