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| Joachim Matthias Wendt [1830-1917]: Silver Emu Egg Inkstand c. 1870 |
Hello
A few weeks ago we attended a function at a nearby regional Art Gallery.
On display was their new acquisition, something from Australia's Colonial history..
A Silver Inkstand built around the egg of an emu, a large, flightless Australian bird.
Born in Germany, and apprenticed to a watchmaker, Wendt become an accomplished silversmith. He migrated to Adelaide in 1854 and set up a business which continues to this day. He received many important commissions and specialised in pieces such as this, extravagant naturalistic creations featuring Australian flora and fauna.
Kangaroos and emus can be seen both within the egg and on the stand below, beneath silvery Australian tree-ferns.
On top of the egg is one of our old favourites, the sulphur crested cockatoo:
Here are a few more examples of this genre, found on Google:
Emus often feature, as do the silvery fern trees.
I have always loved these old pieces, and they can be seen in most State Galleries around Australia.
We are enjoying a few days of unseasonal cool weather -
and I love it.
Thinking of snow...
and the odd maple leaf....
The agapanthus are doing fine, thank you.
This is the first time I have seen one which has branched off in this way -
so unusual..
and there has been a good flush of roses, thanks to recent rains.
If you are a crafty person, do you have a few UFO's (unfinished objects) about the house?
I commenced this red bird quilt about ten years ago, finished most of the blocks, put it aside and forgot it.
Found it during a burst of decluttering, put aside a few hours and have most of it joined, and a couple more blocks nearly finished. Borders, wadding and binding, and it will become somebody's Christmas gift.
I have been singing with my new Ladies Choir, doing some performances for Aged Care homes and community groups.
It is so rewarding, and enjoyable to sing some good Christmas carols too.
I have always loved these old pieces, and they can be seen in most State Galleries around Australia.
We are enjoying a few days of unseasonal cool weather -
and I love it.
Thinking of snow...
and the odd maple leaf....
The agapanthus are doing fine, thank you.
This is the first time I have seen one which has branched off in this way -
so unusual..
and there has been a good flush of roses, thanks to recent rains.
If you are a crafty person, do you have a few UFO's (unfinished objects) about the house?
I commenced this red bird quilt about ten years ago, finished most of the blocks, put it aside and forgot it.
Found it during a burst of decluttering, put aside a few hours and have most of it joined, and a couple more blocks nearly finished. Borders, wadding and binding, and it will become somebody's Christmas gift.
I have been singing with my new Ladies Choir, doing some performances for Aged Care homes and community groups.
It is so rewarding, and enjoyable to sing some good Christmas carols too.
Take care...
XXXX
