la Brocanteuse

Jun 9, 2013

Mon cabinet de Curiosité


I saw this cabinet   for the first time about four years ago when we were re- building our home. Not sure where it would fit in as we really  had collected enough beautiful cabinets, armoires and special pieces over the years. I passed it on as a "once saw this lovely cabinet" and shelved the idea.




A antique dealer friend of mine once told me that you can always make space for something you really love. The thing is though, I do love each and every piece we have sourced , the stories that came with them, the memories, the growth and change in style in  what we like and prefer as years go by...how can I let go of a much loved piece for yet another.

A year after I first saw it, I came across the image I had of the cabinet again. Acting on impulse ~ I contacted the dealer to hear if by any chance it was still available - it was and we started making plans to have it packed up and crated to send to us.




It meant moving wall sconces by a few centimetres on the wall where it had to go, but  in the end it fitted perfectly,- as if planned that way from start, and the credenza we moved to allow for this newcomer, fitted better in another space.




I had  no idea what I would store in it....just that I adored it's lines, intricate carved and hand inlaid woodwork.



The first "find" to go inside  was a set of old leather bound books, delicate pages with handwritten notes...




then some more books...old papers,18th century  French deeds, a little bundle of moss branches collected by Dd on a walk 
dried seeds, a handmade stone duck with a funny head, framed papillon, cut out cards, three stones from a Greek island, a bleached-from-the-sun tortoise shell
a old wooden bird from a broken cuckoo clock..precious little Jeanne De Arc bisque figurine that broke in hand luggage but got glued together again ..a French fabric measuring tape, old printing blocks 
a chippy iron Fleur De lis


ordinary objects elevated to be seen, 
anything  under/behind/on glass seems more important.
















every time I open the door to find a place for yet another little trésor, I say to myself, when this one is placed, there really is no more space...until next time 




old French pharmacy box with handmade clay marbles..a little lace flower...


It is my cabinet of curiosities...truly curious little objects added over time, not planned at all, it just found it's way to the rest. Impossible to recreate exactly, and every time I add to my overfull cabinet, it is as if the space was just waiting for that item, however small it is.






In a hallway, we pass by it every day.
Some times the sun fall a certain way to highlight a object inside for a few brief moments...



"The curio cabinets originated in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Rooms and cabinets  where collected objects  were a multitude of rare or strange objects representing the three kingdoms: animal, vegetable, and mineral, in addition to human achievement."



 google images



 google images


google images


I am fascinated by stories, origin and history..so it is inevitable that I would collect... 


Colette


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Images in this post by Henrique Wilding photography or where watermarked, by myself.

12 comments:

The Blue Farmhouse said...

HELLO Colette...it's so good to hear from you. I know that you have probably been very busy like the rest of us. I love the piece and the advice from a friend~you always find room for the things you love~ [we've been bite by the collector bug]. I too love passing by things in my home that I love over and over again...and friends too!

Hugs...Rita

Mimi said...

I always look forward to and enjoy your posts and beautiful photos. I love your curiosity cabinet and have the makings of one myself- they are great fun!

Best,
Mimi

Splenderosa said...

Colette, the marquetry (or as you would say, marqueterie) is absolutely stunning workmanship. I could not have passed it up either. It's simply splendid. So happy you wrote story for us. xx's

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Colette, so Nice to see you back with a new post. As for the shop of curiosities I love and relate to this design style of collecting the rare and sometimes strange, it's so chic in so many ways. I would love to add some to my style, yet I need to find enough at once because one or two pieces just look crazy wired yet, an abundance like your collection is to right.
I could maybe do a taxidermy duck or two, will see :)

Love your paper crowns and your mix of pieces are soulfully euro-chic.

See you soon my South Africa friend :)

Lots of inspiration your way, I am sure you are getting ready for another holiday trip and will love to follow along for more inspiring beauty.

bisous
Xx

Doré

Acquired Objects said...

Col you have some beautiful things and I can understand why you couldn't get that cabinet out of your head, it's stunning. I've been filling a cabinet much the same way but it's so big I don't think it'll ever get filled...fun.

XXX
Debra~

Unknown said...

I have been very 'curios' about your Cabinet since we met, as you are the only person in the world that shares my curiosity with the historic and natural world - and displaying treasures in de Cabinet!

So intriguing to see your stunning collection! its exactly as I imagined it would be!
Mindful, beautiful and soulful.
xxx


La Dolfina said...

It is wonderful Colette!
I adore it!
The cabinet itself is quite remarkable, the treasures and keepsakes are priceless!
XO

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Bonjour Colette! Votre cabinet de curiosités est magnifique, et la mienne est pareille à la vôtre. Bonne journée! Anita

Anonymous said...

I love your cabinet!
I totally agree with your antique dealer friend, I have to tell him to talk with my husband :)
Have a great week.
Bisou, Babi

ANETTESHUS.COM said...

lovely!

Have a nice summer!!

xx
ANETTE

helle said...

Love, love, love your way of arranging all of your finds and gatherings....and the cabinet too!

Hugs Helle

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