Vintage Reproduction Atomic Ceramic Cats! (Royal Dux)

Over a month ago, I found an amazing pair of vintage repro ceramic cats done in the "Royal Dux" style on Etsy.  I have been looking for a real Dux set for a long time and when happen to find a couple of pairs, they were very expensive or had damage.

The "Royal Dux" company, originally known as "Duxer Porzellanmanufaktur," was founded in Czechoslovakia in 1860 by Eduard Eichler.  This brand is known for its distinctive seal, or "pink triangle:"

Royal Dux created vases, figurines, and ornate sculptures.  The designs ranged from art nouveau opulence to modern simplicity.  The modern cat design became very popular in the 50s and early 60s.  Here are a a few examples of authentic originals:

I would LOVE to get my paws on these cats!  But, as I stated earlier, these Dux cats are usually very pricey and often difficult to find!

Despite being unable to track down the Royal Dux atomic kitties of my MCM dreams, I found a seller on Etsy who makes faithful reproductions using vintage molds!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117109770/modern-atomic-retro-ceramic-mod-cats?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Here is the pair I purchased:

And here is how they look on my mantle in my den/TV room:

The cats measure 4.5 inches tall and are 5.5 inches long.  The colors are bold, bright orange and vivid teal blue.  I love the fact the cats were glazed in complimentary colors!  Total opposites on the color wheel!  The result is an intense pop of color on my otherwise boring white-painted, brick mantle!

I am very happy with my new repro cats!  They are perfect.  However, if I ever stumble upon a real Royal Dux cat or cats when I am antiquing, I may grab them (especially if the price and/or condition is right).

So, if you are looking for a little bit of atomic pottery for your MCM abode, you have to give Desert Arts Pottery on Etsy a look!

New MCM Wares for My Ever-Updating, Rockabilly Abode! (Oh, and Vintage Eyewear Too!)

This past Saturday, my sister and I went to Southeast DC to visit the District Flea Market.

http://districtflea.com/

The day was sunny but the air was crisp with a windy autumn bite.  I wore my Freddies of Pinewood classic indigo jeans, a 50s camp shirt, and a red 49er jacket.  I thought about wearing a housedress with tights but jeans seemed like a better, more logical (and warmer) choice.

As we grabbed a hot coffee, we browsed several booths containing vintage records, hi-fis, books,  prints, art, clothes (mostly 60s-80s but I did spot a cute 50s patio set with gold ric rac but it had holes), jewelry, wall scones, lighting, mirrors, melmac, shabby chic furniture, vintage eyewear, and mid-century furniture.  In addition to the shopping vendors, the District Flea also boasts food vendors. 

Now, I admit that I went to this market with a few doubts.  I was not expecting to walk away with anything.  I was hoping to see the vintage eyewear booth and maybe stumble upon some bakelite, but my hopes were reserved.  However, my doubts were soon proven wrong when I found two Lane two-tiered end tables in gorgeous condition.  I was floored.  The tables only had minor stratches (nothing Scott's Liquid Gold couldn't fix!) and the seller wanted $250 for the pair.  I recently spotted similar tables on eBay for $500 or so.  I took notice of the tables and decided to think about it.  After a few sips of coffee and some brief hemming and hawing, I went back and told the gentleman, "You have a deal."

While I was coming down from my "end table high," my sister and I found the vintage eyewear booth.  I was in total acetate, cateye, and aluminum heaven.  I tried on a few pairs of various colors and styles and then found the pair I wanted: a 50s silver aluminum modified cateye frame for $55.  The hinges needed to be cleaned but overall, they were perfect.

I already own four pairs of vintage frames that have been fit with my prescription: a solid black cateye, a clear acetate and soft gold cateye, a pale blue and clear acetate cateye, and lastly a black, brushed silver, and clear acetate cateye.  In addition, I have three pairs of vintage sunglasses also fitted with my near-sighted/astigmatism prescription.  I am addicted to vintage frames. Yes, it's true.  I am not ashamed.

Here are my new frames:

After returning home from the flea market, I placed the two Lane tables in their spots in my living room.  I treated each table with the Liquid Gold and then let them cure.  Then, I accompanied Big Daddy to his barber appointment, we had lunch, and we went to my local optician to have my frames fit with my prescription.  I love them!  There is nothing like a great pair of vintage cateye glasses!  I used to despise the fact I needed to wear glasses (modern frames are typically boring to me)  but once I discovered vintage frames, I am happy to wear glasses again!  It is just another way to accessorize and accent my daily vintage style!

So, overall, this weekend was a huge success!  I got some pretty new frames to wear and my home is continuing to be updated in proper, mid-century style!

What are your newest vintage treasures?

Random Things on A Friday Night

You know your life is exciting when your Friday night consists of brushing and playing with the cat, experimenting with the goodies from your latest MAC order, doing laundry, and watching reruns of your favorite show, RuPaul's Drag Race.

Despite my low-key activities, this chill evening is exactly what I needed to end a hectic work week! I am glad Big Daddy and I decided to stay in rather than go out. Instead of fighting DC traffic and waiting for a table, I finished my chores and learned some new makeup tricks from some gorgeous queens!! Manila Luzon is my favorite girl! Love her!

In the spirit of the evening, I would like to share some random things.

1. New sweater!

(Sorry for the blur) I bought this 50s salmon pink sweater on Etsy for $35.00 USD and it arrived yesterday! It looks and feels brand new! (I am also wearing my Freddies!)

Here is a close-up:

The cotton knit has fabulous square buttons and these pointelle squares all over it!

2. Gorgeous, new 50s-era wood and metal sconces:

I bought these lovelies last week at the Cold Habor Antique Mall in Mechanicsville, Virginia (approximately 10 minutes from my parents' house). I paid $22.40 USD for the pair. Talk about a great deal! The wood accents were in pristine condition but the metal centers were quite rusted. I repainted the metal with gold metallic paint and now they look brand new! These gals are now on display in my dining room!

3. A handmade starburst mirror for the bedroom:

I made this mirror after watching this fantastic video tutorial on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_5NaQgnQDI

I visited my local Michaels Craft store and bought everything I needed and within hours, I finished the mirror and hung it up!


4. This is a 50s Toastmaster toaster I got from Big Daddy for the Holidays. It makes amazing toast and looks perfect in my atomic kitchen!

5. A footed Haeger ceramic bowl:

I bought this as a Holiday gift for myself. I paid $20.00 USD! I was floored to find this gorgeous piece for such a wonderful price! It has no chips, crazing, or fleabites! I love the triangle-shaped cut-outs!

6. Big Daddy hanging out on the couch with his iPad:

Upon his return home (after a long day of meetings), Big Daddy changed out of his suit and tie into his loungewear. We ordered Mexican delivery and watched the cat play with her cat nip toy as the towels finished drying.

This weekend is a "three day weekend" due to the fact it's President's Day on Monday. Since Big Daddy and I are on the GSA Schedule, we get Monday off. I am going to make some resin pendants and run on my treadmill. I am also going to experiment further with my new MAC 275 brush and Cream Color Base (Virgin Isle).

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!