Seth Steward Lake Painting

Our discussion of this early 20th century painting by Maine artist Seth Steward sets his work within broader cultural and historical landscape contexts, as well as provides samples of this well-listed artist's additional work.

Fine & Folk Art, Furniture, FEATURED FINDSKassMarch 23, 2016Maine art, Moosehead Lake, Seth Steward, paintings, allpg3

Figural Burl Frame

This large, late 19th century root burl frame attains not only rustic allure, but also folk art appeal by incorporating a figural element - an iconic antlered buck.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassFebruary 22, 2016root burl, rustic decor, rustic accessory, allpg3

Rustic Reading

We've written reviews of two books about the creative and ambitious Durant family who developed the first Great Camps and established the standard for elegant Adirondack style that is still aspired to today.

MUSINGS, Culture & HistoryKassJanuary 18, 2016Adirondack history, rustic design, allpg3

Early Canoe Club Sign

This substantial sign dates from the 1890s, so was made during an era of widespread enthusiasm for the new sport of recreational canoeing. We present some history on the sign, plus insights into the early days of canoe club establishment around the country.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassNovember 17, 2015canoeing history, folk art signs, folk art, allpg3

Genres of Antiques for Rustic Décor

We took photos at an Adirondack antiques show that illustrate 20 categories of rustic antiques within 5 genres of decor.

MUSINGS, Design & DecorKassOctober 19, 2015rustic decor, allpg3

Bountiful Nature Painting

This 19th century oil painting is brimming with biodiversity, creating a colorful and inspiring nature vignette.

FEATURED FINDS, Fine & Folk ArtKassSeptember 23, 2015bird art, fine art, Victorian taxidermy cabinets, paintings, allpg3

Five Things Antiques Dealers Want You to Know

Will you be attending an antiques show or auction in the near future? If so, have a look at our list of tips that you might find worth considering while shopping.

MUSINGS, AntiquingKassJuly 30, 2015antiques shopping, allpg3

Grenfell Dog Team Hooked Mat

This finely hooked mat was made with strips of "repurposed" silk stockings and dates from the 1930s. It was created by local women working under the auspices of the Grenfell Mission in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Defining and Identifying Old Hickory vs. Hickory Furniture

Not all antique hickory pole furniture was made by Old Hickory Furniture Company, although that is the name people are most familiar with. Here is an information-packed overview of six different hickory furniture manufacturers.

An Exceptional Iroquois Bird Effigy Ladle

This early Native American feast ladle incorporating a carved hawk effigy is an artifact of Iroquois ceremonial culture which embodies clan identity and symbolic meaning.

FEATURED FINDS, Native American ArtKassApril 13, 2015effigy ladle, Iroquois, Native American Art, allpg3

Snow Shoes with Provenance

These Tlingit snow shoes were acquired by an explorer during an adventure in the Pacific Northwest Coast in 1897.

West Coast Flea Scenes

It is good to leave one's regular antiquing neighborhoods occasionally to gain perspective on the field as a whole. In this journal entry, we report on our Pacific coast excursions to two urban flea markets.

MUSINGS, AntiquingKassFebruary 17, 2015allpg3

Large-Scale Canoeing Photograph

This early 20th century photograph is dramatic both in subject matter and scale. It has inspired us to trace and recount the three strands of historical associations it evokes.

Trees and the Rustic Furniture They Become, Part II

Six species of trees that were less commonly used during the original eras of rustic furniture design are elm, black willow, diamond willow, mountain laurel, striped maple and tamarack.

MUSINGS, Nature & Rustic AntiquesKassDecember 11, 2014native trees, rustic design, rustic furniture, allpg3

Historic Boat Maker's Signs

These two signs hold historic significance not only because they advertised the shop of a long-gone boat maker, but also for the Revolutionary War era event that the name of the shop commemorates.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassNovember 19, 2014vintage signs, folk art, allpg3

Trees and the Rustic Furniture They Become, Part I

Traditional rustic furniture was typically crafted from trees found right in the furniture builders' local woods. We describe the habitats and ranges of five tree species, and present examples of rustic furniture made from them.

Large Carved Caribou Lamp

This expertly carved caribou makes quite a table-top statement with its accurately represented large antlers, square snout, and lighter fur around its neck and rump.

FEATURED FINDS, Fine & Folk ArtKassSeptember 17, 2014animal carvings, arthur dube, caribou, rustic lighting, folk art, allpg3

Central American Rustic

While eco-touring in Belize, we enjoyed seeing native plant materials that are used in the built environment also growing in their natural habitats.

MUSINGS, Culture & HistoryKassAugust 19, 2014rustic design, allpg3

All Journal Articles