When it comes to traditional crafts, both scholarship and the level of skill have never been better. Loom-woven bed hangings, salt-glazed pottery, forged-iron hardware: these handmade goods of the past have moved out of museums and into contemporary interiors—widely considered to be, simply put, works of art.
Corner cupboard.
SCROLL AND FINIAL
Grain-painted and elaborately embellished, this corner cupboard replicates one built in Berks County (Penn.) in 1817. The glazed door opens to a three-shelf interior; it’s 87″ tall x 43″ wide x 23 ” deep. Custom pricing. Andersen & Stauffer.
Reproduction light fixture.
GRACEFUL ARMS
The C-109 fixture is an electrified reproduction of a Connecticut original dating to 1750–1800. Pine and iron with painted and aged-tin finishes, it is shown with eight arms, also made with seven; 22″ wide x 15″ tall. Call for price: (800) 828-6990. periodlighting.com
THIRD-GENERATION FORGE
Iron hardware and accessories, from a family-owned company manufacturing in the USA, are widely available through building suppliers and hardware stores. Shown: Early American Ring Pull, aluminum and steel, 2″ x 17/16″; Early American Arrowhead Cabinet Latch for flush doors, 113/16″ x 213/16″; and, from the Iron Art collection, the Swing Pull, 31/8″ H x 25/8″ W. Acorn Manufacturing.
Salt-glazed stoneware.
FUNCTIONAL STONEWARE
From a pottery in North Carolina comes traditional, salt-glazed stoneware. Salt is thrown into the kiln when it has reached high temperature; it vaporizes and forms a natural glaze. Lead-free, pitchers, crocks, and pipkins are meant to be used. The stoneware is more durable that redware, though it doesn’t go in the oven. Westmoore Pottery.
Formal fabric set for bed.
AUTHENTIC DRESSING
The posts on common beds of the 18th and 19th centuries created a framework for substantial bed hangings, usually topped with a flat tester. This somewhat formal set is a figured worsted fabric trimmed with custom-woven worsted-and-silk fringe. Custom pricing. Thistle Hill Weavers.
