The Buzz on Antiques

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. A client of mine dropped by the other day and said, “Hey Buzz, do you have any of those French cupboards that have plate racks on the top [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. By now you know that my favorite antique terms are those designed to confuse, obfuscate, and otherwise drive normal people crazy. That’s why I like the word “curule” so [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. I should start by saying that “ideata” is NOT the Italian word for idiot. That would be “idiota” and I should know: in my flaming youth (!), I [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. A while back I did a post on scagliola and its “kissin’ cousin,” pietra dura. But a couple of people asked me to expand on these topics. Why? [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. Girandole (pronounced JEER-on-dole) can mean one of three different things: -A candelabra with multiple ornamental branches; -An elaborate wall bracket/sconce that’s very ornate with one or more branches and often [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. My most popular post on Decorati was the one on How Many People Can Sit at a Dining Table?” Go figure. Just as surprising was the number of people [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. I admit it. I’m jaded when it comes to fine antiques and the interiors that showcase them. But that’s comes with the territory when you work at C. Mariani, [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. The history of antique English tortoise shell tea caddies is a tale of intrigue, drugs, prestige and power. Just like MTV’s The Real World only classier. Tea caddies in [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. Time to get excited. Here’s an antique term that’s not only impossible to pronounce, it’s impossible to spell, and also impossibly obscure. It’s the perfect trifecta (pronounced try FEK [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques, and Executive Director of Decorati manufacturer C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom in San Francisco. It’s almost that time of year….THE HOLIDAY SEASON…..Yay! Soon we’ll start dreaming of a white Christmas, making our gift lists, and snuggling up to the fire with lots [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. MORBIDEZZA is pronounced “mor bee DET zah” and comes from the Italian word for softness. Morbidezza is a term used in painting (mainly old masters or antique Italian paintings) to describe a technique that exaggerates the delicacy, softness, and fragility of the skin, as [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. A sconce, pronounced “skahnz”, is a wall mount that is fitted to hold a candle or candles. Here’s a typical pair of 18th century Italian giltwood wall sconces: And here is another example, this one an amazing set at our gallery: Digg [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. In this recession, a lot of us fret about our work or lack thereof. I’d call this “fretwork” but I can’t because that means something entirely different in antiques. So what do I call worrying the day away? Being a “Nervous Nellie”. And [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. This is an essential and commonly misused word in antiques. A COMMODE (pronounced “kuh MODE”) is a low “chest of drawers” that typically has two or three drawers, and may or may not have a marble top. A commode is not a toilet. Trust [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. Yes, yes, I’m fully aware of what Liza Minelli sings: “Life is a cabaret!” But that’s just plain Broadway musical baloney. A cabaret (pronounced “ca buh RAY” just like in the song) is actually a porcelain coffee or tea service that usually has [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. REPOUSSÉ is a decorative metal technique that you see on many antiques. In a nutshell, it’s hammering metal from the reverse side to create a relief design on the outside, as seen here on the top and border of an antique Flemish [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. Ok, so here’s an antique riddle: what kind of table can have four legs, three legs, two legs, or no legs at all? This calls for a hilarious punch line–so if you think of one let me know. But since I can’t think [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. Pronounced: “skal YOE luh” Digg This Post (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. Pronounced: “OR muh loo” Ormolu is from the French (meaning ground gold) and is a term used to describe gilded brass or bronze. In recent times, it’s been used to describe even ungilded brass or bronze, but technically it should be gilded. Ormolu [...] (more...)

By Buzz Kaplan, Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor and author of The Buzz on Antiques. Keep reading to find out Buzz’s top tips for antique novices to expert designers and anyone in between. . . What are the top 5 questions you would want a first time antique buyer to ask before purchasing a piece? . Anyone buying an antique [...] (more...)

Today Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor Buzz Kaplan of The Buzz on Antiques, explains how you can use antiques and custom furniture to create an eco friendly space. I know what you’re thinking: if Buzz thinks that “going green” means buying this green pair of 19th century Russian malachite urns, he’s got a serious screw loose. He [...] (more...)

Today Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor Buzz Kaplan of The Buzz on Antiques, gives an informative history of the GUÉRIDON and shows how you can spot one yourself. An antique GUÉRIDON is a 17th-19th century small to medium round French table or stand originally created for the purpose of holding a candelabrum. These circular tables can be supported by columns, [...] (more...)

Today Decorati Contributing Antiques Editor Buzz Kaplan of The Buzz on Antiques, provides the essential guide for dining table seating. I’m glad this question wasn’t “How many angels can sit on the head of a pin?” Because I have no idea so help me God. But I do know my dining tables, antique or otherwise. And when [...] (more...)

Today Decorati guest blogger and antique expert Buzz Kaplan of The Buzz on Antiques, continues to elaborate on the history of the Chinoiserie style. Click here to read Antique Terminology: Chinoiserie Part I. This European interpretation of the mysterious Orient combined real elements with pure fancy. The result was often wildly whimsical and even silly, which [...] (more...)

Today Decorati guest blogger and antique expert Buzz Kaplan of The Buzz on Antiques, explains the unique history of the Chinoiserie style and clarifies the origins of this misnomer. Chinoiserie is one of my favorite antique terms because it’s so much fun to say–“shin nwahz REE”. Chinoiserie is from the French meaning “in the Chinese taste” and [...] (more...)

Today Decorati guest blogger and antique expert Buzz Kaplan of The Buzz on Antiques, explains how the legs of an antique can play a key role in identifying its period and style. Can you tell how old an antique is just by the shape of its leg? Well, no, not the exact date it was created, because [...] (more...)

Today Decorati guest blogger Buzz Kaplan explains the difference between the often confused Settee and Canape. Two words frequently used in the antique trade are “settee” and “canapé” and yet many designers are unclear as to what they mean and how to pronounce them. Here’s how they’re pronounced: SETTEE: pronounced “seh TEE” CANAPÉ: pronounced “CAN uh pee” [...] (more...)

Today Decorati welcomes our newest blogger- expert antique consultant and author of The Buzz on Antiques blog, Buzz Kaplan. In his first post, Buzz discusses the appeal of the quintessential French farm table. Keep reading to learn more about the history, style, and useful tips to help you make a wise investment. What is [...] (more...)