ANTIQUES IN THE AIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22226, 28 September 1935, Page 6 (Supplement)

ANTIQUES IN THE AIR

FASCINATION OF BRASS POPULAR " GOOD LUCK " PIECES Tho interest taken in the exhibition of antiques now being held in Auckland bears eloquent testimony to the fascination which the quaint or beautiful relics of a past ape have for tho average person. And for those whose purses will not run to tho collecting of valuable old china, glass and plate, there is a satisfying charm about tho delightful old brass pieces and odd little " charms " which may often bo picked up at very reasonable prices at secondhand shops. ' Everyone is familiar with the lucky brass door-knockers and lucky dwarls to be found in abundance in most second-hand dealers' especially in England. They can be picked up for a few shillings, and many of them are antiques of interesting and beautiful design. Lincoln imps and small brass horse shoos aro considered very lucky. Many people also now collect horse brasses, those glittering bits of brass that used to hang from tho martingale and the bridle band. Some of; the brasses which vou will still see on horses to-day, in tho form of rayed discs and crescents, date from the days of sun and moon worship. Because they were emblems of gods, together with the brightness of the metal, they were supposed to ward off the " evil eye " from both rider and horse. Superstitions die hard, but those symbols of protection eventually became accepted simply as bright trappings. Owners of horses had brasses made to symbolise their trades—brewers, millers, foresters. You will find some patterns in the form of the early railway engines and others that commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee. Last, but not least, there is the homely lucky pig with its curly tail, an irresistible chap who fully deserves the attribute of good fortune. The smooth and polished surface of English brassware and copperware is very rarely seen in Oriental work. lhe Oriental has a passion for elaboration, and he has moreover a great fund of tradition and symbolism in pattern and design upon which to draw. Frequently the metal worker will execute one particular pattern to the exclusion of all others. Ho sets himself to master the intricacies of a design and perfects his work throughout long years of patient toil. The resultant brassware is a revelation of beauty, whether his fancy is turned toward conventionalised