At the moment, Paris is awash in April showers. The taupe silk parasol (above) was more likely to have been used to protect a pale complexion from the sun's rays than as an actual parapluie or umbrella. The parasol features hand-embroidered designs and dates from the late 19th-century. It is among the many antiques and curiosities for sale at Vestiges du Jour, a local antiques shop.
These 19th-century French chairs are upholstered in heavy beige linen, with needlepoint floral designs. In Paris, one might expect to pay about 1500 euros for the pair. In the U.S., the price likely would quadruple, due to shipping container costs and the local dealer's profit margin. That's one reason so many Americans come to Paris searching for their own antiques-----obviously prices are lower at the source than in the United States!
The parasol is stunningly gorgeous!
Posted by: harmonyinline | 25 April 2006 at 01:58