Unique items dress up our entrance décor and are natural conversation starters.
On a recent stroll through a local antique store I spotted a smaller version of the bell my parents purchased ago when traveling through Europe. While their shiny brass doorbell has been untouched by weather — it hangs in their breakfast room) — my purchase had already developed a patina from having been installed as entrance décor outside. The origin of the vintage doorbell is unknown although similar bells can be found in France and Germany where they are still used in churches, schools and homes. Around the top of the bell, an inscription in Latin reads “vocem mean audi, qui me tangit,” which translates as “he who touches me hears my voice.” I was given a hard time by our contractor, the electrician and Mr. Shops for not installing a normal, electric doorbell during construction. Of all people, Mr. Shops should know by now that “normal” is not my thing.
I have always been fascinated by cicadas emerging from the ground after being buried for many years, and enjoy listening to their summer songs. So when I saw my first pottery cigale offered in a French online online shop [top, above] my finger couldn’t hit “Buy” fast enough. Throughout Provence locals hang a wall pocket shaped cigale by the main entrance to symbolize good luck. Declared the emblem of the region in 1895 by ceramicist Louis Sicard, these pottery pieces are still made in the quaint town of Aubagne, France. I have a cigale outside our front entrance [bottom, above] and I also purchased a larger one to hang on a beam where the kitchen and great room meet — after all, one can never have too much good luck. Guests (not to mention our dog when he first spotted) are usually caught by surprise by the rather large bug and enjoy hearing the story behind it.
(Source: Tongue in Cheek)
Copy and Paste the Link to Quick-Share this Post: http://bit.ly/IFKlvi
That is a neat story.
There was a handleset shaped like a salmon I SO wanted to get for our front door when we built our house. But I could never quite come to the conclusion that it was a good use of $2500. But it would’ve been cool, and appropriate on our NW American Foursquare with fishing enthusiasts inside. 🙂
I would have skipped right by it too, RHome! With the internet, anything is possible. I looked forever for a zinc horse head from a French butcher shop until I found one in my price range. Keep your eyes open! Etsy is a great source.