one American porcelain manufactur-
er, Lenox.
Furthermore, Mr. Levinson recom-
mends buying antiques rather than
contemporary pieces. Eighteenth
century Sevres and Meissen pieces
are good selections, as are 18th and
early 19th century Chinese export
porcelain. "The prices for antiques
are the same as for contemporary
items, and you can always get your
money out of them," he explains.
Mr. Levinson strongly recommends
buying antique pieces that are in
perfect condition. No repairs or chips,
and buy the finest quality you can
afford.
Manufacturers from the Limoges
region of southwest France, such as

Robert Haviland and C. Parlon, advise
noting the color of the piece.

Most porcelain, even though it
looks delicate, is extremely sturdy.
Because it is hand-turned, it will
sound a clear, bell-like note when
struck.

Be sure to look for flaws in the
craftsmanship. Turn teacups upside
down, for example, to check that the
edges are perfectly even. Pick up the
cups as if you were going to drink
from them: Are the handles easily
grasped? Are they comfortable be-
tween your fingers?
While collecting cups and saucers
is no longer the popular pasttime it
once was, there is a plus side. Bruce

Levinson of Alex Cooper Auctioneers
remarks that prices are relatively
inexpensive, anywhere from five
dollars on up to hundreds of dollars,
but still much less than the thousands
you would expect to pay for antique
furniture or paintings.
To learn more about the period/
country/manufacturer that interests
you, several books on the market are
devoted exclusively to this subject.
Bonita La Marche, assistant curator
of European sculpture and decorative
arts at the Detroit Institute of Arts
recommends visiting The Gardner
Museum in Toronto, which was a
private museum but now is open to
the public. "They have a wonderful
collection there. H

GIFT GUIDE '90 43

