Lime green is not just a color, it’s a whole vibe. And we’re demonstrating its power in this week’s fresh to market vintage as the star of the show on a pin and as a surprise pop on a beastly prop.
The official name “lime green” was first used in 1890. Limes themselves started their migration from South and Southeast Asia into Micronesia and Polynesia sometime between 3000 – 1500 BCE, and were found in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries around 1200 BCE. The color was used long before that, but having an actual English name coincided with the development of synthetic pigments for paints. On the modern color wheel, it sits between chartreuse and yellow.
Lime green can be described as zesty, a word that has its origin in the 1670s, meaning the flavor added by including the peel or zest of citrus fruit. Lime brought lots of zest as a favorite color in the 1960s, with an equally zesty resurgence around Y2K. It’s not a subtle color, but there are plenty of other choices when subtlety is needed. Lime pops and attracts attention–just like the pin in this week’s fresh to market vintage will attract attention whenever you wear it.
If lime is not your thing, we’ve got other fresh juicy picks for you to enjoy…
Vohenstrauss Johann Seltmann Vase and Candleholder
Almost 15 years ago, I started selling on Etsy. A friend was helping clear the home of her friend who was in hospice and needed support. I was asked to help her with the sale of her beautiful collection of Bavarian porcelain that she was gifted from family in Germany. The bottom line is that I developed an interest in this porcelain and keep my eyes open for the modern designs to stock my shop. Johann Seltmann is new to me. I am smitten by the cool op-art, pop-art design.
Vohenstrauss Johann Seltmann OP-ART Porcelain Vase and Candleholder Set, $89.99
-Mary Ellen, Aunt Hatties Attic
Vintage Painted Chalkware Fruit Bowl
Another unmarked vintage piece makes one wonder about its history. “Chalkware” is an American term for figurines created from molded plaster of Paris or sculpted gypsum and then painted with oils or watercolors. The art form was popular in three periods: from the late 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century, during the 1920s when it was given away at carnivals and during the MCM era of the 1940s to ’60s when it showed up as decorative lamps, figurines and kitchen decor. The size of this fabulous chalkware bowl of fruit suggests that it was possibly designed as a store display and the fact that it is hollow indicates it is an earlier piece.
Large Chalkware Bowl of Fruit, $75
-Linda, Selective Salvage
Green and Gold Tone Circle and Flower Brooch
Bright colors always seem to be abundant in warm weather. Lately I’ve seen a plethora of lime green cars while out and about. So when I saw this brooch, I had to get it. I feel like the color was calling me. To be fair, I do love bright colors, my home is filled with them. Marked Austria on the back, this brooch would look marvelous on a summer straw hat or cinched upon a beach cover up. How would you wear it?
Bright Green Austria Brooch, $23.95
-Pam, Vintage Renude
Pair of Pink Cone Tumblers
Two floral etched pink cone tumblers in a warm coral pink. Pink depression glass comes in a variety of shades, this is one of my favorites. Add these to your mix and match cone tumbler set or your regular glass collection for days when you need your seltzer to feel fancy because you feel fancy.
Pink Depression Glass Cone Tumbler Pair, $20.
-Laurie, NextStage Vintage
Did this week’s fresh to market vintage make you crave limeade or key lime pie? We’re feeling it for sure. Before you head to the store, take a minute to subscribe to our email newsletter. You get one email a week with links to all our juicy vintage content. It’s not as refreshing as limeade, but checking out our posts does give you a good excuse to take a break and relax, like limeade does.
