Memory ware is a form of folk art that was a popular way to memorialize the dead in African-American communities in both the southern United States and Victorian England during the late 1800s. The art involves covering common household items like jugs, bottles, lamps and vases with glass shards, broken pottery and small personal items associated with a deceased loved one. Because these objects are obviously one of a kind when completed, memory ware is highly sought after by contemporary folk art collectors.
This week’s memory ware objects were found for you by Linda of Selective Salvage.
Folk Art Memory Ware Oil Jug c 1900
Why this caught my eye: The shape of the metal oil can that serves as the basis of this piece is great. Plus this artist used both metal and ceramic pieces in a fairly monochromatic color scheme, which I find interesting. There appears to be a paw print enshrined in clay and there’s obviously a ceramic dog face under the lip which makes me wonder if this commemorates an animal lover or the artist’s favorite dog?
Victorian Macomb Memory Jug
Why this piece stands out: Based on the memorabilia enshrined, this piece of memory ware can be dated to the Victorian era. It includes a McKinley political button, a souvenir pin from the First Voters Club for Teddy Roosevelt & an Odd Fellows pendant which makes me believe this was made in memory of a civic-minded individual.
Handmade OOAK Vintage Jewelry Tree
What makes it special: I love this because it’s a contemporary piece made in the old style which is proof that good art lives on. This particular artist advertises that she will create a memory ware tree for you using your own heirloom jewelry and I think that is awesome. That offer combined with the quality of her work make a jewelry tree from IonesAnnex the embodiment of the word “special”.
There you have my three picks for the week, Memory Ware. A vintage folk art “look back in time.” If the idea of creating your own memory ware work of art appeals to you, here’s a “How To” article written by Kathy Adams on eHow.
P.S. Don’t forget to sign-up for our email newsletter so you don’t miss out on any of our upcoming articles that celebrate the vintage lifestyle.
3 comments
I had never heard of this art before. I love how you tied in a modern interpretation! Great article, Linda!
Thanks, Jenni. I’m pleased that you enjoyed it. In all our years of antiquing, I’ve never seen an older piece in the wild but there’s always tomorrow. 🙂
A precious way to remember a loved one. Happy to be seeing it is being reinterpreted by a younger generation. Thank you.