Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Guest Bath ~ Painted Toleware

This bathroom was wallpapered in this color scheme because we had to work with the avocado countertop. I didn't discover until after the fact that it was the perfect foil for my aunt's hand-painted Toleware collection. She took a class in Tole and furniture painting in the 50's and turned into a veritable Grandma Moses (only not on canvas).

The small black medicine cabinet belonged to my mother. On the top, it holds an oil lamp and a cannister. On the lower shelf, it holds very old medicine bottles/tins, such as hair pomade, Mexana Powder, Carter's Liver Pills, an original tin of Johnson and Johnson Dental Tape, and a salve I can't remember the name of right now. I am too lazy to walk downstairs to read it...LOL.
The small tray on the wall under the cabinet has a red bird painted on it, with green and gold scroll work.

The second photo shows a large "gallery" tray, which is painted with a floral motif and lots of gold leaf. It is too bad that I captured such a bad reflection, as it is a thing of beauty! The mirror frame was bought by my mom in the 50's, along with another identical one. She cleaned and refinished the frames and added the mirrors. They cost a mere fraction of what they would have cost had they been new reproductions.

The larger of the two small black pieces hanging on the wall are for combs & brushes and I have used the other one for an old brass razor which belonged to my dad. I will show detail of the tray on the countertop in the post below.

Scroll down for close-ups.


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15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have a few pieces of vintage black toleware, but nothing like those! She was a talented painter.

MaR said...

I didn't know about toleware, I have seen some objects but didn't know the name. Love learning new things through blogging, thank you! Wonderful items, Judy.

Peter said...

You could open your home up as a museum of craft Judy, and charge admission too.

Lisa said...

The toleware is beautiful! In fact, I love the entire bathroom. Michele sent me today. :-)

sage said...

a pretty spiffy bathroom there Kenju!

srp said...

Love the toleware.
I noticed one item in your picture of the bathroom corner that you didn't comment on. The soap holder. It vaguely looks like a man (or is it a frog) holding his arms above his head as a plate for the soap? I couldn't get it to enlarge so wasn't sure. It certainly looks unique, though.

bornfool said...

She was quite talented. Beautiful stuff.

Eddie said...

Judy,
I agree with Peter. Your house is presentable as a museum.

Jay said...

Normally I would stay away from print wallpaper, but this room is gorgeous. You really have an eye to bring such unusual things together.

Anonymous said...

I love how you discreetly did not show the toilet...just like TV!

Anonymous said...

My house in Independence had avocado sinks and toilet in one bathroom and gold in the other. I found it impossible to decorate around the colors, but you have just pulled off a decoration coup'.Fantastically good job and a perfect place to show off the artistic abilities of your aunt.

WordWhiz said...

You're redoing your entire house, aren't you? Damn, you've got taste!! Would you come do my house too?? LOVELY!!!! No fooling!! WOW!

Robin said...

Everything looks so retro, I love it! When I moved into my house, the Bathroom was done in blue and gold in a 50's/60's style (leftOVER from the 50's/60's, that is!) which was just fine with me. I have moved into some DOOZIES in my day...Neon Pink, Neon Aqua...Dayglo Yellow!

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! Thanks so much for sharing all these photos, Judy. I enjoyed them so much.
Your aunt was brilliant with tole painting. And I LOVE your guest bath....gosh, it's prettier and has more ambiance than most hotels I stay in.
I just love your decor. Makes ya feel good just looking at the photos. Very unique.

Pat said...

That's my kind of bathroom. You could lie in the bath and weave all kinds of stories. Bliss!