Today I am blogging about some of the exciting treasures this week for the blog ReStore Treasures, “1915” Desk and Chest.
Stopping in, I briefly spoke with Eric. However, Andre was available to point out all of the new “goodies” in the Restore, Reston/Herndon store.
Afghan Kazak Carpet
The first item I’m writing about this is this gorgeous Afghan Kazak carpet for $600.
Most Kazak carpets have geometric, diamonds, trees, rosettes, animals, flowers, or hooked polygons patterns. If you look closely you will notice the flowers on this particular carpet and a center medallion design.
Kazak carpets are hand knotted with a high number of knots per inch. Using more knots per inch, keeps the design crisp and striking. Hand knotting a carpet takes many hours of intense labor to finish.
Unfortunately, my knowledge about Afghan Kazak carpets is sorely lacking. I only look at the back of the carpet to see if it is as colorful as the front.
This photograph shows the colorful back of the Afghan Kazan carpet.
Afghan Kazak Carpet Information
Kazak or Quzak carpets get their name from a small city in Northwest Azerbaijan.
Kazak carpets have a reputation for outstanding beauty, durability, and prestige. The carpets are warm and add a certain upscale element of comfort to any home. These carpets are a status symbol and are often seen in homes of the very wealthy or in palaces.
Early Afghan weavers only used vegetable dyes in white, black, gray, and deep red colors for their carpets.
However, In the early 2000’s, weavers began using deep blue, teal, and rusty red synthetic dyes.
For carpet collectors and those who enjoy the finer things in life, this carpet is definably worth another look.
Leather Tooled Coffee Table
At first, I thought this next piece was a copper top coffee table but it actually has a hand carved leather top.
Andre thought a great way to repurpose this coffee table, is to take legs off and use the table top as a large piece of wall art work.
I totally agree with him on this one and can see this piece hung on a large wall, fireplace mantel or perhaps on a restaurant’s wall.
This coffee table has an unusual very detailed leather-work top.
The photograph below is a close up of a section of the table top showing the incredible leather workmanship.
Secretary or Escritoire Desk, c. 1915, First Part of ReStore Treasures, “1915” Desk and Chest
This secretary or escritoire desk dates back to 1915 and was in the same family for all those years. Escritoire desks were popular in the early 18th Century. The base contains three wide drawers and is topped by a hinged desktop.
The top of the desk has compartments for letters, parchment paper, quills, and ink.
It is amazing that the key is still present with this desk.
There is a little bit of romance with this desk, as I can see someone hiding a will or a love letter or two within the drawers.
This desk also comes with a key but perhaps there is a secret drawer some where on this desk? It would definitely be worth a good looking over, under and around.
Wood Chest, c. Not 1915, Second Part of ReStore Treasures, “1915” Desk and Chest
The below wooden chest is an interesting piece. After blogging about the true antique 1915 secretary desk, this fairly new chest has only a carving of 1915 on its front side.
There are so many things that are not there for an old piece. Hopefully, no one will think it is from the 1915 era but perhaps the number means something other than the date.
First of all, the wood is pine and does not look old. True wear patterns are not there. There also should be pockets of dust in the corners nooks but I don’t see that either. The piece sits on four turned legs and has a small chain on the one side.
There is also an attempt to make some square dove tailing on the front sides but true dove tailing looks more like a dove’s tail.
This chest would be great for storing blankets, pillows or other items, however, I don’t believe the antique value is there.
Light Green Patio Chair
With summer soon here, this is a fun metal patio chair.
I love the light green color and think it would look great on a porch or patio for summertime use.
Use this metal outdoor patio chair to sit on outside and watch the garden grow.
Ending Notes
As always, I want to thank Eric and Andre for their knowledgeable accounts on items in the Restore.
All the above items are available for purchase at the ReStore, Reston/Herndon location.
I also want to thank ReStore for allowing me to blog and take photographs of items in the shop.
This ReStore is run by the NV Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization, with a goal of providing housing for all.
Research Sites:
www.prestonrugs.com, nrrugs.com, pinterest.com, www.geekwise.com, Wikipedia and nazmiyal.antiquerugs online sites were used to research today’s blog.