purple water carafe...

...used by women of the upper class

they would keep them by their bedsides... filled with water - to be used during the night time... obviously - those who were of simpler means... couldn't afford such a luxury... they might have used a plain pitcher instead.

this little gem dates to the mid 17oo's... is handblown glass and with a wonderfully developed patina over the years... i stumbled upon it at an antique show many years ago - barely containing my delight... fortunately, the dealer was in a mood for bartering the price with me - or i well couldn't have afforded to bring it home that day... i always figure when visiting antique shows or shops that it's half the fun of the hunt - to be able to barter with the owner... when you've found a treasure - not to settle for the number on the tag - but to offer something else with them... it's what's expected - it helps in making you feel like you've really found a good deal - a bargin - something of value and that you've made a terrific purchase...

so it was with my little purple carafe as i wondered about the women who used it during the night - imagined the paths taken - the journeys wandered - i walked away knowing it had made for...

a

happy day.....