The Lust for Lustreware
Kitsch, tacky, silly but so popular!
Lets not get into why majority has ruled with this kitsch collectible. It comes in funny shapes with cute faces, painted in rainbows and glossed up to the max. Its Lustreware!
Lustreware was invented by the Egyptians (and they did come up with some of the best stuff) in the 18th Century, by applying a metallic glaze to pottery that gave the effect of iridescence. The Europeans loved it, the English loved it and now a few centuries later the world loves it. Taking off in the industrial age and playing a big role in the Kitsch movement, the illustrious serving dishes, ash trays and vases acted as that ’special occassions’ piece to add wow and pizazz to an otherwise dull dinner party.
Now (and I choose my words carefully), they demand attention for their confident beauty.. Lets face it they pretty much grab you by the eye balls, pull you in and give you a big sloppy metallic kiss. Its all love!
