1/28/10

HANDPAINTED CHINESE postcard


This interesting card has no real history for me. Found at an estate sale a few years ago, I was taken by the image and the fact that it was handmade. It's a one of a kind, even if the maker sat and made dozens of these. Each one will be unique. The background is painted on the card. The pieces that comprise the image of the fellow, with his clothes made from stamps, are glued onto the card. I have no idea of the age, though "1921" is written on the back.

handpainted Chinese postcard_tatteredandlost
handpainted Chinese postcard_back_tatteredandlost

Update: Christine, from The Daily Postcard, has informed me that a card such as this would be called a "macerated stamp postcard". Thanks Christine! Once I figure out how to pronounce this I'm going to slip it into a conversation.

7 comments:

  1. You have the neatest things! Isn't it wonderful that some people never throw anything away - at least things that folks who love vintage items love to find. When we moved back to our hometown after my husband retired (a lot of years ago) I loved to go to auctions. There were some wonderful things to be had but you had to be willing to spend the day most of the time until the auctioneer would get to what you wanted to bid on. Lots of fun. Carol

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  2. I've always wanted to go to an auction and never have. I've done the ebay auction,s but grew tired of that place. Now I never look at ebay for anything. I didn't like getting my hopes up for something only to find I'd be in a bidding war. Now I'm content with estate sales and flea markets. I especially love estate sales because I get to wander around amongst all the things that belonged to someone and see the items in context with their home. I put some history to them. Plus it's just so much fun to stumble on something that strikes a spark.

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  3. If I recall correctly, there's a name for cards like this and there are people who collect them specifically. Have I been a big help so far? Arghh, well, I'll keep my eyes open and let you know when I stumble upon another one.

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  4. Oh, now I remember! They're called macerated money postcards (catchy, huh?)
    Although it's usually money, sometimes stamps and other ephemera are used. They are almost always very beautiful and interesting.

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  5. Christine, thank you so much! I had no idea there was a specific category for this. I'll now do some sleuthing around the net to find out more.

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  6. Cool postcard, maybe I should try and make a card like that with stamps.

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  7. Oh, I want to hear about this. A challenge. Sticky stamp back, tiny pieces, tweezers, stuff falling off your desk disappearing onto the floor only to be found hours later stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Do post it when you get it done.

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