Antiques & Collecting: Quilt cabinet

If the colorful panels on this cabinet remind you of a patchwork quilt, that’s exactly what the artist wanted. Jim Rose makes furniture and art objects out of aged steel.

His work is original and innovative, and his inspiration comes from centuries-old American styles like folk art and Shaker furniture.

This “Quilt” cabinet, which sold at Palm Beach Modern Auctions for $1,400, was inspired by quilts made in Gee’s Bend, Alabama.

Gee’s Bend is a largely isolated community on the Alabama River. Its African-American residents preserve the cultural traditions of their ancestors.

Quilting originated in the bedcovers made in the early 19th century. Gee’s Bend quilts feature colorful designs made from rectangular strips or triangular pieces of fabric.

Some follow traditional patterns; others have informal, abstract designs. Rose created similar patterns in steel and wood for many of his works, including this cabinet.

The other day, two of my snow globes broke. They each hold a special meaning, and I would like them fixed. One is a music box snow globe while the other is a simple snow globe. They both seem to need nothing more than their globes replaced. Do you know of a place that can fix a snow globe, or even someone I could speak with that might know something?

If the globes are glass, they can be replaced. You can find places that repair snow globes by searching online for snow globe repair or by searching the business directory on our website, Kovels.com.

Replacement globes and “snowflakes” are available online. A toy and hobby store, a doll hospital or a store that sells craft supplies might also be a source.

Tip: Use your grandmother’s good dishes. Who are you saving them for?

Current Prices

Glass sock darner, blown, yellow amber, round top, tapered handle with sheared and ground end, American, 1840-1870, 6 inches, $60.

Lamp, electric, white marble base, cylinder on block form, four-sided tapered shark skin shade, Italy, c. 1950, 20 inches, $470.

Native American pottery platter, San Ildefonso, black ware, black feather design, signed on base “Maria & Santana,” mid-20th century, 15 1/4 inches, $630.

Game board, Parcheesi, checkerboard on reverse, wood panels, multicolored paint, silver leaf accents, hinged, folds in half, 21 x 20 3/4 inches, $1,125.