Blue Monday: Blue Rolling Thingies...

Funny title? That's because what I want to show you on this beautiful Blue Monday at Smiling Sally's blog is something that is often mislabeled as a carpet ball. The proper term is carpet bowl. But it's not what most people think of as a bowl, either. Let's take a look at the following picture, and then I'll explain. While I have an antique carpet bowl that is put away where I can't get to it and is different from what I'm about to show you, I also have these three reproductions in blue and white porcelain that were very reasonably priced. Maybe you've seen similar ones for sale in shops or online...



I've heard and read a lot of conflicting reports, but in a nutshell, carpet bowls belong to a game that is played outside on a lawn (termed carpet). While some have tried to tie its ancient roots to Egypt, it has been played extensively in Great Britain for centuries. Upon cold or inclement weather, the wealthier players move inside onto indoor courts while those players in smaller towns or of lesser purse might play in social halls. There are regulation outdoor bowls that are very hard. These bowls are larger than the indoor ones. According to one antiques dealer, the Scots played with bowls that are either striped with plaid or sponged with color. Here is an example I found of a blue and white plaid one that is for sale online. I love the plaid ones...



And here is an antique porcelain carpet bowl that sold on eBay...



Someone did a wonderful job with the color of the blues on this bowl. I could stare at it all day. Notice the crazing on the antique surface. While crazing sometimes denotes age, I've also seen porcelain that has been deliberately crazed to look old. So be careful when purchasing.

There's one thing about my carpet bowls -- you won't see them lolling around on the lawn or floor. Instead, they like to hang around in different vignettes...



They enjoy rolling from place...



To place...



To place...



And sometimes they like to perch on top of a candlestick in place of a candle...



And enjoy sitting next to the kitchen wallpaper because they have a similar look...



And feel...



But no matter how they are grouped...



They remain a conversation piece and a nice pop of blue happiness...



For anyone who loves blue and white...



As much as I do...



Thanks for visiting me today on Blue Monday. Please join the other participants at our gracious hostess, Smiling Sally's blog to see all sorts of blue posts today. You can get there by clicking here.



Oh, and one last thing. the ever-clever Mr. Magpie found the music we are listening to today. It's called "The Thieveing Magpie." LOL! Or "La gazza ladra." Don't you love it? I think, however, it should be called, "The Shiny Object Overture" which sounds a lot more familiar around these parts! ;-)

Happy Blue Monday!

Warmly,


Mrs. Magpie (Sheila)