Antique Resources would love to talk to you!
(Greetings!
We appreciate and love hearing our client's stories. Here is one from Dr. Sara Rabito we think you will enjoy!

One day thirty years ago, Dr. Sara Rabito and her late husband, Ervin G. Erdös, MD, were walking west on Belmont and saw a big building with bright lights. As they approached, they realized those bright lights were chandeliers at Antique Resources! The chandeliers attracted them to the store and they ended up purchasing one! This led to a decades-long relationship.

"The chandelier has a double meaning - Richard purchased it in Argentina when on a business trip,” said Maribel. "At the time, many owners of mansions there could not afford to maintain their homes and ended up having auctions for the contents of their homes. Richard would buy everything in the home and ship it back to the U. S. Sara purchased the chandelier in the background of the bottom image and other pieces of furniture from us. Her favorite piece from Antique Resources that she appreciates very much is a French Art Deco console table against the wall in the entryway."

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Argentina, especially Buenos Aires, was a wealthy country with a booming agricultural industry. This wealth allowed many Argentinians to travel to Europe and purchase antiques, which they then brought back to Argentina. Many of these antiques were valued not only for their beauty but also for their quality, durability, craftsmanship, and historical significance. 

“We found Richard to be very honest, straightforward, and extremely knowledgeable on furniture,” said Sara who became close with Maribel as they both speak Spanish and reminisce about their experiences in Argentina. 
Small Blue Floral Round Amphora Vase
Later, during the 20th century, many Europeans immigrated to Argentina for political and economic reasons. With them, they often brought their belongings, including their antiques. Over time, these antiques have become part of the cultural heritage of the country. They are valued for their history and the stories they tell about the people who owned them. Richard has been sourcing Antiques from Argentina for more than 35 years. Maribel will continue investing in the strong connections made with the antique community in Argentina to make amazing pieces readily available to those in Chicago and nearby.  

"At Antique Resources, there were more than 1000 packages and huge chandeliers stored on the second floor. This purchase had a special meaning since I was born in Argentina. I have been here in the states for over 40 years. The alabaster and bronze chandelier above the dining room table was made in France but was brought to Argentina in the 1920s," said Sara.
Circa 1880 Ernst Wahliss Turn Austrian Art Nouveau Buttress Vase. Ernst Wahliss (1837-1900), was an Austrian Art Nouveau ceramic dealer known to supply European royal families with ceramics of the highest quality.
The couple also purchased two Regency period chairs for their living room from 1820 and various other pieces over the span of about 30 years from Antique Resources. Sara's favorite antique pieces are pictured above and below. Her favorite piece is an amphora of a maiden amongst the waves of the sea, of Salacia (Roman Goddess name) or Amphitrite (Greek Goddess name) that her husband brought back from Hungary. Sara and her husband amassed an impressive collection of Eastern European ceramics from all over the world.
Like most collectors, Sara and Ervin were drawn to collect and amassed an impressive collection of Eastern European ceramics due to a combination of historical interest, aesthetic appeal, investment potential, and nostalgia. Ervin and Sara collect mostly Zsolnay ceramics. The Zsolnay workshop was one of the most important ceramic workshops in Eastern Europe. Ervin is from Hungary and Sara is from Argentina. 
19th Century hand-painted Rococo Style Porcelain Bellows By Ignác Fischer; full of color and intricate details. Perfect for holding flowers or candy.
"People collect antiques from their motherland for various reasons," said Maribel. "One reason may be a sense of nostalgia and a desire to connect with cultural heritage. Antiques provide a tangible connection to the past and serve as a link to a time and place that holds significant meaning to individuals. 
 
"Another reason may be a desire to preserve and protect cultural heritage. Collecting antiques from the motherland can help to maintain a connection to cultural traditions and practices that may be in danger of being lost or forgotten. 
 
"Additionally, collecting antiques from the motherland may provide a sense of ownership and pride in one's heritage. It can also be a way to showcase cultural heritage and share it with others, whether it be through displaying collections in the home, sharing stories about cultural heritage, or passing down collections to future generations." 
Late 19th Century Zsolnay Reticulated Quatrefoils Bowl - Stunning quatrefoil stoneware bowl with pierced scrollwork along the edges with an undulating rim. It is hand-painted all over with flowers and has gold gilding. The predominant colors are gold and coral pink.
Sara’s collection is a visiting exhibit on display for a limited time at Antique Resources for all to learn and enjoy. Purchases before November will receive 20% off.

The collection of Eastern European ceramics is mostly from Hungary and Austria. For example, there are iridescent eosin green ceramic pieces from the Zsolnay workshop (1800–1880) in Pécs, Hungary. Many Zsolnay ceramics are noted for the use of the eosin process that was introduced in 1893. The process results in a light red iridescence of the first prepared hue, hence the term eosin from the Greek word meaning flush of dawn. Different eosin colors and processes were developed over time. The eosin-based iridescence became a favorite of art nouveau and Jugendstil artists. The secret eosin glaze renders porcelain to appear iridescent metallic, in different colors that change with the angle of reflection. Typical colors include shades of green, red, blue, and purple. 

Our recent and long-time customers like Dr. Sara Rabito have many interesting stories to tell. We would like to feature you in upcoming newsletters. Please reply if you wish to share yours.
 
Thanks always for doing business with us and remember that we appreciate you and always love referrals!
My best,