S. Epatha Merkerson: Black Memorabilia Cookie Jar, Ash Tray & Clock
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APPRAISER:
Why do you collect Black memorabilia?
GUEST:
You know, I just love history.
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
And I think this is very much a part of our history. And even the negative stereotype.
APPRAISER:
Because they're all negative stereotype. All, every single one of them.
GUEST:
Absolutely. Absolutely.
APPRAISER:
Especially this one.
GUEST:
Yeah.
APPRAISER:
They're just making fun of the shapes of Black women.
GUEST:
Exactly.
APPRAISER:
And how does it make you feel to see something like this?
GUEST:
But you know, I, I think it's important that you know all sides of your history.
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
And this, even though it, the connotation of it was negative, to me, that people who survived through all of that...
APPRAISER:
Yes.
GUEST:
...when these things were really prominent...
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
...and not "considered collectibles," it speaks to their strength that they could-- especially Black women...
APPRAISER:
Exactly.
GUEST:
And the more I know about my history, the more I can pass it on. Bringing it to my house makes me uplifted, I feel, you know?
APPRAISER:
That's, that... What you just said there is exactly what I feel. I have one piece of Black memorabilia.
GUEST:
Uh-huh.
APPRAISER:
It actually gives me hope.
GUEST:
Yeah.
APPRAISER:
Because I look at it, and I'm, like, "Wow, we've come so far."
GUEST:
Yeah.
APPRAISER:
It is negative.
GUEST:
Yeah. But... But there's beauty in it.
APPRAISER:
Yes, it doesn't hurt you.
GUEST:
No. No.
APPRAISER:
Because you are the one who owns it.
GUEST:
Exactly. (both laughing) Exactly. And, you know, when I initially saw some of this stuff, that was my idea.
APPRAISER:
Yeah.
GUEST:
That I'm gonna just buy this up so white folks can't buy it up.
APPRAISER:
Yeah.
GUEST:
And use it for that negative connotation. I'm gonna lift it up. I'm gonna put it on my wall. I'm gonna situate it on, on my cabinet.
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
GUEST:
So that anyone that comes in the house will see that this is a part of who I am.
APPRAISER:
Why don't you tell me how you came to own these pieces here?
GUEST:
Okay, um, this I bought in New Orleans.
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
I was there doing a film.
APPRAISER:
Okay.
GUEST:
And it was $95. I purchased the ashtray in Albany, I'm pretty sure.
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
Probably late '70s.
APPRAISER:
Okay.
GUEST:
And I paid five to $20 for it.
APPRAISER:
Okay.
GUEST:
Yeah. And I can't recall where I bought this, but I know that I've had it at least ten or 15 years.
APPRAISER:
Okay. Okay.
GUEST:
And I, I love it because it has that sort of iridescence in the, in the paint.
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
But I really loved that her belly was the, where you put the cookies.
APPRAISER:
Put the... Yeah, that's, that's what's unusual about this one, is that the belly is where the lid is.
GUEST:
Uh-huh.
APPRAISER:
So this is sometimes called a front loader. And this one, because of the glaze, I'm thinking it might be made in Japan, because of the
iridescent glaze.
GUEST:
Oh, wow.
APPRAISER:
The Japanese made a lot of lusterware.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
This appears to be very fine bisque. The detailing is really unusual and nice.
GUEST:
Mm-hmm.
APPRAISER:
The hair is textured.
GUEST:
Oh...
APPRAISER:
The features are well-defined, including the teeth.
GUEST:
Uh-huh.
APPRAISER:
And even the eyes. It, there's an indent where the pupils are.
GUEST:
Right.
APPRAISER:
So that level of detail tells me that this was made by a fine porcelain house. Probably Germany, is what I'm thinking.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
Now, this one over here, this was made by Red Wing Pottery. They're based in Minnesota, and the designer for this piece is Charles Murphy,
and he got the patent to make this one in 1947.
GUEST (chuckling): 1947?
APPRAISER:
Exactly. Yeah.
GUEST:
I wouldn't have thought. That's so cool.
APPRAISER:
What would you think this would be worth?
GUEST:
You know, I paid $95 for it.
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
So I haven't a clue beyond that.
APPRAISER:
Okay, well, this one just sold in August for $250.
GUEST:
Oh, wow.
APPRAISER:
This one is worth about $95...
GUEST:
Uh-huh.
APPRAISER:
...to $125.
GUEST:
I know I didn't pay that much for it.
APPRAISER:
That's, that's what it's worth.
GUEST:
Yeah.
APPRAISER:
I've seen similar ones sell.
GUEST:
Okay.
APPRAISER:
And this one is worth about $125. I've seen almost identical ones...
GUEST:
Okay. Okay.
APPRAISER:
...sell for $125.
GUEST:
Excellent. That's cool.
APPRAISER:
So, yeah. Are you pleased with that?
GUEST:
It's good to know. Yeah, I'm very pleased. The truth is, is, it wouldn't matter.
APPRAISER:
Mm-hmm.
GUEST:
Because I just love the pieces. They've been with me for a long time.
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