By Kevin Williams
Okay, time for our occasional whirl through the land of Etsy to see what Amish things we can find. Quite a mix today!
AMISH CLOTH RABBIT: Okay, I admit this is a cool, cool vintage piece. But before I fork over $300 for a cloth rabbit I'd want a lot more proof of provenance. I mean, if the bunny is actually Amish-made and from the 1800s then, yea, I mean, it would be quite a collectible. But, sheesh, I'd want to know a lot more. Still, it's cool. Click here to read and see more.
A crazy quilt Mennonite quilt!
MENNONITE PATCHWORK QUILT: This is one again that I'd want more proof of provenance, but, I love this type of quilt design...it reminds me of me: haphazard, no straight lines, etc. These are my favorite kinds of quilts. Click here to read more.
CREEPY AMISH DOLL - AM I TOO SENSITIVE? I really debated whether to share this link. So why am I? Well I think it provokes a larger discussion about what art is and should be. That's always a tough but worthy topic. And maybe someone will tell me I am being too sensitive, which would be good to know. Maybe it's because I have a little girl, but I found this doll to be beyond creepy and into the realm of offensive and nauseating. Unless I am interpreting it wrong, it looks like the doll has a black eye....I mean, why create an image of something that is supposed to be peaceful, innocent, and beautiful into something disturbing? No thanks. Click here to see if you agree.
PRETZEL TIN: On a much lighter note, I loved this Pennsylvania Dutch pretzel tin. I wish it came with the pretzels! Classic example of old mid 20th century folk art! Click here.
AMISH COUNTRY DECORATIVE TRAYS: Kind 0f funny to see these because there are Amish people clearly photographed and appearing on the trays which for the late 1970s and early 80s would have been quite rare. It's rare today but much less so. Click here.
The creepy Amish dolls are definitely creepy! I was trying to keep them out of view of my 5 year old who was peering over my shoulder. I am trying to figure out who or why anyone would purchase one of those dolls.
Glad I am not the only one to think that, Amy...I was doing the same, shielding Aster's eyes from it!
I wouldnt have the creepy doll. Too much negativity and we don't need that.
I agree those dolls are too creepy for me. I don't believe the rabbit age either
Yea, I don't know about the rabbit age, Mary, but I sure would need more proof before forking over $300!
Yes.....creepy......i don't think they are true Amish....ugh!
Tried many times to see this doll but to no avail. I keep seeing the quilt but no doll./
Creepy doll had been removed for awhile, as if someone had bought the only one, but then I looked again later and it was back up, so you must have been looking when it had been removed for a bit....
Oh my goodness that doll is scary!! I wouldn't buy that doll for my worst enemy let alone a child. It makes me think of that movie Chucky which I've never seen or will ever see.
Kathy
Wow these are creepy and kind of sick..I would never buy such a doll .Makes you wonder ???
Hi Kevin,
I just caught your critique of my listing on Etsy. I have been an antique dealer for more than 20 years and had a Sunday shop in The Black Angus Antique Market in Adamstown, PA. Over the years of going to lots of farm sales as well as having contacts within the community, I have both collected and sold quite a few of these animals and was even used and listed as a resource for the exhibition of same that took place at The Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum organized by the Heritage Center of Lancaster County. The exhibition was called "Gentle Companions". ( See Lancaster County, New Era, Friday October 1, 2004.) Needless to say, I and a few colleagues have studied these wonderful creatures and there are a number of criteria by which they are evaluated. Those that I offer for sale are often out of my own collection. If you should ever have any questions about an item, you can always contact me directly.