RIRarities

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RIRarities Antiques, Fine Art, Rare & Unique Finds, MCM, Art Deco, King Louis, Antique Furniture & More!

10/25/2026

Went to the the Salem Night Faire to support Chris and his stained glass business, Burned Out and somehow I still managed to go antique hunting.

His handcrafted stained glass cats, glowing jack o’ lanterns, and spiderwebs were right at home in Salem. So proud of his creativity and all the work that goes into each piece.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without a find of my own. This black cat’s arched back, curled tail, and toothy grin were impossible to resist. Its age and origin are still a mystery, but what a fitting souvenir from an October night in Salem.

Came to support Chris. Left with an antique. Pretty predictable, honestly.

10/22/2026

Six hours on the road for a lamp? When it’s this one, absolutely. An impromptu trip to upstate New York brought this beautiful Handel lamp to Rhode Island Rarities. Its 18 inch leaded glass shade pairs creamy white panels with a flowing amber border, a striking combination when illuminated.

Signed on both shade and base, with original Hubbell sockets, it’s a wonderful example of how much character thoughtful lighting can bring to a room.

Have Handel, will travel.

10/20/2026

A great glaze deserves a closer look. This 1912 Rookwood vase has the kind of surface that makes you slow down and turn a piece in your hands. The glaze gives the form its character a beautiful example of why Arts and Crafts pottery continues to hold our attention more than a century later.

And a small detail underneath, the Roman numeral XII dates this piece to 1912. There’s a lot to discover when you turn a pot over.

A sunny Sunday and a pottery mystery. This Arts & Crafts inspired piece came with a peculiar note tucked inside and one ...
10/18/2026

A sunny Sunday and a pottery mystery. This Arts & Crafts inspired piece came with a peculiar note tucked inside and one that raises as many questions as it answers.

While we’re not convinced it’s Grueby, it certainly evokes that tradition. Whether it’s a period piece or a later interpretation remains an open question, and the note alone isn’t enough to settle its history.

For now, we’re enjoying it for what it is, a beautiful piece with an identity still waiting to be uncovered.

Swipe through for the note and details. What do you make of it?

10/16/2026

This lamp has a secret.. and it takes a little ultraviolet light to reveal it. With its ornate bridge arm, twisted stem, and pale yellow green glass accents, it already makes an impression. But under UV light, that quiet glass comes alive with an extraordinary electric green glow.

Beautiful in daylight. Quite a show after dark.

10/13/2026

A warm amber glow, courtesy of a naturally occurring mineral. This Arts and Crafts lamp by the Heintz Art Metal Shop of Buffalo, New York, brings together richly patinated bronze, delicate sterling silver botanical decoration, and a luminous mica shade.

Mica splits into thin, translucent sheets, allowing light to filter through with a beautiful golden warmth. Framed by the shade’s pierced metalwork, that glow is every bit as captivating as the lamp itself.

A small lamp with a remarkable presence and a lovely example of the Arts and Crafts appreciation for natural materials and thoughtful design.

Available now in our Rhode Island Rarities Etsy shop.

10/12/2026

A beautiful piece doesn’t need a famous name. Beyond the celebrated pottery houses, the Arts and Crafts movement included independent makers and small studios whose work deserves a closer look. Their pieces can express the same love of natural forms, thoughtful design, and individual craftsmanship that draws us to the era.

Sometimes the maker’s name is unfamiliar. Sometimes it has been lost altogether. But the beauty of the glaze, the balance of the form, and the care behind the work still speak for themselves.

That’s one of my favorite parts of collecting: discovering something wonderful, even before knowing who made it.

10/10/2026

A little Saturday refresh at Rhode Island Rarities, with several 19th century paintings joining the booth. One of my favorite parts of bringing in fresh finds is seeing how they sit alongside the pottery, glass, and other antiques already on display. A few new paintings and a little rearranging can give the whole space a different feel.

Here’s a look at today’s additions. Visit our booth at Acushnet River Antiques in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to see them in person.

10/09/2026

With Halloween around the corner, today’s find feels especially fitting.

Behind the handsome black cover of this antique “Physicians’ Anatomical Aid” are detailed color illustrations with layered flaps that reveal the anatomy beneath. Opening it is part art, part science and just a little unsettling.

The craftsmanship makes this such a fascinating object to explore. Take a look inside with me.

Would you display this in your collection?

10/08/2026

Quiet form, beautiful glaze. Made in Illinois in the early 20th century, Teco pottery is celebrated for its sculptural shapes and distinctive matte green surfaces, a classic of the American Arts & Crafts movement.

Often featured on Antiques Roadshow , Teco remains a favorite among art pottery collectors. We have this piece, along with several others, available now in our Etsy shop, RIRarities.

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Smithfield, RI
02828

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Friday 10am - 5pm
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Sunday 11am - 5pm

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