Ceramic Thimbles
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This article discusses the brief history and style
of manufacturing used to produce ceramic thimbles. It then discusses the
later production and style of thimbles produced. It lastly tells where
and how to obtain thimbles and even how to help identify ceramic
thimbles you may be looking to purchase.
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Thimbles
Ceramic thimbles originated in early China probably around the Han
Dynasty. They were very obscure and not readily produced due to the use
of more practical materials such as metal, wood or clay. However, during
the 1970s production increased substantially, especially in the US and Great Britain. At this time ceramic
thimbles were still being made of bone china and made by what was called
the ‘jolleying processes’. There the material is placed in a machine
that makes hollow ware. Later, ceramic thimbles were made by slip
casting. Uniformly, they were made to the standards of one inch high
with fluted edges and an embossed top. Even though the shape was
uniform, the designs were not, and almost a hundred patterns were
produced during the mid to late 70s. During the late 70s a small line of
miniature ceramic thimbles were produced. Some of them were produced
commemorating many of
Great Britain’s history, such as the
christening of Prince Williams.
Today ceramic thimbles have very intricate art work
that is hand painted on them. They can depict nature scenes to sport
teams. These types of thimbles are geared for collecting only and are
not used for actual sewing purposes. You can find many websites that
offer auctions or buying outright from another collector. Each country
has its own style of art work indigenous to its region. This can help
you identify where and when a thimble was created. For instance, ceramic
thimbles hand painted from China tend to depict bird scenes or
use very delicate brushstrokes with rich colors.
While thimbles designed in Mexico use bolder, thicker style
strokes and depicts flowers or patterns with earthy tones of browns and
yellows. Another auction site may offer exclusive collections where you
can buy multiple pieces to complete sets. Or a more modern style comes
from places that offer souvenirs. For instance,
New York has small collections with NY pictures
or sayings.
Most sites start there prices for ceramic thimbles
at about five dollars a piece. So they are not expensive pieces and you
can collect a wide range of themes or collections. You can even custom
design your own thimble by uploading your own picture. These would make
great gift ideas for other thimble collectors in your family or a way to
commemorate your own event.