Kitschy, Kitschy Cute: Interpreting Old Valentine’s Day Vases

Kitschy, Kitschy Cute. Throughout the Fifties and early Sixties, before they were sent in cheap papier-mâché and then expensive colored-glass vases,  sweethearts sent Valentine’s Day flowers in highly-breakable ceramic ones with that once-ubiquitous label “Made in Japan.” How many ways can you really depict a red heart? You’d be surprised. On the premise that love’s more complex than a box of chocolates, what was really going on with these peculiar ceramic vases? Did husbands and boyfriends send subliminal messages by the vases they chose to give wives and girlfriends? What’s your take on the subtext of those here:

Uh, well, uhmm...I think I love you - I'm kinda not sure. I'm just not the full embrace type.

Uh, well, uhmm…I think I love you – I’m kinda not sure. I’m just not the full embrace type.

I love you - despite the permanent dent you left in my emotional health.

I love you – despite the permanent dent you left in my emotional health.

I love you - but I swear I could kill you sometimes.

I love you – but I swear I could kill you sometimes.

You are absolutely perfect. Dull - but perfect.

You are absolutely perfect. Dull – but perfect.

That unexpected bundle of joy will only make us closer.

That unexpected bundle of joy will only make us closer.

You are special to me - it's just that someone else is too. Torn between two lovers, you might say.

You are special to me – it’s just that someone else is too. Torn between two lovers, you might say.

I love you best naked in silhouette form.

I love you best naked in silhouette form.

Let's down the champagne til the flutes falleth over and bump around alot.

Let’s down the champagne til the flutes falleth over and bump around alot.

I love you, and I forgive you for all that drama last year.

I love you, and I forgive you for all that drama last year.

What kind of mushrooms did you say were in that steak sauce?

What kind of mushrooms did you say were in that steak sauce?


Categories: Americana, Holidays

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

4 replies »

  1. Carl,

    You are absolutely amazing! This is unbelievably creative and inventive!

  2. Kitschy Cute? Nah… As cute as it gets. Loved the subtitles. Happy Valentine’s Day over there buddy!

    http://www.dogstuff.com/bmz_cache/9/91ed82ff8af7f2db4b789c4470bce7be.image.350×492.jpg

Leave a Reply