FLEA MARKETS | Milan | Mercatone dell’Antiquariato

FLEA MARKETS | Milan | Mercatone dell’Antiquariato

All year round, on the last Sunday of each month, the Mercatone dell’Antiquariato is held along the Navigli Canal in Milan.

This is one of my favorite flea markets in Europe, and I have found some of my best treasures here. It was here that I first discovered these stunning mid-century West German porcelain vases. The dealer, from Stuttgart, Germany, is a friend of a Milanese antique dealer…both are now friends of mine.

As always, I am drawn to unique shapes…like this tureen and silver candelabra.

I’m also a sucker for graphics, like these enameled signs.

Giorgio and his wife have the most extensive collection of Italian ex votos I’ve ever seen. Made of sterling silver, they are devotional objects that were left at church altars as prayers for help or gratitude.

There’s always offbeat offerings like the doll head molds and plastic eyeballs.

And there’s entertainment.

Some dealers lay out their wares neat and orderly, like this collection of antique sewing needle cases.

Alternatively, I love the irony of this lion head on a table with delicate glass and porcelain. On purpose to draw attention, purposefully staged with humor, or simply arranged without a plan?

It’s a symbol for the market itself…always interesting, and always entertaining!

http://www.navigliogrande.mi.it

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