Khristi Zimmeth: Trash or Treasure?

Lovers of antiques will adore 'Artistic Luxury'

Looking for a break from the holiday craziness? Longing for a little antiques-related road trip? There are still a few weeks left in Cleveland's blockbuster exhibit, "Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique," on view through Jan. 18 at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Antique lovers won't want to miss this breathtaking exhibition, which includes rare loans from public and private collections worldwide and is the first comparative study of the work of three of the 20th century's greatest designers. More than 50 international lenders include Queen Elizabeth II of England and Prince Albert of Monaco. Santa may not have tucked one of these masterpieces into your stocking, but don't miss the chance to see them up close in Cleveland.

Considered the "Big Three" of the decorative arts world at the turn of the century, Peter Carl Faberge in Russia, Louis Comfort Tiffany in the United States and Rene Lalique in France enjoyed a spirited rivalry that resulted in the production of some of the world's most beautiful jewelry, decorative arts and other luxury goods. This opulent exhibition of more than 300 objects provides plenty of eye candy and reunites many of their finest masterworks for the first time since they were on view together as part of the legendary 1900 Paris World's Fair.

Highlights include five Imperial Easter eggs by Faberge, one Imperial egg by Cartier and an Imperial Basket of Flowers by Faberge, all designed for the Russian Tsars and their family and later sold by the Bolsheviks; the American debut of Louis Comfort Tiffany's "Magnolia Window," a stained-glass work purchased in Paris in 1901 for a Russian baron and only seen in Russia; Edward VII's cigarette case, on loan from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; and glittering jewelry featuring diamonds and rare gems by Tiffany & Co. Other treats include the "Autumn Leaf Globe Lamp" and "Adam's Vase," on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and former star of the 1900 Paris World's Fair, both by Tiffany; Faberge's "Kremlin Tower Clock"; and Lalique's "Frogs and Lilypads" vase.

"Faberge, Tiffany and Lalique were the first to market themselves as 'artists' and not just mere jewelers or craftsmen," says Stephen Harrison, organizing curator and curator of decorative art and design at the museum. "They hoped that by association, their work would be considered on the same level of artistic achievement as painting and sculpture."

"Each represents, in his own right a peak of excellence in both craftsmanship and creativity that has rarely been equaled, either before or since," writes museum director Timothy Rub in the gorgeous, 358-page catalog. Page upon page is filled with glittering jewels, gem-like glass and lovely lamps.

The exhibition was planned, in part, to celebrate the opening of the museum's new special exhibition galleries, a major part of a building and restoration project that began in 2005. The museum has added extended hours through the holidays and evening hours through the end of the run. From Cleveland, the show moves to the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.

For information on the exhibition, call (888) 262-4748 or visit www.clevelandart

.org. A number of area hotels (including the Glidden House (a University Circle mansion turned B&B) are offering special getaway packages in conjunction with the exhibition. For more information, visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland's Web site at www.positivelycleveland.com.

Do you have an object that you'd like to know more about? Send a photo and a description that includes how you acquired the object to: The Detroit News, Trash or Treasure/Homestyle, 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226. Include your name and a daytime phone number. You may also e-mail your photo and description to trashortreas@aol.com. If chosen, you'll need to bring the item in for appraisal. Photos cannot be returned.