Shaped like an inviting front door with a domed leaded-glass window, this ornament makes an appropriate gift for any home at any time of year. Written above the domed light are the words, Bless this house. A green cord attached to the top allows the ornament to be hung on a front door, porch wall, or Christmas tree. Made in Ireland of fine parian china, the glazed white ornament measures 4 by 2-1/4 inches, and is decorated with hand-painted green shamrocks.
Parian china was invented in Great Britain in the 1840s for sculpting classical figurines. Because of the china's marble-like translucence, the name derived from the Greek island of Paros, famous for its prized white marble. Belleek parian ware exhibits exceptional craftsmanship and is esteemed among collectors worldwide. --Ann Bieri
