Fishing for Ceramic Mermaids

Our fascination with the mermaid predates even the earliest sightings by ancient mariners. And even in this hyper-rational, tech-saturated age, our enchantment with the oceans' temptress has not wavered. Her portrayal in countless books, films, and every cup of Starbucks coffee, along with the mermaid mania that recently swept Kiryat Yam in Israel, prove that the seamaiden's fishtail is keeping a strong grasp on our hearts and imaginations.

For those of us lacking the time or the funds to travel to Israel (where a live mermaid captured on film will net a cool $1 million), antique shops and auction sites offer the opportunity to catch vintage mermaids of the ceramic variety for a veritable siren's song. Check out "Fishing for Ceramic Mermaids" for the fishtailed 411.