Weighty Subject

A particularly fancy Murano Paperweight, Italy 1950's

What a Drip!

There is texture upon texture on this skinny mid-century vase. Fluted, ridged and dripped glazes in a color combination of red, black, grey, & yellow. It's a model of modernity, Italian style.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2 Penguins from Bitossi , 1950's ...Hey, how did they get out in the snow???

Jack Frost-y

It's Christmas Eve and I must admit I've been waiting all year to share these extraordinary works. Produced by Michael Andersen & Sons around 1940, the design is referred to as a "Transmutation" Glaze and reminds me of the" Jack Frost" that occurs on windows during cold Winter days such as these. So innovative a technique, especially for the time period in which they were made, that the family owned studio won international attention and acclaim.

Regal Gift Box

From Royal Copenhagen, 1960's.

Cubist Ceramicist

The pattern on this small dish (5"x5') by Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala-Ekeby, c. 1963 is called "TRI". It would be nice under someone's TREE.

You've Been Served

It's the time of year when we are entertaining the masses...and this HUGE Italian ceramic platter would serve you well. At no less than 15" square, there is plenty of room for many a Christmas cookie. There is a cool sort of modern twist here that makes this design so delicious.

Let It SNOW!

Parts of NYC got up to a foot of snow, while much of the Eastern Seaboard received up to 24". So I was inspired to find a piece of Danish pottery with a snowy motif to share on this sunny holiday shopping day!

Swell Swag

Here's a string theory...your tree would look even better with some vintage mercury glass garland!

White Christmas

A gift idea for someone with great bedside manners... how about this hand blown Italian pitcher, wherein the lid doubles as your drinking glass!

Venetian Illumination

This is by far the most monumental single Murano lamp ever to grace our shop. Made up of 4 separate hand blown pieces of pitch black glass with 24k gold inclusions in the signature Barbini bullicante (bubble) pattern. Measuring 29" tall and over 13" wide, we are talking a major statement-making light source.

MORE is more

Thanks to More Magazine for featuring our wares in December's gift giving guide!

Danish Delights

Chamotte earthenware bowl and small vase with impressed decoration and a beautiful translucent blue/green glaze, c. 1957, my guess is that these were made by Annelise & Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palhus, Denmark. You can really get lost in the glaze and design.

Gorgeous Four

A wonderful collection of small vases designed in the 50's by Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweden. What makes this group stand out from the myriad works produced under this master's direction is the high gloss nature of the glaze. His work is more often monochromatic and matte. Also of note is the painterly color pattern...probably influenced by Carl's love of expressionism, while the shapes seem a nod to his study of Chinese antiquities.

That's My Jam

A 1940's era Arne Bang vessel made especially for marmalade or jam. The bonus is that it comes with an era-appropriate sterling silver spoon in the classic "acorn" motif by Georg Jensen.

Go to Town

Made in Italy by Bitossi, circa 1950's. This pair of cityscape ceramic lamps are hand painted in a delightful palette that says European seaside. What a lovely view!

Holmegaard for The Holidays

Scandinavian Glass including Holmegaard, Elme, and Kastrup.

Hey Santa!

2 weeks Till X-Mas Eve...just a reminder. Santa's coming to town (and this ornament needs a good home)!

RIBBON Candy

These delicate glass confections are from the factory of Fratelli Toso, 1950's. The ribbon-like quality is termed 'Latticino'.
Tasty!

This one's for The BIRD

This lil' birdy is from the fifties.

Have a BLUE Christmas

Italian Stopper bottles and their ilk...in many a shade of blue for you and yours.

It's CLEARLY Christmastime

Ornaments made during WWll were often made without silver interiors, due to the shortage of metal for the war. The result was these wonderful clear bulbs...a collectible category unto themselves.

You'll Pine for These

(Re)introducing the masterful work of Swedish ceramicist Per Liljegren. We are fortunate enough to have acquired more of his mind boggling ingenious designs. Last year we had 3 pieces which sold within weeks of arriving in our shop via our friends in Denmark. We are told that because of the intensity of the labor, these are among the last of this meticulous style of pottery he has produced- some 10 odd years ago.

Each piece is hand-thrown pure white stoneware clay. With a small knife he carves each individual shape (he calls them "leaves"). We estimated around 1000 marks on the tallest vase seen here (around 10"). To organize the pattern symmetrically he draws guidelines with a pencil. He starts carving at the top of the vase and works downward, needing to cut rather quickly before the clay becomes too dry. The method is challenging and demands strong technical skills and incredible patience. Often he works all day and night, going into some kind of meditative state while carving. Well, we certainly are entranced!

Each piece needs to dry before the first firing. The glaze is then applied and fired a second time. Then, yet another coat of glazing before its fired for the third time. JUST SPECTACULAR.

Glass of Christmas Past

Here are some more of my favorite vintage ornaments.

Ornaments for Days...

We've amassed quite an impressive selection of vintage ornaments for sale -dating from the Art Deco period through the groovy '60's. Here's just a few examples with more to come in the days ahead.

Widows To Our World

Christmas has arrived at The End of History. Here are our holiday windows ...and believe me when I say that photos do them no justice. Please come see them in person, as the elves worked ever so diligently on them. The detail shot features lovely collectible Murano Christmas Trees.

Not So Mellow...

YELLOW! The main piece in the middle is by Wayne Husted for Blenko, 1950's.

Citrus Christmas?

Does someone you love live for all things ORANGE? Here's some juicy options for orange gift giving!

Go Green!

Today our selection is mostly Italian hand blown glass from Empoli 1930-50's.

We've Got The Blues

Over the next few days, in order to share the extent of our vast collection, I'll feature various color stories...beginning with BLUE.

Silver Suggestions

How about something shiny on this Black Friday? For those reading this outside of the US, that ominous term refers to the day after Thanksgiving and the official start to the shopping spree that is the American Christmas season. Here I offer two 1950's geometric Mexican silver trays (the triangle shaped one has cute little legs) and a Sterling Silver box- by Vera Ferngren, Sweden, c. 1960. I'm thinking it's possibly a humidor, since it's interior has some sort of wood lining. Great gift ideas all.

Giving Thanks...

Thank You to all our customers & blog readers! Here's the artwork featured in an ad dated 1955 for Douglas Airline's DC-7. The tagline was "Whatever your reason for getting there faster...you go faster by far in a DC-7".

Thanks also to http://www.plan59.com/, the website which gets credit for originally housing this image, not to mention an amazing source for hi-quality vintage repros and prints.

Thanks A Lot

Can you even Cope-ia with these Barovier book-ends?!

One Strange Bird

Continuing my birdy theme I give you this oh-so-odd hybrid. Why this Murano Rooster has a Pheasant tail-feather is a mystery, but very funny indeed!

Bird Call...

While we all have bird on the brain, I serve up these two 1950's Italian Bird Boxes by Bitossi. Very FLAVIA-ful!

How Swede It Is

Called the 'Peacock' pattern, this is a classic vase from the Swedish company Elme Glasbruk, circa 1960's. A fine feathered friend for someone who loves these fall colors.

Back To Square One

That's not to say there is anything simple about this centerpiece. No less than 12" square and autumnal in its saturated burnt orange color, this is a statement-making masterwork from Barbini. You can get lost in the spiral effect of the controlled bubble pattern. The gold leaf adds that extra layer of richness.

Big Bang Theory

These green and brown spotted glazed pieces are from the workshop of Arne Bang circa 1940's. The tall floor vase measures 15" and is a prime example of his distinctive look which marries machine age with organic flair. The companion bowl is 15" in diameter. These are among the most desired of Danish ceramics with prices to match.

CinCin-Sational

With a neck like Audrey Hepburn...this hi-glaze minty blue vase comes from the most venerable American pottery company, the Ohio based Rookwood, est. 1880. This piece dates from 1940, just before the company filed bankruptcy due to The Great Depression. In 1941 the company was saved by Walter Schott allowing Rookwood to stay in business and its artists and employees to keep making beautiful American icons such as this.

http://www.rookwood.com/

Reunited

...and it feels so good! I was informed that these two Barbini bottles used to be sold as a set! Lovely in in the powder room or a ladies boudoir. One customer tells the tale of her long ago purchase of this very style and at the time it had to be put on layaway for the shorter of the two cost the equivalent of one month's rent on her Park Avenue apartment...this in 1950.

Grey Matters

And now the absence of color...from one extreme to another is how I like to keep 'em guessing. Just goes to show how we have something for every designer taste bud. This smokey glass bowl by Seguso, c. 1950's, is just so moody and marvelous in it's opalescence.

Color-Full Collectible

Suguso achieved glass nirvana. Never have I seen a single piece that incorporated more levels of color in one small bowl. I count 4 distinct layers with color combinations creating infinite mixes and hybrids of spectral light. Red, Blue, Green, and a hint of Acid Yellow make this piece one of the most wonderfully complex works I've laid eyes upon.

Cuckoo for Kokos

Hjördis Oldfors was an important designer at Upsala-Ekeby from 1952 to 1959. This piece is part of a series called "Kokos" short for kokosnöt or coconut...for reasons obvious. Delicate and intricate at once, the yellow glaze is found both in its interior and inside the meticulously incised linear design on the outside. We have had the vase in the past, but there is something so special about is elegant shape. It measures around 8" wide and 5" tall. That's it in a nutshell!

More Drinky Things

Crystal Ice Buckets from Strömberg.

For Serious Drinker's Only

Just in from Scandinavia are these simply stunning crystal decanters & shakers with sterling silver details. Most are from Strömberg (the full name is actually Strömbergshyttan) from the 1940's through 1960. The glass is created in Sweden (possibly designed by Gerda Strömberg herself) while the silver is crafted in Denmark. Thirsty yet?

Glossy Glass

We are featured in Town & Country's current issue, December 2009. On page 155 you will find a collection of glass bottles, most of which are from our shop. The spread features an ingenious showhouse created by decorator Richard Mishaan. In it he pays homage to the classic 1933 film by George Cukor, "Dinner at Eight". Our pieces help evoke a time when the powder room was a place of glamour.

www.townandcountrymag.com

Pale Shelter

This is our top shelf...literally. A mix of pale pink, sky blue, and opalescent lavender glass. The Buddha is not for sale, as he has always watched over our shop and brought us much luck over the years.

Seeing Things in BLACK & WHITE

Just a smattering of sublime striped ceramics from Upsala-Ekeby, SWEDEN c.1950's

Hold a Candle to These

Another entertaining idea for your Thanksgiving...these 7" tall Bitossi candle sticks in appropriately autumnal colors would look fantastic on your fall dining table. The shape of the opening allows for any size candle from a taper to a 3.5" wide pillar.

A Horse of a Different Color

We are accustomed to finding the Bitossi horse in the common "Rimini Blue", but were thrilled to come across this version in various shades of green.

Be STILL My Heart

We still love a still life. This 1950's cubist style decorated ceramic bowl would make Picasso proud.

Entertain This Idea

With the upcoming holidays approaching, it's time to start thinking about party planning. What could be more chic than a set of classic vintage Fornasetti coasters to place those festive cocktails upon!

Limonata Vase

Italian pottery from the '60's. What a great fizzy lemon colored glaze!

Pyramid Scheme

Can you believe that this solid Italian obelisk in pitch black glass has survived 4 decades without even a chip...right to the pointy 9'' tippy top. This is so future-modern, representing what mid-century visionaries imagined the future might look like.

Boxing Day

Two lightweight keepsake boxes from Italy. The yellow is a classic Bitossi with its signature embossed motif on the lid, while the orange pinstripe is from a company called Baldelli.

Eye Color

Eye can see you'll like this one. This amber colored elliptical shaped bowl was made in Murano Italy in the 1960's.

Fall Back

We may be called The End of History, but time keeps on tickin'. As we turn back our clocks and welcome a new season, I offer a Danish piece of off-white pottery adorned with leaf in relief design. The surface has a nice subtle crackle due to the passage of many an autumn before.

Happy Halloween!

Beech-Nut Gum Advertisement from 1958
image from www.plan59.com

Just in Time for HALLOWEEN

Seemingly typical Italian ceramics until you turn them around to reveal the sinister subtext of the artwork painted upon these flask-like vessels. All with drink in hand, perhaps these drunken damsels and creepy nymph are cautionary tales against the evils of alcohol. Scary good fun!

You Go Swirl!

Most likely created in Murano's Barbini factory during it's 1950's heyday, while under the direction of Maestro Alfredo Barbini himself. The coloration is lavender and blue with a dreamy, milky opalescence. I imagine seashells may have been an inspiration here. What a magnificent centerpiece this large bowl would make.

Going Back To Cali

We are excited to discover a new artist to add to our repertoire. Signed Rushall 1973, further research finds this late artist's first name is Dayle and that he lived in the San Diego area where he was a ceramicist and art conservator. This large vessel stands 14" tall. We love the modern primitive look. If you look closely, you'll see a bird that morphs into a smiling women in relief (see top photo). It is ornately carved all around and it's earthy glaze just screams Southern Califoria circa early 70's.

Norway? Yes way!

I love repetition. There is something so visually satisfying about a group of companion pieces that form an insta-collection. There is a slight variation in theme, but the three are obviously intended to be seen as a group. These pieces have that combination of glazed and matte that I adore. From Norway c. 1960's and signed Larholm on the bottom.

Gilty Pleasures

Over-the-top can actually be quite gorgeous... such as these 1950's Italian golden accessories. They'll immediately brighten up any room and perhaps your mood.

Pitcher Perfect

These two rather tall pitchers are by the hand of Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand (incised with his initials on the bottom). The graceful lines are reminiscent of ancient Greek Amphora with a decidedly mid-century Scandinavian twist, given the striated and mottled glaze.

I'm Bowled Over

This is one of those pieces of glass that stuns at first sight. The label identifies it as Suguso Vetri D'arte the factory established in 1933 by the family whose tradition of fine Murano glass dates back 600 years. This bowl was made during the 50's under the artistic supervision of Flavio Poli. His mastery influenced the somersso style (multi layers/colors) that became one of Suguso's signature looks. This is an impressive size and weight. It measure 7" in diameter and nearly 3" in height. It offers a prismatic light-play throughout the day.

Polar Bear Expression

It seems likely that these Polar Bears would win the "Whimsy Award", if such a title existed. They are from a California pottery company called JARU -named after the founders JAck and RUth Hirsch back in 1950. These guys were created in 1974, as identified by a mark on the side of the sculptures. Two Cute!

FLAVIO of the week

Today's object d'art is this fabulous grey sommerso decanter by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte, circa 1950s. Drink it up!

Prosaic Praise

Yesterday we were pleased to make the acquaintance of a fellow blogger and admitted aesthete. Michael Todd Cohen spent quality time with shop owner Stephen Saunders to learn more about our store and the result was a beautifully written entry on his blog called Newest York:

http://newestyork.blogspot.com/2009/10/end-of-history.html

* note: above iPhone photo is Cohen's own

Thanks Michael!

Pinch Me

This three sided pinched glass vase in a rare, rich grape shade of purple is from Empoli, Italy circa 1950. The hand-made feel adds to it's organic beauty.

Deco-Rate!

2 vases by Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen, c.1937, the same year he showed at the World's Fair in Paris (also known as The Expo. Internationale des Arts et des Techniquesdans la vie Moderne, Paris 1937). This multi-dimensional glaze is called Solfatara, a term that references sulphur formed at the opening of a volcano.
UPDATE: The 3rd item is not actually Nils, but is also Danish and by L Hjorth, a small studio where they produced their own high quality works, perhaps influenced by the glazes of the above mentioned Thorsson.

A Boxtop Worth Saving

The word of the day is SGRAFFITO...a term of Italian origin that describes the tecnique of using a tool to scrape away the surface of plaster or ceramics for decorative effect as employed here in this beautiful Italian keepsake box.

Recommended Reading

There are a few designers that stand out as major influences of the 20th Century...one of the indisputed icons is David Hicks. Written by daughter Ashley Hicks, we get an insider perspective and a peek at his personal life in design.

It's Hurricane Season

These hand-blown cased glass pieces, in a subtle blush of pink, look great as futurist sculptural objects, but serve an old world purpose. They are actually hurricanes designed to hold taper candles. Elegant for a dining table or on a mantel.

Digging This Clam!

Never in the history of The End of History have we come across a decorative object of this size and nature. This is one giant clam! Just for sense of scale...the milk-glass pearl is about the size of a baseball...and it can be held in the hand like one too. This would be swimmingly appropriate in an upscale seafood restaurant or seaside mansion...any Hamptons readers out there?

REMINDER: See Yesterday's post for today's must-see TV.

DVR Alert

Hey...we're going to be on TV! For those in the New York area please don't miss our taped piece on the new daily lifestyle show LX TV 1st Look NY! Thanks again to our aforementioned buddy, Mr. Bravo himself, Andy Cohen...we've landed a spot on a weekly segment where he recommends his favorite finds in New York City. It airs tomorrow, Thursday October 15th, at 5pm.

Orange You Glad...

A simple still life of a spectacular burnt orange moment. The in-store styling is worth a trip to the shop. We are known equally for our merchandizing...as we are for the merchandise itself!

Now That's Italian

An Italian ceramic to celebrate Columbus Day! If this compote in chocolate brown with bronze detail isn't perfect for someone's holiday centerpiece...'forgetaboutit'!

Bubbly Bud Vase

This Absinthe green bud vase is by Kastrup, Denmark...original foil sticker in tact (not shown). By the way...A TIP for the beginner glass collector...NEVER remove foil stickers, for they allow us to date a piece and actually add value. Just do what I've done here, and turn the sticker away from view, if you are so inclined.

Tamper With This...

OK we are not encouraging smoking, butt how swellegant is this artifact from a time when smoking was the norm...think any episode of Mad Men!

Bookmark These Bookends!

Many don't realize that these heavy Murano objects serve a dual purpose. They are actually bookends. This pair (pear) is in a very hot candy apple red.

Gorgeous Granny

More deliciousness in glass. Italian from the '50's in an odd but alluring color combination of Granny Apple Green and Cornflower Blue.

Genie-us Bottles

New to the shop are these gorgeous grape colored stopper bottles. The more ornate designs make me think 'India meets Italia'.

You've Got Me Twisted

This is a fine example of what the Italians call 'Zanfirico'...the very complex glass blowing process of twisted filigree or 'Filigrana a Retortoli'. This color combination of hot pink and deep electric blue is so visually arresting that it's mesmerizing.

Happy Anniversary!

It was twelve years ago to the day that we opened shop. We thought it would be fun to share with you our very first window display. Enjoy...and here's to a dozen more!

Another Golden Nugget

This gilded shallow bowl is also from the Isle of Murano, this time from another one of the venerable names in glass...Barbini.

All That Glitters

...is GOLD at The End of History. These three are glimmering examples of glass bowls from the Seguso factory in Murano, c. 1950's.

I ♥ N Y (Magazine)

I'm never shy about sharing a great review. Here's an over-the-top positive recommendation from our always supportive friends at New York Magazine:



Of all the enticing shops on Hudson Street, the End of History is the only one that attracts the eyes with a magnetic pull. The small, two-window storefront gives way to a visual explosion of vintage glassware—azure lamps, yellow vases, deep-green hurricanes—all categorized by color. The novel approach to arrangement is only a fraction of the allure here: 10,000 vintage pieces make up the world's largest, international collection of mid-century glass and ceramic ware. (The store does sell a few pieces of mid-century furniture, too, but as owner Stephen Saunders is quick to tell, "the primary focus is the glassware.") Saunders will look "anywhere that wasn't communist in the fifties or sixties" to ensure that his collection continues to wow his patrons. Since its opening in 1997, the store remains a favorite of obsessive sophisticates of all sorts: top-notch decorators, shelter editors, West Village townhouse owners, and anyone else who treasures, say, Murano chandeliers or Blenko decanters. — Caroline Callahan, New York Magazine

Power of Towers

Featured here once before, but worth a second mention as our collection has since multiplied. These are models for German Radio/TV Towers. All are hand lathed as architectural renderings to be used by designers and city planners for proposed communications towers. These are not your tourist type souvenirs. These are the real deal. Some may have remained unrealized plans while others came to glorious full fruition. Notice the tower with the sphere...the actual tower can be found in Berlin.

Gals We Love

Not sure who we love more, Swedish Mari Simmulson or her Dali-esque subject shown here on another fantastical ceramic plate.

Flavio Duo

Two by Flavio Poli for Archimede Seguso. Here's the tall and the short of it...16.5" and 10.5" respectively. The taller of the two has dual color sommerso from Rasperpery to Amber. Delicious.

Pretty in Pink

This Archimede Seguso Alabastro Rosa decanter was made between 1950 and 1959 when the soft palette of opaque glass was de rigueur. Very of the era and the definition of feminine. The stopper is just a perfectly pretty bubblegum shape and color.

Funky Cool Mdina

These utterly unique pieces of art glass are the creation of Michael Harris, an imaginative British glass blower who moved to Malta in the late 60's in order to start the Mdina Glass Studio. Eventually the great Harris returned to Great Britain and established Isle of Wight Glass. The gold and opalescent piece you see above is an example of Isle of Wight from the 1970's while the blue/green flask is an early 80's Mdina.

Very Flavia-ful

One of the most recognizable names in modern Italian pottery is that of the Bitossi family, now under the moniker "Bitossi by Flavia". The classic Rimini Blu is the most commonly found...that is not to say it is mass produced in any fashion. Their artisans hand craft in the tradition of the original designs created by Aldo Londi. The Bitossi company started in 1921 and has since employed such Italian design royalty as Ettore Sottsass and Fornasetti. Other color variations shown here are rare and quite collectible.

What's In Store

We have a long history with the grande dame of 5th Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman. Our glass is currently providing colorful context to their shoe boutique. Their merchandisers go as far as matching our glass to the clothing collections for added impact. Years ago, we were honored to provide our wares for an amazing window display.

LINK:
http://theendofhistoryshop.blogspot.com/2008/09/glass-behind-glass-at-bergdorfs.html

Another Retail Tale

Simon Doonan, the brilliant creative director for Barney's New York, loves his mid-century design...why he even married Jonathan Adler! That is why for the past decade or so, our glass objects have been permanent fixtures of his in-store displays. A fabulous grouping that used to adorn the Madison Avenue cosmetics floor has moved on up to the fine jewelry section. Shoppers often compliment the glass with equal interest as the jewels they display.

NOTE: Barney's even offered us a pop-up shop once upon a time...see post from exactly one year ago today!

LINK:
http://theendofhistoryshop.blogspot.com/2008/09/barneys-new-york-store-within-store.html#links

RE: Retail

Back in Manhattan, I visited the new J. Crew Collection store on the tony corner of 79th and Madison. Months ago prior to opening, Ruth Parsons, visual director of merchandising for the company, came in and selected the above glass items to decorate the new flagship store. The clothes are of course worthy of the First Family, and the environs are downtown artsy for the uptown girl.

Day Trippin'

Yesterday I had the pleasure of driving out to the bucolic town of Bridgehampton to visit a blue grouping of glass from our shop currently on display at the very chic Maison 24. Proprietor Louis Marra gave me a tour of the beyond colorful place he and his sister Allison Julius opened after years of designing furniture and home furnishings together. Just because high season is wrapping up doesn't mean that the high life halts in the Hamptons...Maison 24 is open year round! The shop is more of a lifestyle store, selling everything from Fornasetti to cool clothing and the latest books and cd's one must have to feel current, trendy, eclectic, and above all fabulous! www.maison24.com

Great Dane

Here is an example of the largest single piece of Marselis we've acquired to date. It's a subtle ox-blood in color. Measuring 12" high and 32" around, it's visual impact is grand. Designed by Nils Thorsen for the Aluminia (read Royal Copenhagen) factory in Denmark.

What a Stud!

One of the prevailing fashion trends is that of the studded variety. Made long before the association of punk glamour, this Gunnar Nylund white ceramic studded vase was created in Sweden, c. 1950's. Sharp!

Smokin'!

This smoked grey glass decanter is by one of Blenko's most prolific designers- John Nickerson. Made in 1972, there is great interest to be found in the stopper.

Let's Neck

A sumptuous selection for your viewing pleasure of long and tall necked bottles in shades of blue and green. Very top shelf!

Chicken of the Sea?

I'm re-thinking my earlier post where I supposed that this glass sculpture by Licio Zenetti, c. 1960's was a chicken. OK, probably not the case! UPDATE: Finding similar sculptures described as fish leads me to humbly retract and say this may be a fishy.

What Are You, Chicken?

Or perhaps Rooster? This Italian green glass pitcher is Empoli from the 30's.

FLAVIO of the Week

This perfume bottle has all the tell-tale signs of being by Flavio Poli for Archimede Seguso. The coloration of green and amber sommerso are signature to his style. It stands at just under 10" to the tip of the flame shaped stopper. Stunning in its simplicity.

My Latest Hang-Up

One does not usually associate Bamboo with Italy, but this gilded wrought iron wall hanging is indeed from there. I love the shadows it casts on the wall. Measuring approximately 42" in length, give or take a gold leaf.

BRAVO!

From our good friend at TV's most fashionable network:


"The End of History is an amazing vintage glass and furniture store where it's impossible not to fall in love with something!"
- Andy Cohen, Watch What Happens

Vast Vase

This is one of the most gorgeous vases I've seen in ages. Standing at 15" tall, this hand blown Murano piece has great presence. Its turquoise color (my favorite hue bar none) is deeply saturated and the weight is impressive. I'm still researching its origins, but it's proving difficult. I do believe this predates the 50's era because of the classical form, but we shall see. I will update if I uncover the mystery of the hand that made this masterpiece of cased glass.

Ray of Light

After two drizzly days I beckon the sun back with this Boda piece designed and signed by Elsa Fahlström in 1954. It is my understanding that this type of decorative engraving was done by copper wheel.

In Praise of 'Shrooms!

What fun to be involved in New York City's Fashion's Night Out event! We were happy to help with the inspiring & genius window designs of Lori Goldstein in her whimsical window dressing for famed jeweler Fred Leighton. You'll notice our shimmering glass mushrooms amid the fantastical bejeweled scene. The display is up for Fashion Week, so be sure to see it in person at Fred Leighton, 773 Madison Avenue.

Bowls Squared

Johanne Gerber, for Roayal Copenhagen's Fajance series, c. 1960's

Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala-Ekeby, c. 1950's

Hip To Be Square

Geek Chic from the hip-to-be-square hand of Sweden's Mari Simmulson for Upsala-Ekeby. c. 1950's.

How Swede It Is!

I'm attributing this odd nippled number to Wiktor Berndt, given his propensity for molded glass and use of relief-work. He was the Chief Designer for Flygsfors, Sweden from 1956-1974.

He also had a thing for the ladies I assume (see clear piece I found elsewhere on the web)!

Happy Labor Day!

Image found on www.plan59.com , my favorite source for vintage images. They sell high quality prints too...so support that site!

Black & White Part 3

Vicke Lindstand, 1940's

Ingrid Atterberg, "Pylon" line, 1955. Ekeby.

Black & White Continued

Swedish ceramics by Mari Simmulson for Upsala-Ekeby, 1950's.

Seeing Things in Black & White

This weekend I'll feature pieces in the always chic black and white design family. Friday's beauties are these rare ceramics made by Hertha Bengtsson- manufactured for Gustavsberg, Sweden, c. 1950's. Most of her work consists of pretty florals, while these are examples of bauhausian geometrics.

Czech This Out

UPDATE: I had originally identified this piece as Finnish, but thanks to an observant and knowledgeable reader we have been informed this is most likely Czech glass from the 60's/70's and further research tells me it's called "Sklo".

Looky-Likey

Verner Panton Textile

Rosenthal Studio Line Porcelain Vase

There is clearly a connection here. Our 1960's Rosenthal vase was either designed by the great Verner Panton, or pays direct homage to his groovy sensibilities. Terrifically Trippy!

FAIR Thee Well

In honor of yesterday's opening day of the US Open, I give you one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of the 60's...The Unishpere. The stainless steel, 900,000 pound structure stands 12 stories tall and is located in Flushing Meadows Park in the Borough of Queens, New York City. The Unisphere, commissioned to celebrate the beginning of the space age, was conceived and constructed as the Theme Symbol of the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair. The Theme of the World's Fair was "Peace Through Understanding" and the Unisphere represented the theme of global interdependence. It was dedicated to "Man's Achievements on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe." Very The End of History! Designed by landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke, it is the world's largest global structure.

Back To Schollert

White glaze over red clay, c. 1950's. What appeals to me about Danish ceramicist Christian Schollert's works are the exactitude of his lines. So symmetrical are the designs that they harken the machine age.

The Big Apple

Another one for the bizarre but fun file. An Italian cased glass lidded bowl shaped as an apple? In turquoise no less! Measuring 8" in diameter and 4" tall (including stem). It would be sweet as a covered candy dish.

Amorous for Amber Glass

Just a little grouping for those who love the earth tones.

Light as a Feather

This sweet little confection is by Fratelli Toso, Murano Italy, c. 1950's. It stands at 4.5". Fabulous for anyone who collects vintage perfume bottles or for someone who simply enjoys the little things in life.

What's Black & Blue...

...and READ all over? My blog's readership has been increasing by leaps and bounds lately. I'm now read in at least 26 countries! Here is a beautiful selection of mostly Italian black cased glass and Murano bowls for the whole world to see.

Speaking of Glowing Reviews...

Heather's Habitually Chic Snap-Shot

Heather Clawson, Blog Star

We were honored yesterday by our inclusion on one of our very favorite blogs. The wonderful Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic™ paid us a visit and shared her enthusiasm for our shop with the many fabulous fans of her popular site...under the title Color Me Happy! Stephen and I have been following her stylish musings from her early entrée into the blogosphere and we couldn't be happier to be on her designer-radar! To Google her is to find a million and a half mentions. She is consistently among the top rated bloggers in the "Lifestyle" category and she has come to represent the type of success and meteoric rise a blog can bring. Habitually Chic™ is the kind of habit one need not break!

Link Below:
http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2009/08/color-me-happy.html

Glowing Review!

This Murano Bowl is absolutely phosphorescent! This florescent yellow glass screams to be seen.

Fancy Redundancy

Gotta love a piece of Italian pottery that features other pieces of pottery or glass as decoration. This black and white nod to Fornasetti may be intended as an umbrella stand, because of its height, weight, and the cut out handles on the side.

Tray Chic

We describe this 1960's lacquer tray as "Mary Quant Goes Kyoto". I love how the floral motif spills over the lip of the tray. It comes with it's original wooden box. Pop art meets Imperial Japan!

Red Skies at Night

Heinz Münnich (1921-1978) was born in Dresden, Germany, the son of an artist. He graduated from the University of Arts in Hanover. Today, the name of Münnich is very well known among art experts and collectors. His works have been exhibited in the "House of Art" at Munich since 1934. Known equally for his realism in depicting the Swiss Alps and for his later semi-abstract paintings such as this vibrant cityscape, 1968. His technique involves the use of a heavy palette knife with extraordinary effect.

Delicious Italian

20" Tall, with a great neck! Marked Italy, RAYMOR. 1960's

Tallest of All

At 20.5 ", this is literally the biggest piece of Scandinavian pottery we currently have. Also made in Sweden c. 1950's by Arthur Andersson for Wallåkra. His heavy, large pieces were most likely intended as Floor Vases. The unique salt glaze of his stoneware gives it an almost metallic finish.

Larger Still

This week I'm highlighting some of the bigger pieces, in terms of size and importance. This piece stands 15" tall. Designed by Arthur Andersson for Wallåkra, Sweden. This unique vase features an earthy salt glaze and an organic pod-like shape.

Large and Lovely

This heavy stoneware vase has a light cross-hatched pattern and a mottled mustard colored glaze. We know it to be from the hand of Gerd Bøgelund for Royal Copenhagen because of a distinctive initial 'gb' incised on the bottom. The Height is about 12".

Another Grey Day...

Actually it's 90 degrees and sunny in NYC, but I had to share this GREY cased glass grouping. Italian from the 60's and among the rarest color-way.

Mad About Mad Men?

The Mad Men look can be found here at The End of History! Don't miss the premiere of Season 3 tonight on AMC @ 10pm!

The Two Seasons

Autumn and Spring are represented here in hand sculpted terracotta, c. 1920's. Stamped "Made in Italy" and signed Barolini. Where Winter and Summer ended up is anyone's guess.

(Not So) Secret

From the forthcoming September 2009 Issue of Metropolitan Home:
Secret Source
Design impresario Giulio Cappellini (show here with his latest collection) loves to shop at The End of History in New York City's West Village for it's vast selection of 1950's and '60's glass (which he used in Poltrona Frau's SoHo store).

What a RELIEF!

Designed by Manfred Frey circa 1970 for the West German company Kaiser Porcelain, these vintage vases have the odd and intricate pattern of Ammonoid Fossils in detailed relief.

FLAVIO of the week

One of the most exciting shapes of stopper bottles is this streamlined statement from Flavio Poli for Seguso, circa 1950's. The needle-nose tip seems to never end.

Danish Delights

A group from Royal Copenhagen's Fajance series, created in the 1960's by commissioned artist Jette Gerber. We love the abstract blossoming tree motif and brown + periwinkle is a favorite color combo.

Recommended Reading

From our friends at Taschen Publishing comes this excellent introduction to Gio Ponti (1891–1979), the quintessential Italian interior architect, designer of furniture, accessories and Domus Magazine founder and editor. Ponti was the walking definition of the Renaissance Man!

It's a Grey Day

This signed hand-blown smoked grey bowl was designed by Per Lütken and made for Holmegaard in 1961. It measures an impressive 15" x 14", the biggest we've seen.

Let's Get Cracking

These giant crackled vessels stand at 16 1/2". The lava-like surface quality is reminiscent of a volcanic floor. Made in the 1950's by a West German company called Jasba, likely under the design direction of Cilli Wörsdörfer. These would make dramatic lamp bases or a major statement on a massive mantle.

Under The Sea

Just Andersen, one of the best known metal masters to come out of Denmark created this solid bronz piece in the 1930's. Given the fantastical subject matter of the mermaid and mythical sea creature, I suspect it was made for one of the many World's Fairs where his work was featured. It measures at just over 12" in diameter.

Lavender Lovely

Masculine meets feminine in this pair of Italian lamps. The opalescent purple Murano glass positively glows at the center of the classic marble column base.

Purple Reign

The chosen hue of Royalty, purple remains an elusive color in design. This Murano piece imported by Raymor in the 1950's is a great example of the impact the color purple makes.

Dark Matters

Here is an example of a Murano bowl in an unusually dark color palette. The base is black glass and the metal elements are a mix of copper and gold with a hint of chartreuse. Rarified and radient!

Effervescent...

It's form is a sort of amorphous pear-shape. There is a satisfying weight to this small but substantial champagne colored Murano bud vase with controlled bubbles.

I Conch Believe This

Beautiful from every angle, this conch shell from Murano is a summer stunner. Great for the beach house, or for those who wish to escape to the sea right in their own home. Probably Barbini.

Let's Go to the Movies

Great interior design can be found at the movies. Pillow Talk is a Doris Day classic, while Down With Love pays homage to the golden era. I tend to watch mid-century period pieces for the set design as much as the storyline.

Seeing Double

Rare is the stopper that is the same exact proportion as the base. This iconic amber piece is from Greenwich Flint-Craft.

How Swede it Is

Upsala-Ekeby was founded in Karlskrona Sweden in 1886 as a manufacturer of bricks and tiles. In 1910, The Swedish Crafts Association encouraged local companies to create "more beautiful everyday ware". This inspired them to hire artists to increase the popularity and relevance of the company. Among the first was Sven Erik Skawonius. His stunning 1920's porcelain is a most subtle shade of Celadon Green.

The Art of Lighting

These 1950's Italian wall sconces are being attributed to Gino Sarfatti for Arteluce also known as Arredoluce. Fabulous at any angle, the jointed hardware is solid brass and they seem to have never been used, given the pristine condition!

Our Latest Hang-Up

This arrived just yesterday and I'm once again inspired to draw a comparison to the works of my favorite visionary, Oscar Niemeyer. This hanging brass wall sculpture has that very Utopian-Architectural-Retro-Yet-Futuristic vibe I adore!

Brutal

Hand welded in the Brutalist style, this wall sculpture can be hung either horizontally or vertically...as we've chosen here. The abstract form is vaguely spinal this way. Its mix of metals and splotchy technique gives this piece great textual interest and multi-dimension. If Jackson Pollock got hold of a soldering gun this might be the result.

Table Conversation

This 1960's table by Muller's is pure Mexican Onyx set on an elegant brass base. Measuring 60" X 27" and 16 1/2 " High, Weighing at least 100 lbs., this is a major piece of art. The complex striations in the crystalline quartz top are an awesome example of Mother Nature as divine designer.

Blue's Clues

This significant turquoise blue vase has the signature qualities of Barovier & Toso, with its light spattering of gold, controlled bubbles, and fluted design.

It's a Bird...

It's a Box...It's Super-chic! Fellini must of had some major influence over all the arts in Italy. How else can we explain the work of a potter at Bitossi who decided to decorate this bird-shaped ceramic box with a school of fish? Surreal!

Flower Power

Ever eager to share the unusual, I present a decanter with incredible interest in the base! The glassblower has somehow created a very literal interpretation of what the Italians refer to as "Millefiori". The delicate flower display captured in glass baffles the mind. The result is an ambitious and luxurious design.

Multi-Faceted

This type of glass object continues to be a favorite. Like giant gems!

One for NASA

This trippy piece of space age cased glass was created in the 1960's by PO Ström for Alsterfors, Sweden.

Geode Duo

Tray Chic

This deluxe serving tray is Italian Faux Tortoise Shell with a polished Brass border.

I'm a Genie in a Bottle Baby...

This rare Barbini beauty looks like Ms. Barbara Eden would feel right at home inside!

Copper-Bottomed Collection

Go for the Gold

A beautiful Barovier & Toso Opalescent Bowl with Gold Details.

Invest in Silver

Among the names to look for in Murano Glass is Seguso. This monumental piece is a signature shape with an unusual twist... Silver leaf! We often see gold leaf, but silver is a rare treat. This heavy vase stands 12" tall and is nearly as wide.

Mottled MASTERPIECE

I don't believe that had air-brushing technology back in the 1940's when this exquisite piece was made by good ole' Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. It's shape is a simple but elegant gourd with a subtle speckle of lavender glaze.

More Boxes

Italian Ceramic Boxes of the shiny variety.

We're on an iPhone App!

There is a website and book series called NFT, which stands for "Not For Tourists". It's basically a travel guide with a unique angle... which is to speak to savvy locals and trendy tourists alike who have a taste for the unique. It's sort of a clever reverse-psychological approach. When I'm a tourist, it's the local secret spots I tend to seek out...no offense to Lady Liberty. Well NFT now has an iPhone App and we are high on the list of recommended shopping destinations for Manhattan's West Village. It's nice to be embraced by the latest technology!

"Due" Box Me In

Translation: 2 Italian Ceramic Boxes

Windows to Our World

Our current display of mostly citrus colored glass and gold.