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.

All About Eve

Meissen Fine Porcelain figure of Eve (or is it Venus?), circa 1920. Meissen has been producing Europe's finest porcelain since 1710. This is a great example of our shop's ability to find balance between the strictly modern and our love for classical motifs.

MORE-ano Bowls

Little Italian Gems...collect them all!

Bowl More and More

A handful of hand-holdable Murano bowls with more to come...

Don't Adjust You Screens...

There really is a blur effect in the genius glazes of these Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand bowls. I am reminded immediately of the Northern Lights when staring into these stunning surfaces.

Happy 4th of JULY!

Bulls-Eye

LOVE this glittering gold and white faux-crackle ceramic. High 50's Italian Style. Imagine serving freshly baked Biscotti or Champagne Grapes for guests on this sweet little piece.

Give Me Moore

Carved in the year 1966 by the likes of one Bob Lindley, an unknown artist...at least to us. This wood wonder seems an obvious homage to the metal sculptures of the very well known Henry Moore.

Tipping the SCALE

In response to yesterday's blog entry...I give you the full sized examples. Whereas the mini's were light as a feather, these blue beauties weigh a ton. The pair of stoneware footed bowls are impressed with rows of fish-scale design under a blue and amber mottled matte glaze. The larger of the two has the design on the interior while it's companion has the pattern on the outside. Both are from the"Verkstad" line, 1940's by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden.