Bowl More

Danish master ceramicist Thomas Toft created this gorgeous bowl in the 1950's. What I love is the contrast between the dark chocolate brown surface and the stark white decorative details. It is surprisingly light to hold, as if made by air. Really delicate and in terrific condition. This one was shipped in from our friends in Denmark.

Hey, let's go Bowling!

I've got gold dust on the brain. Another Barbini masterpiece for your viewing pleasure. It would make a great statement in a formal dining room, centered on your table or adoning the credenza. UPDATE: NOT Barbini... It's 1940's by Cenedese!

Le CIRQUE

Certain Barbini designs evoke the feel of the circus...like these three ornate lidded jars. Fabulous whimsy captured in gilded glass.

HORN of Plenty

Plenty pretty that is. This rather manly form in emerald green is from Empoli, a town in the Tuscany region of Italy.

FLAVIO of the week

In keeping with this week's glass objet d'art fixation...I give you this small, yet heavy, Murano glass perfume bottle...attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso, Italy circa 1950's.

When Life Hands You Lemons...

Well, you know the rest. I've always loved that saying. This Lemon paperweight would make a great gift for someone facing these challenging times. OK, so it's not going to bring back the bulk of your 401K...but it is very pretty, no?

What a PEAR!

Reminiscent of the surrealist works of Magritte, these heavy Venitian Glass objects have multiple uses. They look incredible together, but are commonly used as bookends or individually as paper weights. They were made in Venice in the 1950's. This particular set is most likely by Barbini (the gold dust is a clue). Delicious!

In a WORLD...

Remember the Encyclopedia Britannica Black Sea Globe? If you were a kid in the 50's or 60's you may have learned your geography from one similar to this. We try to keep one on hand at all times. They are rare in perfect condition, so prices will vary. What's fun and fascinating is seeing how the names of countries and regions have changed. It's a classic decorative object, and educational too.

A Horse is a Horse, of course...

...of course, unless it's a gilded,crackled,spotted Italian ceramic decorative horse sculpture from the '50's!

Out Like a LAMB?

With this being the first day of SPRING, I thought it apropos to highlight this cute little number. It's an original Hans Henrik Hansen for Royal Copenhagen.

My latest Hang Up!

This large brass wall hanging would make a great statement above your Knoll sofa or groovy fireplace! It's most likely from the the 60's or even early 70's. Admire the craftsmanship wherein Jasin (whoever he is) annealed the occasional square to create the trippy cubist effect.

ORANGE you glad?

We carry these fabulous Barbini bowls!

One of a Kind

People often ask if we ever come across items that we've never seen in the market before. Sometimes a piece is actually marked "Unique" as is the case with this extraordinary ceramic. The shiny metallic dots on the surface look like an experiment in the firing process, which probably involved the use of some type of ore, not typical to the decorative arts. This studio piece was created by Swedish artisan Claes Theil (incised signature) in 1978. UPDATE further research reveals the process is called a Carbon Crystalline Glaze. 

Here: Kitty, Kitty, Kitty

These handsome pieces by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen were produced in the 1930's. The sculptures are 16" from head to tail. The decorative plate measures 11'' in diameter.

WOOD you like a piece of history?

This large (17 3/4" diameter) Wooden tray is marked by none other than Eero Saarinen, perhaps the quintessential Mid-Century Modern designer!

More FISH? As you wish!

Anna-Lisa Thomson
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen
Murano Glass Fish

There's something FISHY going on here

We have an extensive collection from Swedish designer Anna-Lisa Thomson's Spectra Series which feature lovely hand-pained underwater scenes.

Mellow Yellow

A lil' ray of sunshine on this grey and rainy day in New York.

Time to Thank Time Out

I recently happened upon a review of the shop that I had not seen prior:

FROM TIME OUT NEW YORK (Online)

When its lamps are left ablaze late at night, this gorgeously curated shop is perhaps the most stunning spot in the city. But it’s more than just a pretty face: Though pricey (small pieces start at about $150), its extensive stock of vintage glass and pottery draws collectors from the world over, and its extremely knowledgeable staff can guide and explain the importance of the various vases, lamps and goblets.

THANKS TIME OUT NEW YORK...You say the nicest things!

Berry Berry Nice

A group of ceramics in a palate reminicent of juicy raspberries.

MARTHA STEWART'S Flowers

THANKS are in order for the much appreciated gesture bestowed upon our humble shop by our friend and longtime supporter, Kevin Sharkey, the Senior Vice President of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (my former employer in fact)! As many of you know we were closed for nearly two months for renovations. Our unveiling did not go unnoticed by our very stylish West Village neighbor in the form of this GORGEOUS bouquet of multi-colored Lilies, which arrived with a note "Wishing you all the best in your "New" Home!" Thanks to Martha for the continued support. They were among the first high end periodical to feature us in their pages over 10 years ago!

DRAMATIC Lighting

This glamorous golden wall sconce actually lights up (we used eco-friendly chandelier bulbs). Leafy and lovely!

NYC hit with a WINTERY Mix!

Adrift in decorating decisions? Our forecast: invest in fine 20th century ceramics. In this economy, perhaps it's wiser to purchase items that will increase in value than shoveling money into the unstable stock market. How's that for stimulating?

EDITOR'S Choice

From this month's issue of Metropolitan Home, March 2009. Our glass was featured in this spectacular spread. We feel right at home!