Africa by way of Italy

A common motif in the 1950's was inspired by a worldwide fascination with all things Africa. These two vases have typical village scenes. A surprise is found on the back of each vessel, where we see the figure's homes.

Yummy...

This little square shaped bowl has a frothy glaze reminescent of a vanilla bean milkshake. Created by Ana Lisa Thomson for Uppsala Ekeby. Refreshing!

Our Latest (Re)Discovery

Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver accessories for the home. Stunning!

Facet-nating!

Sometimes a piece combines everything I'm looking for in glass. This unique piece has a combination of several design elements I find appealing. Faceted...check. Geometric...check. Bud Vase...check. GOLD flecks...CHECK MATE!

Why Weight?

Why not?

Calling All Architecture Buffs

Over the years we have come across nearly 20 of these fascinating metal sculptures. These are in fact hand-lathed architectural renderings of planned German Radio Towers. Some may have been constructed (just Google Image "German Radio Tower" to find real examples) while others may have been designed but never realized. The tallest stands 16 1/4" and is made of Copper, Chrome, and Brass. The next one is 12 1/4" and is made of Stainless Steel. The smallest of them is 11" and made of Aluminium.

What a PEAR!

Another one to file under "Unusual But Cool". A very heavy glass pear, that is actually a decanter. A dessert wine would work very well in this.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Image found on www.Plan59.com

Mini Fantoni

Another Fantoni Found! A drippy Italian ceramic cube from the 1950's. It stands at 7" tall and 4 3/4" square.

Wanna Banana?

I love showing off the unusual, yet fabulous. How about a Murano bowl shaped like a bunch of bananas? Or a banana-boat perhaps. It's a truly unique piece. Day-O!

Little Boxes, Little Boxes...

Little boxes made of pottery. Ceramic lidded keep-sake containers from Italy. For whatever stash you wish. Perhaps as a bedside jewelery-box? Or just a lovely decoration for the coffee table. The one in the center has a molten glass top that is extraordinary.

UFO

Designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweden. 1950's.

Space Age Bottle

This Stopper Bottle has a nice combination of cased and clear glass in monochromatic shades of teal. The particularly space-age form appeals to my sci-fi sensibility.

Small Wonder

At approximately 4" x 4", here is a small but perfect example of a type of Murano glass referred to as either "Latticino " or "Tessuto"-the latter literally meaning fabric in Italian. This process involves the weaving of fine glass rods to create a lace or lattice effect.

Get Roped In...

One way to identify the work of Murano's Barovier & Toso is to spot the distinct technique employed by their glass blowers which is referred to as Cordonato d'Oro ... translated, "golden rope". No doubt, not a simple process, theses pieces tend to have a significant weight and are valued accordingly.

Futurist Porcelain?

Seems an oxymoron. There is a line of porcelain that is owned by Rosenthal under the name Thomas Germany which produced decidedly more modern lines in the 60's. This gold patterned pair are great examples.

Blooming Beauty

Just had to show off this spectacular orchid we found at our favorite neighborhood florist, Hudson River Flowers @ 541 Hudson Street, 212-929-1202 . We just had to buy it and put it in our window. What a display of deep purple blooms!

All Eyes On These

Acording to a random quote found on the internet... "Yellowish green, chartreuse, is naturally placed right in the middle of the frequencies of visible light. Human eyes have receptors for green, blue and red colors. Being placed in the middle, chartreuse actuates the most of these receptors to fire, making it distinct and easier to spot." Perhaps it's this reason these 3 pieces from Italy are so visually arresting.

I Heart This Plate

Maurice Heaton was a American pioneer in glass design. He developed his signature process in his barn in Valley Cottage, NY. The inventive technique involved the sprinkling of enamel onto plate glass and then he would create the image by "etching" the design using the eraser end of a pencil. Notice his tiny initials (M. H.) in the top of this heart plate. We confidently place this piece from 1954 as documented on the cover Craft Horizons magazine. LOVE.

Op Art

The colors and style indicate to me that this Sommerso (referring to the layers) vase with faceted surfaces may be Flavio Poli for Seguso...or at the very least inspired by his designs.

Twisted

I often marvel at the ability of glass to capture the hand of its maker. You can see the skill and the intent the glassblower put into the creation of this heavy Murano vase. The very moment of the twisting action, frozen as the glass cooled, is captured for all time.

Good Geode

Anyone in need of a kidney...shaped bowl that is?! Here's a Murano Geode with a lovely saturated Kelly Green center.

Glass 'Stache

Another giggle-inducing-beauty. This Barbini bowl (an impressive 21.5 inches in diameter) reminds me of the ye old time-y handlebar moustaches of yore. Also seen here on legendary boxer John Sullivan, pictured here in the late 1800's.

What a Pair!

Italian Ceramics, standing 17" tall. Great color combo. Evocative of an era.

Thank Geode

This piece from Portugal is five layers of glass fused and cut to look like a beautiful Geode (crystalline rock formation) found in nature.

Les Dots

Here's an odd little piece of pottery! This French 50's ceramic has four legs and polka dots. I'm sure there is a riddle in there somewhere. Strange (pronounced Stron-Jay) but fun.

Stunning Psychedelia

The 60's were a rather transitional time and somehow Murano mushrooms were born. Fancy fungi!

Well, I Never!

Is it just me or does this Italian Lidded Jar have an ATTITUDE?! The hands-on-hips look of this cased glass piece really makes me laugh.