Deco-Rate

Rare that we offer glass from the 30's, but here is one sparkling example. Although we are not sure of the exact hand that made this vase, we can assume this Venetian piece is from one of the prominent Murano factories operating during the Art Deco era, given the heavily decorated concentration of copper beautifully captured in the glass.

Rock On!

This is a particularly fine example of a Geode bowl. At long last we've found one with a clearly legible acid etched logo "IVIMA, Portugal".  IVIMA was founded in 1895 by the Count of Azarujinha. Our bowl is likely from the 60's with it's vibrant apple green outer layer and light lavender center. 

Our Latest Hang-ups

 Hanging lamps by Venini, 1950's. A total of 4 are available. The colors just scream spring. Daffodil yellow highlighted by bright fuschia /orange pinstripes.

Candy Coated Caramel Glass

This piece from Murano, 1960's, is cut on four sides and has a rough almost sugar coated quality on the rest of the outer surface. I prefer seeing it placed on its side, giving it a natural geode-like feeling. Sweet!

Post Haste

Without further delay, I give you our latest postcards. Styled by Stephen Saunders and myself.

Want Some Bubbly?

Ever wonder how the Italian artisans at Barbini achieved such uniformity in bubble design? One theory is that the molten glass takes a quick nap on a bed of nails (like so many Swamis) prior to being layered and cooled. The ostrich-like pattern is commonly referred to as "controlled bubbles".  This exquisite example is quite large at 6.5" square and just over 3" in height. 

I ♥ N Y Spaces Magazine

It's not often that we are honored with 2 mentions in 1 issue! One of our favorite periodicals at the moment is New York Spaces magazine. It's super chic, decidedly modern, and always on the mark. We are called out in a feature on what to see in the West Village. The other mention was for the cover story about our friends at Maison 24, the Haptons deisgn shop where we have great glass consigned.

Just In Case 2

Completely copper dusted and gorgeously gold plated...this is one fancy Barbini. Quite a bit bigger than the recently featured baby blue case and perfectly cylindrical at 4.5" tall and 4.5" in diameter.

More Bang for Your Buck

Jacob Bang for Nymølle, Denmark, circa 1940 - a time when Bang held the title of Art Director for the company. If you recognize the surname, one would be correct to assume Jacob is related to the other Bangs of note, such as the famous ceramicist Arne Bang and Holmegaard Glass master Michael Bang.

Spring Has Sprung

Our windows have a decidedly springy color palette in honor of the fresh new season. Welcome to the world of blues, greens and yellow. 

Glitterati Glass

What a great big glob of glittery glass from the Isle of Murano! So very 1950's in this aqua and gold color combination.

Groove-y

'Wow' is what I said upon first sight of this 1950's lidded Jar. Handwork this intricate is rare in Italian ceramics of this era. Each drip-shaped detail is hand carved at an angle that creates a surface for the glaze to pool resulting in heavily saturated color. At 17" it is the largest piece of this style that we've acquired to date.

Vintage Green Gals

Happy St. Patrick's Day retro style!

Image from www.plan59.com

Pretty St. Patty

Better than green beer and longer lasting too. A swell selection of bottles and vases for decorating your Irish ancestral celebrations. Enjoy!

Red Hot Vase

As our aesthetic has evolved beyond mid century, occasionally we like to dabble in Deco. Such is the case with this 1920's Italian "Horn of Plenty" hand blown glass vase.

You Go Swirl

Italian from the '50s. We only ever get this type of swirl pattern in orange or occasionally in purple as seen here.  This form is more fun than fancy with its great big ball stopper and whimsical look.

Nailed It

Here is something you would expect to see in the background of any given Mad Men episode. Small for this type of wall sculpture at 30" X 18". It is made with masonry nails hand welded in a classic double layered cubist style.

Go Ask Alice

I'm just mad with anticipation for Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland, which I plan to see in Imax 3D tomorrow night. Pictured above is a small scale set of Arzberg German Porcelain with multi-colored cups and saucers that looks as if it was found down the rabbit hole.  Have a nice trip!

Just In Case

In our estimation, this Barbini box would have originally been used as a chic cigarette case. It was the '50's after all, when smoking was perceived as glamorous. We feel that, today, it would serve as a sweet little cotton swab container for the powder room.

Two of a Kind

A little still life of two similarly shaped objects. A palm sized teardrop Murano geode sits atop a Calder-esque Mexican sterling silver bowl, and why not!

Tons of Turquoise

Just a cross section of our many Scandinavian ceramics made in the '50's by the likes of Nils Kahler and L. Hjorth. What I find so appealing is the juxtaposition of natural matte clay with the bright contrast of shiny blue glaze.

Postcard Preview Part Deux

Today we had little re-shoot for our forthcoming postcards.

Put a Lid on It

The Ginger Jar, a popular design motif dating back to China's Qin Dynasty is reinterpreted here in pretty pastel cased glass by the Italians in the 1950's. Chic in any century.

Tray Chic

Japanese Lacquered Woven Raffia Tray, circa 1960's.

Purple Reigns

This shape, for obvious reasons, is commonly referred to as a "Dowel" vase. Some originate from Italy and some from Scandinavia. Here are three of the purple variety.

Picture This

Here's a behind-the-scenes glance at the making of our next postcard.

Let's Go To The Movies

With the Oscar's fast approaching, I had to catch "A Single Man"- the much lauded cinematic throwback to the swinging '60's. The film is directed by style icon Tom Ford who gives the movie the ethereal look of a fashion spread. But, the best choice Ford made was the decision to hire Production Designer Dan Bishop of "Mad Men" fame. The modernist sets and locations were divine. Although the story is anything but cheery, I so enjoyed being transported to the era that I love.

Snap Crackle Pop-Art

Designed for Blenko in 1971 by John Nickerson in a particularly St. Patty's shade of green...perfect for the upcoming holiday...this is a decanter after all!

Tasteful Styling

We were delighted to lend some colorful vintage items to premier prop stylist Theo Vamvounakis and the editors of Food & Wine for the March 2010 issue. The turquoise dish featured in the red rice and steak recipe is a studio piece from Knabstrup Atelier. The large teal bowl used for the cornish hen stew is from Rorstrand, Sweden, circa 1960's. Delicious!