Hot Lava

Volcanic Italian ceramics in other worldly colors such as phosphorescent yellow (which features an indigo blue interior) and trippy drippy forrest flora.

Simply Stunning

We often lend our decorative wares for editorial use - such as this story on dressing up an unused fireplace as featured in this month's Real Simple magazine (April 2010).

Miami Nice

It took the previous owner five years to complete this suite of 3 pastel colored cased glass lidded jars. They are from Murano maestro Carlo Moretti. The cylindrical design is modernist-minimal and the colors seem deco inspired.

Flipping Our Lids

Attributable to Gio Ponti, this Italian lidded jar, in a most sophisticated avocado meets chartreuse color, is so monumental at over 21" that we think it may be the largest of its kind.

More Porcelain for Your Pleasure

Another Op-Art Vase made mid-century in Bavaria

Futuristic Porcelain

How mod is this vase?  The unexpected juxtaposition of the super-graphic look, yet designed for a traditional medium such as porcelain, is what makes it so appealing.

A Glowing Review

Some Italian glass is just alive with color. These pieces are practically day-glo or neon in tone. 

Happy Earth Day

Vintage Black Sea Globe by Britanica circa 1960's

Bubblicious Baubles

A grouping of Bubblicious Baubles for the home. All amber-colored from Empoli, Italy. Two lidded jars, one tall vase, several bubbles, immeasurable charm.

Splats Incredible

Jackson Pollock's influence was no doubt in play in the creation of this mid-century bowl. Thrown by some salty ceramic hobbyist named Bev (!) Williams, it's a classic example of the California school of freeform pottery. The outside has the reverse splatter design as the interior. This is one we acquired not for it's perfection, but for its funky handmade appeal.

Bagni Boxes

Another name to look for in Italian ceramics is that of Alvino Bagni. As a designer for the American importer Raymor, his work has come to define the sleek and chic aesthetic we come to expect from this era's home accessories.

Most Likely Fantoni

Although I can't say with all certainty that this vintage piece of Italian ceramics is by the hand of the master Marcello Fantoni, it certainly has the hallmarks of one of his works. The color choice of the glaze and the drippy method in which it was applied lead me to believe that if it wasn't  created by him, the signature style of his work would have influenced its creation.

Read All About It

We recently lent some very brightly colored cased glass to super stylist and interiors editor Carlos Mota (Elle Decor et al.) for publisher Clarkson Potter's delightful new tome, "Flowers Chic & Cheap".  Check out our cased glass pieces on pg. 81 for a color story called "orange for fall" and on pg. 256 for a piece titled "Christmas Without Ornaments". The photos by William Waldron are very editorial, inventive, modern and really a lot of fun! 

Don't Write This One Off

Just look at this fabulous desk accessory. The pen swivels on a brass ball hinge! The gold leaf Murano base is paperweight heavy. There is something to be said for the elegant era prior to the computer age.

May the Force Be with You

Just what exactly are these 3 green objects of beauty? Why, they are vases made especially for forcing bulbs! Likely from the 50's and "Genuine Lead Crystal" no less. Made in the glass-centric state of West Virginia, home to many other American glass crafters at the time.

A Horse Is a Horse of Course...

Of course...unless it's an enormous vintage hand made ceramic horse from the renowned Italian house of Bitossi. The typical horse from the company stands about 10" tall and is 10.5" from nose to ponytail. The Rimini Blue Stud above is a huge 15" tall and over 16" in length. The comparison is shown above for scale. This is one cool blue colt!

We're on TV

On a segment titled "Retail vs. Resale" the host of CBS's Early Show played a game wherein she tried to determine the high-end vase from one found at a thrift store. Ours is the green one here, an Italian hand-blown piece from Empoli. The superior quality was confirmed by the eye and to the touch. We have to agree.

The Birds: The Sequel

Just flown in from Florida, a pair of rare signed doves by Italian maestro Franco Moretti in a lovely blush of pink.

One More Golden Cord

Barovier Bowl, 1950's

Get Roped In

The signature style of Barovier is unmistakable as exemplified in this gorgeously baroque candlestick. The technique employed here is known as Cordonato d'Oro ... or translated from Italian, "Golden Rope". This is certainly one of those pieces that lights up a room - literally!

Flights of Fancy

The birds have arrived just in time for the warmer weather. The two largest in blue are Barbini, c. 1950's and would look right at home on a mantel. The bird of paradise in the center also hales from the temperate island of Murano. The loving opalescent cockatiels above is a signed and likely from the Seguso factory c. 1950's.

Who Knows Bo?

Three bicolored vases by Bo Borgström for Åseda, Sweden. Born in 1929, Bo began his glass career at Åseda in the 50's and rose to head designer by the 60's - when these were made. The company ceased operation in '77 and as a result his work has become increasingly collectible. 

Prismatic Pyramid

Attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso, circa 1950's. This vase is a prime example of the Sommerso technique employed by said artist. Layers of no less than four colors from Emerald Green, Magenta, Yellow, and Cobalt. At 15" tall, this truly is a monolith of Murano glass.

Split Personality Plate

Who's that lady? Or should I say ladies - plural. I just don't know where to begin or end with this hysterical piece of whimsical Italian pottery from the 50's. Sexy Schoolmarm Meets Pippi Longstocking? All About Eve? Conjoined Twins? Definitely a conversation starter!

Now That's Italian

This elegantly shaped vase was made mid-century in Empoli, a town in the Tuscan region of Italy. The saturated yellow is nearly opaque at the base and gradates upwards with a dreamy clarity at the opening. A tall vessel at 15", its use would make for a striking spring floral statement.

3 of-a-kind

Three vintage Crackle Decanters from Blenko in Plum Purple, Turquoise, and Apple Green. Designed originally in 1965 by Joel Meyers.

Old Glass / New Wave

Although this was likely made in the 60's, the sharp faceted lines of this Murano glass piece gave me a New Wave feeling, hence my choice to shoot it outside on the grate. Oh so 80's colors too...hot red and bright orange.

Africa By Way of the U.S.A.

 A cross-cultural work of art if there ever was one. This American made 50's era walnut wall hanging with enameled copper panels depicts an African Masai tribal tale while the horses have a vaguely Ancient Roman look.  Select picture for closer view.