I See a Pattern

This blog entry starts at the bottom. A sure way to identify a maker is the pattern found in the glass. Flip the bowl and observe the quilted look seen here. It is signature to the Venetian factory Barbini, not unlike a classic Chanel handbag. An eggplant colored Murano bowl is as much a fashion statement in the home and certainly just as chic.

Facet-nating

Some Sommerso is simply superior. These faceted pieces are likely from Italian company Mandruzzato, which in the 50's and 60's mastered the craft of polishing layered glass into gem-like vessels such as these. The significant size of the center piece is worth mentioning, since it towers over the typical size at around a foot tall! Beautiful in this rich chocolate brown and yellow color combination.

Muy Muy Bueno

Here's a category unto its own...with added celebrity appeal. Designed by American born silversmith Frederick W. Davis, who relocated to Mexico City in 1910, later opening a shop specializing in both historical and contemporary folk art. He attracted a who's who of collectors and artists from the "Mexican School," most notably Diego Rivera - hence the eventual commission in 1948 of the necklace seen above on the fabulous Frida Kahlo. Our Davis piece was made during the same period, its focal point being a pre-columbian mask dating from 1500 BC-300 AD. This Jalisco native looks pretty divine for being anywhere from 2-3000 years old.

Delicious Dessert Set

Produced in Japan for Schmid Porcelain and designed by lauded American modernist LaGardo Tackett in 1958, the same year he showed at the Brussels World Fair. Cappuccino and biscotti anyone?

Vanity Project

Perfect for the vanity, or as decorative accents in any room, are these vintage gold flecked perfume bottles from the 50's.  Both are from Murano, the taller is from Seguso. A few years ago the team from Estée Lauder came in and borrowed some of our bottles and vases for design inspiration. Why not invest in the classics?

Mad About Mad Men

I know I'm not the only one excited about tonight's return of AMC's pitch perfect series Mad Men! There is no better place in NYC to actually shop for the Mad Men look in interior design than The End of History. We hear the reference all the time from shoppers who feel they've walked right on to the set of their favorite swinging 60's show. If you are a fan of the show, or just the era, you must pop in for a time-travel-trip.

Beachy Baubles

They say the temperature will reach 100° today in NYC. It makes one long for the ocean. Sea shells are a classic decorative motif, and all the better in golden tones of Murano glass, the largest by Seguso.

Copper Keeper

The extremely heavy concentration of sparkling copper imbedded in the glass makes this Murano bowl so unavoidably eye-catching. A great size piece as well... at 9" in diameter.

Go Green

Three Murano thumbprints in the most minty shades of green. The smallest is likely Seguso while the others we believe to be Barbini, all 1950's.

Choose Chartreuse 2

The rarest color-way for the Italian company Bitossi. Rather than shades of blue, we have an exciting acid green and orange mix. Signature incising gives all their pieces a distinct look, both modern and primitive in feel.

GREYdation

21.5" tall and every inch a special piece. From the unique stopper and subtle controlled bubbles visible just under the cased glass surface to the gradation from charcoal to light smoked grey at the top. Italian from Empoli and really GREYt!

Still Life

This nubby atomic-age Italian ceramic platter is a mini modernist work of art worth hanging.

Choose Chartreuse

Lava-like Italian pottery from the 1950's. A bold choice for a shot of color. Earthy and full of energy.

Get Out Your Handkerchiefs

This huge Handkerchief Vase is by Fratelli Toso, c. 1950's. Its certainly the largest we've seen at 11" tall and 10" in diameter. Typically you see them come in around 3" tall. The plum purple and opalescent white stripes give it a dreamy quality. It's enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Hip Hopper

From the world famous Italian ceramic company Bitossi by Flavia comes this frog in the traditional Rimini Blu pattern.  How adorable in the garden or on your city terrace!

Clam-tastic

Attributable to Cenedese, this opalescent clam is quite flexible. Thanks to some clever glass engineering, it can sit upright as a vase or tilt on its axis as a dish. Delish!

Showroom-mates

One relationship we are proud of is our on-going deal with the flagship showroom of fine Italian furniture company Poltrona Frau. In its Soho location you will find a wide selection of our glass which act as accessories to their current collection of award winning designs. We love seeing our wares in the context of such a respected company and are more than happy to lend our items to them annually.

Fancy Fungi

Our latest selection of vintage Murano Mushrooms for your consumption. Heavy as paperweights and playfully decorative for any desk or shelf. Shrooms for you rooms!

Coffee Table Talk

Low Table/ High Style!  The top measures 66" long and 23.5 deep, its height is 15.5". What makes this 50's mosaic-design piece such a stunner is the elliptical shape of the ceramic tiles used as well as the variety of  textures and colors that create the gradation effect...from off-white to travertine to tortoise and finally glossy black.

Silver Service

Silver plate and green glass enamel from venerable American company Reed & Barton in a particularly Calder-esque shape. Very 1960's and very cool.

Cool Compote

Italian from the 1950's. A beautiful ceramic bowl with color blocked sgraffito design on the exterior and that ubiquitous turquoise color lining on the interior that I adore.

Another Murano Marvel

Here's a color combination we have never come across in our nearly 13 years in business. Blue and gold on the outside with a black and gold interior. Likely Barbini and chic beyond compare.

Orange You Glad?

We carry a wide array of citrus-colored cased glass! The stripes are from Seguso. The ball stoppers add to the pop-art appeal. Something cheery and refreshing on these sweltering days of Summer.

Ruby Tuesday

Murano from the 1950's in a deep ruby red and gold triangle design.

Bohemian Rhapsody

A sweet piece of Italian pottery from Flavia by Bitossi in a particularly feminine shape and pattern.

Happy 4th of July!

Smokin' Hot

Smokey brown is among the rarest color-ways to find in 1950's glass. Possibly Orrefors or one of its Swedish competitors at the time. This beauty features a great spherical base and significant sized stopper.

Sitting Pretty

Quite possibly an homage to the large Meissen animals created in porcelain by sculptor Johann Joachim Kändler during the 18th century. This hand-painted ceramic interpretation was made in Italy during the 1950's. Measuring over two feet in length and 18" tall from front hoof to ear tip. The expression on its face and leisurely posture give it such an elegant and lifelike presence. Wild!

Weighty Subject

A great example of paperweight as art object. Fine lines of filigree and bold accents of copper dust make this vintage Murano momento not your average glob of glass.