Branching Out

Here's a surface we rarely see...cased glass made to resemble tree bark. Seen here in plum with a white interior. What a great vessel for a naturalistic arrangement.

Another Sweet Swede

From Bo Fajans, a Swedish company of great renown dating from 1874-1967 attracted some of the greatest artists in Scandinavia to create fantastic ceramics such as this earthy delight by one Edgar Bockman.

How Swede It Is!

In the late 1950s, the famous Paul Kedelv created this "Coquille" centerpiece bowl for Swedish glass company Flygsfors. I'm amorous for amorphic design...that which has a freeform shape.

A Twist of Lime

Created by Bitossi for Raymor imports in the 1950s. Lime green ceramic accessories with the most unusual scalloped details and... a brass ring?! Just when we think we've seen everything...

Vintage Vistosi

Attributed to one of the great family names of Murano glass, Vistosi...this Emerald colored lidded jar is iconic for its elegant and simple lines.

Can You Handle It?

A "Pitcher Perfect" mid-century take on a classic decorative shape. The ultra-mod lines are so sublimely stretched, such that the glass blower's process seems frozen.

Hot Lava

The rare example of an  Italian "lava" vase, a term usually associated with German pottery. This very rough relief reminds one of Mt. Etna with its beautifully eruptive texture.

The Golden Box

An Italian box from the 50's or 60's, ceramic and hand painted with the slightest hint of gilt. Perfect for keepsakes... or any stash you wish.

Amazing Apothecary

A popular motif, based on a Gio Ponti design, is made all the more desirable in this unusual opalescent and milk-glass combination. Italian from the 50s.

Stems Sell

This granny apple green is oh-so-sixties and oh-so-rare. Of all the Murano stemware we have carried, this is the most elusive of colors. Drink it up!

Try "Tri" Again

This is one of those pieces that has a lot going for it. Purple, Gold, and Swirls. Murano, 1950's.

What a Gem

Why not look at the world through Rose colored glass? These faceted gem-stone-like bowls from Italy have layers of color, but this one has a striking primary red that screams to be seen in person.

Patina is a Virtue

Another stunning one-of-a-kind bronze by San Francisco based sculptor BJ Las Poñas. When we discovered his work, with its stylistic nod to Salvador Dalí, we thought it would feel right at home among our mid-century collection. This is the second such piece we have proudly displayed from this contemporary artist. I admire the use of positive and negative space, wherein the convex and concave interact so harmoniously .

We're So MODERN

One of our favorite design magazines to hit the stands happens to feature a great Manhattan shopping guide in the current issue...which also just happens to feature our store as one of its recommended stops.

Jellyfish Alert

Some glass objects have an organic quality that seems lifelike, like this 1950's Murano bowl with its almost underwater fluidity...attributabal to AVEM

Enlightening Information

I spied an example of one of these Bitossi lamps jut outside of Don Draper's office on Mad Men. We happen to have three in our shop at the moment. This is the classic Rimini Blue pattern, named after the town on Italy's Adriatic coast.

Weighty Subject

An unusually earthy color palette makes this Italian paperweight unique. The swirls seem frozen in motion, as if to capture the moment of creation.

I'm Blushing

 This pink Murano masterpiece is monumental at just over two feet of bubble-licious beauty. The definition of pop-art.

Fall TV Preview

As some of you may know, I have gone back to my first love, working in television as Art Director for a new daily talk show from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia called "Whatever with Alexis & Jennifer".  I just couldn't resist dressing the set with a little something from our shop. You'll notice the great 1960s nail sculpture on the wall. The theme of the set design is Mad Men, but for women. I think you'll enjoy the show with it's witty chat, celebrity guests and mid-century setting. It stars Martha's daughter Alexis and best friend Jennifer and premieres tomorrow, September 13th @ 11am on Hallmark Channel.

Lemon Zest

Another rarity is this Kastrup cased 'glas' vase in the lightest shade of lemon yellow. Tart Danish 50s style.

Two Peas on a Blog

One of the rarest color-ways we've encountered can only be described as "pea green".

Another Copper Keeper

Today in the form of a swirly triangle. What a great graphic look for the coffee-table!

Tray Chic

Who knows what the symbols used here by Swedish ceramicist Ingrid Atterberg mean, but the tableau is quite intriguing. Handmade in Upsala for Ekeby, c.1950s. Infinity and beyond.

A Horse of a Different Color

Who hunts horses? When it comes to Bitossi vintage Italian ceramics, we do. We are always on the lookout  for variations we haven't seen often, if ever...as is the case with this chartreuse figure we recently acquired.

Special Stripes

Some glassworks are universally considered important. Such is the case with this bud vase, from the "Colora" line, created by legendary Swedish artist Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, 1950s. Vertical stripes in purple and red are an arresting color combination and its rarity adds great value. Truly a collectors item.

Go Green!

Two examples of emerald colored beauties. The top Murano gem is from Seguso and features millions of bubbles on its underside. The bottom is by Barbini. Both have generous speckles of gold dust.

Off The Wall

One of the biggest trends in interior design has been the return of wall sculpture. This brassy number incorporates small enamel insets. High 60s space-age style and measuring 33" across and 27" high.

Remarkable Riihimäki

These glass dowels are iconic Finnish wares, likely by Tamara Aladin. The eponymously coined glass is named Riihimäki after the town in the South of Finland in which it was blown.

Choose Chartreuse

Another little bright spot in our roster of Italian yellow/green goodies...flanked by classic Bitossi.

The Best of Budapest

Here's a new country of origin for us...Hungary! I would never have guessed on sight that these bright vessels were not from Italy or West Germany. The techniques are certainly influenced by other European nations, but are unique in their own right. Wonderfully whimsical, certainly playful, and a great shot of color and texture.