The End of History: February 2015

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Czech These Out

These bohemian beauties were featured in and purchased from the Czech Pavillion of Exbo '67 - the Canadian World's Fair held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1967. Proof that Czechoslovakia was certainly one of the hubs of great mid-century glass. Both are signed, the lower vase from the company Exbor.
Teal - 11.5", Amber 5" x 7"

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Back Under The Sea

We dive deeper with a gorgeous Hertha Bengtson designed and decorated underwater scene, circa 1940s, for Sweden's Rörstrand factory. The other side has a similar motif, albeit with a school of blue fish.
9" x 7.5"

Tasty Caramel

Another trio of Empoli cased glass exports from the 50s and 60s. The classic ginger jar is flanked by a modernist take on the apothecary jar and a vase in a shape I like to refer to as an 'exclamation point'. l to r: 14", 10.5", 12"

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Tremendous Taupe

One of the more pleasing hues of cased glass is that greenish grey we refer to as mushroom or taupe. The grouping gathered here are all Italian from Empoli circa 1950s.
l to r: Dimpled 14", Lidded/Footed 10" x 7", Large Lidded 14" x 9.5"

Friday, February 20, 2015

Isn't She Lovely?

The female form captured in stone. Carved out of a single slab of marble by American sculptress Mildred Newman, 1972. The contrast of the rough and smooth surfaces make this a must-touch work of art.
21" (including the base)

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Tutti Fruity Fratelli

Occasionally we acquire a piece that is quintessential Italian design. Everything about this mint condition Fratelli Toso says mid-century Murano - a classic combination of happy candy colored goodness. The base is triangular in shape topped with a perfect pointed stopper.
21"

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Under The Sea

Alfredo Barbini created these underwater fantasias of sea life out of glass in the 1950s. The more commonly known variety were done for Cenedese and are amorphic in shape. What makes this gem commissioned for Salviati so unique is that tne scene is capture in a cube making it feel that much more modernist. Great as a desk accessory or to add interest to a bookshelf.
5h" x 4.5w" x 2.25(deep)"

Friday, February 13, 2015

Happy Valentine's Weekend

An Italian 19th Century Bronze Cherub for your sweetheart.

4" x 5"

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Gilt-y Pleasures

The latest members of our compote collective - two black lidded vessels from Zaccagnini, Italy, 1950s.
7"x5", 6"x5.5"

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Abstract American

Another great example of a mid-century abstract sculpture in limestone. This unsigned beauty was purchased from the estate of a prominent Texas collector and is 31 inches tall.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Magnificent Magnolia

Another beautiful example of fine Japanese cloisonne enamel work by one of the most famous workshops, Ando Jubei. Our vase dates to the Taisho period, 1920s and has a sterling silver base and rim, 9.5 inches tall.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Seeing Things in Black and White

1930's beauties from Svend Hammershoj for Kahler Keramik, Denmark. In a stark contrast-y black and white matte and crackle glaze. This series perfectly invokes the time period - as they look like they jumped right off the silver screen of a silent movie.

Piece in foreground - 11"w x 8.5"h, Back - 11"h x 8"w

info on painting:
http://theendofhistoryshop.blogspot.com/2013/02/abstract-expresssion.html

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Compote Collective

When it comes to 1950s Italian ceramic compotes - we've got them covered. All of the above are from the Bitossi factory of Italy, the incised variety - from the Seta series by Aldo Londi.
From top 8",7",12"