The End of History: March 2016

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Mosaic Masterwork

Born in Sicily in 1876, Jean Gerbino made his name in Vallauris, France, perfecting his own technique inspired by the Chinese Neriage - pottery of the 7th Century Tang Dynasty. From his initial offerings in the 1930s, his mosaic-like work was appreciated and awarded many times for decades to come, culminating in his earning France's Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in 1962. This is the largest example of his work we have seen - this stunningly complex vase stands over 16" tall.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Atlantis

A German bronze bowl dating to the 1920s and titled "Atalantes", German for Atlantis. 11 inches wide.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Birds of a Feather...

Hang together - These plates would look fantastic mounted as above. Modernist cages house these 1950s hand-painted Italian birds, created by Mancioli for F.B. Co. (a mid-century department store I imagine). Titled ingeniously "Bird in Cage".
Each is 10", sold as a set

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Monkeying Around

The pheromones must be attracting the primates. Set designer and prop stylist David De Quevedo was inspired to go a little wild when he discovered our Royal Copenhagen monkey collection for a men's fragrance feature in the March issue of Interview Magazine. Created by Knud Kyhn from the 30s - 60s, Denmark.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

To the Point

These two Italians are real show-stoppers. Above in teal and gold, is the older, more sophisticated one, from the island of Murano's house of Barbini, Venice, circa 1950s. Below is its Arabesque cousin from mainland Italy, a fancier stopper in always chic grey - Empoli, Italy, also 1950s.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Meiji Dragon

After the end of Japanese feudal society in1868 with the Meiji Restoration many metal workers who had supplied the Samurai with adornments for weapons turned to decorative objects for the export market. With Japan united as one country the Samurai had been disbanded and disarmed, this left many of the best metal workers without their usual customers, leading to a burst of creativity in the decorative export trade.
Our dragon dates to circa 1880s and holds a quarts ball in its claws. 6.5 inches tall.
Follow us on instagram http://instagram.com/theendofhistory

Friday, March 18, 2016

Abstract Beauty

Recently acquired from the estate of a prominent Texas art collector is this sublime abstract bronze on a polished slate base. By Canadian/Spanish artist Antonio Grediaga-Kieff, signed and dated 1967, 1 of 15 untitled. 18 inches tall.
Follow us on instagram http://instagram.com/theendofhistory

Monday, March 14, 2016

A Bird Suddenly Appears...

This beauty of a bird has just flown in from Italy, right in time for spring. Made mid-century by the hand of Aldo Londi for Bitossi. In mint condition and in an extremely rare colorway, this fine feathered figurine stands 14" tall.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

70s Salviati

A elegantly simple concave form from the Murano maestros at Salviati - the Venetian house that has existed in Italy since 1859. Dark mushroom grey with white swirls. This piece just says 70s Halston apartment all over it! So chic and modern.
12" in diameter

Monday, March 7, 2016

Hot Off The Press

One of our chic little Bavarian porcelain piece found itself in print on the pages of the latest edition of "T" The New York Times Styles Magazine. A story on men's preparedness featured the small vase as a gentleman's desk accessory - perfect for one's Montblanc pens. The matte black and white transefer has a sort of Rorschach Test feel and is part of larger collection.
5"
Follow us on instagram http://instagram.com/theendofhistory

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Mid Century Lady

A beautiful mid century portrait of a young lady in tones of orange, illegibly signed and measuring 20 by 15 inches, oil on panel with original custom frame. Recently acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Follow us on instagram http://instagram.com/theendofhistory

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Hooked on Classics

Sold as a set: four ceramic coat hooks circa 1950s from the great Alvino Bagni - the girls have a rather glamorous fashion illustration look to them - or perhaps a nod to fellow Italian, Modigliani.
Each measure 8"x 4"
Follow us on instagram http://instagram.com/theendofhistory

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Big Bang Series

This fantastic collection of works from the always desirable Arne Bang literally just flew in from Copenhagen. A mix of simple austerity in form decorated with a naturalist's flair for flora and his one-of-a-kind complex glazes. All date from the 1940s, Denmark.
Range from 4" to 7" tall