One of a Kind

People often ask if we ever come across items that we've never seen in the market before. Sometimes a piece is actually marked "Unique" as is the case with this extraordinary ceramic. The shiny metallic dots on the surface look like an experiment in the firing process, which probably involved the use of some type of ore, not typical to the decorative arts. This studio piece was created by Swedish artisan Claes Theil (incised signature) in 1978. UPDATE further research reveals the process is called a Carbon Crystalline Glaze. 

Here: Kitty, Kitty, Kitty

These handsome pieces by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen were produced in the 1930's. The sculptures are 16" from head to tail. The decorative plate measures 11'' in diameter.

WOOD you like a piece of history?

This large (17 3/4" diameter) Wooden tray is marked by none other than Eero Saarinen, perhaps the quintessential Mid-Century Modern designer!

More FISH? As you wish!

Anna-Lisa Thomson
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen
Murano Glass Fish

There's something FISHY going on here

We have an extensive collection from Swedish designer Anna-Lisa Thomson's Spectra Series which feature lovely hand-pained underwater scenes.

Mellow Yellow

A lil' ray of sunshine on this grey and rainy day in New York.

Time to Thank Time Out

I recently happened upon a review of the shop that I had not seen prior:

FROM TIME OUT NEW YORK (Online)

When its lamps are left ablaze late at night, this gorgeously curated shop is perhaps the most stunning spot in the city. But it’s more than just a pretty face: Though pricey (small pieces start at about $150), its extensive stock of vintage glass and pottery draws collectors from the world over, and its extremely knowledgeable staff can guide and explain the importance of the various vases, lamps and goblets.

THANKS TIME OUT NEW YORK...You say the nicest things!

Berry Berry Nice

A group of ceramics in a palate reminicent of juicy raspberries.

MARTHA STEWART'S Flowers

THANKS are in order for the much appreciated gesture bestowed upon our humble shop by our friend and longtime supporter, Kevin Sharkey, the Senior Vice President of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (my former employer in fact)! As many of you know we were closed for nearly two months for renovations. Our unveiling did not go unnoticed by our very stylish West Village neighbor in the form of this GORGEOUS bouquet of multi-colored Lilies, which arrived with a note "Wishing you all the best in your "New" Home!" Thanks to Martha for the continued support. They were among the first high end periodical to feature us in their pages over 10 years ago!

DRAMATIC Lighting

This glamorous golden wall sconce actually lights up (we used eco-friendly chandelier bulbs). Leafy and lovely!

NYC hit with a WINTERY Mix!

Adrift in decorating decisions? Our forecast: invest in fine 20th century ceramics. In this economy, perhaps it's wiser to purchase items that will increase in value than shoveling money into the unstable stock market. How's that for stimulating?

EDITOR'S Choice

From this month's issue of Metropolitan Home, March 2009. Our glass was featured in this spectacular spread. We feel right at home!

ECLECTIC is ELEGANT

We never shy away from putting seemingly disparate pieces together, if the colors work and they create that "wow!" effect. The cabinet is a high 50's re-interpretation of an art deco Chinoiserie chest of drawers. On top- the large regal looking gilded lamp is Italian ceramic. The busts are of Buddha by Gambone. All worlds working together in perfect design harmony.

Like tears of a clown...

These three tear-drop shaped ceramic vases measure from 5 1/4" (foreground) to 8 1/2" for the eggplant colored vase (rear). All are by Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. I love the deeply saturated color of the glaze. They look light and delicate, but feel quite substantial in the hand.

Our Current Mood

Windows To Our World

Re-Opened...Isn't That Grand?

Like magic, the merchandise is returned to it's proper place. Nearly two months of renovations has resulted in a re-birth of The End of History!

Kinda like CONFETTI?

OK, maybe I'm stretching a bit for a New Year's Tie-In, but you'll indulge me. These cute vases are terrific examples of vintage SlipWare by Joska, Denmark. HERE'S TO A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

I can see CLEARLY now

In contrast to yesterday's entry on Cased Glass...I offer a group of clear glass from the same era. Which do you prefer?

Making a case for CASED GLASS

I wanted to point out one of my favorite styles found in glass design. These hand blown pieces are examples of cased glass. The opacity is achieved by the artisan blowing a layer of white glass under the colored glass layer. This results in a vibrant saturated tone. The two stopper bottles in front are by Holmegaard (likely from the Carnaby line) and the triple gourd to their left is Italian from the 50's.

I can't keep SILENT!

These ceramics remind me of the classic silent era film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920). A MUST SEE!

I'm BOWLED over

Once used as ashtrays, perhaps, but now works of art! The best are precious metal infused with real gold and copper floating in them. They dress up any table they adorn...No?

More POTTERY to ponder

I'm particularly impressed by the fine striations on the surface of these Grete Runeborg designed pieces from 1938.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

To You and Yours.

PATINA is a virtue

Announcing the arrival of BRONZE to The End of History. They add a decidedly serious tone to one important shelf in the shop. Weighty subjects they are! We live for the variety of patinas.

Going back to Capistrano...

Like seasonal birds, we return to the high 1960's with this pair of candle holders. A tealight sits in it's base and a standard taper sits atop. Manufactured in the town of Capistrano, California. No doubt from a GROOVY home!

A Mix of GOODS

Two magnificent lamps flank an array of smoky glass. The pink stopper bottles are by Barbini. There's a cock thrown in for good measure.

Little IDEA

Stocking Stuffer Style. This adorable Crackle piece can fit in the palm of your hand.

The ROSE BOWL (and more)

It's all about the "dusty rose" glaze (isn't that a great name for a country singer?) on these delicate clay pieces. The bowl in the foreground is particularly precious. It's wafer-thin and light as a feather.

What a DRIP!

It's a wonder after 40 years this hot lava-like glaze still looks wet. I love the way the kinetic energy of the design is captured for posterity.

Like it ROUGH?

These beauties are by Gunnar Nylund for Rorsrtand. They are probably 1930's/40's and are prime examples of the "Chamotte" technique, describing the very textured surface quality.

BOHEMIAN rhapsody

This rare hand painted group hail from the Swedish town of Ekeby (also the name of the manufacturer). Recently a Swede couple visiting from that very place gasped at them upon discovery, remarking "we've never seen so much of this type of pottery in one shop...and we're from Ekeby!" This line is called Mimosa and was designed by Ingrid Atterberg in the 1950's. Folkloric and fabulous.

Let design REFLECT your true style

Mercury Glass, it's origins dating back to Europe in the 1840's, never really went out of style. Depending on the design, it can evoke romantic Victoriana, or in the case of these lamps...futurism and modern chic. The sort of bubble-like example is a single and the cylindrical stacked design come as a pair. Manufactured in the late 60's by Luxus Lampor, Sweden, and most likely by designer Helena Tynell.