Very Flavia-ful

One of the most recognizable names in modern Italian pottery is that of the Bitossi family, now under the moniker "Bitossi by Flavia". The classic Rimini Blu is the most commonly found...that is not to say it is mass produced in any fashion. Their artisans hand craft in the tradition of the original designs created by Aldo Londi. The Bitossi company started in 1921 and has since employed such Italian design royalty as Ettore Sottsass and Fornasetti. Other color variations shown here are rare and quite collectible.

What's In Store

We have a long history with the grande dame of 5th Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman. Our glass is currently providing colorful context to their shoe boutique. Their merchandisers go as far as matching our glass to the clothing collections for added impact. Years ago, we were honored to provide our wares for an amazing window display.

LINK:
http://theendofhistoryshop.blogspot.com/2008/09/glass-behind-glass-at-bergdorfs.html

Another Retail Tale

Simon Doonan, the brilliant creative director for Barney's New York, loves his mid-century design...why he even married Jonathan Adler! That is why for the past decade or so, our glass objects have been permanent fixtures of his in-store displays. A fabulous grouping that used to adorn the Madison Avenue cosmetics floor has moved on up to the fine jewelry section. Shoppers often compliment the glass with equal interest as the jewels they display.

NOTE: Barney's even offered us a pop-up shop once upon a time...see post from exactly one year ago today!

LINK:
http://theendofhistoryshop.blogspot.com/2008/09/barneys-new-york-store-within-store.html#links

RE: Retail

Back in Manhattan, I visited the new J. Crew Collection store on the tony corner of 79th and Madison. Months ago prior to opening, Ruth Parsons, visual director of merchandising for the company, came in and selected the above glass items to decorate the new flagship store. The clothes are of course worthy of the First Family, and the environs are downtown artsy for the uptown girl.

Day Trippin'

Yesterday I had the pleasure of driving out to the bucolic town of Bridgehampton to visit a blue grouping of glass from our shop currently on display at the very chic Maison 24. Proprietor Louis Marra gave me a tour of the beyond colorful place he and his sister Allison Julius opened after years of designing furniture and home furnishings together. Just because high season is wrapping up doesn't mean that the high life halts in the Hamptons...Maison 24 is open year round! The shop is more of a lifestyle store, selling everything from Fornasetti to cool clothing and the latest books and cd's one must have to feel current, trendy, eclectic, and above all fabulous! www.maison24.com

Great Dane

Here is an example of the largest single piece of Marselis we've acquired to date. It's a subtle ox-blood in color. Measuring 12" high and 32" around, it's visual impact is grand. Designed by Nils Thorsen for the Aluminia (read Royal Copenhagen) factory in Denmark.

What a Stud!

One of the prevailing fashion trends is that of the studded variety. Made long before the association of punk glamour, this Gunnar Nylund white ceramic studded vase was created in Sweden, c. 1950's. Sharp!

Smokin'!

This smoked grey glass decanter is by one of Blenko's most prolific designers- John Nickerson. Made in 1972, there is great interest to be found in the stopper.

Let's Neck

A sumptuous selection for your viewing pleasure of long and tall necked bottles in shades of blue and green. Very top shelf!

Chicken of the Sea?

I'm re-thinking my earlier post where I supposed that this glass sculpture by Licio Zenetti, c. 1960's was a chicken. OK, probably not the case! UPDATE: Finding similar sculptures described as fish leads me to humbly retract and say this may be a fishy.

What Are You, Chicken?

Or perhaps Rooster? This Italian green glass pitcher is Empoli from the 30's.

FLAVIO of the Week

This perfume bottle has all the tell-tale signs of being by Flavio Poli for Archimede Seguso. The coloration of green and amber sommerso are signature to his style. It stands at just under 10" to the tip of the flame shaped stopper. Stunning in its simplicity.

My Latest Hang-Up

One does not usually associate Bamboo with Italy, but this gilded wrought iron wall hanging is indeed from there. I love the shadows it casts on the wall. Measuring approximately 42" in length, give or take a gold leaf.

BRAVO!

From our good friend at TV's most fashionable network:


"The End of History is an amazing vintage glass and furniture store where it's impossible not to fall in love with something!"
- Andy Cohen, Watch What Happens

Vast Vase

This is one of the most gorgeous vases I've seen in ages. Standing at 15" tall, this hand blown Murano piece has great presence. Its turquoise color (my favorite hue bar none) is deeply saturated and the weight is impressive. I'm still researching its origins, but it's proving difficult. I do believe this predates the 50's era because of the classical form, but we shall see. I will update if I uncover the mystery of the hand that made this masterpiece of cased glass.

Ray of Light

After two drizzly days I beckon the sun back with this Boda piece designed and signed by Elsa Fahlström in 1954. It is my understanding that this type of decorative engraving was done by copper wheel.

In Praise of 'Shrooms!

What fun to be involved in New York City's Fashion's Night Out event! We were happy to help with the inspiring & genius window designs of Lori Goldstein in her whimsical window dressing for famed jeweler Fred Leighton. You'll notice our shimmering glass mushrooms amid the fantastical bejeweled scene. The display is up for Fashion Week, so be sure to see it in person at Fred Leighton, 773 Madison Avenue.

Bowls Squared

Johanne Gerber, for Roayal Copenhagen's Fajance series, c. 1960's

Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala-Ekeby, c. 1950's

Hip To Be Square

Geek Chic from the hip-to-be-square hand of Sweden's Mari Simmulson for Upsala-Ekeby. c. 1950's.

How Swede It Is!

I'm attributing this odd nippled number to Wiktor Berndt, given his propensity for molded glass and use of relief-work. He was the Chief Designer for Flygsfors, Sweden from 1956-1974.

He also had a thing for the ladies I assume (see clear piece I found elsewhere on the web)!

Happy Labor Day!

Image found on www.plan59.com , my favorite source for vintage images. They sell high quality prints too...so support that site!

Black & White Part 3

Vicke Lindstand, 1940's

Ingrid Atterberg, "Pylon" line, 1955. Ekeby.

Black & White Continued

Swedish ceramics by Mari Simmulson for Upsala-Ekeby, 1950's.

Seeing Things in Black & White

This weekend I'll feature pieces in the always chic black and white design family. Friday's beauties are these rare ceramics made by Hertha Bengtsson- manufactured for Gustavsberg, Sweden, c. 1950's. Most of her work consists of pretty florals, while these are examples of bauhausian geometrics.

Czech This Out

UPDATE: I had originally identified this piece as Finnish, but thanks to an observant and knowledgeable reader we have been informed this is most likely Czech glass from the 60's/70's and further research tells me it's called "Sklo".

Looky-Likey

Verner Panton Textile

Rosenthal Studio Line Porcelain Vase

There is clearly a connection here. Our 1960's Rosenthal vase was either designed by the great Verner Panton, or pays direct homage to his groovy sensibilities. Terrifically Trippy!
UPDATE: It has recently come to my attention that this is in fact by another giant of the Op-Art movement, Victor Vasarely!

FAIR Thee Well

In honor of yesterday's opening day of the US Open, I give you one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of the 60's...The Unishpere. The stainless steel, 900,000 pound structure stands 12 stories tall and is located in Flushing Meadows Park in the Borough of Queens, New York City. The Unisphere, commissioned to celebrate the beginning of the space age, was conceived and constructed as the Theme Symbol of the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair. The Theme of the World's Fair was "Peace Through Understanding" and the Unisphere represented the theme of global interdependence. It was dedicated to "Man's Achievements on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe." Very The End of History! Designed by landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke, it is the world's largest global structure.