On the Second Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—a pail of seashells on a rocks glass suite! Pull open your collector’s cabinet every time you mix-up some drinks. “Specimens” of seashells embellish the sides of these six Mid-Century, modestly-sized rocks glasses. Neutral shades of black, white and brown—punctuated with a touch of […]
On the First Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—a set of eight “cranberry crystal” champagne coupes! Softly-faceted crystal bowls are tinted an autumnal cranberry, while the balustrade stem remains crystal-clear. Made in the 1930’s or 1940’s, the set of eight is $245. Imagine your Holiday dinner table, laid with these sophisticated—yet cheery—crystal […]
Autumn—the time of the harvest, falling leaves and big, bold moons. Capture the moonlight in one of these eight softly-faceted cocktail glasses from the 1930’s, crafted of hand-etched amber glass (with just a touch of iridescence). Perfect for an old-fashioned mixed drink or for a splash of champagne. Please come into the shop to see […]
The cold nights have begun to roll-in, perfect for a little post-prandial nip—how ’bout a sherry (cheri)? This set of eight hand-cut crystal stems—probably English, possibly French—would conclude your evening with style and satisfaction. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
Stourbridge, in the English West Midlands, is the center of fine glassmaking in England and is home to “The Crystal Mile”—where the best glassworks are found. It was here, in 1827, that an eleven year old boy, Frederick Stuart, was sent off to work. At the time, glass factories built large brick “cones”—tapered, oven-like structures, in […]
And, for those who’d like to celebrate the Holidays with something a little stronger, we have this Mid-Century Modern cocktail service made of smoked glass. With a corseted shape—both in the pitcher and in the six cocktail glasses—this drinks service captures “svelte chic” perfectly. Please click on the photo to learn more about it.
Although it seems ages away, the Holidays will be here before you know it—with New Year’s Eve just over 10 weeks away! Beat the last-minute rush and secure your celebratory champagne coupes now! Ready to fit-the-bill is this set of six crystal coupes from the 1950’s or 1960’s. With a smoked bowl and clear stems, […]
In the aftermath of World War II, Germany laid in ruins. Many of her great cities had been leveled and masses of workers—no longer employed by the Military Industrial Complex—needed to get back to work, fast. The combination of high unemployment, low labor costs, and high technical proficiency made Germany ripe for development as the […]
Let’s conclude our short procession of beautiful, hand-wrought trays with this American Arts & Crafts beauty made by Meriden (Connecticut). Though understated in its design, the tray is elevated to the sublime with a pattern of soft, all-over hand-hammering. And, while this smallish tray can carry six to twelve glasses (whether coupes, highballs or cordials), […]
Another brass tray—from another part of the world—is every bit as handsome as yesterday’s example (in its very different way). Hand-hammered of brass by the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) in Geislingen an der Steige, Germany, circa 1910, it typifies handsome German Jugendstil—the Art Nouveau Movement of Germany. It’s not large; perfect for 8-10 sherry glasses, or […]
Hours of hand-tooling culminate in this handsome and substantial tray—probably hand-made in Morocco. While I am not an expert in North African or Middle Eastern metalwork, I do recognize beautiful tooling when I see it. A beaming geometric pattern radiates outwards from the center of this 17.5 inch tray. Along the perimeter, a row of sculptural […]
The humble dandelion derives its name from the French phrase Dent de Lion (the “tooth of the lion”) due to the plant’s jagged green leaves. Considered a pesky weed by many, the dandelion has an interesting story to tell. The dandelion is part of the sunflower family, a native of Greece, and has been used […]
After World War II, much of the world’s high volume glass and ceramic production shifted slowly—away from the “victor” countries (such as England and The United States) and towards the “vanquished” countries (Japan and West Germany). While the Allied countries did continue to make glassware and ceramics (especially at the high end), it was the […]
American glass production in the first half of the Twentieth Century was centered at the nexus of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This area had in abundance the raw material (silica), the energy (coal) and the craftsmen, including many Eastern European immigrants who brought their glass-making skills with them from the old country. The […]
This set of six West German Modernist crystal champagne coupes are ultra chic—with their elegant stems, smokey bowls and crisp, platinum bands. They’ll help make your next cocktail party cool, confident and sophisticated. They are part of a newly-received shipment of glassware, now in-store at LEO Design. Please click on the photo above to learn […]
Of all decorative motif, the classic “Greek Key” is one of my favorites. Perhaps it’s the angularity, the mathematical repetition, the “no-nonsense flair.” I’ll buy nearly any handsome, antique item decorated with the meandering architectural embellishment! Mirrors, cufflinks, picture frames. So, when I found these highball glasses—made in the 1950’s or 1960’s—I quickly cleared space […]
Mirrors were all the rage back in the Seventies—mirrored sunglasses, mirrored walls, mirrored barware. Shown above, three sets of glassware, all from the 1970’s and all sporting a generous mirrored band at the rim. The tallest, a set of six highball tumblers ($175); the shortest, a set of six whiskey “double shots” ($125); and in-between, a […]
We’ve just received a shipment of stylish and practical salt and pepper grinders, hand-turned in Los Angeles. Made of white oak (for the salt) and black walnut (for the pepper), both shakers are fitted with a precision grinding mechanism—stainless steel for the pepper and an industrial grade ceramic mechanism for the salt (since salt and […]
On this day in 1888, George Eastman registered the brand name “Kodak” and, soon after, introduced the Kodak Camera. Holding enough film for about 100 photos (each 2.5″ round), the Kodak Camera is largely responsible for popularizing the hobby of amateur photography. The name, “Kodak,” was created by Eastman and his mother, using letter tiles. […]
We finish our presentation of newly-acquired, vintage glassware with this set of six liquor glasses—each mounted atop a jewel-like, emerald green foot. Made of pressed glass in the late(ish) Art Deco period (1940’s or 50’s), I am guessing they are French—possibly once employed in a bistro to serve a sweet or minty after supper drink […]
The Art Deco met the Machine Age in a wonderful synthesis of style—stylishness and practicality. Whether architecture, automobiles or toasters—one can find examples of each that captured the spirit of an age when the future held nothing but promise. Such an example is the “stepped” platinum-banded cocktail shaker and its generous set of ten […]
Another star in the international glassmaking firmament has traditionally been the Bohemians—Czechs in particular, but others in the greater Austro-Hungarian world. The rose crystal liquor service, shown above, was made by (then) Czechoslovakian glassmaker Karl Palda in the 1930’s. The Art Deco style was very popular in Prague during this productive period of glassmaking—and superior […]
In Art Nouveau Vienna (which is called the Secessionist Movement), Wiener Werkstätte glassware was designed with black stems and feet—which must have created many a serious (yet beautiful) table setting. Two World Wars and forty years later, that Secessionist design inspired the glasses you see above—this time made in America. West Virginia glassworks, Fostoria, crafted […]
While we’re on the topic of Mad Men barware, let’s introduce this handsome set of six rocks glasses from the 1950’s —hand-decorated with a profusion of wheel-ground “bubbles” ($175). Made by “Cunningham & Company” in Pittsburgh, they have a very nice hand feel—with just the right amount of stylish decoration. Please come into the shop […]
Though Mad Men has wrapped, the influence of 1950’s and 1960’s cocktail culture still lives-on. Barware is popular. Rocks glasses continue to sell well. And the “Three Martini Lunch” is spoiling for a revival. Which brings us to the next-big-thing: The Cocktail Glass, shown above. Though modest in capacity (by today’s “super sized” standards), this […]
Call me a curmudgeon, but there are certain terms or phrases which I’ve banished from use amongst my staff: Eastlake, Fat Lava, Artsy/Craftsy. And one word du jour in particular—the oh-so-trendy “Hollywood Regency”—really gets my bile rising. Decorators, merchants and antiques dealers are always scrambling for words which might substantiate a bump to the ticket […]
In hindsight, the “Mad Men” era fascinates us with both its sense of optimism for the future and naive respect for traditions past. It was a modern period on the cusp of modernity. The glasses above, made for General Electric in 1963, celebrate the history (to that point) of electricity, electronics and lighting—stars and lightbulbs—and […]
Vinho do Porto—called “Port” in English-speaking countries—is a fortified sweet wine from the north of Portugal. It is made of fermented grape juice, “fortified” with distilled grape spirits (similar to brandy). This stops the fermentation process (that is, the conversion of sugar to alcohol) resulting in a sweeter, lower proof wine. Because it is sweet, […]
The term “Depression Glass” is loosely defined and, quite frequently, misused. In its most accurate sense, depression glass was cheaply-made American (or Canadian) glassware—mostly functional, occasionally decorative—made to be given away (or sold inexpensively) as a premium or gift-with-purchase. Food manufacturers might nestle a piece of depression glass in its box of oatmeal or cereal—an […]
Fostoria Glass was founded in 1887 in Fostoria, Ohio. Lured by generous government cash subsidies and the newly-discovered natural gas, a group of glassmen from West Virginia and Ohio set-up a glassworks in this Northwestern Ohio town, employing 125 workers. The glassworks was successful, however, after four years, the natural gas boom went bust and […]
It’s a “Full House” at LEO Design—with our recent (and large) delivery of vintage glassware. Having been cleared-out during the spring and summer wedding gift-giving season, we’ve been working double-time to find new and interesting items to re-stock our “glass department.” Just back from a recent buying trip—specifically hunting for vintage glassware—we’re now fully-stocked and […]
One of the great glass-making centers of the world is Venice, Italy—more specifically the group of islands called Murano. This set of eight iridescent, mouth-blown bowls are laced with copper dust in a lovely “Arlecchino” pattern. At the center of each diamond is a tiny, hand-pricked dimple. The bowls would perform beautifully with fruit or […]
In country markets, general stores or candy shops—in days of yore—one would often find glass display containers such as the cracker jar pictured above. Made in the 1950’s, during the waning years of the Art Deco movement, this covered jar was made for Lance, a maker of snack foods: nuts, crackers and cookies. This jar, […]
Since we’re talking toasts, how about another go! Shown above, a set of eight West German crystal coupes with hand-painted gold banding along the rims. Made in the 1950’s or 1960’s, these stems have a soft, Modernist aesthetic—without being cold or sterile. They would look beautiful on your well-appointed dining table or bar cart. Please […]
With New Year’s Eve less than six months away, perhaps it’s time for a little brush-up of your toasting skills. Let these crystal, hollow-stemmed champagne coupes help you. Just acquired, these coupes feature a hollow stem—replicating the “bubble crawl” one usually finds when drinking from a champagne flute. But who says champagne is just for […]
The Bastille, in Paris, was a stone fortress built in the Fourteenth Century to defend the east gate of the city against invaders—which, initially, were the English. In time, it was used as a prison, especially for political prisoners as determined by the king. And prisoners held directly by the king could not avail themselves […]
Emerald-tinted crystal is mouth-blown into this striking set of wine glasses, made in Germany in the 1960’s or 1970’s. We’ve just found two sets (of six) and they’re priced at $195 per set. Please come into the shop to see them—or call and we’ll be happy to help you purchase them by phone.
On this day in 1357, King Charles IV—King of Bohemia and The Holy Roman Emperor—laid the first stone for what was to become Prague’s Charles Bridge (or Karlův most in Czech). When completed in 1402, the bridge crossed the Vltava River, connecting one side of the city (the “Old Town”) to the other side (the […]
Whether you’re channeling Elroy Jetson, drinking a morning protein shake, or his father, George, imbibing something a little stiffer, you’ll be doing it with Space Age Style—if you use this set of Super Atomic highball glasses. Six tumblers, decorated with silvery futuristic stars and ellipses, come nestled in a black wire caddy. Please click on […]
Cool and sleek—almost ghostly—best describes this set of eight Mid-Century “Silver Fade” smokey highball glasses from the 1960’s. Where does the mirror end—or does it? Please come into the shop to see them or click on the photo to learn more about them. More cool glassware tomorrow.
Whatever you’re serving your guests—intoxicating or otherwise—you’ll do it with flair with this Mid-Century “Silver Fade” beverage service from the 1960’s. The generously-sized pitcher is accompanied by five matching highball glasses. Lemonade, iced tea, spritzers, sangria or margaritas—all will taste just a little better when served with such style. Please come in to see it—or […]
Another set of newly-acquired, Modernist glassware shown above: six “Whiskey Rounds.” Nicely-sized for a modest quaff, these spherical whiskey glasses have a stylish “Silver Fade” trim along their tops. And, whether you’re using them at the moment or they’re sitting patiently, awaiting their next deployment, they’ll bring certain style to your bar or bar cart. […]
Mad Men may seem like a receding memory—but the style can live-on for years to come with selections from our collection of swanky Mid-Century barware. Over the next few days, I’d like to share with you a few of the interesting items, now in-store at LEO Design. To start: a set of eight highball glasses, […]
As we close-in on Father’s Day, let’s return to more examples of stylish barware, perfect for the stylish dad. Shown above, a set of eight “Mah-Jongg” whiskey glasses from the 1960’s. Printed in gold, black and red, they capture the modish sophistication of the Mad Men era. Please come into the shop to see them […]
There’s nothing like an ice cold beer on a hot day, after work. With this solid brass bottle opener, you’ll help Dad “crack a cold one” in style—and remind him he’s earned it. Made in Milwaukee, this durable tool is a little bit industrial, a little bit sculptural. And a great little gift for Father’s […]
Yesterday we presented a range of antique corkscrews—stylish in their simple, “Country Mouse” kind of way. For those whose fathers resemble the “Town Mouse,” perhaps the “sommelier” above will do the trick. Made in Laguiole, France, the polished stainless steel instrument includes a foil cutter and is finished with polished cow bone. Also available in […]
One popular category of “Handsome Gifts” at LEO Design is our range of vintage bottle openers. Made between the 1880’s and 1930’s, most come from England and France. Wood and Horn handles top the curled steel corkscrews and some still possess their original horsehair cork brushes. Those shown above range from $125 to $145. Please come […]
Master artist Albrecht Dürer was born, lived and died in Nürnberg, Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries—though his great influence was felt throughout Europe, even during his lifetime. While he was an incredible painter, he is best known for his sensational printmaking which he sold while traveling throughout the continent and which made him […]
Mirrored rim banding is accented with a meandering Greek Key pattern on this set of eight Modernist rocks glasses from the 1960’s. Crisp, handsome and clean-lined, these glasses are sufficiently decorative in a masculine, understated way. $195. Please come into the shop to see them or call us for further information. More nice Father’s Day […]
Perhaps your father is more golf-enthusiast than numismatist. This set of fore four glasses, from the 1960’s or 1970’s, depict “The Basic Swing” in a series of stop-action images. The white and spring green graphic will make for an extra-refreshing refreshment. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them. More Father’s Day […]
With Mother’s Day behind us, we turn our attention to Father’s Day, a month away. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some of our newly-acquired “Handsome Gifts” for Dear Old Dad—beginning with some stylish barware from the time of “Mad Men.” Shown above, a set of six Mid-Century rocks glasses, decorated with depictions of […]
I’m just home from a week-long buying trip through New England—with lots of great, “Handsome Gifts” in tow. Shown above, more from our recently-acquired collection of Mid-Century mirrored barware. Here we have a set of six “Super Atomic” high ball glasses, complete with a black wire caddy. These glasses—seemingly out of The Jetsons—capture America’s Space Age […]
I’m finding lots of “Handsome Gifts” for the shop in New England this week, some of which might be your “just perfect” Father’s Day present. Shown above, a small sampling of Mid-Century “mirrored” barware which I’ve acquired this week. In front, a “mirror fade” high ball glass, part of a set of eight. Further back, […]
We’ve just received a collection of Japanese “Blue Smoked” Crystal, made in the 1960’s. Classic, pleasing shapes are tinted with a smokey hue—which reads bluish, especially in bright light. They will add a crisp (slightly serious) look to any well-dressed table, formal or informal. Please come into the shop to see them. They currently reside […]
In 1734, King Louis XV of France granted permission to establish a glassworks in the commune of Baccarat, in the Lorraine region of Eastern France. Its production began modestly with basic items like windowpanes, mirrors, and drinking glasses. In 1816, production quality took a great step forward with the installation of the company’s first crystal […]
As we count-down to Saint Paddy’s Day—three days to go—we’ll take a look at some of our favorite green items, from emerald to mint. Shown above, a set of six Mid-Century Modern emerald green crystal champagne coupes. Though West German, not Irish, they would still be perfect for your March 17th toast. They are featured center […]
And, lest you think only the Germans made beautiful coupes, please behold the champagne stem above, made in France in the 1930’s. Hand-etched with a simple, stylized floral motif, the bowl sits above a most unusual stem: an undulating—almost “tufted”—shaft. The set consists of eight stems. Please come into the shop to see them in-person […]
We end our parade of smoked crystal glassware with this high-style Modernist champagne coupe, made in West Germany in the 1960’s. Blown in a “soft square” form, the coupe evokes the early days of The Jet Age—when the globe could (at last) be traversed quickly and travel to distant planets began to color our imaginations. […]
Here’s a wine glass—sized perfectly for white wine or a hearty post-prandial tipple—with a more assertive Modernist aesthetic. Its “soft square” form was blown in Mid-Century West Germany of lightly-smoked crystal, creating a glass which is crisp and efficient, yet friendly. It comes as a set of eight, part of a collection of crystal glasses […]
Sometimes the classic form is perfect just the way it is—no further improvement is required. Such is the case with this set of eight West German Modernist crystal wine stems. Blown in a lightly-tinted “smoked” crystal, they enjoy just a whisper of a Modernist aesthetic—without abandoning the timeless, traditional and perfect design of their forebears. […]
Begin the Beguine—or anything else Cole Porter wishes to start! Shown above, from our trove of recently-acquired West German Modernist crystalware, a particularly voluptuous champagne coupe of lightly smoked crystal. You may see the piece in-store—along with its crystal brethren—or click on the photo above to learn more about this set of eight. Even Mr. […]
Another offering amongst our recently-acquired collection of West German crystal, now in-store: a large goblet-form red wine or water glass. Blown in the 1960’s of smoked crystal, it has the clean lines of its Modernist period and the classic aesthetic of an earlier time. Part of a set of eight, it is now available for […]
We’ve just acquired a group of Mid-Century German stemware, beautifully designed and crafted in a lightly smoked crystal: wine stems, water glasses, champagne coupes. Shown above, a wine glass blown in a crisp, Modernist, soft-square form. Generously sized, it’s perfect for red wine or water and is part of a set of eight. Please click […]
A satisfying voluptuousness is blown into this Art Deco amber glass decanter by Kosta. Made in Sweden, it also exhibits a trace of Northern European Bauhaus simplicity and captures perfectly a very specific aesthetic time period. You may see it in-person in the shop or click on the photo above to learn more about it.
An understated—yet handsome—decanter for wine or alcohol, made in Sweden by Stromberg. Softly-faceted panels compose this bottle-form vessel, blown of amber-tinted glass and topped with a substantial glass stopper. Please venture into the shop to see the decanter in-person or click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Treat your guests to a post-prandial nip with this handsome Swedish Modernist drinks service by Bergdala Glasbruk. Designer Bengt Orup (1916 – 1996) has crafted a clean and timeless design for this set of six glasses with complementing decanter and stopper. A light, radiant etched pattern is applied to the bottoms of the glasses, the […]
We’ve just received a collection of Scandinavian Modernist glass decanters, now in-store. Over the next few days, I’ll share a few select pieces with you here in the Journal. Some pieces will also be featured in our on-line shop. Please come to the shop to see the full new collection. Shown above, two Danish Modern […]
Another interesting Mid-Century find: a seven piece cocktail service—complete with glass stirring-stick—banded with platinum rims. Enchant your guests with a round of mixed drinks, expertly prepared, in this handsome and stylish drinks set. Please come into the shop to see it—and the rest of our large vintage glassware collection.
Today we install our festive Valentine’s Day window: pewter frames, red art pottery, and platinum-banded crystalware. Shown above, a Mid-Century crystal champagne coupe—part of a set of eight—which you’ll find featured in the window, front-and-center. Made in Germany in the 1960’s, this set is but one of several sets of platinum-banded glasses for champagne, mixed […]
Yesterday we looked-at a set of silver-plated cocktail stems, delicately hammered. Today it’s a copper tray, hammered a bit more rustically. A hammered surface on metal adds the warming touch of human craftsmanship and allows the artisan’s handwork to provide all the necessary decoration. Please click on the photo above to learn more about this […]
“In the old days” a silversmith never left hammering marks on a piece of wrought silver—it would be considered a crude indicator of poor craftsmanship. Instead, a metal smith would laboriously hammer-away at the piece, using increasingly smaller hammer “peens,” until a smooth, mirror-like surface remained. Think of Copley’s portrait of Paul Revere, inspecting his […]
To cleanse the palate after days of highly-decorated objets, let’s look at a simple and useful item: an Arts & Crafts hand-hammered, silver-plated serving tray. Finding them pragmatic, I buy (and sell) as many nice trays as I can find. This one, made in the 1910’s, is quite handy being long yet narrow. Please click […]
We sell a lot of glassware—especially around the Holidays and Wedding Season—and are always adding more options to our store shelves. While most of our selection is quite chic, we occasionally find things that are simply “fun.” Shown above, a case in point: a set of four “Buckaroo Cowboy” tumblers. Decorated with a band of […]
From yesterday’s Wint’try Bamboo-Etched glassware to today’s verdant, summery offering: a set of eight highball tumblers decorated with a sunny golf theme. Let them take you back to fond memories on the links—no matter the day’s weather outside! More newly-acquired merchandise tomorrow.
Fresh from a Western Pennsylvania estate, a very large assortment of Japanese Mid-Century glassware: rocks glasses (shown above), martinis, high-balls, juice tumblers and water goblets as well as sherry, port, aperitif, and wine stems. Hand-etched with an elegant (and difficult to execute) stylized bamboo motif, they will help make your drinks a little crisper, […]
Classic heraldry gets a Mad Men makeover in this drinks service for four from the 1960’s. Highball tumblers are decorated with mirror-finish crests and sit upon gunmetal-glazed ceramic coasters. The entire set can be stored in its chromed wire carrying caddy. Click on the photo above to learn more about it. And please come into […]
Fine, hand-etched crystal champagne coupes are decorated with stylized botanical emblems. This generous set of ten glasses is fashioned with tapered, faceted stems. Please come into the shop to appreciate for yourself the exceptional quality of these glasses—and see the rest of our newly-received items, now in-store. You may also click on the photo above […]
For the past week, I’ve been traveling through Pennsylvania and the Near Midwest, hunting for cool new things to replenish the shop after the Christmas rush. Over the next few days, I’ll share with you some of my newly-found treasures. Pictured above, a set of six nice, not-too-tall crystal champagne flutes. Tinged icy blue, they […]
A set of hammered, silver-plated stems—made in Meriden, Connecticut in the teens or twenties—will provide just the right “clink” at midnight. They are part of a large selection of champagne coupes, cocktail stems, and wine glasses now in-store at LEO Design. Please come into the shop to see the full assortment—including newly-acquired examples collected on […]
All right, so they aren’t the jolliest of Handsome Gifts, but they would be welcomed—and useful!—in your home during the Holidays. I’ve bought a handful of trays on this trip, two of them shown in the photo above. The first, on top, is hammered from a single sheet of copper. Sensuous corners lead to rolled […]
Art Deco—unlike Arts & Crafts—lent itself to modern manufacturing techniques and new, industrial materials. Thus, Art Deco thrived in the post World War I decades and scratched the “aesthetic itch” of a growing middle class. Shown above, a (really cool!) pair of salt and pepper shakers made of the useful industrial plastic, Bakelite. Depress the […]
By now the turkey is consumed, the guests are gone, and the need for a big, groaning butler’s tray is over. Perfect timing for this smallish brass tray. Made in Secessionist Vienna, it is a “soft-rectangle,” gently hand-hammered, and decorated with a linear graphic design. Perfectly-sized for a few drinks or to stage the bottles […]
A sense of gratitude can contribute to a life of happiness. I have many things to be grateful for—amongst them, my shop, my staff, and my customers. Thank you all! Service to others can be fulfilling and rejuvenating. On Thanksgiving, service may take the form of feeding friends and loved ones—or, perhaps, strangers or the […]
A pair of late-Victorian English silver-plated Aesthetic Movement nutcrackers—presented in a beautifully-lined gift box. Though made in the 1880’s, they appear to have not had much use in their 130 years. These are but one example of the many newly-acquired “Handsome Gifts” I’ve been collecting and stocking of late. As the Holidays approach, I will […]
After traveling all the way to England, I found this lovely little creamer—from 19th Century America! Silver-plated and decorated with a stylized botanical Aesthetic Movement pattern, this little pitcher would be lovely serving wine, hot custard, or milk—as it was originally intended. How appropriate that I should end my overseas trip—returning from my stay in […]
From Arts & Crafts England, a little musical jewel box and a hand-hammered brass tray. The music box, made in the 1920’s or 30’s, is crafted in the form of a planked trunk. It plays Irving Berlin’s popular tune, “Always”, which he wrote and gave as a wedding gift to his bride, Ellin McKay—along with […]
Made in the 1960’s, these crystal stems are extra nice. Made of fine German crystal, they stand-upon a smokey-grey foot and are finished with a platinum rim—a classy decorative touch and a way to protect the crystal rims from chipping with use. The sets of six are available in a champagne coupe, demi-coupe, white wine glass, and red […]
Another beautiful champagne coupe—of mid-century German crystal—is rimmed with a thin band of platinum. The metal banding gives strength to the delicate rim and provides an elegant, finishing touch. Made between 1964 and 1974, the set of six glasses would make a wonderful gift—for a newly-married couple or for oneself. Please come into the shop […]
With Autumn wedding season approaching, we’ve bought more vintage glassware which makes a lovely nuptial gift. Shown above, a crystal champagne coupe from the 1940’s, hand-etched with a simple decoration along the bowl’s lower ridge. We have two sets of six glasses on-hand. Please come into the shop to see them or call at your […]
Rome—“The Eternal City”—is one of Europe’s oldest continuously-occupied cities at over 2,700 years of age. Once the capital of the entire (vast!) Roman Empire, today it is simply the capital of Italy (and is that country’s most-populous city). The greatest artists of all time have worked-in and contributed to Roman art and architecture including Michelangelo, […]
Another part of our newly-acquired Japanese glassware collection is shown above, all hand-etched with a stylish “Harvest Wheat” motif. The collection includes martini, champagne, and wine stems plus rocks glasses, high balls, cordials, sherry stems and brandy snifters. A shaker, ice bucket, and cocktail pitcher (with glass stirrer) rounds-out the collection. All sold a la […]
We’ve just purchased an entire (large) collection of Japanese glassware including the Mid-Century “Icy Blue” Crystal pictured above—wine glasses, liquor stems, and port glasses, as well as champagne coupes, demi-coupes, and flutes. Just a touch of blue gives a visual chill to the crystal while the “soft square” shapes lend a Moderinist aesthetic. Please come […]
We’ve had a wonderfully temperate summer, yet, alas, it is coming to an end. Yet before we pull-out our autumn sweaters—and put-away our warm weather toys—perhaps there’s time for a round or two on the links. If not, how about this set of six mid-century rocks glasses? A dapper golfer—as if caught in stop motion—demonstrates […]
Just-in, a set of 1930’s wine stems with faceted, emerald green bowls. They are part of a recently-acquired collection of glassware now in-store. Please come into the shop to see them or call for further information.
Finally, we wrap-up (almost) a week of hand-crafted Arts & Crafts trays and plates. Copper or brass, silver-plated or un-adorned, each, in its way, reflects a different aspect of the International Art Nouveau Movement. We end with the tray above—English Arts & Crafts circa 1910—which is hand-hammered and tooled with a scrolling Ivy decoration. […]
Another hand-crafted Arts & Crafts tray is this sweet copper rendition, designed in an “oval spiked quatrefoil” form. Made in Edwardian England right around the turn-of-the-century, it references the Medieval Gothic—one of the many historical and cultural touchstones used by British Arts & Crafts designers. It has a “churchy” feeling without being dour or too […]
Throughout the worldwide Arts & Crafts movement, one of the defining characteristics of the style is the reliance on the crafted material to provide a significant portion of the work’s aesthetic appeal. On a copper plate, the hammered texture of the copper becomes the decoration. On an oak fireplace mantel, the wood’s grain provides the […]
Like the Norwegian copper plate presented yesterday, this one is also from the early Twentieth Century. It is English Arts & Crafts and the hand-hammered repoussé work takes the form of a border of scrolling grape vines—complete with leaves and clusters of fruit. First crafted in brass, then silver-plated, parts of the underlying metal have […]
I only knew one thing about this little copper plate when I discovered it: I loved it! A little sleuthing uncovered that it’s Arts & Crafts from Scandinavia—Norway to be precise. Designers and craftsmen throughout the world-wide Art Nouveau Movement often revived (and adapted) ancient historical and cultural references from their specific cultures. The […]
In recent days we’ve presented glassware from Japan, from the Czech Republic, and, now, from Venezia, Italia. The emerald green liquor service, shown above, was mouth-blown on the little island of Murano—floating a short vaporetto ride from La Serinissima, “The Most Serene,” the floating “City of Bridges.” This set was made right around 1950, when […]
