The Last Day of Summer


Carstens West German Mid-Century "Rustic Country" Vase in Mustard and Eggplant Glazes (LEO Design)

 

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon;
to me, those have always been the two
most beautiful words in the English language."
- Henry James

 

Yes, summer afternoons can be wonderful.  Yet, alas, all good things must come to an end—including summer afternoons.  Today, Saturday 21 September, will be our final summer afternoon until next year.  Autumn will begin tomorrow morning.

Perhaps the two-handled vase, shown above, will serve as a reminder of endless, late-Summer afternoons.  Though it was made in Mid-Century Germany, after World War Two, it clearly was inspired by Country French or Italian ceramics—perhaps a vase from Provence or Tuscany.  The mustard yellow glaze lays over a roughly-textured ceramic body. Eggplant glazing encircles the ringed neck—and a hint of green glaze winks from the vase's shoulder.  It's a relaxed, relaxing vase.  And a departure from the more Modernist aesthetic which was prevalent after the War.  And, possibly, a remembrance of long, lazy summer afternoons.  Click on the photo above to learn more about it.

 

Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well!  Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com)

We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).

Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only).  917-446-4248