This morning's passing of Pope Francis marked the end of a chapter of the Catholic Church. Francis was my favorite pope, in my lifetime—and many people (Catholic or not) were moved (and improved) by his call for Mercy.
Part of Francis's appeal was the conviction with which he side-stepped the enticing grandeur of the office. He could have dressed ornately. He could have lived in the opulent Papal Apartments. Instead, he chose to live in a modest apartment—alongside brother priests—and he dressed in the simple, white garments which represented modesty, purity and simplicity. This is not to say that Francis blended-in with a crowd. On the contrary, one always knew who he was and what he represented.
This week we will be sharing a few of our favorite pieces of white pottery which—strangely, interestingly—remind me of the late Pope Francis. While the pieces are simple, clean and understated, they do not lack for style, beauty or dignity. They are the straightforward expression of immaculate simplicity. Enjoy this short procession of simple, classic white ceramics.
Shown here, a handsome two-handled vase by Roseville, made in Ohio, circa 1930. This vase, though simple, ticks three different aesthetic boxes. Firstly, the body of the vase is that of a classic Ancient Greek urn. Secondly, the handles have Art Nouveau "whiplash" styling. And, thirdly, the entire piece (and its period of manufacture) lands squarely in the Art Deco period. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome, satin white vase.
More simple, white pottery tomorrow and in the days to come.
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).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.