Even today, the civilizations surrounding the Mediterranean Sea are astounding: the food, the cultures, the art and craftworks. But the Mediterranean's rich heritage extends back for millennia: the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Minoans, Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans—just to name a few of them.
Even today, the art and antiquities of the Mare Nostrum are inspiring artists and all who love beauty. This Belgian vase, made by Antoine DuBois in the 1920's, is decorated with an incised "rampant lion" who looks like he may have leaped off the frescoed wall (or mosaic floor) of an ancient Mediterranean palace. On the reverse side, a stylized incised palm leaf continues the Greco-Mediterranean aesthetic.
That this motif inspired an Art Nouveau ceramic artist shows the lingering allure of the Mediterranean style. Perhaps a recent archeological excavation made the news—and inspired Antoine DuBois in his choice of decoration.
Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome vase.
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