Flowers for Mom - VI


 

Japanese Cut Crystal Rose-Form Paperweight (LEO Design)

 

The Japanese have a sophisticated crystal-making industry which really blossomed after World War Two.  Glassmaking is notoriously labor-intensive—which contributes to the traditionally high price of fine crystal.  After the war, countries like Japan (and Germany) found themselves with a large workforce desperate to get back to work.  And, with a relatively low labor cost, Japan was well-suited to develop attractively-priced, high-quality goods for an international market.  In the decades after the war, high-volume, labor-intensive manufacturing moved from the victor countries (like America and England) to the vanquished countries (like Japan, Italy and Germany).  Ceramics and glassware were some of the industries which saw such large-scale global shifts after 1945.  To its credit, Japan made a great effort to elevate the quality of its output—as can be seen in the beautiful mid-century crystal which was produced in the 1960's and 1970's.  Japan's post-war economic miracle is largely due to that country's ability to change the words "Made in Japan" from a disparagement into an endorsement. 

The stylized "rose form" crystal paperweight, shown above, was made in the 1980's.  A block of Japanese crystal was cut-down—that is, sculpted—on a cutting wheel to create the handsome piece shown here.  It is certain to be a conversation piece on your office desk or credenza.  And it may prove irresistible to resist picking-up and fondling.  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 Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or 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