We live in a modern world of alarms, alerts and other audible signals—many of them emanating from the electronic device waiting in our back pocket. For good or bad, we are now conditioned to respond immediately to any such interruptions—as the signal pierces not only our ears, but our consciousness.
Such "call systems" are not new. In the old days, bells and whistles were used to call people to a purpose. Mistresses would ring a little bell when she needed help dressing or wanted the tea brought in. Factory owners would blow a horn when a work shift was about to begin. And teachers would ring a large triangle when it was time for class to assemble. In these old-time examples, there was always an element of social hierarchy at play: the superior would ring the bell and the subordinate would respond. Employers, managers, or teachers would summon servants, laborers or students. Rarely was the bell rung (or whistle blown) to summon one's superior. Today, however, people of every station are summoned by the indiscriminate sounds of their mobile phones—interrupted with seemingly-urgent demands, often from sources we would consider undeserving of the intrusion.
Today, very few of us employ household servants; for most of us, servants are far too expensive. But there still are times when the tinkle of a little tea bell might be helpful. A bell would by useful for a bedridden patient. A bell could be used to announce supper. Or a bell could be used as a training device for a beloved pet—perhaps to signal that "It's time for a walk!"
The bronze tea bell, shown above, features a sculpted handle: a chickadee perched upon a maple twig. It is a handsome sculptural piece with a pleasing tinkle—attractive and useful. 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).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.