The Arts & Crafts movement in Germany was called Jugenstil, literally "the youth style." Like with Arts & Crafts movements elsewhere, this aesthetic school marked a break from the prevailing Nineteenth Century aesthetic—thus it was new and fresh (that is, youthful). The Jugendstil Movement promoted a revival of handcraft, simplicity of design, and the use of natural, honest materials. The movement was influenced by the Arts & Crafts movements of other countries and, in turn, it influenced other Modernist movements, especially in Northern Europe.
One "subset" of German Jugendstil (and Viennese Secessionism) exhibited a crisp, understated angularity, often in metalwork. These steel chambersticks, made in Württemberg, Germany, are a blend of primitive simplicity and industrial modernism. Two important touches—the pierced squares on the shafts and the meandering "Greek Key" flourish on the handle—bring the chamber sticks into modern age (of German Jugendstil). Click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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