As we straddle the seasons—that unpredictable period between Winter and Spring—let us shine a little light on another sensory counterpoint: the interplay of black and white. Over the next few days, we'll share part of our collection of black, white and black & white merchandise—all for sale in our on-line store.
The Jazz Age, that musical earthquake of the 1920's and 1930's, had a wide-ranging influence on the culture, image and attitude of the American nation. Indeed, Jazz affected the entire world. Jazz grew out of Black music, initially in the South. This origin triggered varied reactions to the musical style, from titillation, to fetishism, to wariness, to condemnation. Once White musicians began to pick-up or adapt (or copy) the genre, the music gained wider acceptance amongst White Americans. Jazz became very popular. Of course, this "jump" into the mainstream also changed the music dramatically.
The Jazz Age refers to more than just music. It also describes the expansive social changes of the period: an exploding youth culture, the push for women's equality and suffrage, the underground rebellion ignited by Prohibition, changing ideals of work, and the realization that marginalized people were not likely to remain quietly on the margins. The horrors of World War One—shocking in its use of modern technology—provided a dramatic break between the present and the world we once thought we knew. The Roaring Twenties was certainly a time of breathtaking energy, discontent, and change. It was also a fertile time for new and exciting art, design and aesthetics.
These English Art Deco cufflinks convey the bold energy of the Jazz Age. Enameled black and white graphics fairly jump from the cufflinks' faces. Click on the photo above to learn more about them.
More Black & White offerings tomorrow.
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