In the home furnishings industry—and in the decorative arts—the term "Transitional" is a convenient "safety word" to describe a piece which has the characteristics of two (or more) consecutive schools of design. It's often true that transitional pieces were created on the cusp of two significant, distinct movements.
The vase above presents a good bit of Modernism (which was en vogue at the time it was made) and a little bit of Art Deco (from its recent past). To me, it is reminiscent of a softened version of Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum in New York. Like the building, the vase's "stacked," graduated segments get larger toward the top of the vase.
Wright's museum was finished in 1959, after 15 years of designing, struggling and building. Controversial upon completion, the building is now widely regarded as a masterpiece. It was Wright's last major project.
The vase above was crafted by Haeger (in Dundee, Illinois) in the Sixties or Seventies. It is finished with a matte white glaze—also reminiscent of the Guggenheim in a certain light. The original building was painted "yellow-buff." Today it is painted a light grey (which appears a soft white from a distance). The City of New York "landmarked" this light grey color in 2007—ensuring that the color of the museum will not be changed in the future.
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