Very late last night—at 11:32 pm New York Time—the North Pole was at its closest annual tilt toward the Sun; yesterday, the Sun encircled the Earth along its most-northern track for the year (along the imaginary line called the Tropic of Cancer). Thus, in the Northern Hemisphere, yesterday was the longest day of the year—and Summer began at 11:32 pm. If you were at the North Pole, the sun would not have set at all. On the other hand, if you were in the Southern Hemisphere, it would have been the shortest day of the year for you—and the South Pole may have had no sunrise at all.
Life on Earth is dependent upon the Sun. But we need a remarkably precise (and reliable) amount of sun-power. Too much of a good thing (for too long) could destroy life on Earth. Like water, we need just the right amount at the right time. What allows life can also take it from us.
This English Arts & Crafts vase, made in 1912, reminds me of a handsomely decorated sun. The ball-like form is glazed with molten orange and yellow glazing, reminiscent of our fiery orb. The hand-painted bands of decoration—especially the palmettes—seem to evoke a royal and noble status. Please 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