In Edwardian England (where and when this box was made), wealthy and middle class families would employ servants—who were expected to serve their masters on Christmas Day. Their day off was on the 26th, known as Boxing Day, the day on which servants would receive gifts from their employers. Traditionally, even the tradesmen who served the family would be given "boxes" with a gratuity or other gift within. Today, the occasion is still observed as a "bank holiday" in England and other Commonwealth countries—though very few families still employ live-in servants. The brass stamp box, shown here, was made around 1905. Besides stamps, it is a cozy spot to hold a few rings, clips or flat cufflinks. Please click on the photo...
Merry Christmas to my friends and loyal LEO Design customers. May your day be relaxing, restful and happy. Thank you for your support.
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Christmas Eve inspires a variety of feelings in a shopkeeper's heart. It always has for me. On the one hand—as I'd lock-up my shop after a long and exhausting season—I'd feel as though I'd just (gratefully) stepped-out of a wind tunnel. Because I'd usually close later than most of my neighboring merchants, the streets were always dark and unusually quiet as I ambled home for my Christmas Eve dinner. The walk was an annual ritual of decompression and it was always clear that a chapter had just ended. On the other hand, the Christmas rush brings with it a flurry of excitement: familiar customer faces, happy music and a definite sense of purpose (not to mention lots of sales). There have been times when...
Men like boxes. When my Greenwich Village shop was still open, men—of every description—would slowly proceed through the shop, opening each box in-turn and checking out their interiors. Boxes are useful, organizing, and (very often) quite handsome—like the marbled Bakelite dresser box shown here. Made in the Art Deco Thirties, this box is perfect for holding cufflinks on a dresser, keys near the door, or paperclips on the desk. Two bas relief deer embellish the cover. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts" Follow...
Perhaps your guy is handsome and tough. Classic and functional. Stylish and durable. Here's the perfect gift for him: an American Alligator wallet, made in New England. The alligators are farmed in Louisiana and tanned with a casual, matte finish. With time and use, however, the skins will develop a soft shine—from frequent handling and being slipped repeatedly into a pants pocket. It is equally appropriate with a suit or a pair of well-worn jeans. Other variations available. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts"...
Let's end our little parade of bookends in feline style: with this pair of antique cast iron bookends from the Twenties. A pair of proud lions survey their domain from atop this craggy mountaintop. Beautifully modeled, nicely cast and finished with an (aged) copper wash, they would make a handsome addition to any office, den or bookshelf—and make any good LEO happy. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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Which pair of bookends could be more-appropriate for a smart person than those called "The Thinker"? Rodin first created "Le Penseur" in 1880 as part of a larger sculpted grouping called "The Gates of Hell," based on Dante's The Divine Comedy. The first large stand-alone "Thinker" was cast in 1904 and the public was intrigued by a work which perfectly suited the times. Psychology increasingly was viewed as a legitimate science and the public was fascinated with the human mind and the theories of Sigmund Freud. "The Thinker" became an icon of the Turn-of-the-Century zeitgeist. The bookends shown above were made in the 1920's—when "The Thinker" was still a relatively recent novelty. First, the bookend maker needed to sculpt an artful and accurate model...
The Boston Terrier was actually first "created" in Liverpool, England. It was a terrible time for dogs and other animals—the mid Nineteenth Century—as "bloodsports" were a popular pastime, pitting dogs against other animals (including dogs) in fights-to-the-death. Attempting to create a novel "pit dog," a Bulldog was crossed with an English White Terrier (now extinct). This dog, named "Judge," was purchased by a Bostonian who brought him back to the States and bred him to develop and establish the breed. Today the breed is known for its curious and sprightly nature, its sharp "tuxedo" coat and its gentlemanly behavior. These bookends, from the 1920's, were made when Boston Terriers were even more popular than they are today. In the Teens,...
I like to visit beautiful cemeteries—especially those with strong Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century monuments. Highgate in London, Père Lachaise in Paris. A quiet afternoon here is an afternoon well-spent. Cemeteries are quiet, verdant, and usually well-appointed with beautiful sculpture and architecture. So, when I found myself with a little extra time in Budapest, I made my way to the Kerepesi Cemetery—at the end of the Metro line, in what was once "just outside" of the old city. Here I spent a wonderful couple of hours, meandering amongst the graves and admiring the handsome sculpture-rich monuments erected by loving survivors. The bronze-clad bookends above were modeled by sculptor Julio Kilenyi in the 1910's or 1920's. Kilenyi was born in Arad...
I like people who love dogs. And people who love books. That said, these bookends really hit the mark! They were made of cast iron and finished with a copper wash in the 1920's or 1930's—a time when bulldogs were amongst the most popular of pet dog breeds. Though the breed diminished in popularity over the ensuing decades, bulldogs did have one high-profile moment during World War Two when they became forever linked with the resolve, tenacity and (well) doggedness of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them. More handsome bookends tomorrow. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line...
Does anyone dislike Gothic architecture? To me, the Gothic (and Gothic Revival) marks the high-water mark of human architectural achievement. And though you may not live in a Gothic Castle (or Cathedral), you could have a handsome (and heavy) pair of Gothic Arch bookends. Made by Bradley & Hubbard (Meriden, CT) in the 1920's or 1930's, these bookends will bring a handsome touch of Gothic architectural interest to your (non-Gothic) home or office. They would also make a great gift for a smart person in your life. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them. More handsome bookends tomorrow. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please...
Owls have long represented Wisdom—since the days of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and Athens's namesake. More recently, bookends have become the perfect gift for smart people. Why? Well, first of all, one only needs bookends if one has books. And one only has books if one loves wisdom, learning and knowledge. Add to this the fact that a handsome pair of bookends are practical and aesthetically pleasing—like the pair of bronze-clad bookends, shown above. Made in the 1920's, these nicely-modeled bookends were electroplated in bronze, then patinated and punctuated with hand-painting. They'll bring style—and a certain sense of erudition—to your desk, bookshelf or office. Learn more about them by clicking on the photo above. More handsome bookends tomorrow. LEO...
On this day in the year 2000, a Michigan State University art student, Casey Sorrow, jokingly scribbled the words “Monkey Day” on a friend’s calendar. Later that day, they celebrated the first International Monkey Day—and the “holiday” took off. Monkey Day celebrants dress in simian costumes and watch movies like “Planet of the Apes.” In […]
This small but heavy sculpture is a remarkable bit of metalwork handcraft. Made in Japan, a heavy block of solid brass is shaped into this sensuous feline form and polished to a bright finish. He'd be happy to hold your paperwork or just sit with you at the desk—quietly reflecting while quietly reflecting. Please click on the photo above to learn more about him.
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On this day in 1917, Father Edward J. Flanagan—a Roman Catholic priest working in Omaha, Nebraska—founded “Boys Town,” a home for wayward boys. The priest created an orphanage using then-innovative methods of juvenile care, creating a model of institutional child-raising—a far cry from notorious 19th century practices. Boys Town became most famous after the 1938 […]
This handsome pair of Art Deco bookends, made in the 1920's, portray a pensive cellist—tortured, talented, tenacious. Artfully sculpted and clad in electroplated bronze, they still retain much of their original polychrome painting. A wonderful gift for a cellist, musician or music-lover. Learn more about them by clicking on the photo above.
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Longing for Summer? Yeah. Me, too. Though it's frigid outside, you can enjoy a moment in the summer sun with this festive Dutch hand-painted vase. Its gold and burnt orange coloration will take you back to that terrace overlooking the sea. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Florence Pretz of Kansas City, Missouri, was an art teacher and illustrator. She claims that the gnome-like character "Billiken" came to her in a dream—and by 1908, Pretz had secured a design patent on her creation, "the god of things as they ought to be." She marketed the little guy as a good luck token—informing the public that to give one was lucky, but to receive one was even more lucky. Today, Billiken stands as the mascot of the Jesuit college Saint Louis University (and its affiliated high school). This little bank was made in the 1910's or 1920's. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed....
Elbert Hubbard, founder of the Roycroft community in East Aurora, New York, modeled his campus on the progressive—and reformist—arts colonies in turn-of-the-century England. Besides metal working, furniture making and lamp crafting, the printing of books, cards and posters was needed to bring education and culture to the eager minds of the day. Hubbard created his "Little Journeys" series: a monthly subscription of books which detailed the lives of the artistic, important and influential. Each year, a new topic would be introduced, whether musicians, orators, scientists or men of letters. The bookends above, made by Roycroft, were intended to hold up one's collection of Little Journeys booklets. You will learn more about them by clicking on the photo above. LEO Design's Greenwich Village...
Your man on-the-go will appreciate the streamlined style of this handsomely-crafted credit card sleeve. Made of Italian leather, and available in brown or black, they are discretely lined in a fashionable yellow lambskin. Each has four exterior pockets (for credit cards or business cards) and a central pocket, too. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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A handy stocking-stuffer, this clever little keying was crafted of machined brass in Brooklyn, NY. The twisting form is capped with a screw-in ending—which makes adding (or subtracting) keys a snap. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Tired of too much Christmas bling? Perhaps it's all in the presentation. Imagine this English hand-thrown vase profuse with sprigs of holly—or holding a little potted pine tree. It was hand made by Dickerware, in the south of England in the 1920's. I think that the sophisticated gunmetal glazing makes a striking impact any season of the year—and with any interior aesthetic, Traditional or Modern. It could provide just the "base" you need to take your Holiday decor from kitsch to rich. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow...
Like a festive, reddish-orange Christmas Berry, this Van Daalen Modernist jug is jolly without being saccharine. Its perfectly sloping sides are glazed with a microcrystalline glaze—not quite a matte finish, yet certainly not a glossy finish either. And it's wonderful to hold. Just the right size, shape and hand-feel. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Victorian Brits of means loved to travel—especially to visit other parts of "The Empire." One such place was Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka), an island nation to the south of India. One of the traditional souvenirs from Southern Ceylon was crafts made of ebonywood and porcupine quills—boxes, frames, desk caddies and bowls, like the example shown above. They were mostly made between 1850 and 1900, and mostly for the tourist or export trade. Because porcupine quills fall-out of the animal naturally, no foul play was involved in the procurement of the material. And pieces of polished bone would be inset into the wood, giving additional punctuation to the handicraft. Sri Lanka gained its independence from England in 1948. It became...
Wishing my friends and LEO Design customers a Happy Hanukkah and a Holiday Season of peace and contentment.
Shown above, an English Art Deco vase with lotus bas relief and a wonderful, dappled cobalt blue glaze. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Welcome, December, and your birthstone, the Turquoise. The sublime blue-green stone has been mined and used decoratively for thousands of years although the modern(ish) name “Turquoise” dates back only to the 1600’s—from the French word “Turques” (after the “Turks” who first brought the stone to Europe from Persia). Some of the oldest turquoise mining occurred in Persia […]
On this day in 1835, in Florida, Missouri, one of America’s great story tellers was born. Growing-up in Hannibal, MO, Samuel Langhorne Clemens—better known as Mark Twain—was immersed in the small town American life which would so richly inform his novels and stories. His books are American Classics; The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are considered amongst America’s finest, some 13 decades after being published. His characters, their relationships, and the moral lessons they learn have kept Twain’s writings popular with each emerging generation of readers. But Twain had far from an easy-going life. He bounced amongst professions (like mining and piloting Mississippi river boats) before settling on writing and lecturing. He made good money in his lifetime...
American sculptor James Earle Frasier (1876-1953) was known for his handsome sculpture—including Native American themes and wild animals of the West. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago as well as the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He was hired to re-design the Nickel, part of an on-going effort to "beautify" American currency. Despite objections from coin-operated vending machine owners (who thought the coin was too easy to imitate with "slugs"), Frasier's "Indian Head" or "Buffalo Nickel" was minted starting in 1913. Alas, the design proved difficult to "strike" crisply—and the bas relief design was prone to excessive wear from circulation. In 1938, after the 25 year circulation requirement was met, the coin was replaced by the Jefferson nickel. The cufflinks...
Artists, designers and craftsmen are always seeking inspiration—new ideas for their next great project—and sometimes they will look-backwards, to civilizations of the past and the artifacts they left behind. During the Post War Modernist period (1950's - 1970's), there was a boom in archaeological exploration of ancient sites—places (and their newly-unearthed objets) which proved fertile sources for creative artists "looking for something new." Syracuse (called Siracusa in Italian or Syracusæ in Latin) is an ancient city-state on the Southeast edge of Sicily, looking-out over the Ionian Sea. Its advantageous position (and its strong alliances with Corinth and Sparta), made it the most important city in all of "Magna Graecia." It was as large and powerful as Athens, and, according to...
Bring a touch of elegant handcraft to your busy desk—with this English Arts & Crafts pen tray, made around 1900. Hand-tooled wild irises scroll amidst stylized botanical effects on this brass repoussé piece. Pen trays, once necessary to keep a desk clean and tidy, are now perfect places to keep clips, business cards or even pens. At home antique pen trays are a handsome solution for one's jewelry at bedside or keys near the door. Click on the photo above to learn more about this stylish piece. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts" Follow us on Facebook:...
Here's another "rusty" piece—less "planetary" and more like leather. It, too, was made by Gerda Heuckeroth for Carstens in the 1960's or 1970's. The Modernist "flying saucer" shape is softened by the warm, dappled, naturalistic glazing. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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One day I looked-up and realized that I had amassed a rather large collection of "otherworldly" ceramic vases, urns and bowls—pieces with dripping, organic glazes which reminded me of distant planets, moons and other heavenly bodies. Sometimes the representation is authentic: some pieces look like Neptune, Mercury or Jupiter. Other times, the planet cannot be named—the vessel just looks like an artistic creation hanging low in the horizon of a Star Wars epic sequel. Perhaps I'm drawn to the natural, the spontaneous, "the more Arts & Crafts" glazing. Or, perhaps, I have a deeply-buried love for traveling the Cosmos. (After all, I did take-up space in school.) This urn, made by Carstens, was designed by and crafted under the supervision of...
This tallish vase by Scheurich brings to mind a dip into the U-Bahn (subway) in many a German city. The Modernist bas relief decoration which surrounds the piece is reminiscent of the tilework to be found on the walls of typical post-War underground train stations. And it makes perfect sense: both the vase and the train station tilework were crafted in the 1960's or 1970's—a time when Germany was struggling to rebuild its economy after two devastating wars. The labor-intensive production of ceramics and tile were well-suited to a country seeking to put many people back to work. Luckily, many of the vases were exported to eager buyers in Europe and America. The subway tiles tended to stay put. Please click on the photo above...
Depending on which side of the sales counter you occupy, the well-worn term "Black Friday" may excite you or fill you with dread. In recent decades, the term has referred to the day after Thanksgiving—the "official start" of the Holiday shopping season. It's the day when a merchant's profit ledger will (hopefully) switch from red ink to black ink. Optimistically, ten-and-a-half months of losses would be reversed by a surge of motivated Holiday shoppers. With this in mind, I present a classic black leather billfold. With pockets for two different currencies and plenty of room for credit cards, one should be able to conquer Black Friday in style. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's...
Fifty-five years ago today, our country was changed forever. Today, let's recall and give thanks for America's true leaders—the presidents who brought out the best in our Nation and its people.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Your trusty steed is saddled-up and at-the-ready! Ready to serve you loyally, holding your letters, cards or bills. He's made of cast brass and was made in England in the 1920's or 1920's. A great gift for a horse lover or perfect at home to corral your loose bits of paper. Click on the photo above to learn more about him.
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Want to make your morning just a little easier? Consider this simply elegant Victorian English brass shoehorn. While one may continue to jam his fingers between shoe and heel, why not slide-in in style? You'll make it out the door with a little extra time, a little less struggle, and the satisfaction of using just the right tool for a job well done. Click on the photo above to learn more about this quality piece.
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One usually thinks of Art Deco existing between the Wars—starting in the mid-Twenties and peaking in the Thirties. But the movement had a very long tail. Think of all those movie houses and home appliances and automobiles that were built well into the 1950's. Art Deco was popular and durable and its influence extended well after the Second World War. The vases above were made in the 1950's by Michael Andersen and Sons on the Danish Baltic island of Bornholm. While Modernist, they bear a strong Art Deco flavor. Crisply-cast horses frolic in a field of stylized flowers and foliage. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently...
Some things don't get better with modernity. Try to find a contemporary letter rack for your new office's desk and you're likely to end-up with a cheap (looking) plastic contraption. Functional, yes. But oh-so-lacking in human handcraft or style. This piece, made in Jugendstil Germany, is assembled (with rivets!) of hand-hammered coper—each piece hand-scalloped with a touch of the Gothic. It's not very big, but it will easily hold small notepads, a few handy tools, or (naturally) envelopes or letters. Click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on...
This vase pleased me on first glance. Blues and browns, dripping glazes—these are a few of my favorite things. But, the more I contemplated the piece, the more I came to appreciate its wonderful artistry, its complicated coincidence. Where I once saw jagged bands, I began to see landscapes. Is that a sandy, desert mountain or a snow-covered Big Sky peak? Does the darkened treeline bound an icy lake? And is the midnight sky the same color as the lake—or just a little lighter? Sand, water, clouds and sky. This vase has it all! Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next...
Whatever the season, this Rookwood Arts & Crafts turquoise vase will fit-the-bill. Think of springtime robins' eggs, summer skies, or wintery winds while gazing at the incised row of tulips—swaying gently in the breeze. Made in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1926. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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It's not too early to start planning for New Year's Eve! And this set of four champagne or cocktail stems from the Forties will have you ringing-in 2019 in style. Softly-faceted panels are finished with an iridescent wash—which will give an extra sparkle to your countdown bubbly. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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For much of the world's population, religiously speaking, Jerusalem stands at the center of the world. I have visited this singular city and was amazed at how so many different people live so tightly together. Occasional tensions flare—sometimes very seriously. But, after thousands of years, the people mostly exist side-by-side, tolerantly and compatibly. Perhaps these Modernist olive parquet bookends, made in Jerusalem, can help illustrate the city's character: discrete, unique and separate individuals, though cobbled together, can maintain their identity while creating a greater (and beautiful) assemblage. Click on the photo above to learn more about them. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues...
One last glimpse of summer . . . with this Carstens vase from the 1970's. Bands of marigold glazing seem to fade quietly—like an imminent sunset—into bands of midnight brown. Certainly summer, though it's clear the season won't last much longer. Learn more about this handsome vase by clicking on the photo above.
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Winter's chill has swept through the Northeast—and I already miss the summer! Not to worry, I can gaze at this sunny, summery vase, made by Carstens. Though German, it brings to mind a sunny, Positano terrace. It would also look quite-at-home centered in an impastoed Van Gogh sunflower masterpiece. Learn more about it by clicking on the photo above.
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“Trench Art” was a form of folk art practiced by soldiers (or, sometimes, sailors) during World Wars I & II. Men on the front line would sometimes have long stretches of boredom, punctuated by sudden bursts of excruciating action. The artistically-inclined amongst them might spend their quiet hours crafting items (such as the vase, above) […]
On 10 November 1855, the long-form poem “Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was published. It proved popular, selling 50,000 copies within the next two years. While the poem is considered a masterpiece of American Romantic literature, it is not necessarily an accurate, historical rendering of Native American people and their lives. Nevertheless, the […]
Is a thin wallet better? In the case of this Italian leather billfold, you may think so. Hand-stitched tan calfskin is lined with a handsome (and classy) navy blue interior—just a small touch that demonstrates a lot of taste. Even more surprising is the butter-soft lambskin (in yellow) which lines the hidden cash pocket. Its streamlined silhouette makes it less-bulky, perfect for jeans or a fitted jacket. It's part of a small collection of leather goods, now showing in our on-line store. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com)....
A winsome dancer sways to the music on this pair of cufflinks made of Honolulu Rapid Transit tokens, first minted in the 1950's. Sterling silver mountings complete the assembly. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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Thomas Nast was the popular and powerful cartoonist, lecturer, and political thinker of the American 19th century. He did much of his work for Harper’s Weekly in New York City. On this day in 1874, Nast introduced the Elephant as the symbol for the Republican party—a mascot which survives to this day. Nast has been […]
It's easy to take one's democracy for granted. Many of us think it's "a permanent part of the scenery." But democracy hasn't always been a given—in fact, even today, many Americans struggle to cast their vote at the polls. In modern world history, democracy has been taken away from people who couldn't imagine it happening; citizens in Germany, Spain, Italy, Chile, Hungary, and many Eastern European nations lost their political voices (and many lost their lives). And lest one think that this only happened back in "the bad old days," the rise of anti-democratic factions is on the rise, worldwide. In America, though we are not immune from the Fascist manipulations of Nationalists, we do enjoy a history of embracing an...
It's like a cloudy day over The Red Planet, the handsome glazing on this Ruscha West German pitcher made by glaze master Otto Gerharz. It's part of a growing collection of "otherworldly" pieces I've been finding—ceramics pieces with interesting glazes reminiscent of faraway moons and planets (whether real or imagined). They are beautiful on their own, but I like to imagine them hanging in the futuristic scenic designs of some science fiction Star Wars movie. Click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts" Follow us on Facebook:...
On this day in 1922, British archeologist Howard Carter uncovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Not only did this discovery set the scientific, historical, and archeological worlds ablaze, but it sparked a revival of “Egyptian Mania” in the decorative arts. “King Tut” took the throne at the age of 9 or 10 and held it […]
On this day in 1966, Florence's Arno River began to rise—and, by the next day, had surpassed its banks, flooding parts of the Renaissance city with as much as 22 feet of water. It was the worst flood in over 500 years and countless priceless artworks, books and buildings were damaged or destroyed. Among the lost treasures was the little ceramics workshop, Fratelli Fanciullacci, first established in the mid-Nineteenth Century. The studio lost most of its equipment, molds, kilns and tools. It lost most of its stock—that which was in-production as well as that which was finished and awaiting shipment to the U.S. and the rest of Europe. Most critically, the workshop lost its talented crew of artisans—who could not...
This handsome business card case must be held to be fully appreciated! Japanese oak is hand-shaped to a softly-tapered point (see the reflection in the photo) and lacquered to a warm, wooden glow. It feels wonderful in the hand—silky, precise— and the magnetic latch closes the hinged lid with a soft and satisfying snap. It's certain to catch an admiring eye, sliding out of a tailored jacket's breast pocket. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Autumn brings us Halloween, chilly nights, and the sun sign Scorpio—23 October through 22 November. Born in the eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are known for their passion, sensuality, and dynamism—characteristics which make them admired as lovers. Alas, deeply-rooted intensity can express itself as jealousy, possessiveness and manipulation. The carved and polychromed wooden plaque, […]
All Hallows’ Eve (or Hallowe’en) means “Holy Night” and was first celebrated in Western Christian countries on the night before All Saints’ Day—1 November. Hallowe’en is actually just the first day of a longer, three day “triduum” called Allhallowtide—comprising All Saint’s Day (1 November), its vigil (31 October) and All Souls’ Day (2 November). Pope Gregory […]
With one night left, let's get into a Halloweeny mood with this textured, matte orange vase by Scheurich. Two vibrant shades of orange create a dappled surface on this rounded cylindrical vase—which is topped with a short, corseted neck. It is sure to make an impression—by itself or as part of a larger collection—and you can learn more about it by clicking on the photo above.
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Before the advent of cartridge ink pens (or ball point pens), writing was a messy ordeal. Writers greeted you with blackened fingers and newspaper writers were called "Ink-Stained Wretches." What to do if you were an educated gentleman? You wanted to (or needed to) write—but you preferred to maintain a gentlemanly nattiness. (Not to mention preserve your expensive leather-topped desk). Enter the pen tray! Here one could keep one or more inky pens—close-at-hand but securely cradled. This footed pen tray, made in late Nineteenth Century France, is crafted of cast bronze and decorated with sensuous botanical scrollwork and regimented triangular edging. And, if inky messes are no-longer a common occurrence on your desk, these pen trays are perfect holding...
West German ceramics is interesting and collectible. I've been buying and selling it for years. But I still get a special thrill when I pick-up a piece of East German pottery. And I can't help but think of the talented ceramics artists who just happened to end up on the wrong side of the daunting Berlin Wall. It seems East German designs have a cooler, greyer, more dour-looking aesthetic than their West German cousins. And, perhaps because East Germany was cut-off from the Modernist art world of the late Mid-Century, their interpretations seem more informed by the early Modernism at the turn of the Twentieth Century. That puts their mindset right into my decorative sweet spot! The piece above, made by Veb Lausitz in...
A couple of weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of seeing Elton John in Pittsburgh—one of the stops on his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" world tour. Naturally, he sang "Rocket Man" among the many hits he performed that night. In recent years, I've found myself intrigued by (and collecting) ceramics pieces which bear a resemblance to faraway planets or moons—whether actual or fanciful. This piece, made by Steuler in West Germany, has a glaze which brings to (my) mind an otherworldly, gaseous planet, perhaps one hanging in the background of a rough-and-tumble Star Wars set piece. "D'you pack your bags last night, pre-flight?" Please click on the photo above to learn more about it. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store...
Here' another handsome piece by French knife-maker Laguiole. The hand-forged stainless steel knife is clad in white cow horn (which has the look of ivory) and is capped with polished stainless steel bolsters. Of course, the knife is finished with the classic hand-chiseled bee (and spine) and it displays the stainless pins which form a stylized cross on one side. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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James Barton Longacre was born in 1794 in Delaware County, Eastern Pennsylvania. His mother died when he was young and he ran away to Philadelphia at the age of 12—unable to abide his new stepmother. He was taken-in by the family of a Philly bookseller and given an apprenticeship working in the bookshop. But young James displayed a talent for portraiture so the shopkeeper released him of his apprenticeship which allowed him to work for an engraver. In a recess appointment by U.S. President John Tyler, Longacre was appointed Chief Engraver for the Philadelphia Mint in 1844, a position he held until his death in 1869. He was a prolific designer of many coins, including the iconic "Indian Head" penny (produced from...
A rich orange glaze flows down, over the staggered arrangement of "fish scale" decor—reminiscent of the shingled roof of a faraway land of make believe. It was crafted by Jasba in the 1960's or 1970's and you can learn more about it by clicking on the photo above.
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Hand-impressed "divots" are created with a wooden stylus—giving this two handled urn the appearance of a stylized strawberry ("fragola" in italiano). It was handmade by the Florentine pottery workshop Fratelli Fanciullacci in the 1960's. Although the studio was founded in the 19th century, the Brothers Fanciullacci were at the leading edge of Post-War Italian Modernist ceramics in the Mid-Century. Modernist ceramics master Aldo Londi worked for Fratelli Fanciullacci before joining Bitossi after World War Two. Alas, the workshop was severely damaged during the flooding of the Arno River in 1966. The company lost most of its stock, equipment, paperwork and artisans (who were forced to move-on to other work while the ceramics studio attempted to regroup). Although Fratelli Fanciullacci did...
On this day in 1811, musical genius Ferencz Liszt was born in the Hungarian village of Doborjan—at the time part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and today a part of modern Austria. Ferencz (called "Franz" in English) was attentive to his musician father's practicing. By seven, he was beginning piano lessons, by eight he was crafting simple compositions, and by nine he was performing concerts. After hearing the prodigy play, a group of wealthy music patrons agreed to finance Franz's musical education in Vienna—the capital city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Liszt spent the rest of his boyhood studying, composing and touring. When his father died in 1827, the 16 year old Franz quit touring, moved with his family to Paris, and began...
On this day in 1805, England savored one its greatest military wins in history—defeating the combined navies of France and Spain. In the Battle of Trafalgar, led on the British side by Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, the French and Spanish lost 22 ships; England lost none. The win was so decisive, it changed the trajectory […]
Laguiole is a village of some 1,200 in South-Central France, known for its distinctive cheese and excellent knives. The first Laguiole knife was crafted in 1829 and became popular with farmers and shepherds. In fact, the decorative "pins" in the body of the knife are inserted in the form of a cross—and Catholic shepherds (tending their sheep, far from home or church) used to stick their knife blades upright, into the earth, to form a makeshift prayer altar. Alas, Laguiole was not disciplined about trademarking or protecting its esteemed name. As a result, poor-quality knockoffs (usually from Asia) have flooded the market under the Laguiole name. Rest assured, we only sell the best Laguiole products, made in Laguiole, France. The sommelier, shown...
From a collection of American alligator wallets, now in-stock at LEO Design: a slim, bi-fold credit card wallet. Its svelte profile is perfectly tailored for streamlined dressing and its natural, hand-rubbed finish will develop a beautiful, soft sheen with continued use. The alligators are farmed in Florida and Louisiana, and the wallets are hand-stitched in New England. It's one of many wallet styles, now to be found in our on-line shop. Please click on the photo above to learn more about this one. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts" Follow us on Facebook: "LEO Design...
“Call me Ishmael,” is perhaps the most famous opening line of any American Novel yet written. On this day in 1851, The Whale, by Herman Melville, was published by Richard Bentley in London. A few weeks later, it was published in New York under the name Moby Dick; or, The Whale. Although it was met with lukewarm […]
If you've left your heart in The City by the Bay, perhaps this handsome pair of cufflinks will ease the ache. Vintage San Francisco transit tokens—first minted in 1945—are set in sterling silver mounts. You can celebrate that wonderful city—and look great doing it. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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On this day in 1854, Irish wit, playwright, bon vivant—and hero—Oscar Wilde was born. He is best known for his brilliant (and successful) late-Victorian “society” plays which include The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windemere’s Fan, A Woman of No Importance, and An Ideal Husband—plays which are still performed worldwide to this day. He wrote The Picture […]
The Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1647-52) Saint Teresa of Avila was born in Gottarrendura, Spain in 1515. After a rather normal girlhood, Teresa lost her mother, plunging the 14 year old girl into profound sadness. She developed a strengthened devotion to Mary but also took solace in “frivolous” books about knights, […]
Foamy white tendrils—like the legs of a ghostly octopus—creep over the globular form of this dark brick red vase. Made by Steuler in the 1960's or 1970's, it would make a nicely-understated Holiday centerpiece—filled with sprigs of holly, pine & ivy, fluffy white flowers or brilliant red blossoms. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Here's a bold piece, made by Stangl in the 1930's. Two architectural handles punctuate the strong Art Deco form—which further pops with a glazing of vivid orange. Johann Stangl worked for Fulper Pottery (in Flemington, NJ) from 1910. At the time, the company was known for its pricey Arts & Crafts "studio" ceramics—art quality pieces, tastefully designed and laboriously hand-crafted. Johann Stangl became president of the company in 1926 and, three years later, changed the company's name to Stangl Pottery. Johann embraced the new Art Deco movement, and re-calibrated the company away from expensive, low-volume studio pieces and toward popular-priced, high-volume production which would meet the needs of a growing middle-class, post War market. The piece above would surely make a...
In Munich, Germany, on this day in 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (who would later became King Ludwig I of Bavaria) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. In celebration of the event, the citizens of the city were invited to celebrate in the fields in front of the city’s gates. And, thus, was born Oktoberfest—the […]
The Prinknash Abbey (pronounced "Prinish") has been associated with the Roman Catholic Benedictine order since its founding in 1096. When Henry VIII suppressed (and took) the abbey in 1539, he rented it to a wealthy supporter—sometimes using it himself as a hunting lodge. For the next 400 years, various aristocratic families lived on the property until the property was returned to the Benedictines (in 1928) who moved-back, converting the large home into a monastery. In 1942, while excavating for construction work, a seam of red clay was discovered and the monks began to make and sell pottery to support the abbey. Today the abbey no longer produces ceramics works. They continue to "blend" incense (using Arabian frankincense gum, essential oils and spices) which...
My heart belongs to the Arts & Crafts period—which starts in the late Nineteenth Century and ends with (or shortly after) World War One. That said, I do appreciate certain Modernist pieces, especially when they "lean back" (not forward) and exhibit a high degree of handwork, craftsmanship or organic spontaneity. I also think that traditional Arts & Crafts interiors can be wisely-punctuated with a few sensational, well-chosen Modernist pieces (as long as they stay true to the principles of beauty, nature and craftsmanship). The piece above is a good example. Made in the 1950's by Wendelin Stahl, its somewhat severe bottle form is softened with blooms of sapphire crystals which burst forth, seemingly randomly. Stahl had a rather small studio in the...
In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge—standing before a crowd of 100,000 at the Minnesota State Fair—declared that Norse explorer Leif Erikson was the first European to set foot in North America, 500 years before Columbus. Shortly thereafter, 9 October was declared Leif Erikson Day. Leif Erikson was (thought to have been) born in Iceland around the […]
People born in October may choose between two birthstones: the opal or the tourmaline. Tourmalines were first mined in Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka) and shipped to Europe in vast quantities by the Dutch East India Company in the 1600's. At the time, they were considered an exotic luxury. Subsequently, they have been found in Brazil, Africa, Afghanistan and the United States. They come in a variety of colors and some of them have magnetic qualities, due to the iron content in some examples. The Art Deco pot, shown above, is magnetic in appearance alone. It was made by Roseville in the 1930's and its shape was inspired by classic Native American ceramics. The glazing was named "Tourmaline," though it has...
On this day in 1982, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Cats, opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre. The work, based on T. S. Eliot’s 1939 work “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” ran for nearly 18 years—making it the longest-running Broadway musical at the time. Directed by theatre legend Trevor Nunn and choreographed by […]
On this day in 1683, thirteen German families landed in Philadelphia, PA, soon to found Germantown, PA. The day was commemorated through the Nineteenth Century, only falling-out of favor during World War I. In 1983—on the 300th anniversary of the landing—the date was revived and designated officially as a day to honor the contributions of […]
And speaking of artistic geniuses, let’s not forget “The Bard,” William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616). Perhaps the world’s greatest playwright—of all time—his plays have influenced many other written works, have been adapted into musicals and operas, and have made a profound contribution to the spoken English language. The bookends above, made by Bradley & Hubbard […]
The World is full of wonderful art—of varying (and disparate) eras, materials and aesthetics. How can one possibly identify an all time favorite artist—especially if he loves so much art? Well, for me it's easy. My all-time favorite artist jumps right out: Michelangelo Buonarotti of Renaissance Florence. He was a true Artistic Genius. Michelangelo lived in a place and era of artistic upheaval, dominated by artistic titans. And Michelangelo was the best! He painted (the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel), he sculpted (David, for starters) and he designed landmarks (like the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica). Popes and princes sought Michelangelo's labors—perhaps realizing that his divine artistry may provide them with a bit of earthly eternity. The bronze-clad bookends, shown above, are modeled after...
Artist, architect, textile designer, poet, historian, illustrator, writer, business man, social reformer, political agitator. Such was the resumé of Victorian Renaissance Man, William Morris. At Oxford, Morris studied theology with the intention of joining the clergy. He was fascinated with religion, Medieval literature, and the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. He visited churches […]
On this day in 1869—at the height of Victoria’s Empire—a new world hero was born, right under the Queen’s nose. His name, Mohandas Gandhi, was later changed to the honorific Mahatma (meaning “venerable” or “high-souled”). Gandhi was born of a merchant class family, one which could afford to send him to law school in London. […]
Every senior was once young—and, since then, has experienced a lifetime of lessons and made countless contributions. In 1990, the United Nations declared 1 October as International Day of Older Persons, the day when we salute our elderly and recognize the special challenges they face. Sadly, elder abuse is all too common. So is loneliness, […]
I've tended my first-ever garden this summer—with flowers, ferns, tomatoes and basil galore. And what does one do with too much basil? Make pesto, of course! So, when I found this piece, I was thematically inclined to add it to the LEO Design collection. It was made by Josef Emons & Söhne in Rheinbach, Germany in the 1960's. A dollop of pesto-like glazing drips languorously over a cobalt blue undercolor. It's a strange, unexpected and wonderful combination of color—coupled with an unpretentious, age-old ceramics form. Learn more about this piece by clicking on the photo above. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues...
“Narcissus” by Caravaggio, c. 1597-1599 (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Rome) 29 September seems to be a day for painters. Venetian Baroque artist Jacopo Comin (aka: Tintoretto, 1518)), Milanese bad boy Michelangelo Merisi (aka: Caravaggio, 1571), and Parisian Rococo painter François Boucher (1703) were all born on this day. Sadly, artists have left us on this […]
Dreaming of Italy. I could spend my every holiday in Italy—and, if fact, am roughing-out plans to return there next June. Art, beauty and style have always permeated the Italian mindset—whether it's ancient Roman sculpture, paintings of the Renaissance, Turn-of-the-Century gardens, or Valentino's gowns today. And the Italian instinct for "la bella figura" is not limited to the wealthy and the worldly. Indeed, whether countryside or cosmopolitan, simple creations are often inseminated with the DNA of charm, grace or elegance. With this vase, made by Bitossi in the 1950's, style transcends simplicity. Though its form and its manner of decorative incising is far from unique or innovative, the piece projects ample style and sophistication—la bella figura, indeed. This country cousin would be right...
I am intrigued by this vase. While I am not typically drawn to "tribal" decor, this vase reveals a slightly different approach. Perhaps the diamond-form shields and scalloped gadrooning give it a "Roman Empire" bearing (in my eyes). I also find the glazing unique—pools of glassy citrus green resting in the crevices between pronounced, textured cork-like elements. My mind wanders to a parched, sandy David Lean landscape with just a promise of spring green struggling through. Life always finds a way! The vase was made by Bay in West Germany in the 1960's or 1970's. Find out more about it by clicking on the photo above. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next...
Another Florentine beauty, also made by Ars Italica in the 1960's. Bands of hand-impressed motifs are interspersed with rows of hand-cut "notches." Then a jewel tone combination of blue and green glazes give the piece a fresh (and refreshing) aqueous finish. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Like my all-time favorite movie, A Room with a View, this fresh and handsome vase was made in Florence, Italy. Crafted in the 1960's by Ars Italica, the piece was hand-impressed with decorative styli, then glazed with bands of jade green and a refreshing "Rimini Blue." The result: a stylish blend of bold Modernism and age-old Folk naiveté. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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On this day in 1664, Pieter Stuyvesant, director general of Nieuw Amsterdam, officially surrendered the territory to the English. Soon the British re-named it New York—after the Duke of York, who would one day become King James II. Under Dutch control, Fort Amsterdam—at the tip of Manhattan, just below what is modern-day Bowling Green—had guarded […]
Maybe I should keep this vase... Jasba Keramik was founded by Jakob Schwaderlapp in 1926 in Ransbach-Baumbach (half-way between Frankfurt and Köln, Germany). The company made tiles, architectural ceramics and specialized component parts for industry and manufacturing. In time, Jasba added-on ceramic housewares and decorative "art pottery" for residential household use. In 1959, with WWII long over, Schwaderlapp sought ways to build his sales and improve his profit margins by "upgrading" his ceramics offerings. He founded the "Ceramano" division which aimed to combine the look and quality of "studio" ceramics pieces with modern production techniques. With a rising middle class in the post-war Western World—and demand for the fresh new Mid-Century Modernist aesthetic—the times were ripe for Schwaderlapp's gambit: to produce...
On this day in 1896, Queen Victoria became the longest-reigning monarch in British history—surpassing her grandfather, George III. And she still had four and a half years to go! Victoria still maintains this distinction, though Elizabeth II is closing-in; within two years from now, Elizabeth II will inherit that crown. The portrait of a mature […]
Though I am not certain who made this hand-thrown studio ceramic vase (or where it was made), it is the height of sophistication and quality. Heavy stoneware is gently hand-formed on a wheel—resulting in an elegant profile, gently sloping shoulders, and an exquisitely-executed top spout. Then it is finished with a sublime microcrystalline glazing treatment—a wonderful blend of organic blues, browns and greens—reminiscent of the swaying "laminae" of underwater seaweed. Click on the photo above to learn more about this remarkable piece. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts" Follow us on Facebook: "LEO Design -...
On this day in 1860, England’s then Prince of Wales—who would one day become King Edward VII—arrived on a visit to the U.S., making him the first British heir to the throne to visit North America. For four months he toured Canada and the States, inaugurating bridges, viewing monuments, and drawing enormous crowds wherever he […]
Two friends, Mark Summers and John Bauer, were playing a friendly game of racquetball. “Ahrrrrrr!” one cried as the ball hit him. And, thus, was born “International Talk Like a Pirate Day!” In truth, the founding incident took place on 6 June 1995—commemorated as D-Day—but out of respect for that historical milestone, they decided to […]
What to do? What to do? What to do? These hand-crafted cast pewter tokens will help you make executive decisions with ease—whether you should "Risk It" or "Play It Safe." Made in California and sold in sets of four. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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