Though clearly Art Deco—in period and style—these 1930's bookends foreshadow the "Brutalist" aesthetic to come two decades later. Brutalism was a design ethic which swept worldwide architecture in the third-quarter of the Twentieth Century. Coming on the heels of the Second World War, it sought to overturn the (so-called) "frivolous" aesthetic of previous human generations, and, perhaps, to shock the world with its defiant rejection of grace. Brutalism is known for its brazen angularity and a lack of any concern for "fitting-in" to the existing community of buildings. Though it is often described as the expression of "function over form," it is more often perceived as an insolent disregard for traditional conventions of beauty. The new, post-War generation of designers...
In days of yore, well before Amazon, a traveling salesman would stop by your office to sell you screws, springs or hosing—or whatever your industry required. And he would usually leave a little something behind; something handsome and useful and likely to remind you to place another order. This spring-form letter holder and pen rest was made of cast iron around 1910. The advertiser's name, "K Diamond" prominently (though tastefully) featured on each side. Over the past 24 years, I have found three of these—one in a far away Shanghai flea market! 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,...
While this vase was made miles away from the American Southwest—many thousands of miles away—it still reminds me of our North American rustic desert landscape. The soft blue skies, marbled with clouds, layered atop sand and clay, a mountain ridge in the distance, even the hand-incised drum-like "fluting" near the bottom somehow transmit an "Out West" sensibility. In actuality, the vase was hand-crafted on the Baltic island of Bornholm, a possession of Denmark. The pottery workshop, Michael Andersen and Sons, was productive during the Danish Modernist movement. This piece was made in the 1950's. Learn more about it by clicking on the photo above. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop...
The Tempio della Concordia in Agrigento, Sicily, is the best preserved Doric Order temple in the world (alongside the Parthenon in Athens). It was built around 440-430 BC when the pre-Italian island was an important part of the Greek world. It was later named after the Roman goddess of harmony. It is surrounded by 20 foot tall fluted columns—six along each short side and 13 along each long side—topped, naturally, with Doric capitals. Each column tapers subtly near the top and swells gently in the middle which gives the column a dynamic tension—as though the column were straining to bear the weight of the roof. The temple was converted to a Christian Basilica (of Saints Peter & Paul) in the...
Bretby—the English ceramics factory—was active from 1882 until 1933. During this period, they produced Victorian designs, Aesthetic Movement wares, Arts & Crafts ceramics and Art Deco goods. With such a broad range of styles, the company was always interested in exploring new ideas and new trends. This piece, from their strangely-named "Nurtenware" line, was always curious to me. Though cast in a mould, it resembles a piece that was hand-formed and manipulated—squeezed, in fact. Perhaps the designers at Bretby were taking a cue from the highly-Modernist American ceramic works of George Ohr, the "Mad Potter of Biloxi." Ohr developed an interest in ceramics at the age of 22 (in 1879). His wildly designed and crumpled pieces (many with metallic glazes)...
We've just added a number of handsome pewter frames to our on-line shop. And there are many more to be shot in the weeks to come. Shown above, just one example: an 8" x 10" cast pewter frame with a crisp "rope" design. Learn more about it (and its siblings) by clicking on the photo above.
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According to the Chinese zodiac, 2019 is The Year of the Pig. It's the final (twelfth) character of the cycle—since the Pig was the last guest to show-up when summoned by the Jade Emperor. People born in the year of the pig are down-to-Earth, focussed on their work and tenacious about sticking to their goals. Because of a disciplined work ethic, they are likely to become financially secure (in time), even if born to a poor family. They don't stand out in a crowd and will never be accused of being "all talk, no action." Pigs also tend to be gentle and quiet. Their patience and desire to be helpful makes them great teachers or coaches. Though pigs are careful...
A gentle reminder . . . Saint Valentine's Day is less than a week and a half away!.
And, since time is our most precious commodity, perhaps this Italian sand-cast pewter sandglass will be a reminder of time's fleeting nature. Spend your precious time with the one(s) you love. Click on the photo above to learn more about it
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In the Art Deco period, "heroic" human figures—like this "Trojan Horseman"—would be used as decorative elements in the architecture of the day. Usually, the sculpture was designed to represent some intangible element of a robust society: commerce, labor, agriculture. A walk through central Washington, DC will present many such examples—on Thirties buildings which manage and guide the various important agencies for the nation. The theme of "Horse Tamers" in artwork is one that goes back to Rome with the monumental sculptures of Castor & Pollux (and their horses) standing near the Baths of Constantine on Quirinal Hill. A pair of sculpted Horse Tamers by Baron Peter Clodt von Jurgensburg (plus two more by a different artist) grace the Anichkov Bridge...
Gilbert Méténier was born in the small town of Gannat, in central France, in 1876. His father, Louis, purchased a tile factory in 1916—a curious time, considering that this was during the middle of World War One—and he established a ceramics studio there. The early works were mostly unsigned and little documentation of that work exists. In 1920, Gilbert took-over management of the family business. Under the son, the workshop grew, eventually employing a dozen workers. The pieces were now signed and sold in smart Parisian department stores and in French "spa towns" along the French Riviera. In 1940, with the Germans approaching, Gilbert Méténier closed the workshop—destroying the moulds, lest the enemy get them—and escaped, possibly to the South...
Welcome to February and its birthstone, the amethyst. Although these sterling silver Art Deco cufflinks do not bear the actual gemstone, they are dressed in a handsome, amethyst colored enamel—and would make a lovely gift for any February birthday. Learn more about them by clicking on the photo above. Up until the Nineteenth Century, amethysts were very precious; they were considered one of the rare (and expensive) "Cardinal Gemstones"—alongside rubies, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. At the time, they were only to be found in Austria and Russia (where the most beautiful, deep-purple amethysts were found). Medieval monarchs—especially in England—adorned themselves with the royal amethyst. Even today, Anglican bishops wear an amethyst in their episcopal rings. This is due to the...
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's most famous buildings and a designated National Treasure. Principally built between 1593 and 1594, it soon became the home of the "Matsumoto Domain" during the Tokugawa Shogunate of the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is within the Nagano Prefecture, some 40 miles south of Nagano. Built of wood, atop a stone base, Matsumoto Castle is unusual in that it was not sited upon a hilltop or on an island. Instead, it is a "flatland" castle, protected by a wide man-made moat (which, in turn, is surrounded by cherry trees). The six story building is sometimes called "Crow Castle" due to its black coloration and gracefully upswept eves. These cufflinks, probably Japanese, are silver decorated with striking...
Can you hear the wind passing through the bamboo—a satisfying rustle of leaves overhead? These sterling silver Art Deco cufflinks, made in the 1930's, are probably American, not Japanese. Nevertheless, they capture a popular theme during the 1930's, "the exotic Far East." Actually, it was a time when most Americans couldn't imagine making such a long trip—nor could they afford it. But a small, alluring indulgence, like these cufflinks, might afford its wearer a moment of romantic glamour, a modest experience of enjoying the larger world. Please 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...
This gentle little deer—a fawn, perhaps—is both relaxed and a little alert. Did he hear a twig snap? He'd be happy to sit on your windowsill, bookshelf or desk. He'd even look good next to a little bonsai. He was made in 1969 by Danish ceramicist Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Art Nouveau craftsmen—whether they be in England, Austria, Scotland, France or the United States (and whatever they called their local Arts & Crafts movement)—often "recycled" decorative elements from their cultural or national pasts. English artisans often tapped Medieval themes (from literature or heraldry), aesthetic motifs from their ancient past (including Norse or Celtic elements) or significant design styles from the past (though centuries old). And the hand-crafted nature of Arts & Crafts production leant itself to the rustic work methods of earlier times. The English Arts & Crafts frame, shown above, was made around the year 1900. Nevertheless, it has a style and design of something from the Tudor or Jacobean period, up to 400 years earlier. Even the manner...
Here's another offering, designed by Danish Modernist artist Erik Magnussen (1940-2014). A covered sugar bowl and beaker-form creamer are cast in pewter and polished to a high shine by Royal Selangor (founded 1885). Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Danish artist, Erik Magnussen (1940-2014), is amongst Denmark's preeminent Modernist designers. Trained as a ceramicist, one of his earliest jobs was working for Bing & Grøndahl. Later, he was hired to design items—furniture, lighting, hardware, tabletop wares—for quality manufacturers and retailers around the world. His works are exhibited in museums worldwide. The salt and pepper shakers, shown above, were designed by Magnussen for Royal Selangor (founded 1885). They are cast in pewter and polished to a high shine. Please click up 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 to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us...
You'll enjoy watching this stoneware bear—relaxed and happy—stroll across your desk, bookshelf or mantelpiece. He was designed by Danish sculptor Knud Kyhn and made by Royal Copenhagen. Click on the photo above to learn more about him. And see many other Knud Kyhn pieces in our on-line shop.
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Store your mail in style. This English Arts & Crafts oak letter holder is clad with hand-tooled brass plates—which show stylized botanicals and a snarling, reticulated dragon. At top, a glass amethyst "turtleback" cabochon punctuates the entire design. Suitable sitting on a desk or hanging on the wall from its brass hook. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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This silver-plated amphibian, when wound, will play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The English lullaby, based on an 1806 poem, is set to the popular French children's song "Ah! Vous dirai-je, maman" ("Shall I tell you, Mother" - 1761). The tune became even more popular when a 25 year old Mozart composed twelve variations on the theme. Although the music box, above, is meant as a child's gift, it has proved just as popular with adults—due to it's realistic, warty sculpting and the irresistible childhood tune. 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...
When I first opened my store in 1995—and before I even knew what the Arts & Crafts movement was—I knew I really liked these rich green ceramics. Most were vases, others were bowls or jardinieres—but it was a strong collection and I loved it. As the months passed, I would sell a few pieces, buy a few pieces and try to keep the collection going. In time, however, it became too difficult (and expensive) to add new pieces. In more time, my collection waned (except for the handful of pieces I had at home!). Well, I've renewed my efforts to build-back my collection of green ceramics—like the piece here, finished with a semi-matte green glaze. Because they are early (mostly from...
Like most regional Art Nouveau movements, the German Jugendstil used naturalistic elements as decorative motifs. Here a copper tray is embossed with a pattern of leaves, berries and whiplash-form vines. Perhaps the berries were meant to echo the glasses of berry wine, possibly carried on the tray. It is finished with brass handles and ball feet. It was made by Württembergische Mettalwarenfabrik, also known as WMF, during the 1910's. 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 us on Facebook: "LEO Design - Handsome...
War has been described as hours of crushing tedium, punctuated with moments of fierce and life-altering intensity. For this reason, soldiers and sailors have long found ways to pass the time—perhaps handcrafting a simple gift for a sweetheart left back home. And necessity dictates using the supplies at hand, in this case a bronze artillery shell casing. The metal shell has been crafted into an ashtray, from which a stag leaps from the pediment at center. It was made at some time during World War Two—by an unknown artisan, for an unknown loved one. It's a bit of naive folk art, combined with the history and pathos of a person at war. Please click on the photo above to learn more about...
"In the old days," ultramarine blue was amongst the rarest—and costliest—of pigments. It was made of ground lapis lazuli, carefully mined in Afghanistan and hand-carried all the way to Europe. Even the name, "ultramarine," implies exoticism: "from across the sea." Today, ultramarine blue is not as difficult to procure—and, thus, a lot cheaper. But it is every bit as beautiful as it ever was. This vase, made by Ruscha, was glazed by master ceramicist Otto Gerharz. 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...
Some 85 miles north of London stands Peterborough Cathedral, one of the great churches of Britain. Principally built between 1118 and 1237, this English Gothic masterpiece stands on the site of an earlier church, founded in 655. Saints Peter, Paul and Andrew look down from the three central gables, appropriate as the cathedral's official name is the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Saint Andrew. The church was originally a Catholic house of worship. When Henry VIII "dissolved the monasteries"—thus stripping the churches of their precious objects and banning Catholic worship—it was converted to an Anglican cathedral. But Henry's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, had already been buried in the church—and remains there to this day. Later, the Scottish...
Another pair of English sterling silver cufflinks, finished with a handsome treatment of aqua and sapphire blue enameling. They're very stylish, exhibiting classic Art Deco style. Their lack of any wear and tear, however, bring their age into question. But they were nice—and priced right—so I bought them. Click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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Such a fresh color combination: pistachio and white! And the color makes this pair of Art Deco cufflinks pop! Concentric ovals of guilloché work radiate outwards, adding an additional level of finesse to this handsome pair of cufflinks, made in the 1930's. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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If I could only buy one type of jewelry for the rest of my life, it would be Art Deco enameled silver cufflinks. The pair above, tick this specific box. I am not, however, certain of their age. They are beautifully designed, well-made, and have very little wear and tear. It is this final factor which throws their age into question. Obviously, I bought them anyway—a testimony to their handsome and stylish design and condition. Please 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 to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com). Follow us on Instagram: "leodesignhandsomegifts" Follow us on...
From The Land of the Rising Sun comes this exquisite Crescent Moon. A heavy piece of solid brass is cut and hand-finished into the elegant bottle opener shown here. While it is absolutely functional, it is also handsome enough to keep out on your coffee table or bar cart. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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Though I prefer to avoid your Freudian analysis, I'll still admit that I have always liked voluptuous, round (ceramic) shapes. And while a sphere is fine, a more-complex variation on the round form can be much more alluring. Take the piece above, made in the 1960's or 1970's. Its shape conveys dynamic tension, as though a perfectly round shape is being compressed downwards, causing it to bulge-out at the sides. It's an "upgrade" to the static (and perfect) shape—much like the slight distending in ancient columns which conveyed a visual suggestion of weight-bearing. Learn more about this vase by clicking on the photo above. LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please...
For centuries, before modern harvesting equipment was developed, grain products were "reaped" by hand. A field of grain (like barley, rye or wheat) was harvested by a team of workers. With the harvesters moving in a clockwise circle (and starting on the edge of the field), one person used a sickle or scythe to cut the grain stalks. "Following" laborers would then gather a bunch of these stalks into "sheaves"—which they would tie-up with a few of those same stalks. The team would move around the perimeter of the field, getting closer to the center with every pass. Often, several sheaves would then be stacked together, leaning inwards, into a "stook." Why sheaves? By cutting the stalks and binding them...
While I've never smoked—and encourage you to do likewise—I have always liked the accoutrement of lighting-up: ashtrays, tobacco jars and smoking sets. And I like finding new uses of the old objects. Here's a three piece ceramics smoking set which stacks together for storage. At the bottom, a tobacco jar; in the middle, an ashtray; and at the top, a candle holder to relight your stogie. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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I've only been to Hungary once—to the enchanting city of Budapest. It was here, at a Roma flea market, that I was first introduced to Tofej ceramics. Over the years I've collected (and ultimately sold) a handful of these pieces. Researching the pottery workshop has been a bit elusive and, during the process, one is confronted with Hungary's turbulent (and often cruel) political and ethnic history. The Tofej ceramics workshop was located in the village of Bodrogkerestzúr in the Northeast corner of the country (some 24 miles from the Slovakian border). In the late Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, the region had a sizable Orthodox Jewish population, many of whom were vintners, merchants and tradesmen. Alas, during World War II, Hungarian Jews were subject to...
Looking at this Italian beauty, can't you just feel the sunshine? Citrusy stripes of tangerine and lime convince me that it's got to be summer somewhere—alas, not right here and now. But I can enjoy a moment along the Amalfi anytime I glance at this vessel. Learn more about it by clicking on the photo above.
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The deep brown—almost black—underglaze on this large two-handled vase is reminiscent of hot, rich coffee, while the frothy ivory overglaze simulates the cream which goes with it. Made by Jasba in the 1960's or 1970's, it is a stately—though understated—statement piece. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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The glazing on this Modernist vase emulates lava rock—in both its molten and solidified states. At top, the orange glaze mimics the liquified stone in all its fiery anger. At bottom, the rock has cooled—pocked, rough and durable. Thus, the lifecycle of lava is presented in one handsome piece of pottery. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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I love metallic glazes—especially matte finishes that emulate dark bronzes, coppers and brass. This vase, by Steuler (West Germany), is glazed to emulate weathered bronze with more than a hint of rust creeping-in. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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From the Prinknash Abbey, some 100 miles Northwest of London, comes this little hand-thrown bud vase, finished with a handsome gunmetal glaze. It was made by Benedictine monks in the 1960's. Though small, it makes a handsome stand-alone in a small spot—or as punctuation for a larger collection. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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I've dragged many a treasure through my shop doors at LEO Design—but none more precious to me than Benji, my "Shop Pup." Today is his sixth birthday! Benji spent many an hour monitoring the store from behind the cash wrap. Today he continues his duties: sleeping at my feet while I tend to the website, sitting in his basket as I work in my new Pittsburgh showroom. His favorite activity is overseeing the packing of shipments—with their mess of cardboard, bubblewrap and numerous balls of crumpled paper. Happy Birthday, Benji! I'm counting on many more years of your assistance! LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line...
Those were the Good Ol' Days! When promotional giveaways were made of bronze and cast iron. Like the advertising paperweight, shown above. The nameplate and knob are bronze, mounted upon a decorative cast iron base. It will add a touch of Turn-of-the-Century style to your desk or office. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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It's a new year and time for a (not so) new resolution—concerning weight. But enough about that!
This set of seven Edwardian English brass scale weights spans the range of 1/4 ounce to one pound. They would have been used in an English shop, on a balance, to weigh goods for sale. Today, they could be used as paperweights, "Modernist" sculpture or as "Executive Playthings." Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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A new year. A fresh start. And a resolution to be a patriot—to help my country more in 2019. Let's start with something that's been on my mind: it's time to Make America Good Again. You see, for me, it's more important to be Good than Great. And maybe this vintage-style baseball cap will be a little reminder. A hopeful, royal blue cap is embroidered with antique orange—an optimistic combination in anticipation of better days ahead. 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 us on...
Maybe it's much too early in the gameAh, but I thought I'd ask you just the sameWhat are you doing New Year's,New Year's Eve? While I have several Christmas song favorites, when it comes to New Year's Eve, only one song will do: Frank Loesser's "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" (1947). Frank Loesser (1910-1969) was born in New York City and lived on 107th Street. Though his father was a piano teacher, the boy did not like his father's taste in music—and the father never instructed the son. The boy did play instinctively, however, and, by the age of four, could imitate (by ear) most any music he heard. Loesser's works include several important musicals:...
"Impasto" is a painting technique whereby the pigment is laid-on thickly upon the canvas, often with a knife blade, creating a roughly-textured surface once dried. The term comes from the Italian verb impastare which means "to knead." Although the technique was in-use well before Van Gogh's time, it was this Impressionist Genius who embraced the method enthusiastically. Many of his masterpieces are a symphony of impasto "knife stokes"—with paint literally leaping away from the canvas below. The European studio vase above seems to enjoy an impasto glazing of red and brown pigments. Whether the effect is achieved during application or is a chemical reaction (in the kiln), I am not sure. But the effect is bold, spontaneous and effective. Please click on the...
Like frost upon a windowpane (or morning windshield!) this teal microcrystalline glaze sparkles softly upon close inspection. The pitcher-form vase was made by Van Daalen. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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The Secessionist Movement is the Viennese contribution to the larger Art Nouveau Movement—with its focus on handcraft, simple materials and stylized naturalistic motif. And Vienna's reach was wide; throughout the enormous Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna was the Empire's premier tastemaker, the elegant and glittering city of culture and sophistication. However, while Vienna called the aesthetic tunes, not everything in the Empire was made within that city. This vase was made in the mid-to-late Twenties in (then) Czechoslovakia by a company called Ditmar-Urbach. We might consider Czechoslovakia the glass and ceramics workshop of the larger Empire—due to Bohemia's long history of excellence and craftsmanship in these areas. This type of ceramics (sometimes called "Alienware" in recent years) was made mostly for export to the rest of...
While Arts & Crafts artisans did appreciate beautiful materials, fine and expensive supplies were never a prerequisite. Part of the Arts & Crafts philosophy was to let handsomely unadorned materials shine in their own simple ways. Wood grains, hammered metals and functional joinery often became the most important embellishments of otherwise simple pieces. The glazed ceramic cabochon, shown here, is just such an example. Though set into a sterling silver mount, most of this brooch's appeal lies in the lovely and mysterious glazing upon the cabochon—which is, of course, the handwork of a talented craftsman. It was made around 1910 and would look wonderful on the heavy winter lapel of a man or woman's winter coat. Please click on the photo...
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 […]
