Gouda (pronounced "How-da") is a Dutch city some 35 miles south of Amsterdam. It is best known for its famous cheese. But it did have another highly-recognizable craft export: hand-painted art pottery. Shown above, a small two-handled pot with hand-painted blue morning glories. It was made in (and is dated) 1923 and more can be learned about it 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 to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
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Notre Dame de Paris is one of the World's great cathedrals. The name means "Our Lady of Paris" and refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Construction was begun in 1163 and continued for the next 182 years. It was built in the "new" French Gothic style on the Île de la Cité—a natural island floating within the Seine—which was the defensible center of Medieval Paris. The building, including its many gargoyles and chimera, was originally colored though (after 800 years) the paint has mostly worn off. And the structure is the first building in the world to employ "flying buttresses"—the arched ribs which hold-up the cathedral's walls. Two bell towers stand at the front of the church. In the Southern...
The year was 1912. The Arts & Crafts movement was in full flower and it was two years before the World-changing events of The Great War. It was also the year when this handsome English Arts & Crafts vase was crafted. Glazed in a dappled, saturated jewel tone blue, the bulbous base and perfectly-flaring trumpet mouth create a harmonious look—and a calming and satisfying object on which to center oneself. Made by Pilkington Royal Lancastrian and dated 1912. 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:...
On this day in 1865—at 10:15 pm—beloved president Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot by actor, racist and Confederate patriot John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln died the next morning at 7:22. Five days earlier, Confederate general Robert E. Lee had surrendered to Union general Ulysses S. Grant, thus ending the Civil War. Booth was bitter over the […]
On this day in 1796, America’s first elephant arrived in New York City. Captain Jacob Crowninshield purchased her in India and sailed from Calcutta. The captain bought her on speculation—for $450, including transit—expecting he could profit from exhibiting her. And exhibit her he did! For more than a dozen years, she was trundled from New […]
What we now call the "Barley Twist" has an ancient pedigree. It is believed that such a form was used in Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem—thus the shape is sometimes referred to as "Solomonic Columns." Gian Lorenzo Bernini's grand 17th Century Baldacchino—which stands over the main altar (and the tomb of Saint Peter) in Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City—employs four enormous twisting bronze columns to support the massive bronze canopy. The term "Barley Twist" is common in England. At fairs in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, children might enjoy a sweet treat (made of barley sugar) which was presented in such a twisting form. The shape became popular in the Seventeenth and Nineteenth Centuries—in architecture, furniture and other decorative objets. The...
Rodin first created "Le Penseur" in 1880 as part of a larger sculpted grouping called "The Gates of Hell." The work was based on Dante's The Divine Comedy. It wasn't until 1904 that the first large stand-alone casting was made—and the broad public got its first exposure to a work which perfectly suited the times. Psychology increasingly was viewed as a legitimate science and the public was intrigued 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, an artful and accurate model—which captured the spirit and energy of Rodin's original—had to be sculpted. From this...
Henry Bergh was the son of a wealthy shipbuilder and, as such, enjoyed a life of privilege, art and leisure. While in London, he studied The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and committed to starting such an organization in America. On this day in 1866, Bergh founded the ASPCA in New […]
Is Spring finally here? This American Arts & Crafts matte green jardiniere bursts with verdant energy. And it brings me back to the springtime of my "merchant youth"—when I opened my first shop on Bleecker Street in 1995. At the time (and though I did not know what "Arts & Crafts" was), I started building a nice collection of this type of pottery. As the style was (then) very popular, I had a hard time keeping a sizable collection intact. In time, it became increasingly difficult to find nice and affordable pieces. For the last ten (or so) years, I've had no more than a couple pieces at a time. I found this piece not long ago—and it brought back memories...
Another recent acquisition is this set of six Mid-Century rocks glasses, decorated with an Old World map—plus a healthy dose of gold embellishment. Straight out of “Mad Men,” these six glasses share their in-store display with a matching set of eight Old World map highball glasses (which can be found in the On-Line Store). Please […]
Here's an unusual and compelling "statement piece." Made in the 1960’s or 1970’s, it displays an interesting blend of the Classic and the Modern. The shape comes directly from classic Chinese ceramics of the previous 500 years. The glazing, however, is a radically exuberant “splattering” of textured chocolate-black over a base of glossy red. Think Peking meets Pollock. At nearly 16 inches tall, it would make a substantial backdrop to a collection of smaller pieces. It would also function beautifully on its own—with or without flowering branches. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Reginald Guy Cowan was born in 1884 in East Liverpool, Ohio—at the time an important center of American ceramics production. His father worked as a pottery designer. While Cowan was still a boy, his family moved to Syracuse, another pottery-producing center. Cowan was trained at the New York State School of Clayworking and Ceramics, a […]
The quant and beautiful island of Bornholm—floating in the Baltic, untethered to its Danish motherland—had a remarkable World War II history of invasion and occupation. Prior to the war, the island was the site of crafts-making and a place for quiet retreat during the long, Northern summer days. But it was also strategically situated and,thus, […]
The first dog show was held in the United Kingdom in 1859 and they became increasingly popular as the Nineteenth Century progressed. Participants could find the competitions frustrating, however, as there was little consistency from show to show: no governing body, no breed standards, no consistent show rules. Dog breeder and enthusiast Seawallis Shirley assembled […]
Amongst the finest pieces of ceramic sculpture I’ve ever had is this Danish stoneware monkey by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. Sculpted in the 1920’s, it captures a most-dramatic scene of a (howling?) monkey threatened by a coiled snake, ready-to-strike. The gorgeous sang de boeuf glaze adds drama—and a bit of Orientalist mystery—to the timeless […]
Today is Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday—as well as International Children’s Book Day. Begun in 1967, the day is dedicated to promoting books and reading amongst young people. Each year a different country is asked to “host” the celebration; that country picks a theme, organizes events, and selects a local author and illustrator (who designs that […]
A joyous Easter to my Christian customers—and a wonderful Springtime to all!
This little jackrabbit is ready to hop off to your desk, bookshelf or mantelpiece. Please click on the photo above to learn more about him.
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).
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Stoke, Hanley, Burslem, Tunstall, Langton, Fenton—these are all town names familiar to collectors of English Art Pottery. On this day in 1910, these six Staffordshire towns unified into a single “conurbation” now known as “Stoke-on-Trent” or “The Potteries.” A “conurbation” is a region composed of a number of smaller towns forming one, continuous urban-industrial area. […]
On this day in 1842, Georgia physician Crawford Williamson Long, M.D., became the first doctor to use ether for surgical anesthetization. In 1990, Congress declared 30 March “National Doctors’ Day,” a day on which doctors are honored and their contributions to society are recognized. Around the world, different countries honor their doctors on different days […]
In the mid-Seventeenth Century, Sweden was quite the world power. Its European territory included Sweden, of course, plus Finland, Estonia, and parts of modern-day Russia, Germany, Poland, and Latvia. And so, when the riches of the New World began glimmering across the Atlantic, Sweden was loathe to leave the riches to the French and English. […]
Two Italian brothers, Josef & Benito Marcolin, learned the art of glass-making on the Venetian island of Murano, Italy, long-regarded as one of the world’s top art glass producers. They moved to Sweden and, in 1962, opened a little workshop in Ronneby—the picturesque “Garden of Sweden” on the southern tip of that peninsular country. […]
Today is World Theatre Day, celebrated each 27 March. Each year, an internationally-recognized theatre luminary is selected to compose and circulate an International Message, reflecting on the importance of theatre to the world and human culture. This year’s Message is written by Polish stage director Krzysztof Warlikowski. As theatre luminaries go, who could top The […]
Ludwig von Beethoven—perhaps the world’s greatest composer—was born to a family of musicians in Bonn, Germany in 1770. Both his father and grandfather were singers and musicians. Ludwig’s father, Johann, was his first piano teacher and, by all accounts, a strict one. Johann recognized his son’s performing genius and attempted to exploit his talent as […]
Today is Palm Sunday, the day when Christians recall and reflect upon the Passion and death of Jesus. Palms are blessed, held aloft during services and often taken home and displayed until the next Palm Sunday. It is also one week until Easter—the single most important day of the Christian calendar. Palm motifs—stylized or realistically […]
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born on 27 February 1807 in Portland, Maine. An industrious and able student, with a love of books and a talent for writing, he mastered Latin while still a young boy. At 15, he started at Bowdoin College where he befriended Nathaniel Hawthorne, who was to become a lifelong friend. While in […]
If one artist is responsible for “inventing” the image of the American male in the early Twentieth Century, surely it was Joseph Christian Leyendecker, born on this day in 1874. Leyendecker was born in Montabaur, Germany and his family immigrated to Chicago when the boy was eight. In time, he got work in an engraving […]
Nine year old Cassidy Megan, living in Nova Scotia, Canada, suffered from epilepsy—a frightening and unpredictable neurological condition which causes seizures. If her condition had not been depressing enough, it was compounded by the public’s misinformation on the subject. Add to that the sense of isolation an epileptic might feel. An estimated 65 million people […]
On 21 March 2006—twelve years and a lifetime ago (to some)—Twitter was inflicted bequeathed upon an unsuspecting world. Since then, in as few as 140 (make that 280) characters, fortunes have been made, careers have been ended, and proper grammar, punctuation and spelling have been tossed out the window.
Well, let the Twits keep their Tweets! As for me, I prefer my twitter-ing from the songbirds in the trees—perhaps the most pleasant sound of all.
Speaking of Tweets, please observe the Danish Modern ceramic plaque, made by Beth Breyen for Royal Copenhagen in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Please click on the photo to learn more about it.
With a trumpet blast, this handsome tusker makes his recent arrival known! Though going-on ninety, he’s no worse for wear—in fact, he’s developed the wonderful patina of time. And he’ll work as hard as ever, holding-up your favorite books with style and confidence. Please come into the shop to see him in-person or click on […]
On this day in 1918, Congress established U.S. time zones and Daylight Savings Time. In the Nineteenth Century, once clocks had become widespread, every city, town, or village would keep its own time—much as it always had—based roughly on the sun’s passing overhead. Usually a town hall or church would establish the time and everyone […]
In 1909, in the small village of Vierzon, France (some 130 miles south of Paris), Monsieur René Denert began making pottery with the local, grey clay. His beautiful, Art Nouveau forms were glazed with satisfyingly-velvety drip glazes—the result: delicate shapes cloaked in rustic colors. In 1921, he was joined by Monsieur R. L. Balichon. The […]
Top o’ the morning and a Happy St. Paddy’s Day to all! Though made in England in the 1920’s, this oval brooch is crafted of Irish Connemara marble from the windy Western coast of The Emerald Isle. Its sterling silver setting—edged with a sharp, rope border—adds a crisp finish to the more-unfettered, creamy randomness of […]
As we continue the countdown to St. Paddy’s Day, we present a handsome pair of shamrock and white enameled Art Deco cufflinks. Though not Irish (probably American), they would be just perfect on your cuff sleeves tomorrow. Or the perfect gift for your favorite Irishman. Please come into the shop to see them for yourself—or […]
I have a nice collection of Norwegian Art Deco cufflinks by jewelers Nils Erik Elvik (like the pair shown above) and Aksel Holmsen. Peruse the on-line store (under “Cufflinks”) to see some of them. Made in the 1930’s, they express a particular “flavor” of Art Deco Design. The pair above are enamel on gold washed […]
In Japan, as elsewhere, 14 February is Valentine’s Day. The difference, however, is that in Japan it is customary for a woman to give the gift—usually chocolate—to the male object of her affection. Handmade chocolates are most appreciated since they imply sincerity, effort and commitment on behalf of the maker. Today, one month later, it is […]
Look who scampered in today! With the all the character—and the energy—of the real thing, this sculpture slouches perfectly on a desk, coffee table or bookcase. He could even be used as a bookend or doorstop. Please come in to visit (and, perhaps, adopt) him or click on the photo above to learn more about […]
While some may see un-alloyed Modernism in the vase pictured above, I see strong references to the Arts & Crafts. For starters, the utilitarian shape may have been “lifted” from some ancient utilitarian vessel, possibly unearthed in a hot and dusty archeological site. Arts & Crafts designers often exhibited references to their ancient history—literature, design […]
I love visiting Scotland. And I love most things Scots—especially the Scottish Arts & Crafts. Therefore, I’m thrilled to have acquired, from turn-of-the-century Glasgow, a handsome, hand-hammered, brass-framed “looking glass”—embellished with a rich border of stylized, scrolling, sinewy botanicals. The Scots are a hearty lot; life eeked-out on the rocky, windswept land is not for […]
Pilkington pottery did not enjoy an easy inception. Its story began in 1889 when a Manchester coal mining company began drilling pits in what should have been a good spot. Alas, too much water (and not enough coal) was discovered and, eventually, mining attempts were abandoned. The four Pilkington brothers took over the pits and […]
“Eastlake” is a term thrown-around rather frequently—often by Americans who don’t know to whom the name refers. Charles Locke Eastlake was born in Plymouth, England in 1836. He studied architecture and designed some furniture, although, since he was not a woodworker, any such pieces were produced by others. He is most well-known for his book […]
As discussed yesterday, the late Nineteenth Century Aesthetic Movement was much-influenced by Japanese art and design—re-packaged, of course, by Western artists for a Western consumer. The style affected the design and production of a wide variety of manufactured objects: furniture, lighting, wall paper & textiles, metalworks, woodcraft, pottery & ceramics, and all manner of beautiful, […]
In the final third of the Nineteenth Century, the West—and Britain in particular—became fascinated with the art and craft of the Japanese (who recently had ended 250 years of self-imposed isolation from the West). For the first time in generations, Japanese-made objets were available in the West, at least to those who could afford them. […]
Only one person can be “The Best Ever” and, in the world of art, that person is Michelangelo Buonarroti. Born on this day in 1475, Michelangelo was in the right place at the right time. Or, perhaps thanks to Michelangelo, his time became the right place and the right time. A sculptor, painter, architect, engineer and poet, […]
We continue our procession of cufflinks with this rather choice offering: a pair of sterling, Art Deco shield-form links, with machine-turned guilloché work, finished with crisp white enameling. Very handsome, slightly serious, they make a statement without pretension. Please come into the shop to see the complete range of cufflinks or click on the photo […]
“The Skating Minister” by Henry Raeburn (1790’s) Nat’l Gallery of Scotland On this day in 1756, Henry Raeburn was born in a small Scottish village, now a part of greater Edinburgh. Orphaned very young, Henry was supported by his older brother for a while until being placed in Heriot’s Hospital, an orphanage founded by goldsmith George […]
Musk oxen are an Arctic mammal, found in Greenland, Siberia, Alaska, Northern Canada and parts of Northern Scandinavia. They travel in small packs of 8 – 12 animals which, during the June and July breeding season, consist of a dominant male (“bull”) and several females (“cows”)—plus their offspring. They have extremely thick coats—which protect them […]
The Pilkington Royal Lancastrian potteries were located outside of Manchester and, though they were not the biggest producer, they always made a higher-quality product. Some of their intricate, hand-painted, “artistic” pieces now fetch tens of thousands of dollars. The more simply-glazed items are still within the reach of most casual collectors. But don’t let the solid green glaze fool you; the jade green glaze is actually a complex blend of green, blue and yellow, creating a “shagreen-like” texture to the piece.
There's still time to order this as a wonderful Saint Paddy's Day gift. Please click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Bloodstone (also called Heliotrope) is usually dark green and flecked with spots of red due to its high iron oxide content. Ancient Babylonians carved the stone into seals and amulets. In the Middle Ages, bloodstone was sometimes called the Martyr’s Stone as it reminded Christians of the spots of Christ’s blood at Golgotha. Today Bloodstone […]
Pewter is an alloy—that is, a “mixed metal”—of mostly tin and a little copper, plus antimony (a hardner) and bismuth. In old pewter, sometimes lead was used, though today’s pewter is usually lead-free (especially for food-related items). Additionally, sterling silver is sometimes included (especially on pieces with complex designs, where a bit of sparkle is […]
In Ancient Rome, the New Year began with March. To celebrate the end of the old year—and to honor the god Mars—Romans marked 27 February as Equirria, a day of horse racing in the Campus Martius (“Field of Mars”). In a sense, every New Year was a “Year of the Horse.” Mars—the God of War […]
Like so many of the things I love, enamelling has ancient roots, beginning with the early Egyptians. The word, enamelling is adapted from the Old German “smelzan,” which means “to smelt” (that is, to melt—a rock, usually— to extract any precious metals within it). In the case of enamelling, glass powder is sprinkled over a […]
“Repoussé” is a French adjective meaning “pushed up,” derived from the Latin “pulsare,” which means “to push.” In metalwork, it refers to the process of hammering a malleable metal from the reverse side, creating a low relief design on the front. After “Repoussage” (the noun form of repoussé) has been achieved, the design on the […]
I've always loved matter green pottery. Perhaps it's the leafy complement to my other love, quarter-sawn oak. The piece above was made by Weller around 1910. Weller Pottery was founded in 1872 in Fultonham, Ohio by Samuel Weller. It was a humble beginning with one log cabin, one kiln, and one man doing everything: digging the clay from the ground, mixing it to achieve proper consistency, throwing the pieces on a pottery wheel, glazing and firing them, then driving them to market, hoping to sell them. In the early years, Weller concentrated on rather pedestrian “Utility Ware” items, including crocks, kitchen bowls, water coolers, jars, jugs, and pipes. Within 17 years, Mr. Weller had built-up a modest business and moved...
“All beautiful works of art must either intentionally imitate, or accidentally resemble natural forms.” – John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice, 1851 Another newly-expanding “world of science” at the turn-of-the-century was that of Neuroscience. Two scientists, Jean-Martin Charcot and Hippolyte Bernheim, made great strides in the understanding of the human brain, dreams, hypnotism, and mental disorders. […]
“The God-given natural forms of leaves and flowers must be more perfect and beautiful than any invention of man.” – Augustus Pugin (1812-1852) With great strides being made in the advancement of scientific knowledge, botany was much-studied and better-understood. Although the compound microscope was a Renaissance invention (thank Galileo), it was not until the 1830’s […]
The Art Nouveau Movement, which translates to “The New Style” or “The Modern Style,” coalesced during the Universal Exposition in Paris (1900). While it is apparently a break from the prevailing artistic and decorative trends of the just-completed century, the Art Nouveau Movement is also richly-informed by the 19th Century’s “Great Leap Forward” in the worlds of […]
Madame X (detail) by John Singer Sargent (1884) In 1870, a group of American businessmen, artists, and society types joined forces to establish a grand, new American art museum—its goal to bring art and culture to the American people. Perhaps they also wished to show Europe that “the new country” had the taste, money, and wherewithal […]
The Arts & Crafts Movement—whether it happened to take place in England, America, or Continental Europe—would frequently look back to the motifs, icons, and stylistic flourishes of that culture’s earlier peoples. Americans “lifted” Native American symbols. The English loved reviving Medieval literary themes. One of my favorite backward-looking references is to The Gothic. This English […]
On this day in 1848, Louis Comfort Tiffany was born in New York City. His father, Charles Lewis Tiffany, was a jeweler and the founder of Tiffany & Co. After military schooling, Louis studied art in New York City with a concentration on painting. Soon, however, his interest was diverted by art glass and the […]
In 1905, four Chicago businessmen—a mining engineer, an attorney, a tailor and a coal merchant—gathered and formed a club with the goal of providing connections for local professionals and service to their community. They named it the Rotary Club, as each week’s meeting would “rotate” amongst their offices. Within a year, the club was so […]
Gung Hay Fat Choy! And a happy Year of the Dog! The dog is the eleventh sign in the lunar zodiac—and a popular one, too! And this year, we celebrate the "Earth Dog." Known for their tenaciousness, dogs won't let go of their bone once they have it. And this fierceness translates to their personal loyalty as well; they will never abandon their friends, famiy or work. For this reason, dogs are often sought for their good advice—good honest advice. At times, this brutal honesty can be mistaken for brusqueness. In truth, dogs just want their critiques to help improve people and situations. Despite their popularity, and the confidence they engender, dogs are often quite anxious deep inside. Dogs get...
The West has had a long fascination with “The Orient.” Venetians traversed the Silk Road. The Dutch traded with China. And Columbus hit the Americas while trying to get to India. In the Nineteenth Century, European Artists and Architects attempted to re-create the “Mysterious East” in a school of design now called “Orientalism.” Whether it’s […]
Valentinus was a third century Roman priest living during the reign of Claudius II. He aided other persecuted Christians—at a time when this was illegal—and was known especially for marrying Christian couples. Eventually, he was captured and dragged before the emperor where it seems he made a good impression, for the ruler took a liking […]
In the Nineteenth Century, in England (and other parts of Europe), a lovely and short-lived garden bloomed: The Aesthetes. This collection of writers, artists, designers, and educators believed that Beauty was amongst life’s highest ideals—”Art for Art’s Sake” was their mantra. The Arts (including music, theatre, decorative and fine arts) should strive to provide refined, […]
Following yesterday’s “Spring Fresh” cufflinks comes the pair above: perfectly suited for summer. Made by Charles Horner in England, these Art Deco beauties are crafted of sterling silver, enhanced with a textured grosgrain guilloché design, then enameled in Royal Blue and Pistachio Green. They exemplify the best of good, strong design paired with beautiful craftsmanship. […]
A welcomed reminder—as we trudge through slush, snow, and ice—that Spring is on its way! And these newly-acquired cufflinks fairly sing of Spring. Made in Art Deco England in the 1920’s or 1930’s, they are made of sterling silver and enameled in white and a fresh, spring green—all over a textured, coffered guilloché design. Please […]
Today's a red letter day at LEO Design—we launch our new and improved website! While our older website has served us well for several years, we wanted a site that allowed for bigger, better product pictures and would be reliable (under the hood) for years to come. Our new site allows customers to contact us via e-mail and jump directly to our Instagram and Facebook accounts. We hope you like it! Mountains of credit go to my webmaster extraordinaire, Brad Soucy, who created this new site—despite a super-busy life as a father, husband and technology bigwig at Virginia Tech. If he weren't so busy, I'd propose all of you hire him. You'd not regret it! He's a talented artist, a super person...
The U.S. Capitol building—one of Washington D.C.’s cardinal landmarks—sits atop a hill, overlooking the Washington Mall. It’s most basic function is to house the two chambers of the Congress, although many other important occasions are celebrated or performed there. Presidents are usually inaugurated upon an exterior platform built off the West façade (which overlooks the […]
Tonight begin the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. And what an interesting region to spotlight! Happily, it seems that South Korea was able to defuse the "Peninsular Tension" by inviting a few North Korean athletes to participate alongside the Southerners. While generally not a sports fan, every two years I find myself strangely-fixated on the details (and competition) of some niche Olympic sporting event. Perhaps I like the fact that lesser-broadcast sports (at least in America) are given a beautiful platform on which to perform. I like the international aspect of the competition. And I enjoy the camaraderie between competitors who love their chosen sports as much as they love winning. Competitors—and their families—have made great sacrifices to get...
Durante degli Alighieri—best known as “Dante”—was born in Florence, Italy about the year 1265 (the best estimate of literary scholars). He is considered the greatest-ever writer in the Italian language and, indeed, is amongst the most important poets in the world. His signature works, The Divine Comedies, trace his travels through the Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio, […]
Machine-turned guilloché work radiates outwards on the faces of these Art Deco sterling silver cufflinks over which an engraved band spans. Enameled in white and black, these cufflinks will make a crisp and formal impression on any shirt cuff. They are part of a recent, pre-Valentine’s Day build-up of cufflinks, now in-store at LEO Design. […]
Like a wide-open, cloudless sky, the enameling on these sterling silver cufflinks is a promising shade of light blue. A guilloché radiant star design shows through the enamel. These cufflinks are part of a recent shipment, acquired in time for the Valentine’s Day gift season. Please click on the photo above to learn more about […]
All right, I admit it. I am not now and never have been a fan of American Football. Part of it's the violence and the concussions. Part of it's the anonymity of the players—buried as they are under layers and layers of concealing nylon and plastic. For me, American Football will never be as satisfying as the real Football (which is kicked with one's feet)—which, I think, requires much more stamina, fitness and constant running. If you're a fan of American Football, perhaps this “crystal ball” will score. Made in Japan in the 1970’s or 1980’s, it would make a handsome paperweight or conversation-starter on a desk or bookshelf. And with, Father's Day in the near future, perhaps it will help Dad...
Alongside his buxom companion, “Day” rests also atop the tomb of Giuliano de’ Medici, Duke of Nemours. Carved by Michelangelo between 1526 and 1531, this muscular, male nude has been described “as intensely alert as a recumbent form can be.” “Day” and “Night” are but two of seven sculptures by Michelangelo to be found in […]
Long before Cole Porter wrote his brilliant and witty tune, another (earlier) artistic genius explored the themes of “Night and Day.” Michelangelo Buonarroti—premier Florentine Renaissance giant—sculpted a pair of imposing marble nudes which he draped upon the tomb of Giuliano de’ Medici (Duke of Nemours) in the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence. Created between […]
February is National Bird-Feeding Month, a period during which the public is educated about the feeding and watching of wild birds. It began on 23 February 1994 when Representative John Porter (R – Illinois) introduced into the record a plea for individuals to provide food, water, and shelter for wild birds—especially in February, one of […]
A Satyress is the female version of the Satyr—in this case, a human woman, usually bare-breasted, with the legs of a goat. While male Satyrs are commonplace in art, architecture and design, female Satyresses are not. Because the male creatures are usually associated with drunkeness, mischief and raw, animalistic sexuality, perhaps Classical and Rennaisance artists avoided […]
While we’re talking about Tragic Monarchs, let’s turn to England’s Charles I. On this day in 1649, King Charles I was beheaded after being convicted of High Treason. Born the second son of James I (who was already King of the Scots), Charles moved to England when his father acquired the English crown. When he […]
On this day in 1891, in Honolulu, bells tolled and cannon fired as Lili’uokalani ascended the throne, succeeding her brother who had died days before. She became the first queen to hold the Hawaiian throne by her own right, not as a “queen consort.” But getting to the throne—and staying there—was not easy. She was […]
On this day in 1813, “Pride & Prejudice” was published in London—attributed only to “the author of ‘Sense & Sensibility’.” Today we know the author was Jane Austen. We also know the book was long in coming. Jane Austen began writing the book in 1796 and titled it “First Impression.” The next year, her father […]
On this day in 1832, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was born. He studied and taught mathematics at Oxford, excelled in the new art form, photography, was an Anglican Deacon, and wrote poetry and books—under the pen name, Lewis Carroll. While teaching at Oxford, he befriended a new dean, Henry Liddell, his wife and children. The youngest […]
Antoine-Louis Barye was a Parisian Animalier—a sculptor of animals. He was born in 1796 and got his start as an apprentice under Napoleon’s goldsmith. In 1816, he was admitted to the Ecole des Beaux Arts where he pursued sculpture—initially honing his talent with medallions and bas relief works. Barye enjoyed spending time sketching animals of the […]
If you think the long January nights are cold in New York, steer clear of Scotland. Except for tonight, 25 January, widely celebrated as Robert Burns Night. Robert Burns was born on this day in 1759. A poet and lyricist, Burns adapted and popularized many ancient Scottish folk poems—as well as writing his own original […]
Just received, a Burmantofts “Chinese Red” classic “Oriental” vase, made in late-Victorian England. It captures beautifully the West’s fascination at the time with Eastern culture (Far-East and Middle-East) and Europe’s attempt to replicate the Oriental style in its own way. Burmantofts was a pottery manufacturer in Leeds, England. It was established in 1859 when a […]
American sculptor Cyrus Dallin (1861 – 1944) unveiled his masterpiece, “Appeal to the Great Spirit,” in Paris in 1909—where it won the gold medal at that year’s Paris Salon. It became popular immediately—especially in America—and the image has been used everywhere from advertising to album covers. Smaller copies of the work have been made and installed across […]
Following the Bronze Age, the Iron Age was the period in which iron and steel were developed for tools, weapons and other objects. Iron—a pure element found in rocks called “iron ore”—was more difficult to extract than the copper and tin used for the earlier bronze. However, once smelted, iron was easier and cheaper to […]
Bronze is an alloy (a “blended” metal) of copper (generally 88%) and tin (12%)—though the mixture is often manipulated depending upon the intended use of the crafted object. The first known use of bronze was in what is modern-day Iran, around 3600 BC. The name, “bronze,” is derived from the Italian bronzo (from the Latin […]
We end our procession of newly-acquired vintage bookends with this extraordinary pair dated 1922. The bas relief was sculpted by artist Olga Popoff Muller as a special commission for the New York Decorative Arts League. It depicts a quiet, domestic scene from the 16th president’s life, inspired by an 1864 photo by Matthew Brady. The seated Lincoln […]
Amongst the new collection of recently-acquired bookends is this strange and wonderful pair. A charioteer drives his team of four horses—limbs out-stretched, nostrils flaring—as he races around the ancient circus. While I’ve bought and sold many-a-pair of horse-themed bookends over the years, seldom has the sculptor contained so much frantic energy and motion in so […]
Ever feel like you've had enough? It seems to be going around. Another day—another news cycle. Turn your despair into beauty (well, a little bit) with this handsome pair of Art Nouveau bookends from the 1920's. Our bronze-clad scholars "rest their eyes" for a moment. Perhaps they've just heard the latest tweet? Click on the photo above to learn more about them.
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Besides keeping busy as a true Renaissance Man, Benjamin Franklin found time to help found The United States of America. He was born on this day in 1706. Franklin was one of 10 children, born to a poor soap- and candle-maker in Boston. Ben was smart and industrious; alas, his father could only afford two […]
The Gothic is, in my opinion, the high point of human architectural design. Begun in France in the 1100’s, the style was originally called Opus Francigenum (or “French Work”) due to its strong association with the French. It spread throughout Europe and remained en vogue until the Renaissance, some 400 years later. It was most commonly […]
The Arts & Crafts movement promoted the idea of the hand-made. And while such objects could be quite finessed, some pieces enjoyed a more naive, folk art aesthetic. An example in point is the hand-hammered copper tray, shown above. Beaten of heavy copper, the raised edges are further decorated with scalloping and hand-cut piercing. The […]
Through the ages, ceramics have played a very important part in human societies. Ceramic objects—ranging from the highly utilitarian to the purely decorative—are amongst the most plentiful finds in archaeological sites and tell us much about its long-gone inhabitants. And museums are full of shards from which the lifestyles of ancient civilizations are deduced. Even […]
When the Woolworth Building was completed in 1913, at 792 feet it was the tallest building in the world—and would remain so until the Chrysler Building surpassed it in 1930. Employing state-of-the-art principles like steel frame construction and high-speed elevators, the Woolworth Building paved the way for even taller skyscrapers in the future. Yet, despite […]
The Arts & Crafts movement—and her corresponding “cousins” in other countries—was at full-flourish in the 1910’s, the same decade that brought us “The War to End All Wars.” Wars have a way of changing everything: populations, hierarchies, habits, even the decorative arts. During wartime, “frivolous indulgences” are usually relegated to the back burner while all […]
Yesterday we showed an American Arts & Crafts brass humidor which enjoyed design inspired by the Gothic. Shown above, another metal vessel of the same time period—1910-ish—but this time made in France. It was made by the Parisian couple, Alice and Eugene Chanal. Both were born in 1872. Starting about 1910, they produced a range […]
Arts & Crafts design often was influenced by other, earlier aesthetic movements: native cultures, heraldry, the medieval. The designer of the brass humidor, shown above, tapped into the Gothic—as shown in the steel “strapwork” riveted to the sides and tops of the canister. It captures a bit of what I call “Jules Verne Futurism”—a vision […]
Scare away the winter’s chill with this pair of nicely-cast iron bookends from the 1930’s. Made by Bradley & Hubbard, they capture (in rather good detail) all the elements of a fireplace—right down to the bark on the logs! Interestingly, while the sculptor strove for a traditional domestic setting, the bookends are thoroughly handsome and […]
In the year 1924, Mr. Stangl was promoted to company Vice President. Fulper Pottery, ever-expanding, built a second factory, also in Flemington, to produce its new line of “Fayence” tableware: plates, bowls, tea sets and other food service-related items. Sold as “open stock,” some of the dinnerware was solid-colored and some were hand-painted with Art […]
