Today, 23 July, marks the first day of LEO. It is also the shop’s (ceremonial) 21st birthday and the third anniversary of our website and daily journal. And, have I mentioned, it’s my birthday? LEO’s are proud, loyal and love a good show. While they do have (a few) flaws, let’s leave those aside for […]
In 1874 Germany, just downstream from WMF on the River Fils, the brothers Fritz and Robert Fischer opened a metalworks in the village of Göppingen (Baden-Württemberg). It was a good time for German metalsmiths—especially those who produced in the popular Jugendstil aesthetic. Although the behemoth (WMF) was just twelve miles upstream, there was room for […]
And you thought Mad Men was over! Not quite yet. Shown above, a Danish Modern stoneware plaque by sculptor Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. Made in 1968, it was intended as a decorative object to hang upon the wall or it could be permanently mounted within a larger ceramics installation. On the plaque, two playful bucks cavort amidst a […]
Every year, in preparation for the Holiday season, I select and order a single stuffed bear to sell in the shop through the autumn and Holiday seasons. I’ve done this for twenty-one years—with a slight modification last year when I found a stuffed lion to commemorate our twentieth anniversary. Shown above, this year’s Holiday teammate—who […]
The Germans are a practical people. In industry, government or home-management, they seem to appreciate the most-direct route between two points. Their language reflects this sensibility as well: long words are created by simply sticking-together a series of smaller words. Case in point: the three English words which make-up “Metal Ware Fabricators” becomes (in German) […]
Like that silly internet phenomenon which asked, “What color is this dress?”, this newly-acquired West German floor vase has proved to be a bit of a Rorschach Test in the shop. While I see fluffy clouds against a wonderful (sky) blue sky, others on staff insist that the glaze portrays courses of waves traveling toward […]
If all this talk of summery beach scenes has made you thirsty, perhaps you could use this set of six “Anchors Aweigh!” glasses from the 1960’s or 1970’s. Each glass has two navy blue anchors, encircled in a navy ring and the rest of the glass is frosted. Perfect for a drink on the beach […]
Today we show you more of Dan Durkin’s latest greeting cards—now in-store. It’s a part of his Summer Beach series. Shown above, a starfish and a lobster. Besides these, we also have (in-stock) Dan’s NYC architectural landmarks and his songbirds series. And, come 1 November, we’ll have a large assortment of his Christmas and Holiday […]
Artist Dan Durkin is one of the nicest guys you could know—and he was once a LEO Design staffer, too! After graduating from art school, Dan worked at the shop before moving-on to bigger and better things. But we’ve kept a part of him back here in the shop, in a way. He designs and […]
In the aftermath of World War II and its devastation, the world’s leaders sought a means to prevent such conflicts in the future—and decided to create the United Nations. Multiple sites were considered, including Flushing Meadow, in Queens, site of the 1939 World’s Fair. When a development project in Manhattan (along the East River) fell-apart, […]
Rosenthal-Netter was an American import company who, after World War II, brought to America boatloads of tasteful Modernist decorative objects from Italy—principally ceramics. Rosenthal-Netter was in direct competition with Raymor, another successful American importer and both used some of the same Italian designers (for example, Aldo Londi) and factories (for example, Bitossi) to produce their […]
When we think of Art Nouveau, we often think of whiplash curves, stylized floral motifs and a refinement of craftsmanship—lightness, elegance, delicacy. But the Art Nouveau also had a more rustic—more brutish—offshoot. Like the Belgian Art Nouveau pitcher, shown above, this heavier aesthetic is seen most often in architecture (and especially its tile or ceramic […]
Some things never go out of style: classic champagne coupes, tumblers or wine stems. Other things, like rocks glasses, pulse with popularity—selling a little more this year and a little less the next. And then there are those things which come back only now and then—like cocktail glasses. Classic cocktail glasses are selling well—the result […]
In the late 1700’s, English ceramics-makers were mastering the new “transferware” technology—by which engraved (or painted) patterns could be quickly, easily and cheaply printed onto mass-produced ceramicware. Ceramics manufacturers like Minton and Spode began to create their own (Westernized) versions of the highly-collectible, very expensive, hand-painted blue and white Chinese porcelain which had previously been within […]
Toast the holiday in Capitol style with this set of four Red, White and Blue rocks glasses from the 1960’s or 1970’s. Bold bands of the tricolor celebrate the American Flag—or 35 other national flags including Russia, France, Samoa, Taiwan, Malaysia, Nepal or the (dis-?) United Kingdom. Americans celebrate this day—the day on which the […]
Staring-out from this piece of 1970’s Modernist ceramics is an alligator’s unblinking eye—the work of world-famous Ecuadorian artist Eduardo Vega. Born in Cuenca, Ecuador in 1938, Vega was steeped in his country’s long ceramics-making culture well before studying art in Spain and France. After returning to his home country in the 1960’s, he was commissioned […]
I just took my seven year old niece to Washington, DC. We saw the White House, the Capitol, the National Zoo, the Lincoln Memorial and the Museum of Natural History. What did she like best? The squirrels! My niece, who was visiting from Hawaii, had never seen one of the restless rodents before. She put […]
Welcome, July, with your sun, your surf, and your brilliant red rubies—the birthstone for the seventh month of the year. Rubies are one of the four most-precious gemstones: rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. In fact, sapphires and rubies are just different color variations of the same stone, Corundum. It’s the presence of the element chromium […]
Some people can be so unreasonable! There are the superstitious amongst us who believe an elephant MUST have his trunk extended upwards or they want nothing to do with him. Not only is this conviction unscientific, but even real elephants don’t keep their trunks permanently extended. To require the poor creature to hold-up his (heavy) appendage […]
The Medieval Germans invented salt glazing by accident—when a ceramics-maker ran out of fuel for his kiln (in mid-firing) and all he could find (quickly) were some broken pickle barrels to chop-up and throw into the kiln. Apparently, the salt from the barrel’s wood reacted with the clay being fired, resulting in the lightly textured […]
Remember when a baby’s naked little bottom was a symbol of innocence—when two year olds would pose for a snap on a bearskin rug and cherubs could fly around Baroque rooms without raising questions or suspicions? Today we keep our antennae attuned to any possible impropriety involving children (and that’s good). Nevertheless, we might have […]
When I think of Ruscha West German Modernist art pottery, I usually think of vases—vases with wonderful dripping, complex and organic glazes. Until I found the plaque above, which shakes-up my concept of Ruscha. Here sea grasses sway, anchored in a bed of blooming anemones, while bubbles bobble to the surface. Brown lobes of coral […]
Ravenna is a fascinating Italian city—discreet, yet wonderful. At first glance, it appears to be a rather unadorned, plain brown city. But oh, how Ravenna keeps her charms under wraps! Historically, Ravenna was very important—first as the seat of the Western Roman Empire, and later as an important part of the Byzantine (Eastern, that is, […]
I think this is the perfect tray! It was crafted in the 1910’s in Meriden, Connecticut and will reside comfortably within either an Arts & Crafts or Art Deco aesthetic. First the tray was fashioned in brass. Next it was hand-hammered, then electroplated with silver. It can hold six large-bowled coupes or eight smaller glasses—and […]
When I first laid eyes upon these Secessionist brass candelabra, I felt a profound conviction that they had been used as altar sticks in a church—either in the early Twentieth Century or Bauhaus period. Their simplicity, their out-stretched arms, and their tripartite design all nudged me to imagine them in a sensational (though understated) 1909 […]
Otto Gerharz was a chemist and glaze master who worked for Ruscha Keramik. In 1951, he developed Ruscha’s famous “Vulcano” glaze, most frequently found in a burnt orange color. Along with Kurt Tschorner (who designed many of the company’s shapes), Gerharz helped make Ruscha one of the better, cutting edge production potteries of the German […]
Within my diverse matte white pottery collection, my perennial favorites are always those made by Roseville. The shapes are beautifully designed and the pieces are always nicely-cast. Most impressively, the satiny matte white glazing is always so satisfying—both to view and to hold. And while the shapes were also glazed in other color ways, I […]
Although this set of eight Bavarian crystal cocktail stems are from the 1960’s, they still retain a classic, earlier-period sensibility. The stem and foot are crisply faceted and the bowl is rimmed with a platinum edge. Although the platinum rim provides a dash of style, it also adds a practical benefit: the metal edging helps […]
I can never buy too many nice trays. Whether brass, copper or quarter-sawn oak—if it can hold a round of drinks, a nice breakfast or a collection of perfume bottles, I want to acquire it. Shown above, an American Arts & Crafts hand-hammered copper tray, circa 1920. Please click on the photo to learn more […]
Thanks to all the men who raised us, shaped us, and encouraged us to become our best selves. Shown above, a greeting card featuring a detail from Lucien Baylac’s 1891 advertising poster for the French bicycle maker Cycles Clement. See new merchandise first! Follow us on Instagram: “leodesignhandsomegifts”
Manufacturers have always sought ways to keep their names in front of potential purchasers—especially large industrial purchasing agents. Shown above, a cast iron letter rack from the 1880’s. Made for “Diamond K”—which I think was a tool manufacturer (Kreauter?)—this letter holder would be left-behind by a traveling company salesman. Notes, letters or photos could be placed […]
Perhaps your dad’s an Anglophile. How about an early Twentieth Century English brass letterknife? A gallant knight stands at-the-read—exactly as he has since he was cast in brass in the 1910’s or 1920’s ($95). Please come into the shop to see him in person or call us for further information. More nice Father’s Day gift […]
Well before Mad Men, stylish Fathers drank their cocktails in something like this—a hand-hammered and sliver-plated cocktail stem made in the 1910’s. Expressing a bit of the Arts & Crafts and a touch of the Art Deco, this set of six cocktail stems remained en vogue from the Teens ’til World War II (Prohibition excepted, of course). […]
For Dapper Dads, what could be better than a handsome pair of cufflinks? Like with ties, natty dressers can never have too many nice pairs of cufflinks in their collections. Here we show a pair of sterling silver Art Deco cufflinks from the 1920’s—with regal amethyst enameling over machine-turned, radiant guilloché work. Come into the shop […]
With Father’s Day at the end of the week, I thought we’d share some of our newly-acquired, Dad-appropriate gift items over the next few days. Whether or not your father was (or is) a mailman, he’s sure to appreciate this (very cool) cast iron coin bank from the 1910’s or 1920’s. The original red paint […]
Let’s conclude our parade of European art pottery with something extra-special. From Belgium, during the period which straddles both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, comes this superb salt glazed vase by Roger Guerin with a custom-wrought iron mounting, quite probably by François Carion. Salt glazing, which was developed in Germany during the Medieval […]
I buy a fair bit of early 20th Century Dutch ceramics, especially from the Gouda region of the Netherlands. And, every now and then, I come across a piece that is just a little different—such as the ceramic covered jar, pictured above. Made in the 1910’s or 1920’s—in that nexus of the Art Nouveau and […]
At first glance, I skipped over this piece—what I thought was “just another dowdy, brown jug.” But as I purchased other pieces from the collector, my eye kept wandering-back to the dowdy, brown jug. And slowly, the jug began to reveal its charms. I began to warm to its graceful (dare I say sensuous?) shape. […]
The ultramarine blue glazing fairly vibrates with richness on this Scheurich West German “floor vase” from the 1960’s or 1970’s. The name “ultramarine” comes from the Latin “ultra marinus” which means “beyond the sea”—since the original ultramarine pigment came from grinding lapis lazuli brought from Afghanistan (very far away). Because of the rarity of the precious […]
Among my new favorites is this little grouping of Italian Modernist hand-made ceramics by Fratelli Fanciulacci in Florence. The pieces are clearly hand-built, given the size and weight variation from piece to piece—not to mention the wonderful randomness which comes from this type of labor-intensive, hand-incised decoration. Unfortunately, the company was wiped-out with the flooding […]
Mayan calendar? Pueblo target? Radioactivity warning? No, no and no. Shown above, a piece of Italian Modernist ceramics from the 1960’s with a hand-painted white graphic. The perfect shape of the vase is finished with an interestingly modest, roughly-textured glaze, then finished with white hand-painting—not unlike a super-hip paleolithic cave decoration. It would look equally […]
Like yesterday’s Czech ceramics, made under the influence of the Viennese Secessionist movement, the pair above are also from somewhere within the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire, c. 1910. A deep cobalt blue glaze is subtly “punctuated” with metallic bronze glazing, creating an organic, almost botanical sculptural effect. Please click on the photo above to learn more […]
Secessionism was the Austro-Hungarian variant on the Art Nouveau movement—a turn-of-the-century design aesthetic which developed in many (mostly Western) countries and cultures. The French had Art Nouveau, the English had Arts & Crafts, the Germans had Jugendstil and the Austro-Hungarians had Secessionism. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was vast—and (circa 1900) Vienna was its glittering seat-of-power. Although […]
While there are many things I like to buy, two things make me extra-happy: nice pieces of pottery with earthy, crusty, red glazing and lidded vessels, suitable for holding one’s precious possessions. The piece above ticks both of these boxes. Made by Ruscha (West Germany) in the 1960’s, there’s a satisfying voluptuousness to the piece—with […]
Artists and designers are always looking for inspiration. Oftentimes, aesthetic trends might correlate to the day’s news or to discoveries far-removed from the world of interior design trends. Examples include the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 which encouraged an Egyptian Revival in the Art Deco movement of the next two decades. Or the […]
Recently, we’ve received several large (and diverse) shipments of European art pottery and, over the next several days, we’d like to share some of the most interesting acquisitions with you. Shown above, a collection of “sea tones”—aqua, seafoam, sapphire, even “whitecap.” And not only are the shapes and colors varied, so are the textures and […]
We’ve just received several large shipments of European art pottery from various points on The Continent. Over the next several days, we’ll be featuring a few of the highlights—pieces which exhibit the range of our new acquisitions. Please peruse our on-line shop (where some of them have been already been listed) or come into the […]
The birthstone for the month of June is not a “stone” at all. It is the pearl—the mysterious and exotic treasure of mariners—which commemorates those born in the calendar’s sixth month. At one time pearls, which represent purity, innocence and humility, were the most precious of jewels. Egyptian aristocrats were buried with their pearls. The Greeks thought […]
We probably sell more photo frames than anything else at LEO Design—frames in leather, wood, pewter, gold-leaf, silver-plate and gold-plate. Thus, it’s always a cause for (at least) a little excitement when we find a handsome, new design. Shown above, part of our NYC-made pewter frames in four new designs: (front to back) grosgrain, lion’s claw, […]
Made in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the American Modernist pottery shown above was made by Haeger in East Dundee, Illinois. German immigrant David Haeger founded the company in 1871—45 miles from Chicago—on the bank of the Fox River (a rich source of the needed clay). Initially, the company made bricks. In a twist of fate—in […]
Like a celadon bowl on a cloudy afternoon, these Art Deco sterling silver cufflinks exhibit an understatedly-handsome demeanor—all class, no flash. Just a layer of dark celadon enameling over crisp, machine-turned guilloché work. Perfect with any blue shirt! Please come into the shop to see them—and the many, many other pairs of handsome cufflinks—or click on […]
Like nothing I’ve ever bought before, and yet, very LEO Design. It’s a wooden dresser or trinket or desk box made of turned lemonwood which has been ebonized and hand-etched. Stylized flowers and graphic elements give it a vaguely Aesthetic Movement sensibility though it remains solidly-grounded in Mexican folk art. Please come into the shop […]
Here’s another color grouping of vintage art pottery—”earth tones”—from Italy, America and West Germany. Shown at center, a hand-painted two-handled Italian pot by Raymor. Raymor was the trade name of a larger American company which imported Mid-Century decorative pieces from Europe—much of it Italian ceramics. Raymor cleverly (and accurately) assessed the tastes of the […]
Last summer I visited Crete, which is now part of Greece, and spent a day exploring the ruined Palace of Knossos and the archeological museum which holds many of its artifacts. Thus it was with great excitement that I first encountered the vase above. Though the vase is Belgian Neo-Classical Art Deco (c. 1930), its […]
Come into the shop to see this sweet little pair of hand-painted ceramic chickens—a rooster and a hen. They’re made in Southern California (where they are cast in vintage molds), and, while they aren’t antiques, they have a wonderful old-time coloration to them. See new merchandise first! Follow us on Instagram: […]
A Boy Scout is always prepared—but does he have a vintage trophy? Celebrate the scout (or former scout) with this 1920’s cast spelter statuette modeled by Canadian Renaissance Man Robert Tait McKenzie in 1915. Around its base are inscribed the characteristics which form the ideal Scout: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, […]
From afar off Japan comes this winsome little bear—made of cast iron and dressed in an antique brown finish. He’d serve happily as a paperweight or loyally just standing-guard on your desk. Please come into the shop to see him or call us for additional information. See new merchandise first! Follow […]
Sensuous curves of amber glass comprise a Modernist cocktail glass from Post-War West Germany. This set of six footed glasses would make for a perfect mixed drink, creamy nip or even ice cream. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them. See new merchandise first! Follow us on […]
Can the summer be so far away? It starts one month from today. But the time will fly past when you’re playing with with these clever nautical wooden blocks! Each block depicts a letter from the English alphabet plus that letter’s Morse Code signal, flag semaphore signal, International maritime signal flag and the NATO phonetic designation […]
At LEO Design we love the King of the Forest—and all things Leonine. But, long before lions ruled, there was another King: the Tyrannosaurus Rex. His name, literally translated, is “Tyrant Lizard King.” He was the apex predator, top of the food chain. At 40 feet long, his long, heavy tail was required to balance […]
Pigs are popular—all things pigs! Shown above, a cast brass piglet, finished with a verdigris bronze patina. He’ll sit happily on your shelf, desk or windowsill—or even in your garden (though he will weather in the out-of-doors elements). Come in and see him—and his “sty mates”—or call us for additional information. See […]
The same man who makes our vintage alligator frames (which we shared yesterday) also made-up a couple of frames in snakeskin. When he showed them to me, I couldn’t say no! On the left, a 4 x 6 photo frame of water snake (trimmed in water snake). On the right, a 5 x 7 photo […]
We’ve just received a shipment of beautiful vintage alligator frames. While the frames themselves are newly-crafted, the alligator skins have been “up-cycled” from vintage handbags, mostly from the Fifties and Sixties. The man who makes the frames for us deals in vintage handbags—finding, restoring and re-selling them. Occasionally, a bag has beautiful material but is beyond […]
D. R. Harris (not Doctor Harris) was founded on fashionable St. James’s Street, London, in 1790 and has been a fixture there ever since. In the Eighteenth Century, when there was not much distinction between barbering and medicine, it was common for a customer to patronize the same professional for his shaves, his cologne and his […]
Hand-beaten metals are amongst the hallmarks of the Arts & Crafts aesthetic. The dappled texture—evidence of human artistic involvement—reflects light in a warm and wonderful way. Shown above, part of our collection of hand-hammered copper, each piece raised from a single ingot of the metal. No forms are used. A “lump” of copper is beaten […]
I’m always buying boxes—old boxes, new boxes, small boxes, large. Some are antiques, others are contemporary. Wood, pewter, copper, ceramic—there’s always a useful purpose to which a handsome box can be applied. Shown above, a selection of our antique wooden boxes (c. 1850’s – 1950’s). Please come into the shop to see them all. […]
This is my idea of a pretty glass—a tulip—modestly short-stemmed, softly faceted to deflect the light and punctuated with elegant bands of gold at rim and foot. Just perfect for wine. And, because it doesn’t have a long stem, this glass reminds us that wine really should be a daily enjoyment—not a venerated extravagance to be […]
I like Dante. And so do my customers, apparently. I buy just about every pair of Dante bookends I can get my hands on and they continue to sell. Here’s a pair that’s a little different. Instead of the typical dour Medieval Florentine poet, we get an energized—almost sprightly—Dante, leaning forward in his throne. The […]
Under the spreading canopy of a copper and mica table lamp, a collection of orange mid-century pottery. Orange is but one of many “color sections” in the shop—each section filled with handsome art pottery from the Late-Nineteenth through the Mid-Twentieth Centuries. Please come into the shop to see our vast collection of art pottery or […]
Champagne coupes do not get more classic than this. Excellent quality crystal is blown into the time-honored (classic!) form—resulting in a glass which is at once substantial and refined. Click on the photo above to learn more about this set of eight from the 1960’s or 1970’s—or come into the shop to see them for yourself. […]
Boundless gratitude to all the women who have lifted us up, made us smile and showed us that we were the most important thing in their lives. See new merchandise first! Follow us on Instagram: “leodesignhandsomegifts”
Are you one of twins? Or just a boy who gave your mother twice the trouble? Perhaps this pair of “Whistling Boy” bookends from the 1920’s will make your mother smile? This winning little street urchin may seem small but he’s pretty tough—certainly tough enough to hold-up your mom’s books. Come into the shop to […]
While all mothers are welcomed at LEO Design, “Leo Moms” always stir-up a little extra enthusiasm. And for just such a mother, how about an Italian cast pewter lion? Hand-made outside of Florence, this King of the Jungle will be happy to reign over your mom’s desktop, bookshelf or mantelpiece. Please come into the shop […]
For “Cat Mothers,” perhaps our (half-sized) Crouching Cat sculpture would do the trick. Made of cast brass and finished with a verdigris bronze patina, this feline is all tension and coiled energy—eyes on the prize, ready to spring! It would look great on a hearthstone, bookshelf or even in the garden (where it will develop […]
Another great gift idea for a wonderful mother is a nice piece of vintage art pottery—something pretty or something useful or both! Of course, a nice ceramic bowl or vase looks great brimming with cut blossoms. But, even when it’s empty, a beautiful piece of artfully-crafted pottery is a reminder of your kindness (and good […]
Another wonderful Mother’s Day gift—one that’s pretty, useful and bright. It has had a long and interesting journey and it still looks great! In the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries, department stores were the premier shopping venues in American cities, East to West. The very best department stores became the taste-makers for the carriage trade—and for […]
With Mother’s Day less than a week away, we’d like to show some great gift ideas for the world’s best Mom. And we’ll start with beautiful photo frames because—after all—what does a mom (or grandmom) appreciate more than another photo of the kids? We stock a very wide range of handsome frames, including those pictured […]
Let us welcome May with its warmer days, flower blossoms and birdsong. Emeralds are this month’s birthstone—amongst the post precious and coveted of gemstones. They were first mined in Egypt from 1500 BC and later in Austria and India from the 1300’s AD. Since then they have been found on most continents, most plentifully in […]
April bids us “Farewell”—or rather this winsome rabbit does. He’s made in Japan of cast zinc and has a Cubist design. He’s part of our large collection of rabbit sculptures—in zinc, bronze, brass and ceramic. Please come into the shop to see him and his warren mates. See new merchandise first! […]
A pair of engaging birds—a warbler and a nuthatch—have alighted at LEO Design this spring. Made in Canada of heavy cast bronze, they’d be happily employed as paperweights or content to just sit around, looking pretty. Please call or come into the shop to see them. See new merchandise first! Follow […]
From stylish Art Deco France comes this six-piece icy-blue faceted glass liqueur service. Serve your guests “a little something” after dinner with this sweet and handsome drinks set, made in the 1930’s. Please come into the shop to see this stylish liqueur service in-person or call us for further information. See new […]
Though Spring began over six weeks ago, it can be difficult to remember this—for it’s still been so cold! Nevertheless, Spring is in full-blossom at LEO Design where we have many new greeting cards for the season. Flowers, birds, and landscapes—we have a greeting card for nearly every sender or receiver. Please come by the […]
In John Patrick Shanley’s wonderful film Moonstruck, actor John Mahoney describes his beautiful young student as “fresh and bright and full of promise as moonlight in a martini.” While his object of desire may be taboo, the sentiment is, nevertheless, beautiful. I thought of that tender scene (with Mahoney and Olympia Dukakis) when I first came […]
This set of eight crystal cocktail (or wine) glasses are blown in a pleasing “tulip” form and are hand-etched with the simplest of decorations—vertical “teardrop” slashes. Probably made in 1960’s Germany, they are part of a new shipment of glassware now in-store at LEO Design. Please come into the store to see the whole new […]
We’ve just received a new shipment of vintage glassware, some of which we’ll showcase over the next few days. First-up: this set of eight softly-faceted crystal coupes, gold-banded at the rims and feet. Made in the 1940’s or 1950’s, they appear never to have been used—they are in flawless condition. Of course, there are no […]
Maybe it’s Mad Men, maybe it’s just time for a revival—but rocks glasses have been popular and remain a strong seller at LEO Design. Classic rocks glasses—whether cut crystal, printed novelty or simply unadorned—continue to be “on trend” with our Spring glassware customers. Shown above, currently in our shop window, a set of four Double […]
Let’s end our showcase of recently-acquired European art pottery with this handsome piece by Bay, West Germany. For me it evokes a perfected underwater scene—perhaps like a stylized background found in an animated Disney film. Scrolling latticework reminds me of a screened wall within a placid, underwater palace; flowering ropes of seaweed sway in the […]
We hop back to West Germany, circa 1970, where we discover this intriguing ceramic jug. A strong design—including a heavy strap handle—is finished with an unexpected two-part glaze of cornflower blue and mossy green. The handsome matte finish is reminiscent of some British glazes of the 1930’s and 1940’s. It was made by Karlsruhe in […]
Now a piece from England: a Pilkington Royal Lancastrian art pottery vase from the 1920’s or 1930’s. With its vertically-ribbed, gourd-like form, it straddles both the Arts & Crafts and Art Deco movements. And the curdled citrus glazing evokes lemons, oranges and tangerines. Its nice size, handsome form and bold coloration make it a real […]
It’s not a shipment from Europe if it doesn’t have at least one piece of red pottery in it. And here it is: a red and black glazed pot by Bay, West Germany. Little squiggles provide surface decoration and texture—not to mention a ceramic topography resistant to the dominant red glaze. Modernism meets Folk Art […]
When I was a boy, I read (and was captivated by) a book by Eleanor Cameron titled The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet. Published in 1954, it followed the adventures of two California boys who responded to a mysterious classified ad in the newspaper. The boys built a rocketship (as the ad requested) and […]
We continue our parade of newly-received European art pottery with another Scandinavian participant, Jørgen Mogensen. He was born in Denmark in 1927 and began his ceramics career (after art school) as an apprentice at Royal Copenhagen in 1949. He worked with many of the Danish greats: Knud Kyhn, Axel Salto, Gerd Bogelund and Nils Thorsson […]
When I first saw this East German pitcher by Strehla, my mind went immediately to Pablo Picasso’s 1905 painting “Family of Saltimbanques” (in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC). The hand-painted cubist, harlequin pattern would have made a perfect costume for one of Picasso’s sad circus performers. There were only two problems: by […]
While this piece tempts me to reference “Under the Tuscan Sun,” it’s probably a bit more Italian Mediterranean Coastal than Florentine Hill Country. Furthermore, it probably looks more like Jupiter than it does the Sun. None of this matters; this 1960’s Italian glazed ceramic sphere transports me to a sun-baked Italian villa—where I’d happily spend […]
Today we travel to Denmark, where the handsome piece above was crafted. The glazing was created by (Swede) Nils Thorsson, one of the most prolific designers at Royal Copenhagen. He began his career with the company at 13 years old, even before going to art school. For many years, Thorsson served as Artistic Director for […]
This week we’re sharing selected pieces of European art pottery, recently received at LEO Design. The piece above, made by Carstens in the 1960’s or 1970’s, has an otherworldly, “alien” sensibility to it. “Moon craters” seem to rise from the chalky-white surface of the vase. It’s a wonderful example of form and color coming-together to […]
“Studio” art pottery is a hazy term, sometimes used to embellish the description of a ceramics piece which cannot be more-precisely identified. Small workshops—indeed, individual potters—sometimes made beautiful and wonderfully inventive pieces, which some might consider a step up from the more-common, mass-produced wares. And, in some cases, large manufacturers would foster a “studio line” […]
We’ve just received several large shipments of art pottery from Europe—England, The Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Italy and Eastern Europe. Over the next dozen days, we’ll be sharing selected pieces with you. You may also visit our Instagram account (“leodesignhandsomegifts”) or peruse our on-line shop where some of the pieces have already been listed. We start […]
Every year I find a single stuffed animal—usually a teddy bear—and he becomes that year’s “Holiday Bear.” We pile a bunch of them into a large ceramic pickle crock, right next to the front door, and keep selling them until they’re gone. Last Christmas, in honor of LEO Design’s twentieth anniversary, I selected a different […]
Bem Vinda! Welcome to Joana from Claus Porto in Portugal—who visits our store for the first time today. Although I’ve been selling their products for over twenty years, we’ve been serviced by an American rep, not top management from “the home country.” The American rep has now retired from the line and Joana is taking-over […]
