I bought the crystal tumblers shown above—now in the shop window—from a collector with very good taste. I’m not sure where they’re from; my educated guess tells me either France, Czechoslovakia or the Greater Austro-Hungarian Empire. Though I do not know where they were made, I do know that they are definitely Art Deco—from the late […]
Angular, stylized sail boats ply deep blue waters on this set of four Modernist rocks glasses from the 1970’s. Perfect for all manner of summer beverages, their frosted glass would make for summer-perfect votive holders, too. Please come into the shop to see them or call us for further information. See new […]
This pair of recently-acquired bookends ticks several boxes for me: lions, sculpture, bronze, bookends. Beautifully sculpted and crisply cast, they appear to have been little-exposed to the elements—for the bronze is remarkably rosy after all these years. The figure of a confident (yet unpretentious) lion surveying his domain, would be an handsome addition to any […]
Though this pair of West German urns are from the Mid-Twentieth Century, their stylish sculpting references Ancient Greek ceramics design—and their metallic black glazing is reminiscent of basalt. They would provide the perfect accent upon many a mantelpiece—whether Industrial, Modernist, Traditional or Neoclassical. They’d also make a wonderfully handsome pair of lamps. Please come into […]
While summer is still many weeks away, recent hints of warming weather have put me in a summery mood—as have the sterling silver Art Deco cufflinks, shown above, which I’ve just received. Made in the 1920’s or 1930’s in Providence, Rhode Island, they have a handsome, radiant guilloché under-pattern, glazed with an ultra-summery combination of […]
Glassware is always a good seller for us, especially crystal champagne coupes. And, with Spring wedding season upon us, we’re due for a brisk selling period. Shown above, sets of Japanese icy blue crystal champagne coupes and demi-coupes. Of course they’re perfect for bubbly, but coupes are also very hot right now for various mixed […]
On this day in 1893, a secret meeting was convened at 121 Regent Street, London. In attendance were some of Britain’s leading Arts & Crafts designers, artists and influencers: William Morris, John Ruskin, Christopher Dresser, Edward Burne-Jones, John Pearson, Archibald Knox and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. They had not been informed of the purpose of the […]
The Stangl Pottery, in Flemington, New Jersey, traces its origin to the Hill Pottery company, founded in 1814. Hill Pottery, like many early ceramics manufacturers, made “utility wares”: crocks, water coolers, sewer pipes. Hill Pottery eventually became Fulper Pottery, an “artistic ceramics” manufacturer, and it hired “ceramics engineer” Johann Martin Stangl to develop interesting new […]
Stylish bands of silver and gold surround this Italian amethyst glass covered bowl. On the lid, a circle of stylized, hand-painted leaves congregate around the knob. Perfect as a candy dish, a desk caddy or as a place to (carefully) leave one’s keys and coins. Please come into the shop to see it or call […]
Beautiful quality crystal is further embellished with a hand-cut “trailing botanical” decoration on this set of six champagne coupes from the 1930’s or 1940’s. Made by Fostoria in West Virginia, they have an unusual reeded and corseted stem design. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them. See new […]
Owls have long symbolized Wisdom and Intelligence. The Ancient Greeks associated them with the goddess of knowledge, Athena. And because owls moved silently through the night, they were sometimes associated with mystery or “otherworldliness.” Here a wise owl sits patiently on the pine branch of this American Art Nouveau letter rack, made in the […]
In pubs across England—in the early Twentieth Century—functional brass serviceware was given a “decorative lift” by way of a handsome crocodile embossment. Weary barmaids slung such trays and pitchers back-and-forth, back-and-forth, all night long to tables of increasingly-enthusiastic patrons. And the simple, stamped croco design turned an otherwise utilitarian object into a thing of exotic […]
This week we’ve been sharing selected pieces from our recent shipment of European art pottery, now in-store at LEO Design. Let’s end the parade with something a little different: a stoneware plate by Giefer-Bahn with an incised decoration and a hand-painted salt glaze finish. Geifer-Bahn was founded in 1947 by Klothilde Giefer-Bahn, then a newly […]
While I don’t know much about this bowl, I do know that I like it. The contrast of a shiny “eggy” amber interior against the flat, earthy, gunmetal exterior makes for a handsome presentation. The hand-impressed ovals of criss-crossing add a folk art flavoring. And the variegated, lightly-crazed interior glaze reminds me of a Van Gogh […]
A classic (and timeless) two-handled urn is first finished with a dark brown underglaze, then overglazed with “blocks” of dripping white finish. The shape alone makes a strong impact—which is only intensified by the bold coloration. Made by Carstens Tönnieshof (West Germany) in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Please come into the shop to see […]
I’m always on the hunt for green art pottery—especially, mossy, earthy (even muddy) greens. When I find such a glaze on a piece of West German pottery (which is rare), I’m all the more thrilled, for it was the brightly-hued color tones which ruled the Mid-Century day. The piece above was made by Van Daalen, […]
At first glance, one might think the little ceramic pitcher above is rather unimpressive—even boring, perhaps. But, look closely, and one can see the depth and complexity of the drip glazing—and coloration which reminds me of the planet Mercury. Even the shape is perfect and it feels so nice in the hands. It was made […]
This week we’re sharing some of our just-acquired European art pottery, now in-store at LEO Design. The examples above are Italian Modernist ceramics made in Florence by Fratelli Fanciulacci (c. 1960’s). The firm was founded in 1862 and was considered one of the better post-war art potteries in Europe. Fratelli Fanciulacci was devastated by the […]
Carstens was not the largest West German ceramics producer but it did a good job of bringing-in design talent to keep the product fresh and ahead of the competition. One such assignment was given to Gerda Heuckeroth, a woman who was given free-range within one division of the company. She experimented with shapes, naturally, but […]
I just love this vase! Strong red glazing—on a shapely and interesting form—is embellished with hand-piped “squiggles.” It makes for a piece that’s both handsome and fun! Made by Dümler and Brieden (West Germany) in the 1960’s or 1970’s, it looks equally good within a collection or standing alone. Please click on the photo above […]
It’s a great day for the Irish! And the Italians, too! Modernism meets the ancient on this hand-crafted stoneware pitcher by Bitossi. Chunky, textured clay is formed into the classic (and timeless) shape of an ancient Etruscan jug—then hand-incised and painted with fresh, modern colors. It’s one of many new pieces of European art pottery, […]
We’ve just received another large shipment—mostly art pottery—this time from Continental Europe. Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing with you select pieces from this newly-acquired collection. Shown above, a most-handsome piece by Steuler. A “foamy” highly-textured light blue glaze drips down over a metallic gunmetal underglaze. Founded in 1917, Steuler operated in the […]
White Mother-of-Pearl is a classic, timeless choice for cufflinks, shirt studs and dress sets. Note, after all, that most men’s shirts are finished with white buttons at cuff and shirt front. And yet, while the material is timeless, the soft square shape of the button indicates this dress set’s stylish modernity. Made in the 1950’s, […]
During World War One, Princess Mary—the only daughter of King George V—made-up little brass boxes, one for each sailor and soldier serving His Majesty, The King. Within each box, the serviceman might find cigarettes, some note paper, a pencil and, perhaps, a bit of chocolate. The embossed cover shows the princess in profile, her royal […]
Three of the United Kingdom’s iconic plant symbols are presented on this English Arts & Crafts hand-tooled brass tray from the turn-of-the-century. Scotland provides the thistle, Ireland the shamrock, and England the Tudor rose. Though entirely functional as a tray or serving piece, one may prefer to hang it from the wall as a splendid […]
Victorian and Edwardian England was enchanted by the East—especially the Far East. The leisure class might take a trip to “The Orient” once in a lifetime. And merchants, like Liberty of London, brought shiploads of Asian ceramics and other artworks to an eager Western consumer. Aesthetes, designers and other tastemakers (like Dr. Christopher Dresser) would […]
I purchased the hand-tooled copper tray, shown above, in England—and, indeed, at first I thought it was English Arts & Crafts. But, as I inspected it, some of the tooling, and the crenelated gallery treatment didn’t seem quite British to me. Then I found a mark on the back with its tell-tale Arabic characters. I’m still not […]
Victorian and Edwardian Englishwomen had an object for every conceivable purpose—including a “pin tray” in which to keep their hair accessories. Thus was “hatched” the rather dour-looking “Cornish Mackerel” pictured above. Made of cast brass in the Teens or Twenties, it would (indeed) be the perfect place to keep hair pins—or rings, collar stays, cufflinks, […]
We’ve just received a shipment from England—a nice collection of metalware including some nice brass and copper trays. Over the next few days, I’ll show you select pieces from the new collection. Shown above, an English brass tray—about the size of a pie plate—with a hand-hammered Arts & Crafts stylized botanical motif. Very often the […]
As in “Sing a Song of Sixpence,” a ring of bas relief blackbirds encircle this Danish Modern bowl by Marianne Starck for Michael Anderson. The deeply-carved creatures “pop” crisply from the outer walls of this golden stoneware bowl—a handsome and light-hearted addition to any dining table, sideboard or coffee table. Please click on the photo […]
Amongst our newly-acquired glassware—now in-store at LEO Design—is this handsome set of crystal martini glasses, each lightly hand-etched with sprays of pine needles. The set of six quality crystal stems was made by Fostoria (West Virginia) in the late 1950’s or 1960’s. Please come into the shop to see them—and the rest of our vintage […]
Part of our new shipment of vintage glassware: a set of six Italian amberglass stems for sherry, port or any liquor of your choice. Please come into the shop to see them in person or call for more information. More newly-acquired glassware tomorrow. See new merchandise first! Follow us on Instagram: “leodesignhandsomegifts”
“The Age of Exploration” meets “The Age of Don Draper” with this set of six Old World Globe rocks glasses from the 1960’s. They are part of a recent shipment of vintage glassware, now in-store at LEO Design. Please click-upon the photo above to learn more about them—or come into the shop to see the […]
More glassware: this time a set of eight crystal wine stems with hand-etched Fleurs de Lys. While the glasses were made in the 1950’s or 1960’s, the silhouette and proportions of the design are clearly inspired by 18th Century French wine glasses. While absolutely traditional, they lack the pretension of contemporary long-stemmed wine goblets—which will help […]
We’ve just received a new shipment of glassware and will share some of the highlights with you over the next few days. Two interesting sets of glasses—a set of eight highball tumblers and a set of eight double-old-fashioned rocks glasses—are now in-store. Textured, graphite-like stripes are printed on the glasses, giving an interesting surface aesthetic […]
The “Bloodstone”—also known as the “Heliotrope”—is the traditional birthstone for the month of March. Bloodstone is a variety of dark green jasper (an opaque chalcedony) with flecks or streaks of hematite (iron oxide)—impurities which give the appearance of red drops of blood scattered over the dark green stone. The name “heliotrope” comes from the Greek […]
Today is Leap Day—which makes our newly-received English “Rabbit” card particularly apropos. It shows a detail from an Arts & Crafts tapestry, now displayed in the V&A in London. The tapestry was designed by a trio of artist-designers: William Morris (who designed the trailing acanthus leaves), Phillip Webb (who designed the animals) and John Henry […]
We continue our little parade of newly-received English greeting cards with this one from the National History Museum in London (one of my two favorite buildings in that city). Renderings of various dinosaurs march across the card while two bronze dinosaur sculptures stand guard at front. It’s a perfect card for your youngest (or oldest) […]
Another English card, another English artist. This time it’s from painter Cecil Aldin’s (1870-1935) picture, “Jack and Jill.” Aldin studied painting at the National Arts Training School in London and found his first commercial work providing illustrations for London magazines and other periodicals. Loving animals, he painted a lot of dogs and horses and scenes […]
The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea In a beautiful, pea-green boat, They took some honey, and plenty of money, Wrapped up in a five-pound note. Edward Lear’s 1871 poem has been intriguing children for nearly 150 years. It was also the inspiration for the English greeting card pictured above. The illustration is […]
We’ve just received a shipment of early-Spring cards from England. Over the next few days we’ll share some of them with you. Shown above, a grouping from the Victorian and Albert Museum in London. With 4.6 million objects in its permanent collection, the V&A is the largest museum of decorative arts in the world (and […]
Rocks glasses continue to sell well and I am always on the hunt for elusive “novelty” glasses which remain tasteful. Shown above, a good example: a set of four “Double Old Fashioned” glasses with a tasteful, gold-check design. Please come into the shop to see them in-person. See new merchandise first! […]
Matthew J. Whittall had been a production supervisor in a large carpet mill in Worcester, Massachusetts—the bustling center of Nineteenth Century American rug manufacturing. In 1874, he founded his own mill, M. J. Whittall and Associates, in a small building in Worcester. Business took off! Before long, he was buying the land next to his […]
With the winter’s cold, in comes this trio of playful Danish bears. Designed by sculptor Knud Kyhn and made by Royal Copenhagen in the 1970’s, they have taken-up residence with our large collection of mid-century stoneware bears. Please come by to see them and their case-mates here at LEO Design. See new […]
While some may find it too cold to contemplate champagne, others won’t let a good opportunity pass. Just in at LEO Design, this set of six nice-quality crystal champagne coupes from the 1960’s. A simple, classic bowl sits atop a lightly-embellished stem—in the form of a reeded column. We just can’t seem to keep nice […]
The Germans didn’t have a monopoly on crafted brass trays. Shown above, an English Arts & Crafts brass tray, embellished with a scrolling “whiplash” decoration. Imagine it in the breakfast room of a handsome Edwardian home—across the English channel from Continental Europe. Made by Joseph Sankey and Sons, it has two brass handles and six […]
From the Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik—more-easily referred to as WMF—comes this handsome and useful brass tray from the early Twentieth Century. Hand-hammered of brass, it measures nearly 18″ across and bears the classic WMF ostrich mark showing that it was made between 1909 and 1914 for the French market. It is a nice example of German Jugendstil […]
For millennia, the oil lamp has been a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. How appropriate, then, that such a lamp should keep-straight your favorite books on your bookshelf, desk or credenza. Made in the 1920’s or 1930’s, they have a classic simplicity befitting simple wisdom. Please come into the shop to see them or click […]
Now in-store, a new lion card from English card-maker, Chase & Wonder. At LEO Design, we love lions—and I couldn’t pass-up this Edwardian Dandy when I found him. Like a Nineteenth Century engraving, the card is finely drawn and crisply printed. Come into the shop to see him—and the rest of our new shipment of […]
A somewhat youthful Dante Alighieri, the grand master of Italian letters, is captured in a thoughtful mood—presiding from his seat of knowledge. Nicely sculpted, then bronze-clad and hand-painted, they will bring a touch of culture and class to any library, study or office ($395). Please call for more information or come into the shop to […]
Like yesterday’s champagne coupes, this set of six smoked crystal wine glasses were made by Fostoria (West Virginia) in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Sensuously sculpted bowls sit atop beautifully tapered stems—a perfect presentation for white or red wine ($195 for the set of six). Please come into the shop to see them or call us […]
Perfectly sculpted—modern yet sensuous. Six lightly-smoked crystal champagne coupes are perched atop clear, tapered stems. Made by Fostoria in West Virginia in the 1960’s or 1970’s ($195 for six). Please come into the shop to see them in person or call us for further information. See new merchandise first! Follow us on […]
We’ll end our “Week of the Monkey” with this simian fellow—tense with anticipation, wound-up and ready to spring! He was made in 1959 by artist Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. He’d bring a good deal of coiled energy to your bookshelf, mantelpiece or coffee table. Please click on the photo above to learn more about […]
Here’s a super monkey for the Year of the Fire Monkey. Made in the 1920’s by Danish ceramicist Knud Kyhn, it is impressive in size, style and artistic impact—certainly a “statement piece” in any interior design setting. Please click on the photo above to learn more about him or come into the shop to see […]
Since we’ve just started the Year of the Monkey, why not make it the Week of the Monkey? Over the next few days, we’ll share a few of our interesting primate offerings from the shop. Shown above, a happy chimp, arms raised in victory. Modeled by ceramicist Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen and produced in […]
Gong Hay Fat Choy! And a Happy Lunar New Year to all! 2016 is the Year of the Fire Monkey. People born under this sign are ambitious and adventurous, though they can also be irritable. Generally speaking, “Monkeys” are intelligent & witty, fast learners, crafty, have magnetic personalities and are usually healthy because they are […]
We may have waited a while for it, but winter is finally here. How timely, then, this new acquisition: a Danish Modern vase by Johanne Gerber for Royal Copenhagen. Barren branches are silhouetted against a pale sky—while blue flowers (or are they snowflakes?) fall in and around them. This good-sized, flask-form vase would look equally […]
Perhaps Spring is still a bit far-off—at over six weeks away. So, while the winter doesn’t bring us warmth, it does allow for beautiful blue skies. And, you’ll have to agree: these Art Deco cufflinks are a beautiful sky blue. White, black and sky blue enameling grace the fronts of these sterling silver cufflinks, punctuated with […]
While shivering through winter’s short days and long nights, savor a thought of impending Spring. These cheerful and handsome cufflinks should do the trick! Sterling Art Deco octagonals are etched with a scrolling botanical guilloché pattern, then enameled with bold stripes of yellow and black. Whether you think of daffodils, bumble bees or a warm, […]
Embrace winter’s chill with a new pair of wint’ry blue cufflinks. Made in the 1920’s, they boast a crisp, sapphire blue enamel over a striped Art Deco guilloché design. They are part of a new shipment of handsome cufflinks, just received and in-store at LEO Design. Please come into the shop to see the or […]
According to ancient Greek mythology, Dionysus—the god of wine—pursued a beautiful maiden by the name of Amethystos. Her prayers to remain chaste were answered by the gods: she was turned into a beautiful white stone. Dionysus, in his grief, poured wine over the white stone, turning it violet. And, thus, the first amethyst was created. […]
After (seemingly endless) months of campaigning, boasting and (yes, sometimes) lying, the candidates vying for the White House will get their first dose of “meaningful feedback” tomorrow as the Iowa Caucuses finally take place. Why a small number of people in a handful of small towns in a couple of small states should have such […]
An exquisitely-cut Bohemian peach crystal bowl—probably the work of Czech glass master Karel Palda from the 1950’s ($275). His workshop was founded in 1888 in the northern Czech village of Nový Bor (called Haida by the Germans—just a few miles away). Palda is best known for his exquisite, sometimes over-the-top, Thirties Art Deco creations in enameled […]
When, in 1764, French king Louis XV granted permission for Prince Bishop Cardinal Louis-Joseph de Laval-Montmorency to open a glassworks in the eastern village of Baccarat, the monarch was thinking drinking glasses, mirrors and windowpanes. In fact, that is precisely what the workshop made for its first 50 years. In 1816, under Napoleon, the company […]
Taste the “high” life with this set of six Mid-Century Modern rocks glasses from the Seventies ($165). The airline’s logo is emblazoned in gold upon a smoked glass whiskey tumbler—though we’re not certain which airline it is. So sit back, relax, and imagine yourself in a swanky First Class cabin in the still-early days of […]
René Lalique was born in 1860 in Ay, France, 85 miles east of Paris. His father died when René was four and the young boy was soon apprenticed to a Paris goldsmith where he developed an early appreciation for beautiful design and quality workmanship. At 12, René began art school where he studied drawing and […]
Palmettes are a stylized graphic representation of a splayed palm frond. They were first used decoratively by the Ancient Egyptians, followed by the Assyrians, Greeks, Etruscans—and, somewhat recently, in Western Art Deco. In 19th Century Victorian England, palmettes (still popular) were called the “Anthemion Motif” (from the Ancient Greek term for “flower”)—and were sometimes interspersed […]
The 1960’s and 1970’s enjoyed a little Art Nouveau revival. While French Art Nouveau fonts graced Carpenters album covers and Czech Mucha posters inspired psychedelic rock band tee shirts, little Italian dresses were being made of the colorful, swirling, Nouveau-inspired prints of Emilio Pucci. Shown above, a set of eight Austrian crystal wine glasses with […]
Plenty of shoveling—and one intrepid customer (so far). As it gets colder, darker and deeper, we may close early. Please call before coming (212-929-8466). And, by all means, stay safe. We’ll be open at Noon tomorrow.
The soft spring colors of these two ceramic birds—mother and chick—have alighted just as winter’s snow begins to fall! Nevertheless, they’ll be happy (and safe) ’til Spring. The pair was made in the 1960’s by Artist Erik Engqvist for Swedish ceramics workshop Jie Gantofta. “Jie” was the nickname of John Ewert Johnson and he founded […]
Let’s say you’re an aspiring young despot. Although you’re Italian, you’ve just helped fight the French Revolution—sweeping those bothersome monarchs out of your path to glory. You’ve impressed your new countrymen with your military savvy and ruthlessness. And, after all, someone does need to lead the country. What to do. What to do. “French Emperor” […]
I love bookends and I am always intrigued with early Native American themes—which makes the pair of hard-to-find bookends, pictured above, just perfect. A mounted Indian completes the coup de grâce on his charging quarry. Nicely sculpted, then cast and bronze clad, they would look great in any library, office or Arts & Crafts home. […]
Classical? Art Deco? Nouveau? Yes, yes and yes. An ivory-glazed classical urn, made in the Art Deco Thirties, is finished with Art Nouveau handles. It makes for a handsome, adaptable and useful decorative accent—either alone or within a larger collection of art pottery. Made by Roseville in Roseville, Ohio. Please come into the shop to […]
The 1920’s—the period in which these sculptures were made—was “The Golden Age” of bookends. The decade also anchored the golden age of American skyscraper building. The War was over, the country was modernizing, and fantastic possibility awaited around every corner (until 1929, of course). These bronze-clad bookends capture the romantic spirit of physical creation—communicated in […]
Recently though our door: a trumpeting cast spelter elephant. On his back, a little removable “pagoda” under which one can place a cone of incense. He was made in Japan in the 1920’s or 1930’s ($175). Please come into the shop to see him or call us for more information.
Yesterday I showed a globe from the mid-Thirties. Here’s another “global representation”—this time on a set of four Mid-Century highball glasses from the 1960’s or 1970’s. An old world map is printed upon the glassware and further embellished with gold decoration. Please come into the shop to see them or click on the photo above […]
On my first post-Christmas shopping trip, I found this 1934 school library globe by Replogle. While some borders—and many names—of countries have changed in the past 80 years, the placement of the continents has shifted only a little. Come into the shop to see this handsome and practical piece, well-spun and well-burnished by little hands […]
If Don Draper had owned a country retreat, certainly this pine motif cocktail shaker would be in-use there. Branches of pine—complete with needles and cones—decorate the sides of the frosted glass shaker. Please click on the photo to learn more about it.
One of the (many) wonders of Venice is how differently the water can appear depending on the time of day, the angle of the light, or the depth of the canal or lagoon on view. A sapphire blue canale can transform to emerald green in the time it takes to have lunch. And the glinting […]
Here’s another set of newly-acquired glasses—beautifully proportioned, handsomely designed—now in-store at LEO Design. Perfect for wine or champagne, this set of six footed glasses will bring a touch of understated (yet confident) elegance to your dining table. Click on the photo above to learn more about them.
Well, it’s finally gotten cold (-ish) and I’ve even heard a few complaints about the seasonal temperatures—which makes it the perfect time to long for warmer days in the months ahead. And, to help us do this, I’ve just acquired a set of ten cobalt blue highball tumblers, decorated with sailboats at full mast. Whether […]
Today Benji turns three! For the past two-and-a-half years, little Benji has been making occasional appearances at LEO Design—greeting customers, inspecting new arrivals, and, basically, enhancing the Handsome ambience and color scheme of the shop. When he’s not in-store, he remains at home at his other job: supervising my partner’s work as a stage scenic […]
If you’ve had enough Champagne this weekend, perhaps a Mimosa will better suit your palette for Sunday brunch. Drink them in style with this set of six Art Deco crystal wine glasses made in the 1930’s or 1940’s. The footed design, without a stem, makes them a little less pretentious than their leggy relations—and yet, […]
Though New Year’s Eve is behind us, we are still in the middle of a long New Year’s weekend—and there’s still time to celebrate with a little bubbly. Shown above, part of our newly-acquired collection of handsome, vintage glassware now in-store at LEO Design. Made in the Art Deco Thirties or Forties, these coupes are made of […]
The birthstone for January is the garnet, shown above in a 1920’s – 30’s Bohemian gold pendant. Although garnets—which encompass a range of different chemical structures—may be found in various hues, red is the color most-associated with the gemstone. The name “garnet” may have been derived (over the centuries) from the word “pomegranate”—and, indeed, a […]
We sell a lot of handsome, vintage glassware—and never more than during the Holiday season, especially for New Year’s Eve. For this reason we continue to purchase as much nice glassware as we can find, right-up to the end of the year. The collection of stems pictured above—coupes, wine glasses, water glasses and sherry stems— […]
This week I’m sharing photos from my current buying trip—this time in Western Pennsylvania and the Midwest—like the schoolhouse globe, shown above, newly-acquired and very soon to be in-store. While its vintage cartography is not up-to-the-minute, the characteristics of age and exposure result in an artifact of style, honesty and authority. Please come by the shop […]
Although Christmas is over, isn’t there still a bit of time for celebration? To help, here’s another Handsome Gift, found on my trip this week to Western Pennsylvania and the Near-Midwest. It’s a set of six wine glasses—faceted, footed and banded with gold at rim and foot. Though festive in a slightly formal way, the short stems help “bring […]
I’m on-the-road this week, replenishing the shop after a busy Holiday season. One of my new finds is the trio of British tin elephants, shown above. Made in England in the 1930’s, they were likely part of some child’s circus menagerie—during those special years between the wars. They are nicely cast, hand-painted, and have the […]
With the Holidays (mostly) behind us, I am out on-the-road, hunting for new treasures to re-stock the shop after a busy Christmas season. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing some photos of the Handsome Gifts I’ve found on my first post-Holiday buying trip. Shown above, a small Wilton rug made in the 1920’s […]
Boxing day—celebrated in England and English Commonwealth countries—is not too-widely observed but it does have a long and interesting history. It is celebrated on 26 December and began during the Middle Ages, on the day when churches would open their alms boxes and distribute the money to the poor. In later years, it became the […]
Best Christmas wishes to all—and good tidings for the New Year! After a long Holiday sales season, LEO Design is closed today. We will re-open tomorrow, 26 December, at 12 Noon. Thank you for your patronage throughout the year. Holiday Week Hours—26 December through 3 January—Noon ’til 6:00 pm.
‘Tis Christmas Eve, when Christians around the world prepare for the coming of the infant Jesus. Here at LEO Design, we prepare by placing a pair of (late Twentieth Century) Italian Renaissance angels into the shop window—in what’s become our Christmas Eve tradition. The same-sized originals—carved of marble by a teenaged Michelangelo—are found upon the […]
In 1482, the Duke of Milan, Ludovico il Moro, commissioned renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci to create a monument for the Duke’s late father—the largest bronze horse ever made, Il Gran Cavallo. Leonardo set-about the task, sketching designs and making clay models for different potential castings. Alas, Leonardo never saw the project through to completion. […]
Bears are popular: carved bears, stuffed bears, cast bears, printed bears. We sell a lot of bears. And we’ve just received a really nice addition to our collection, shown above. He’s a carved wooden Blackforest bear, made in the mountainous south of Germany, circa 1950. He’s rather large (as such carved bears go) and nicely-sculpted. […]
I’ve had one pair of these bookends before and I am very happy to have found another one. Inspired by an 1864 photo by pioneering portraitist Matthew Brady, these bookends were specially commissioned by the New York Decorative Arts League and sculpted in 1922 by artist Olga Popoff Muller. They capture a quiet, intimate moment of […]
Silent, perhaps. Nevertheless, these bronze-clad bookends will make a statement! Made in the Twenties or Thirties by the Marion Bronze workshop in Metuchen, New Jersey, they depict a mounted knight, tense with anticipation, astride his eager steed—both ready for the charge. Lance in-hand, he will add a touch of romantic, Medieval style to your office, […]
Paul Dresler is considered one of the most important ceramicists between the wars. He was born in Siegen, Germany in 1879 and, as a boy, planned to be a painter. On a visit to Munich in 1910, Dresler saw an exhibit of Islamic ceramics—an experience which proved to be a turning-point in the artist’s life. […]
Don Quijote de la Mancha follows the muddled pursuits of our hapless romantic hero, a man who calls himself Don Quixote. One part extreme romantic, another part “crazy old coot,” Quixote is an icon of Western literature—and the leading character in what many consider amongst of the greatest books ever written. Published in two volumes […]
Said ancient Greek poet Archilochus (680 – 645 BC), “A fox knows many things, but a hedgehog one important thing.” Some 2,600 years later, Latvian-British philosopher and Oxford scholar Isaiah Berlin (1909 – 1997) published a treatise expanding upon this notion. In a nutshell, thinkers and writers fell into one of two camps: “foxes” who […]
