Tipping The Scale

Beyond the fantastic color and classic shape...the story here is all about the tremendous size. We rarely see Empoli glass vessels reach this monumental height of nearly 20" tall. A vast vase truly worth putting on a pedestal!

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Operatic Opulence

Like an elaborate Wagnerian vision...this costumed diva in gold decoration on Bavarian porcelain is a 60s-does-Deco creation from Germany's Hutschenreuther factory. UPDATE: Although the background appears true black in this photo, in reality it is a deep (nearly black) forest green.
12" high and 8" oval in diameter

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Our Latest Twins

Vintage wares from the now defunct, but soon to be revived, English company, Isle of Wight Glass. The initial word of their closing was particularly heartbreaking news for Stephen, our tireless proprietor, as that British Island is his childhood homeland and we happen to acquire these classics whenever they become available. Beautiful teardrops with gobs of gold and silver leaf are hallmarks of this renown company's famed Fish Vase - as this shape is referred to.
6.5"

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Tall Italian

At 40" to the top of the drum shade, truly the single biggest Empoli glass lamp we have had to date! The custom Lucite base adds glamour and sets the stage for this dramatic lighting.

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Dry Goods

We've just received a fantastic collection of rare early Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, circa 1930s. The top photo are our latest acquisitions, a gorgeous Art Deco grouping to add to the three above...bringing our grand total to 8! The periwinkle speckled surface is referred to as a "dry glaze" and gives these vessels an elegant matte luster.

Tallest of all is 15"

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Nesting Instinct

1950s Danish Modern teak and tile-topped tables. These three seem to speak a language all their own. The tiles have a kind of abstract "Runes" alphabet motif...but maybe that's us just reading into it.
heights are 20.5", 18.5", 17.5"

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Pretty in Pink

A ladylike grouping of the ever-elusive pink Italian glass from Empoli. For whatever reason, this is a tough color to find in the vintage market. Adding to their feminine appeal are the opalescent accents to be found in the feet and pull.

16", 13", 11"

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Dark and Stormy

A unique piece with a rutile and temouku glaze - this is an important late career ceramic from Carl-Harry Stålhane's own atelier c. 1973. Almost Abstract Expressionist in design, this shows a new found freedom that came as a result of a departure from Rörstrand after some 40 years of dedicated partnership.
12" tall

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Earning Our Stripes

A spectacular example of Barovier & Toso's Zebrati glass technique. This zebra print vase is truly wild - loaded with gold leaf and vibrant purple stripes. The effect is so stunning, it's quite literally dizzying.
12" x 12"

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Plummy Perfection

A rare shape in an even rarer color. This American-made Blenko decanter was designed by Joel Philip Myers in 1965. It's a fact that very few examples of this form exist in this "Plum" coloration...making this a must-have for the serious Blenko collector.
19"

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Treasure(d) Box

Merlot colored Swedish ceramic trinket box with sterling silver inlay from Gustavsberg's "Argenta" line. An unusual color for this series as we are accustomed to seeing the typical minty green. The silver has a nice aged patina to it, making this quite possibly early 20th Century.

Top measures 3.75" x 2.75"

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Just in from Berlin

A friend of ours, who lives in the always hip German city of Berlin, flew in to New York City this week and was kind enough to hand-deliver this pair of porcelain vases. A unique combination of techniques are at play... stucco-like matte white surfaces (referred to as "bisque") are juxtaposed with illuminated chrome and orange-glazed rings. These were made by the Bavarian factory KPM in the mid-60s and have a marking that reads Royal Porzellan.
9", 7.5"

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Peking Pair

Two 19th century Chinese vases in an archaic "Gu" form. Someone told me this color glass is referred to as "Duck Fat Yellow" - a bit off-putting and yet entirely accurate. Does that place these from the "Duck Dynasty"? Sorry, I couldn't resist! But, in all seriousness, these are likely from the Qing Dynasty, circa 1850s.
6.5" each

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Coveting Cobalt

Not unlike fashion, certain colors can come in and out of favor. After some time, we are once again coveting a particular hue of blue - that deeply saturated shade known as cobalt. Above is an eclectic selection of that electric blue...assembled just for you.
The tallest of the Italians is 23"
The two smallest are Swedish by Elme and measure10"

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Lucious Lucite

The pineapple is the internationally recognized symbol of hospitality. So, what would be better to welcome guests at a sophisticated soiree than this Italian acrylic ice-bucket from the 60s? I'm absolutely loving the golden crown of leaves on the lid. Just the very definition of fabulous (a word I try not to overuse).
15"

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The Birds

A spectacularly large sculpture - a flock of fancy birds from Barbini, circa 1950.  Parakeets have never looked lovelier than rendered in blush and gold Murano glass.
 22" tall

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Recommended Reading

New York-based interior designer Maria Gabriela Brito embraces color, color, and more color...so we are pleased as a fruity punch and none too surprised to be included on her list of must-shop stops in Manhattan. The just published "Out There" from Pointed Leaf Press is a lifestyle guide to enhancing your surroundings by upping your fun factor. Whether it's contemporary art or vintage textiles, much like our design philosophy, Maria has a fearless approach to mixing it up!

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Tropical De-light

Raymor commissioned this lamp above in the 1960s - designed by Alvino Bagni for export from Italy. Likely more affordable than a Warhol "Flowers" silksceen (below) from the same period!
30" with shade

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Today's Catch

Above is a playful and very sought-after underwater scene set in glass by Alfredo Barbini for Cenedese, circa 1950s. I especially love the controlled bubbles designed to look as if they are coming out of their mouths.
10" x 6"

Further underwater...we discover this elegantly minimalist Murano angel-fish, no doubt from one of the finer factories in Venice.
11" x 8"

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Drinks Anyone?

A complete set of Kastrup bottles for the discerning drinker or just the avid vintage glass collector (equally addictive pastimes). Made in Denmark, 1950s
14" to the top of the teak stoppers

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Prismatic Pairing

A duo of faceted somersso geode bowls from Seguso, Murano, 1950s

Acquired from different sources, but likely created by the same hand and from the same era. I love to shoot this type of bowl in full sunlight, just to see the magnificent refractions. 
top: 7.5 " in diameter x 3.5" high btm: 5.5" 9n diameter x 2.5" high

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Germanic Ceramics

A trio of creamy colored studio pottery from mid-century Germany. Each a study in simplicity (not unlike the contemporary works of Ted Muehling) but, certainly more dynamic as a group. The tallest is from an acclaimed factory which still produces fine housewares today called Villeroy & Boch. The white spherical vase is by Ernst Loesche. The third, and by far my favorite, is incised but indecipherable. Perhaps the unique flattened shape might someday help identify the maker of this unique German vase.
9", 6", 2"

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A Salute to Mad Men

I would be remiss if I didn't mention of the return of Mad Men - TV's quintessential homage to the mid-century aesthetic. It was a great start to the new season on Sunday...and coincidentally I happened to meet one of the top executives at Knoll at the shop that very day. It did not come as a surprise to hear that Knoll provides much of their authentic furniture to the set design team. Oh... if only I could work on that show!

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Neoclassical Glass

Two lidded glass vessels, likely by Fratelli Toso. Made in mid-century Murano with a nod to Ancient Rome. The decorative highlights are intricately detailed doré (gold plated) fittings.
14.5" and 6.5"

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Mona Lisa Smile 3D

She may be the most famous muse in art history, and yet this still came as a major surprise...an Italian bust of that certain da Vinci subject matter - realized in turquoise ceramic, circa 1950s
19" including the gold leafed base

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In Vogue (.com)

Stylist and internet sensation Ferebee Taube is a long time fan and customer of The End of History. "I found all these great old Scandinavian vases at a shop in the city devoted entirely to ceramics and glass called the End of History. I love the variety of colors and shapes.", she is quoted on Vogue.com. In a lovely story on her fabulous apartment, our wares are prominently featured. 

Follow the link below for the full tour of her fashionable environs:

http://www.vogue.com/culture/article/apt-with-lsd-ferebee-taube/#1

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Vintage (Elle) Decor

Just rediscovered via Pinterest: Our "Smashing" glass that glammed up the retro bathroom of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman - famed composers for Broadway and beyond - as it was documented in the September 2005 issue of Elle Decor.
Photo: William Waldron

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Swedish Stunners

A comprehensive collection of fine mid-century ceramics, both tall and small, by Carl Harry Stålhane and Gunnar Nylund...all for Rörstrand, Sweden. 

Tallest is 24"

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The Spring Collection

Our boutique in the Chelsea Passage section of the Barneys New York flagship store on Madison Avenue is now fully restocked with some of the best glass our shop has to offer. When uptown, check out our latest vintage wares - in as many colors as there are spring flowers.

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Arresting Development

Soho's famous Police Building penthouse has at one time or another been home to both Calvin Klein and Steffi Graf. Now it's the residence of Altamarea restauraunt group CEO Ahmass Fakahany. He and his wife hired designer Michael Bagley to redo the space, and in the first anniversary issue of the glossy New York Cottages and Gardens we have the spectacular results. Included in the tasteful decoration are our blue Scandinavian ceramics from Kahler, and a show stopping Empoli Italian glass stopper bottle.
photographs by Ariadna Bufi

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