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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