Author: afterglowretro

About afterglowretro

Collector, photographer and dealer of 20th century retro, vintage and collectable items. Art, design, music, film and architecture devotee. View all posts by afterglowretro →

Pair of Vintage Kokeshi Dolls, Japan, circa 1950’s

May 10, 2013Collectables1950's, antique japan, collectables, dento, dolls, geisha doll, japan, japanese dolls, kokeshi, mid century, retro, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Wonderful Pair of Vintage Kokeshi Dolls / Figures, Japan, circa 1950’s.

A Traditional Japanese wooden doll, hand carved and painted, with a nodding ball head on top of a cylindrical body in the Dento (traditional) Kokeshi style from Northern Japan.

Each piece is beautifully decorated with a simple face and hair and the bodies have pictures of a Japanese Prince and a Geisha with Japanese lettering.

Lovely pieces that showcase Japanese traditional skill and craftsmanship, and are also reminiscent of the mid century era, with their stylised nature and form.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Japanese art / craft, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, Asian, Japanese, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Great Condition, a few light marks and small flakes to the paint commensurate with age, nothing to detract.

Measuring each 10 x 3 x 3cm / 4 x 1.25 x 1.25in.

Picasso style Mediterranean Sun wall plaque by La Musa, Italy circa 1960’s

May 3, 2013Ceramics1960's, desimone, face, italian pottery, italy, la musa, mediterranean, mid century, palermo, picasso, plaque, plate, retro, sicily, sun, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Colourful Italian wall plaque / plate by La Musa, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic bright design, with a highly stylised image of the Mediterranean sun. Its broad brush strokes, flat panes of colour, bold outlines and Cubist style are very similar to the paintings of Picasso and Matisse.

La Musa, Palermo, Sicily founded in 1949 along with the renowned Desimone pottery produced fabulous pieces bearing this hallmark style, so reminiscent of the region and the mid century era.

A Wonderful plaque for wall hanging, or for use as a bright addition to any table centrepiece. A Great addition to any collection of Italian, Mediterranean or European studio pottery. Would add a splash of colour to any retro, vintage, mid century, 60’s or contemporary interior.

In Great Condition, two chips to the glaze on the rim, do not detract on display.

Measures 25 x 25 x 3cm / 10 x 10 x 1.25in.

Printed marks to the back are mostly worn off, there is a hole for wall hanging in the rim.

Dutch ‘Fat Lava’ Vase / Candleholder by Vest Keramiek circa 1970’s

April 25, 2013Ceramics70's, avant garde, brutalist, candleholder, dutch pottery, fat lava, marius woerden, modernist, netherlands, retro, studio pottery, ufo, Vase, vest keramiek, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Wonderful miniature ‘Fat Lava’ style vase / ornament / paperweight / candleholder.

These pieces were handmade by Marius van Woerden, at his Vest Keramiek studio pottery in Gouda, Netherlands circa early 1970’s.

A Very unusual form, the disc like body has a round opening at the top which has a similar sized footing below, and two smaller circular feet, very abstract and brutalist in appearance. Much like a miniature UFO. Could be used in various ways or just admired as a lovely piece of Avant Garde studio pottery.

The characteristic glaze is very similar to ‘Fat Lava’ West German pottery, the crusty pumice like glazes in various earthy tones are very organic and unusual.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Dutch / European / Studio / Fat Lava pottery, and would complement any mid century, retro, vintage, minimalist, brutalist, modernist, rustic or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Stamped R1 to the base.

Measures 4.5 x 9 x 9cm / 1.75 x 3.5 x 3.5in.

Walther Glass large bowl, Space Age yellow bubble design, West Germany circa 1960’s / 70’s.

April 18, 2013Glass1960's, art glass, brutalist, bubbles, fruit bowl, modernist, pop art, retro, serving bowl, space age, vintage, walther glas, West German, yellowafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Walther Glas (Glass) large bowl / dish, West Germany circa 1960’s / 70’s.

A Fantastic design, the large circular bowl in clear glass is adorned with clusters of bubble formations in clear and yellow glass. The bowl sits on the larger bubbles around the base rim and the patterns continue on the base and up the sides.

They create fabulous optical effects and catch the light beautifully with a lovely glow from the addition of the yellow bubbles! Makes for a Stunning statement piece of Art Glass, very reminiscent of the Space Age / Pop Art / Psychedelic era.

Would be perfect for use as a fruit / serving bowl, to grace any sideboard or as a table centrepiece filled with flowers or floating candles.

A Great addition to any retro, vintage, 60’s, 70’s, space age, modernist, mid century, brutalist, minimalist or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition no marks, chips or scratches. Still bears most of the original company logo sticker.

Measures 18.5 x 18.5 x 6cm / 7.25 x 7.25 x 2.5in.

Jean de Lespinasse Ceramic Handled Vase, Nice, France circa 1960’s

April 14, 2013Ceramicsbrighton, capron, european pottery, flowers, france, french ceramic, french pottery, Jean de Lespinasse, lady, madoura, mid century, nice, orange, picasso, pop art, retro, studio pottery, vallauris, Vase, vintageafterglowretro One comment

This is a Beautiful and Rare French ceramic handled vase by Jean de Lespinasse, Nice, France circa late 1950’s / early 1960’s.

Jean de Lespinasse was a French ceramicist who worked from a studio in Nice on the French Riviera. His work was sold in Paris, Vallauris and abroad, his contemporaries included Roger Capron, Madoura with Picasso and Robert Picault.

A Wonderful form, very chunky and heavy, with its pinched waist and flared rim complemented by the thick elegantly curved handle.

In a bright glossy orange glaze, contrasted by the black interior, decorated with a beautiful stylised image of a lady surrounded by flowers, very reminiscent in style of the 50’s / 60’s era.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of French Studio Art pottery, European / Vallauris ceramics, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, 50’s, 60’s, pop art, minimal or contemporary styled interior.

In Great Condition, a couple of small missing glaze chips on the rim, pictured, nothing to detract from the overall stunning look.

Measures 25 x 20 x 16cm / 10 x 8 x 6.25in. Hand signed to the base JDL 402.

This is a substantial chunky vase weighing almost 2kg, overseas bidders please enquire for a courier postage cost, reductions available on combined shipping.

Smalto roccia & sgraffito wall plaque, Ceramiche Giulianelli, San Marino, Italy circa 1960’s

April 14, 2013Ceramics60's, alla moda, ceramiche giulianelli, collectable, fat lava, italian ceramics, italian pottery, italy, mid century, retro, san marino, sgraffito, smalto roccia, vintage, wall plaqueafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Lovely decorative wall plaque made by Ceramiche Giulianelli, San Marino, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic design, the white ceramic slip moulded plaque is decorated with a smalto roccia (rock glaze) very similar to a Fat Lava glaze, this represents the cliffs and mountains of San Marino. This is embellished with an incised sgraffito pattern of Mediterranean buildings, colourfully hand painted with enamelled glossy glazes.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Italian ceramics, Fat Lava or European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, kitsch, 1960’s, Mediterranean or contemporary interior.

In Great Condition, a little crazing commensurate with age, the slip mould is rough and unrefined as this is how they were made, no chips or cracks.

Marked to the base Ceramica Giulianelli Rep. S. Marino.

Measures 25 x 8.5 x 2.4cm / 10 x 3.5 x 1in.

Vintage Kienzle nautical style wall clock on a rope, Germany circa 1950’s

April 4, 2013Clocks1950's, antique, art deco, brighton antique, brighton retro, german clock, home decor, Kienzle, kienzle clock, mid century modern, nautical clock, retro, rope, ships clock, vintage, woodafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Stunning Nautical style hanging wall clock on a rope, made by Kienzle, Germany circa 1950’s.

A Fantastic Art Deco design, with the round face mounted on wood and brass rimmed, Very reminiscent of the era with the stylised numerals and sleek rounded form. Lovely decorative hands and brass clasps holding the rope, similar to a ships clock design.
Incorporates elements of the Bauhaus / Modernist design movements in Germany at the time. Most likely a Heinrich Moeller design, who produced many stunning Deco pieces for this highly renowned clock maker.

Would make a great stylish practical addition to any nautical, retro, vintage, art deco, modernist, mid century or contemporary styled interior. Perfect for an office, hallway or living room.

In Full Working Order, fitted with a later Kienzle battery operated mechanism.

In Excellent Condition, some tarnishing to the brass, the wood is in Great Condition, nice golden patina. A few marks on the clock face from 60+ years of the hands moving, nothing to detract.

The clock measures 17 x 17 x 5cm / 6.5 x 6.5 x 2in. Its length when hanging is 42cm / 16.5in.

Lucite Paperweight with Thermometer and Underwater Seascene, made in France circa 1950’s

March 31, 2013Collectables50's, aquarium, atomic era, Desk, france, home decor, kitsch, lucite, mid century, modernist, Paperweight, resin, retro, seascene, space age, table, thermometer, underwater, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a truly Stunning clear Lucite (resin) paperweight with thermometer, circa 1950’s / 1960/s. In the Mid Century Modern style, believed to be made in France (thermometre on face).

A Great piece, in the shape of a clamshell, and displaying an underwater Sea scene complete with shells, sea plants and a Starfish. All encased in a beautiful clear resin that catches the light amazingly through the contoured edges, contrasted nicely with the black back.

A Striking and unusual item, catches the light beautifully, perfect for use as a desk accessory / paperweight, or on display on a sideboard, windowsill or mantelpiece.

Really reminiscent of the 50’s / 60’s Atomic Mid-Century Modern Era using new materials with exciting new forms! Would be fantastic in a retro, vintage, or even contemporary or minimal interior due to its bold striking form and design!

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, the thermometer is still working too!

Measures 13 x 11 x 4.5cm / 5 x 4.5 x 1.75in.

Bitossi Ceramic ‘Rimini Blu’ vase, designed by Aldo Londi, Italy circa 1960’s

March 24, 2013CeramicsAldo Londi, art, baluster vase, Bitossi, design, italian pottery, mediterranean pottery, mid century modern, retro style, rimini blu, urn, vintage decorafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful Bitossi Ceramic ‘Rimini Blu’ vase, Italy circa early 1960’s.

A Great Unusual design, the baluster / urn shape, with a bulbous body and squared flared rim, is inspired by ancient Mediterranean pottery. Made of clay with crushed granules to give a rough texture, the texture and glazes indicate this is an earlier example.

A Fabulous piece designed by Aldo Londi, in the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’ glaze with blue and turquoise glazes resembling the Mediterranean Sea. With its alternating bands of impressed motifs resembling Arabesque or Runic patterns, it is influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period.

A Wonderful vase from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century that
would make a Fantastic practical vase or display piece, and would look great in any 50’s, 60’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior. A Great addition to any collection of Bitossi / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In Great Condition, a chip to the glaze on the rim and a few very small flakes of missing glaze on the impressed motifs, common with the textured form and glaze on these pieces. Nothing to detract.

Not marked to the base, as is common with these pieces. Many just had the exporters / retailers paper labels.

Measures 20 x 14 x 14cm / 8 x 5.5 x 5.5in.

Italian Sgraffito pottery vase / jug with deer motif, made by Fratelli Fanciullacci circa 1960’s

March 17, 2013Ceramicsalla moda, antique, art, brighton, collectible, deer, italian pottery, italian retro, jug, mid century modern, orange grey, pottery vase, retro design, sgraffito potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful pottery jug / handled vase, made by Fratelli Fanciullacci, Italy circa late 1950’s / 60’s.

A Stunning form and decor, the tapered body has a great angled rim and angular handle, very reminiscent of the era.
The glossy white spray-glaze has a mottled texture, and has been decorated using the sgraffito technique with motifs of deer and leaves, with bright bands of glossy orange glaze.

This form and decor can be seen on p.113 / 115 of Mark Hill’s ‘Alla Moda’ Italian Ceramics book.

Would make a great addition to any collection of Italian, European or Mid Century pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1950’s, 60’s, mid century, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.