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 →

Helene Ugo ceramic wall plaque, decor by Michel Barbier, Vallauris, France circa 1957

February 7, 2013Ceramics, Collectables1950's, 1957, art, art pottery, brighton, ceramic, ceramic artists, cubist, design, france, helene ugo, michel barbier, mid century modern, picasso, pottery, retro, vallauris, vintageafterglowretro One comment

This is a Beautiful ceramic wall plaque, produced in Vallauris, France circa 1957 by the Helene Ugo Pottery, decor by Michel Barbier.

A Stunning Mid Century Modernist piece of Abstract / Picasso inspired French Art Pottery. Hand incised and painted pattern in a delightful bold Cubist design, with matte black and yellow glazes with a lovely smooth pumice / pebble feel and texture.

Vallauris is a pottery region in south-eastern France, Picasso lived here from 1948 – 55 and greatly contributed to the renaissance of the pottery industry, this legendary golden age when everyone was a potter, including famous ceramicists Roger Capron and Charles Voltz. His influence is clearly seen in the abstracted forms of pieces such as this plaque.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of European / French / Studio / Art Pottery and is a perfect Bright statement piece to decorate any wall in a retro, vintage, mid century modern, 50’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Very Good Condition, one small bruise to the glaze on one corner, and some marks to the white glaze on sides and rear so do not detract from the overall look.

Measures 32 x 22 x 1.6cm / 12.5 x 8.75 x 0.6in.

Stamped (indistinct) to the back with Made in France and Helene Ugo Vallauris, hand signed in black paint Vallauris and M?D.

Pair of Murano Mandruzzato Sommerso Art Glass Vases, Italy circa 1970’s

January 27, 2013Glass1970's, 70's, antique, art, art glass, campanella, collectable, decor, design, interiors, italy, Mandruzzato, Murano, retro, style, venetianafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Beautiful Pair of Venetian glass vases made by Mandruzzato, Murano, Italy circa 1970’s.

A Stunning Pewter Grey and clear textured Sommerso glass design, originally by Campanella.

Fabulous pieces of Venetian Art Glass, the stylish steely glass layers encased using the renowned Sommerso (submerged) technique inside a rhomboid and curved and angular and asymmetric textured clear glass design.

The edges with their textured pattern like bark / ice contrast beautifully with the smooth sides, catching and refracting the light amazingly.

Striking examples showing the skill and craftsmanship of the glassmakers of Murano.

Would complement any collection of Murano, European or Art Glass, and would look fantastic in any retro, vintage, space age, minimal or contemporary interior.

Measuring 13 x 13 x 4.5cm / 5 x 5 x 1.75in. and 21.5 x 10 x 5cm / 8.5 x 4 x 2in.

Set of 6 Retro Orange Plates 1960’s, ‘Fat Lava’ / Vallauris pottery

January 26, 2013Ceramics1960's, antique, ceramic, design, fat lava, french, home decor, home decoration ideas, keramik, orange, plates, pop art, pottery, retro, retro design, retro style, set, style, tableware, vallauris, vintage, West Germanafterglowretro One comment

These are a stunning bright retro set of 6 Orange ceramic plates, made circa 1960’s.

Very Striking with their glossy Orange Majolica style glaze, mottled and flamelike with areas of black and grey, like burning embers. Very reminiscent of the late Sixties Pop Art era, and in the style of European potteries of the era in Vallauris (France), West German ‘Fat Lava’ and Dutch ceramics who all employed similar techniques and designs.

The bases are glazed in a contrasting black, with no markings.

Super stylish and Fantastic to have a set of six, perfect for adding a splash of vintage colour to any table or kitchen.

Would make a great addition to any collection of European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, modernist, pop art, kitsch, 60’s, 70’s or contemporary interior.

All in Excellent Condition with no chips, marks or scratches.

Each measure 16 x 16 x 2cm / 6.5 x 6.5 x 0.75in

Pablo Picasso ‘The Posters of Picasso’ Hardback Book, 48 Lithographs by Joseph K. Foster, published by Grosset & Dunlap, New York 1964

January 23, 2013Collectables1960's, abstract, art, book, bullfight, cubist, design, exhibition, foster, lithograph, mid century, modern, new york, painting, picasso, picasso pablo, picassos, poster, pottery, print, style, vallauris, what is interior designafterglowretro View all 2 comments

This is a fantastic Rare original 1964 copy of the hardback book ‘The Posters of Picasso’ by Joseph K. Foster, published by Grosset & Dunlap, New York.

A Stunning collection of Pablo Picasso’s poster artwork, many for exhibitions, the Vallauris potteries and bullfights. This artist approved volume contains lithographic reproductions of virtually all of Picasso’s important work in this field, faithfully reproduced in his original colors. The only book of his posters that he endorsed, and supplied the original artwork for.

The 48 lithographic plates are in Excellent Condition, each would make an impressive framed piece of artwork for interior design. A must have for any collector of Picasso artwork, of for any collection of 20th century Modern Art. Perfect for designers, decorators, artists, fine art sellers, framers etc.

In Great Condition, the dust sleeve is showing some marks and wear, the book cover is a little faded and worn on the edges, but the plates are in Excellent Condition, perfect for framing.

Measures 32 x 24 x 2cm / 12.5 x 9.5 x 0.75in.

Sklo Union Chribska Glassworks ‘Cats Head’ vases, Josef Hospodka circa 1960’s

January 21, 2013Glass20th century, art, blown, Cats Head, Chribska, czech, czechoslovakia, design, Glass, hospodka, pop art, psychedelic, retro, sixties, sklo, style, Vase, vintageafterglowretro View all 3 comments

These are a Beautiful Pair of Chribska Glassworks blown glass vases, Sklo Union, Czechoslovakia circa 1960’s.

A Stunning ‘off-hand’ design by Josef Hospodka, one of the leading designers of Czech glass, his sculptural pieces were inspired by developments in Murano and Scandinavia. The organic form, resembling a cat’s head could be used as a vase. In a double graduated coloured cased glass, similar to the Murano ‘Sommerso’ technique.

The greenish yellow and pinky red colours are bright and vibrant, and combined with the curved form, catch the light beautifully.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Sklo, Czech or European Art Glass, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century modern, 60’s, 70’s styled interior.

In Excellent Condition, a couple of tiny light scratches not noticeable on display.

Measuring 25 x 14 x 10cm / 10 x 5.5 x 4in.

AVeM Murano Glass Tutti Frutti Toothpick Holder / Bowl / Vase, Italy circa 1950’s

January 16, 2013Glass1950's, art, avem, aventurine, Bowl, decoration for home, Desk, filigree, Glass, italy, mid century, millefiori, Murano, murano venetian glass, red, retro, retro style, silver, tutti frutti, Vase, venice, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Beautiful AVeM Murano (Arte Vetraria Muranese) red glass ‘Tutti Frutti’ small vase / bowl / toothpick holder, Venice, Italy circa 1950’s.

A Stunning piece that displays the master craftsmanship and artistry of Murano’s glassblowers.
The exquisite myriad of glasswork includes silver leaf, Zanfirico lattice filigree, twisted ribbon canes, and copper Aventurine. All set in a random form in clear glass, the inner being a rich red glass, which creates a lovely stunning background to the intricate craftsmanship.

Catches the light beautifully through the myriad techniques and colours, the undulating amorphous form looks different from every angle, beautifully curved and organic.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of Murano, European Art glass, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, Hollywood regency, fifties, sixties, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no chips, a couple of very small surface marks not noticeable on display, the usual age related wear to the base, nothing to detract.

Measures 9 x 9 x 8cm / 3.5 x 3.5 x 3in.

Bitossi Yellow ‘Spagnolo’ vase, designed by Aldo Londi, Italy circa 1960’s

January 14, 2013CeramicsAldo Londi, antique, art, Bitossi, ceramic, ceramic artists, ceramic marks, collectable, design, italian, italian design, italian furniture, italy, mid century, pottery, pottery art, pottery marks, retro, rimini, spagnolo, style, Vase, vintage, yellowafterglowretro One comment

This is a Beautiful Bitossi Ceramic ‘Spagnolo’ vase, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Great design, the baluster form is made of clay with crushed granules to give a rough texture. The recurring ‘Spagnolo’ (Spanish) motifs are impressed into the surface and picked out in brown and green on a glossy yellow glazed base.

A Fabulous piece designed by Aldo Londi, a striking style very different to the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’, this design was influenced by Moorish tiles, as they were influenced by emerging cultural trends and Mediterranean historical ceramics.

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 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 Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Not marked to the base, as is common with these pieces.

Measures 21 x 10 x 10cm / 8 x 4 x 4in.

Rare Art Deco Chrome Kienzle ‘Tam Tam’ Alarm Clock, Germany circa 1930’s

January 10, 2013Clocks30's, Alarm, antique, antiques, art deco, Bauhaus, Chrome, Clock, decor, decoration for home, design, germany, Kienzle, modernist, style, tam tam, vintageafterglowretro View all 4 comments

This is a Stunning and Rare Kienzle ‘Tam-Tam’ alarm clock, made in Germany circa 1930’s.

A Beautiful design from this renowned maker of high quality clocks. Has all the hallmarks of the Art Deco era. With its round Chrome body gently leaning back on attractively detailed feet and stand. With a carry handle on the top, and sliding knobs for alarm/silent and steady/repeat functions. Even the dials on the rear are attractive and the winders have the Kienzle logo on.

The face is Beautiful, sitting behind glass, framed by a glossy white border in a graphic black with Great vintage lettering and numerals very Art Deco / Bauhaus / Modernist in style. With a second and alarm dial also, the hands are also embellished.

The numerals and hands glow in the dark, for easy reading at night!

Fully Working, keeping good time, can be adjusted on the back. The alarm is working and Very Loud!

In remarkable condition for its age, a little tarnishing in a few spots, on the handle and the inner rim on the rear, could be polished to perfection! Tiny marks on one of the hands and a few flakes of paint missing from the inner rim when seen from an angle, nothing to detract from the Excellent look on display.

A Real Rare Art Deco gem, would make a Stunning addition to any bedroom, table or desk.

Would make a Fantastic decorators / designers piece for any retro, vintage, antique, Art Deco, Modernist, Bauhaus, 1930’s styled interior.

Measures 17 x 12 x 6cm / 6.75 x 4.75 x 2.5in.

Set of 3 Dumler & Breiden West German Art Pottery Vases circa 1970’s

January 2, 2013Ceramicsantique, art, auction, breiden, brighton, ceramics, collectable, design, dumler, fat lava, op art, pottery, retro, seventies, sixties, Vase, vintage, West Germanafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Beautiful set of 3 Dumler & Breiden vases, West Germany circa 1970’s.

These Wonderful vases are representative of the outlandish designs by this renowned high quality Art Pottery. The forms all feature a ‘Bullseye’ motif for the body of the vase, a style seen with Op / Pop art designs of the era. The handles and necks reference traditional ancient forms and also have the appearance of carved horn adding to the effect.

They all sit on rond pedestal bases, making them an elegant and attractive set.

The decor and glazes are a mixture of ‘Pumice’ like rough ‘Fat Lava’ glazes, and glossy dripping foamy glazes. All in various cream / beige and brown shades, very natural and organic.

A Stunning Trio that would make an attractive grouping on a mantelpiece, sideboard or as a table centrepiece!

A Fantastic Set that would make a Great addition to any collection of Fat Lava / Wset German / European Art Pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 60’s / 70’s, minimal, shabby chic, boho or contemporary interior.

All In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measuring:

33 x 19 x 11cm / 13 x 7.5 x 4.5in.

22 x 14 x 8cm / 8.75 x 5.5 x 3.25in.

19 x 14 x 8cm / 7.5 x 5.5 x 3.25in.

All marked to the base with the D & B logo :

1124/33 GERMANY

1121/22 GERMANY

1120/18 GERMANY

Murano Mandruzzato Sommerso Uranium Art glass Vase, Italy circa 1970’s

December 28, 2012Glassart, design, Faceted, futuristic, Glass, glow, green, italy design, Mandruzzato, modern, Murano, retro, seventies, sixties, sommerso, space age, uranium, Vase, venetian, vintageafterglowretro View all 2 comments

This is a Great Murano Uranium Sommerso faceted glass vase, made by Mandruzzato, Venice, Italy circa 1960’s / early 1970’s.

A Striking faceted design, beautifully and skillfully hand made, highlighting the best of Murano glass craftsmanship and technique with modern futuristic design.

The rectangular exterior (with a very pale pink colour to the clear glass) contains submerged (Sommerso) yellow and green capsules with a round shaped opening.

Under UV lighting the layers have a fantastic green glow, due to the Uranium Oxide in the glass!

A Beautiful geometric understated sculptural form which could be used as a single stem vase, desk paperweight or centrepiece, a fantastic space age, retro styled home accessory.

Catches the light amazingly through the facets and Sommerso layers.

Would complement any collection of art / Murano glass, and would look fantastic in any retro, vintage, 60’s, 70’s, minimal, modernist, mid century or contempoarary styled interior.