1960’s

Studio Laurana Rame D’ Arte enamelled copper wall clock, made in Italy circa 1960’s

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IMG_3316This is a beautiful Studio Laurana Rame D’ Arte enamelled copper wall clock, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A fantastic design from this ‘copper art’ studio founded by Franco Bastianelli in Pesaro, Italy in 1958.

Stunning Italian modernist / brutalist style very reminiscent of the work of Curtis Jere and Marcello Fantoni during the mid century era.

The clock face is made of copper, with indentations and holes roughly hewn around the rim, embellished with shimmering fiery multicoloured enamelled glazes. In the middle are raised glassy droplets to roughly mark the time.

Fitted with a very reliable German Kienzle movement and lovely period brass hands.

Would make a prefect addition for any mid century, modernist, brutalist, 1950’s, 1960’s, vintage, retro or contemporary interior as a practical piece of wall art!

In excellent condition, a little crazing to the thick enamel as is common with these pieces, nothing to detract on display. In fully working order, keeping good time, takes one size C. 1.5V battery not included.

Measures 30 x 30 x 5.5cm / 12 x 12 x 2.25in.

Hand signed to the back with the artists name (indistinct) and partially under the mechanism.

Danish Modern Teak trolls, ‘Optimist and Pessimist’ by Hans Bolling, Orskov & Co. Denmark circa 1960’s

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These are a great pair of original genuine Danish Modern Teak trolls, ‘Optimist and Pessimist’ designed by Hans Bolling, and made by Orskov & Co. Denmark circa 1960’s.

A fantastic couple, comprising of the classic opposing character troll figurines the ‘Optimist’ and ‘Pessimist’. Both made out of teak, with rope arms and rabbit fur hair and painted eyes. Designed by the renowned Danish architect Hans Bolling, famous for his iconic mid century wooden figures such as these.

Stunning mid century Danish modern design classic, so reminiscent of the era, their small size would make them perfect to accessorise and add some fun character to a desk, mantelpiece or shelf.

Would make a stunning addition to any Danish or Scandinavian Teak collection, and would complement any mid century modern, retro, vintage, 60’s, kitsch or contemporary styled interior.

In excellent condition, some thinning and age showing to the rabbit fur hair, nothing to detract on display, the wood has a lovely patina

Each figure measures approx 14 x 8 x 6cm / 5.5 x 3.25 x 2.5in.

Both stamped to the base ‘Hans Bolling Orskov & Co. Denmark’.

Available in my Etsy shop : http://etsy.me/1QaTrTy

Smalandshyttan blue art glass vase, designed by Josef Schott, Sweden circa 1960’s

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This is a stunning Smalandshyttan art glass vase, designed by Josef Schott, Sweden circa 1960’s.

A fantastic space age design by one of the smaller lesser known glass factories in the province of Smaland, the glassmaking centre of Sweden. In operation from 1947-76, Czech born Schott was their head designer.
This vase is typical of his 1960’s output, with the complex moulded abstract geometric design. The relief pattern is different on all 4 sides and the raised forms and the thick indigo blue cased sommerso glass catch the light beautifully.

Resembling a Modernist building or spaceship, very reminiscent of the mid century era, cutting edge Scandinavian design that still looks fresh and futuristic now!

A great piece of Scandinavian art glass that makes a sculptural statement piece in its own right, sculptural and imposing, also perfect as a practical vase, or as a desk accessory.

A perfect addition to any collection of Scandinavian / Swedish art glass, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, 60’s, space age, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.

In excellent condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measures 12.5 x 11 x 7cm / 5 x 4.5 x 2.75in. This is a chunky heavy piece of glass weighing 1.2kg.

Available in my Etsy shop: http://etsy.me/1MSmsnm

Large pottery ‘Cavallo’ horse sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

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This is a stunning large vintage Bitossi Ceramiche pottery horse, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A wonderful stylised form to this ‘Cavallo’ (Horse) sculpture, designed by Aldo Londi in 1963. Resembling ancient clay horses made in Greece, Rome or China, very solid and imposing in stature.

Beautifully detailed and decorated with impressed motifs and with a rough texture to the finish created using crushed granules in the clay, characteristic of Bitossi’s output and these techniques can be seen on the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’ pieces. Beautiful glossy layered mustard yellow glazes possibly a precursor to the ‘Sahara’ range, reminiscent of the sun and sand of the desert.

Would make a fantastic display piece, and would look great in any 60’s, 70’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist or contemporary interior. A great addition to any collection of Bitossi / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

Unmarked to the base as is common with these pieces.

In great condition, no chips or cracks, there are a few small glaze flakes which have been previously coloured (see picture) could be painted over, do not detract overall.

Measures 32 x 29 x 12.5cm / 12.5 x 11.5 x 5in.

Overseas buyers please enquire about shipping costs, as this is a heavy item, weighing over 3kg, combined postage may be available.

Available in my Etsy shop : http://etsy.me/1PAjPpq

Bernard Rooke handbuilt stoneware studio pottery vase, 1960’s / 70’s, England

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This is a stunning stoneware studio pottery vase, by Bernard Rooke, England circa 1960’s / 70’s.

A wonderful handbuilt sculptural stoneware vase from this renowned potter. Either from his early pottery in London where he worked with Alan Wallwork or late 1960’s / early 1970’s when he was based in Swilland, Suffolk. A graduate of Goldsmiths College, he was also a lecturer there and at London University. His work was sculptural and handbuilt using coils and blocks, with organic natural earth tones and impressed, relief and carved abstract motifs.

This bulbous vase has a chunky cylindrical central section, with a small neck and a circular opening, which shows the hand made nature of construction with crimps and folds visible.

The sides have carved / impressed motifs of interlocking cogs / cartwheels, a stylised modernist brutalist feel, so reminiscent of the era. These are glazed in a rough matte reddish terracotta colour, against a backdrop of greys and browns with an ancient and mottled burnt appearance.

Has the ‘Rooke’ impressed mark to the top of one side.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Bernard Rooke ceramics, British / European studio pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1960’s, 1970’s, mid century, modernist, brutalist, minimalist or contemporary interior.

In excellent condition, no cracks or chips.

Measures 14 x 14 x 11cm / 5.5 x 5.5 x 4.5in.

I have lots more retro, vintage and collectable items in my shop, take a look around, I will always combine shipping when possible! http://etsy.me/1Kvcs3t

‘Rimini Blu’ cat by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italian pottery circa 1970’s

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Happy 2015! Only a couple of weeks into the New Year and I have already had a few exciting finds, including this lovely Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Rimini Blu’ cat. Designed by Aldo Londi in the late 1960’s in the classic decor and colours that are so reminiscent of the Mediterranean and the mid century modernist era. Super stylish with wonderful character, a beautiful piece to accessorise any sideboard, mantelpiece or table and would fit perfectly into any Bitossi or Italian pottery collection.

This was made for the shop Cer Paoli for a limited time in the early 1970’s hence their mark and not that of Bitossi on the base, and was sold on the Rimini Coast in the place that inspired the decor!

Here’s hoping for more great little gems like this for the rest of the year!

Large table cigarette lighter, Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

This is a beautiful and large table cigarette / cigar lighter by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A fabulous piece designed by Aldo Londi, a striking style very different to the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’. This ‘Liberty’ decor was influenced by paisley patterns on imported Persian and Indian textiles.
This is in an unusual colourway similar to that used on the ‘Spagnolo’ decor, in yellow, orange, brown and green tones, representing the Spanish terrain.

The pattern is impressed into the surface, and the whole piece has the characteristic pitted texture from the inclusion of rough granules in the clay. Lovely form with the tapered waisted base and bulbous neck, with the brass lighter sitting in a well on the top.

A wonderful piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century that
would make a fantastic practical table lighter or display item, 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 working condition, the mechanism still has a wick and the flint sparks, will need filling with lighter fluid. The pottery is excellent, free from chips or cracks, some light crazing commensurate with age, nothing to detract on display.

Measures 18 x 7 x 7cm / 7 x 2.75 x 2.75in.

Still bears the original makers and distributors labels on the base, ‘Made in Italy 69 / 10’ and ‘Created in Italy for Rosenthal Netter’.

Available for sale in my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/Xgvt3G

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Ruscha Keramik ‘Pompeji’ handled vase, West Germany circa 1960’s

This is a stunning ‘Pompeji / Pompeii’ handled vase, made by Ruscha Keramik, West Germany circa late 1960’s.

A fantastic form by Gerda Heuckeroth in 1968, its squat shape with small decorative handles, ribbed body and small neck and opening resembling ancient / classical designs.

With its ‘Fat Lava’ glaze complementing the archaic look, it could have been unearthed from volcanic ashes!
With its bubbling black base glaze, picked out with orangey reds and hints of green and yellow giving a really lava-like appearance and suiting its ‘Pompeii’ name in the process. The decor is most likely by Otto Gerharz who developed the innovative ‘Vulkano’ glaze amongst many others.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Fat Lava, West German or European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, brutalist, minimalist or contemporary interior.

Indistinct moulded mark to the base ‘875’.

In excellent condition, no chips or cracks, some burst ‘lava’ bubbles from production.

Measures 11 x 13 x 12cm / 4.5 x 5 x 4.75in.

This vase is available for sale in my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/1AlRjzu

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Pair of Bitossi Ceramiche bowls, Italy circa 1950’s / 60’s

These are a fantastic pair of bowls designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1957-1965.

Stunning designs, a deep round bowl and a pointed undulating dish, perfect for use on a table / desk, as handy little bowls or to admire as sculptural pieces.

A Fabulous decor by Aldo Londi, a multicoloured variant on the ‘Seta’ (Silk) decor, with its sgraffito incised lines and multicoloured daubs over a black glaze, contrasting with a glossy lime green interior, so reminiscent of the era. Influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period.

Wonderful unusual pieces from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century.

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, some crazing to the interior of the round bowl, and missing glaze from the pointed ends of the elliptical bowl(pictured), no chips or cracks, nothing to detract on display.

The round bowl measures 13 x 13 x 6cm / 5 x 5 x 2.5in.

The pointed bowl measures 18 x 8 x 7cm / 7 x 3.25 x 2.75in.

Handpainted marks to the base C283/13 Italy and CA9/10 Italy.

http://etsy.me/1lPr7Xo

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Danish Teak bird bottle opener / corkscrew, circa 1960’s

This is a Beautiful Danish Teak mid-century modern style bird bottle opener / corkscrew, circa 1960’s.

A Fabulous Scandinavian collectable, the head removes to reveal a bottle opener, and the base comes off to reveal a corkscrew.
Great stylised design details, from the flat cap on his head, plastic bead eyes, a cigarette in his carved red painted beak / mouth. Lovely form to the body, wonderfully curved down to the gorgeous tail. The corkscrew doubles up as a stand and leg, sitting on the lozenge shaped teak foot.

A Stunning piece, stamped ‘Made in Denmark’ to the base, possibly by Hans Bolling / Kay Bojesen who produced very similar designs, and is so reminiscent of the era, the wood has lovely patination to match its age.

Would make a Stunning addition to any Danish or Scandinavian Teak collection, and would complement any mid century modern, retro, vintage, 60’s, kitsch or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, a couple of small rough areas of wood, nothing to detract on display.

Measures 17 x 10 x 4.5cm / 6.75 4 x 1.75in.

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