decor

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

September 14, 2014Ceramics, Collectables1960's, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, brighton, ceramiche, ceramics, cigarette lighter, coffee table, decor, Desk, etsy, italian pottery, large, made in Italy, mcm, mid century, modern, paisley, pottery, retro, rimini, Rosenthal Netter, spagnolo, table lighter, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

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

Vintage ‘Walk / Dont Walk’ New York crosswalk sign lenses, USA circa 1980’s

February 17, 2013Collectables80's, art, city, crosswalk, decor, design, dont walk, font, new york, pedestrian, retro, sign, street, urban, vintage, walkafterglowretro View all 2 comments

These are a Great Vintage Pair of ‘Walk Dont Walk’ plastic lenses from an American crosswalk / pedestrian crossing illuminated street sign.

Made by the Eagle Signal Company, they would have originally have been illuminated in a yellow metal housing, probably from New York or Chicago circa 1970’s / 80’s.

A Classic Retro design, they have now been replaced with symbol signs. The Orange and Blue plastic lenses are printed with a matte black coating, with cut out bold lettering. The backs are textured to diffuse the light.

Would be fantastic as industrial chic home / bar / shop decor, displayed in frames, lightboxes, on windows etc. Highly collectable vintage / retro Americana.

Good Condition, the plastic lenses are crack and chip free. The printed signs are worn in places, but this only adds to the vintage look when lit up!

Each measures 23.5 x 22 x 0.6cm / 9.25 x 8.75 x 0.25in.

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.

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 6 Walter Bosse style stacking metal hedgehog ashtray / dishes and a Kosta Boda etched glass hedgehog designed by Vicke Lindstrand

November 4, 2012Collectables, Glass60's, animal, ashtray, boda, bosse, decor, design, Glass, hedgehog, kosta, lindstrand, metal, mid century, nature, ornament, retro, Scandinavian, set, sweden, vintage, walter, woodlandafterglowretro Leave a comment

Contrasting vintage hedgehogs, the dark metal Walter Bosse style set of 6 stacking small ashtrays is a beautiful and ingenious design and a real mid century classic. The Kosta Boda clear glass paperweight, designed by Vicke Lindstrand exemplifies the minimal Scandinavian aesthetic, a simple form with etched spines. Vintage woodland animals to add some nature inspired retro style to any interior this autumn.

afterglow retro

20th century retro, vintage and collectables