mid century

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

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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.

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Miniature Italian pottery jug / vase, with Giraffe and Cockerel, made in Deruta, Italy circa 1960’s.

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This is a Beautiful miniature Italian pottery jug / vase / collectable, made in Deruta, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Wonderful cute and unusual example of Italian Mid Century ceramics, this tiny decorative jug has a lovely exaggerated form, the stone colored body has a pale blue handle. It is ornately / kitschly decorated with images of a flower, leaf, cockerel and a giraffe! With a final zig zagged icing of a white tube lined glaze!

Deruta is a town in the Umbria region of Italy, with many small studio potteries that produced pieces in this style, characterised by reddish clay, matte glazes, stylised drawings and white tube lined detailing.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of Italian / European / Mid Century pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 50’s / 60’s, kitsch, shabby chic interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches. Handpainted / marked to the base ITALY 3509 .

Measures 9 x 7 x 7cm / 3.5 x 2.75 x 2.75in.

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Set of 4 handled bowls by Robert Picault, Vallauris, France circa 1950’s / 60’s

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These are a Beautiful Set of 4 handled bowls by Robert Picault, Vallauris, France circa 1950’s / 60’s.

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. Their influence is clearly seen in the abstracted forms of pieces such as these handled bowls.

Picault had worked with Capron and was a friend of Picasso’s. His handpainted style used Mediterranean colours, turquoise blue, green and brown with repeated geometric abstract motifs. Each of these bowls has a different pattern, but are all united in the glazes used and motifs carried across each piece.

The handles of the largest 3 pieces have holes to allow for hanging, so could make a great wall or dresser display.

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

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measuring: Largest 20 x 13 x 5cm / 8 x 5 x 2in.

2 x Middle size 17 x 10.5 x 4.5cm / 6.75 x 4.25 x 1.75in.

Smallest 11 x 7 x 2.5cm / 4.5 x 2.75 x 1in.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Vintage Italian Fratelli Fanciullacci Baluster Vase circa 1960’s

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This is a Great Fratelli Fanciullacci baluster vase, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Beautiful piece from one of the leading postwar Italian potteries. Their modern styles were inspired by the art movement and new ceramic designs of the mid century era. Their designs reflected the growth in European studio pottery, and were similarly entirely handmade.

The clean-lined geometric form, with the conical neck is accentuated by the two bands of carved and glazed motifs. Brightly coloured in green and orange glossy glazes, they jump out from the pumice like, textured, black and white background, which has repeated impressed square dots adding to the decor.

A Wonderful vase, stylish and colourful, the same form with a different glaze can be seen on p.129 of Mark Hill’s ‘Alla Moda’ Italian Ceramics book.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of Italian / European / Studio / Fat Lava pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 60’s, mid century, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Hand marked to the base 8627 ITALY.

Measures 25.5 x 12 x 12cm / 10 x 4.75 x 4.75in.

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Kaiser ornamental mantel alarm clock, Western Germany circa 1955

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This is a Stunning and Rare Kaiser Mantel Alarm clock, made in Western Germany circa 1955.

A Great Vintage design, owing much to the Hollywood Regency / Mid Century Modern styles of the era. A Very Ornamental clock, made of cream bakelite / plastic. A stepped pedestal base sits on 4 brass feet, 2 pillars sit on brass rings and are topped by brass finials. Suspended between them is the intricately decorated dial, very Rococo and Kitsch.

The alarm is sounded on the two brass bells by the suspended arrow, and is very loud!

A Beautiful clock, perfect for a mantelpiece, desk, sideboard or bedside. Its Vintage style would complement any richly decorated, opulent, retro mid century, 1950’s interior.

In Excellent Condition, Fully Working, the rim of the clock face is a little tarnished, nothing to detract from the overall Stunning look.

Measures 14 x 11 x 4.5cm / 5.5 x 4.5 x 1.75in.

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Ruscha Keramik 320/2 handled vase, designed by Heinz Siery, West Germany circa 1960’s

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This is a Stunning Rare and Unusual Ruscha Keramik vase 320/2, West Germany circa 1960’s.

Ruscha was founded in 1948 by Rudolph Schardt and produced high quality pieces, they were renowned for their early experiments with glazes such as the ‘Vulkano’ glaze from 1959 one of the first ‘Fat Lava’ glazes.
This classic stylish form was designed by Heinz Siery, the bulbous body topped with a beautifully proportioned decorative handle and small neck.

The mottled matte glaze has turquoise, blue , grey and black colours and a fine pumice like texture. The motifs are tube lined in black and suggest stylised Japanese characters. Giving a very Mid Century Modern Oriental / Asian inspired look to the vase.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of West German / Fat Lava / European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, 60’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, there is one small hole in the tube lined glaze, probably from production, in the last photo.

Marked to the base 320/2 with indistinct stamped black lettering.

Measures 18 x 12 x 12cm / 7 x 4.75 x 4.75in.

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Aseda Glasbruk Ruby Red Blown Glass ‘Jack in the Pulpit’ / Bone vases, Sweden circa 1960’s

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These are a Beautiful Pair of Aseda Glasbruk Swedish Art Glass ‘Jack in the Pulpit’ / Bone vases circa 1960’s.

A Stunning retro mid century design, the Elegant Organic form resembling the ‘Jack in the Pulpit’ hooded woodland flower.

The Ruby Red long slender stems flare out to the curved hooded rims, they sit on clear glass feet filled with ‘controlled bubbles’. The form and glassblowing techniques used are very similar to Whitefriars and Murano glass, which these are commonly mistaken for.

Great Vintage Scandinavian design, that is very reminiscent of styles of the era. The difference in height and shapes of the rims of the pair only adds to their organic natural freeform charm.

Would make a Fantastic addition to any collection of Scandinavian / European / Art Glass and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, sixties, Nordic or contemporary interior.

In Great Condition, just the usual age related marks and small fleabites on the bases, nothing visible on display or to detract.

Measuring 18 x 5.5 x 5.5cm / 7 x 2.25 x 2.25in.
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