retro decor

Mdina glass ‘Helter Skelter’ vase by Michael Harris, Malta circa 1970’s

March 5, 2015Uncategorized1970's, afterglowretro, art glass, brighton, etsy, fiery red, helter skelter, home decor, interior design, Malta, Maltese glass, Mdina, Mdina glass, Mdina vase, Michael Harris, modernist glass, retro decor, Vase, volcanoafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a beautiful Mdina art glass vase in a fiery red Volcano / Helter Skelter decor by Michael Harris, Malta circa 1970’s.

A fantastic design, very different from Midna’s usual natural Mediterranean inspired work. The tapered body has a wide flat disk rim and thick applied strapping, wrapping around the body in an undulating ‘Helter Skelter’ style. All in a vibrant cased glass with fiery red swirls for dramatic effect.

Catches the light beautifully, through the fiery red glass and applied strappoing, and with light shining on it or through it, perfect as a statement piece for display, as a table centrepiece etc.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Mdina / Maltese / Art Glass and would complement any retro, vintage, 1970’s, minimal, modernist, Mediterranean or contemporary interior.

Measures 25 x 7.5 x 7.5cm / 10 x 3 x 3in.

In excellent condition, no marks, chips or scratches. Signed ‘Mdina’ to the base and has the Mdina and sales labels still intact.

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

Large Scheurich Keramik handled vase, West Germany, 1960’s.

December 8, 2013Ceramicsafterglowretro, brighton, etst, fantoni style, fat lava, fat lava vase, mid century pottery, modernist ceramics, retro decor, scheurich 285 40, scheurich handled vase, scheurich keramik, scheurich vase, vase 285 40, west german pottery, wgpafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Lovely Large Scheurich Keramik handled vase, West Germany circa early 1960’s.

A Stunning form and decor on this vase by Heinz Siery, the main designer from the mid 1950’s. With its conical bulbous base, large chimney like neck and right angled handle it has beautiful proportions, possibly based on classical styles and adapted for the mid century era.

The glazes are fantastic, a foamy base in a light yellow / green, pumice like and very similar to ‘Fat Lava’ glazes. Embellished with abstract geometric ‘Cubist’ style motifs in a black glaze. Some using the ‘sgraffito’ technique to make incisions in the surface, these are filled with vibrant orange and blue pools of glaze. The interior is glazed in a bright glossy yellow.

Very reminiscent of the mid century modernist era, similar to designs by Marcello Fantoni in Italy at the time. Possibly referencing the same Etruscan classical styles, interpreted for the modern age.

Would be Great as part of a collection of West German / Fat Lava / European Art Pottery, and would make a fantastic addition to any retro, vintage, 50’s, 60’s, mid century, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.

Moulded mark to the base 285 40.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measures 40 x 18 x 18cm / 16 x 7 x 7in.

Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Spagnolo’ planter, Italy circa 1960’s

December 1, 2013Ceramics1960's ceramics, afterglow retro, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, bitossi ceramiche, ceramic planter, italian pottery, mid century pottery, retro decor, retro home decor, spagnolo, vintage brighton, vintage potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic ‘Spagnolo’ planter / flower pot / vase, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Lovely simple small form, the cylindrical body having a flared thick rim. Perfect for use as a small planter, as a vase, as a storage pot, for use in the kitchen or on a desk, or to group with other Bitossi ‘Spagnolo’ or the similar classic ‘Rimini Blu’ pieces.

Lovely textured surface with shallow trenches made by the rough clay being hand turned on the wheel.

A Fabulous design by Aldo Londi from 1963, in the striking iconic ‘Spagnolo’ (Spanish) decor. With its central band of impressed motifs resembling Moorish tiles, it is influenced by the new trends in art and design in the mid century period. Beautiful glossy layered blue and turquoise glazes evoke the colours of the Mediterranean Sea.

A Wonderful practical and stylish piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century.

Would look great in any 50’s, 60’s, 70’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.

Measures 10.5 x 12.5 x 12.5cm / 4.25 x 5 x 5in.

Unmarked to the base.