vintage

Pair of Schlossberg Keramik ‘Kuba’ vases, West Germany circa 1958

March 2, 2014Ceramics1950's, brighton, cubist, etsy, fat lava, kuba, Liesel Spornhauer, mid century pottery, modernist, mondrian, retro, schlossberg, schlossberg kuba, vintage, west german ceramics, west german potteryafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Stunning Pair of Schlossberg Keramik ‘Kuba’ vases, designed by Liesel Spornhauer, West Germany circa 1958.

A Fantastic decor, very reminiscent of the era and inspired by Cubist / Mondrian art and design. With the matte black glazed background having a hand decorated tube lined glaze in glossy white forming a random abstract grid like pattern. Some of the spaces are then filled with glossy vibrant red, yellow and blue glazes.

Wonderful forms, the larger vase has a bulbous top heavy shape with a slanted rim, the smaller vase has a tapered form and ‘fishmouth’ curved rim.

Modern art meets ceramics, in this delightful pair by this renowned smaller high quality West German pottery. A Highly collectable mid century art pottery decor.

Would make an Excellent addition to any collection of West German / European / Schlossberg ceramics. And would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, 1950’s, 1960’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

Both in Excellent Condition, no chips, cracks or crazing, the matte black paint shows some light marks as is common with this design, nothing to detract on display.

The large vase measures 21 x 11 x 11cm / 8.25 x 4.25 x 4.25in.

The smaller vase measures 19 x 9.5 x 8cm / 7.5 x 3.75 x 3.25in.

Available in my Etsy shop: http://etsy.me/1rm0dtP

Brutalist boy / girl studio pottery figure

December 24, 2013Ceramics1970's, afterglow retro, boy girl, brighton, brutalist, brutalist figure, modernist, modernist pottery, paul evans, retro, sculpture, studio pottery figure, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

As the year end approaches, thought I would share my favourite find of the year. This striking Brutalist style boy / girl double sided pottery figure.
Its sitting in my collection at the moment, on display of course, awaiting more info.
Unmarked and measuring 23 x 19 x 7cm / 9 x 7.5 x 2.75in, and weighing a hefty 2kg for its size! Wonderfully crafted with its clever geometric inlaid construction, glazed and unglazed components, and featuring a different stylised figure on each side.

Most likely a studio piece, possibly Danish and in the style of modernist designers such as Paul Evans, its a mystery that hopefully will be solved in 2014!

‘Tigris’ vase and dish, Zell Shmider Keramik, West Germany circa 1956

November 20, 2013Ceramics1950's, Anneliese Beckh, brighton, etsy, european pottery, fat lava, mid century ceramics, mid century decor, modernist, retro, schmider keramik, tiger striped, tigris, tigris decor, vintage, west german pottery, wgp, zell, zell schmiderafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Beautiful miniature vase and dish pair, made by Zell Schmider Keramik, West Germany, form and decor designed by Anneliese Beckh circa 1956.

In the Stunning ‘Tigris’ decor, with its glossy black glaze and wavy stripes in yellow and white. Very reminiscent of the era and most likely influenced by Picasso, Cubism and Modernist styles, understated, elegant and classic design.

Lovely forms, the small vase having a rounded tapered body with a curving rim and the pin dish sits at an angle with an asymmetric curved kidney shape. Both perfect as part of a centrepiece or grouping, as a single stem vase and pin dish, desk accessories, or sculptural pieces in their own right.

Pieces from this lesser known pottery are rarer than the output of the large ceramics factories of the 60’s / 70’s, and this earlier Mid Century style is very collectable as an antithesis to the ‘Fat Lava’ styles.

Would complement any collection of West German or European Art / Studio pottery, and would look fantastic in any retro, vintage, mid century, fifties, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, a couple of miniscule fleabite sized rough patches on the rims, nothing to detract on display, no chips or cracks.

Marked to the base 3589 Made in Western Germany 1786 26 and with the company logo.

The small vase measures 12 x 7.5 x 7cm / 4.75 x 3 x 2.75in. Marked to the base ‘Made in Western Germany 4167’.

The pin dish measures 10.5 x 7 x 4cm / 4.25 x 2.75 x 1.75in. Marked to the base ‘4087 22’.

‘Rimini Blu’ bowl, Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s

November 16, 2013Ceramics1950's, 1960's, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, bitossi bowl, brighton, etsy, italian ceramics, italian pottery, mid century decor, mid century pottery, retro, rimini blu, rimini blu bowl, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Fantastic ‘Rimini Blu’ bowl / dish / wall plaque, by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A Striking form, the wide flat rimmed circular bowl has a hemispherical well in the middle. Decorative and sculptural, could be used as part of a table arrangement, as a candleholder, on a desk, or can be hung as a wall plaque.

A Fabulous design by Aldo Londi from 1959, in the striking iconic ‘Rimini Blu’, With its alternating bands of impressed motifs resembling Arabesque or Runic patterns, 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, Rare and Unusual 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 Great Condition, a few small flakes of missing glaze as is common with this style of rough glazed ceramics. the hole on the base for wall hanging is probably not original, but doesn’t detract, not visible on display.

Measures 21 x 21 x 2.5cm / 8.25 x 8.25 x 1in.

Tilgmans Keramik handled vase, made in Sweden circa 1960’s

November 12, 2013Ceramicsafterglow retro, brighton, christmas, etsy, handled vase, jug, keramik, nordic, retro, Scandinavian, scandinavian decor, sweden, swedish pottery, tilgmans, tilgmans keramik, Vase, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a Great Tilgmans Keramik handled vase, made in Sweden circa 1960’s.

A Striking piece of Scandinavian pottery, very much in the studio / Fat Lava style. Rough and rustic with incised geometric motifs on a brown base. Decorated with orange, green, blue and white glazes in rough handpainted bands over.

Completed with a small decorative handle and a wonderfully mottled glossy glazed inner in turquoise. A real contrast to the Brutalist / Modernist outer surfaces, very reminiscent of designs of the era, and of Scandinavian ceramics.

Perfect for use as a small vase, as a pen / brush pot for use on a desk / in a kitchen etc. Very sculptural in its own right as a display piece too.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Tilgmans / Swedish / European / Studio pottery, and would complement any Scandinavian / Nordic / Mid Century / Retro / Vintage / Modernist / Rustic styled interior.

Great Condition, no chips or cracks, some flakes to the rough glaze, nothing to detract on display.

Unmarked to the base, but the same decor can be seen on pieces stamped with the Tilgmans mark.

Measures 14 x 11 x 10.5cm / 5.5 x 4.5 x 4.25in.

Trio of Danish Modern Teak trolls, Hans Bolling, Denmark circa 1960’s

November 10, 2013Collectables1960's, afterglowretro, brighton, danish modern, danish teak, hans bolling, mid century modern, mini collection, nordic style, optimist, pessimist, retro, Scandinavian, trolls, vintageafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Great trio of Danish Modern Teak trolls, attributed to Hans Bolling, Denmark circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic mini set, comprising of miniature troll figurines the ‘Optimist’, ‘Pessimist’ and a tiny presumably child troll! All made out of teak, with rope arms and rabbit fur hair and painted eyes.

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 interior.

In Great Vintage Condition, some thinning of the rabbit fur hair, couple of tiny nicks to the wood, maybe from production as they are so small, nothing to detract on display.

The two larger figures measure approx 7 x 3.5 x 3.5cm / 2.75 x 1.5 x 1.5in.

The small figure measures 4 x 2 x 2cm / 1.5 x 0.75 x 0.75in.

Bakelite Chinaman Pretzel holder, Germany circa 1940’s

November 4, 2013Collectables1940's, afterglow, art deco, bakelite, bakelite figure, brighton, chinaman, christmas, german bakelite, germany, modernist, part, pretzel holder, retro, table accessory, table setting, vintageafterglowretro View all 2 comments

This is a Stunning Bakelite Pretzel holder, Germany circa 1940’s.

A Fantastic design so evocative of the era. The stylised Chinaman figure is made of yellow and black Bakelite standing on a rectangular black Bakelite stand. Great form and detailing with the conical Asian hat, eyes, a rod nose, collar and buttons in black, and the body and head in a very faintly marbled yellow.

The pretzel sticks can be held in the coiled spring gilt metal basket on his back, pretzel rings can be slid on the metal pole, which is topped with a yellow bakelite ball.

Great as a table / bar accessory, could be used as part of a table setting for Christmas or parties, coule be used for sweets / cigarettes etc.

A Fantastic antique Bakelite collectable that would make a great addition to any collection, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1940’s, 1950’s, Art Deco, Modernist or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, usual age related marks on the underside of the base, nothing visible.

Measures 16.5 x 9 x 6cm / 6.5 x 3.5 x 2.5in.

Zelezny Brod Glassworks freeform vase, Czechoslovakia circa 1960’s

October 23, 2013Glass1960's, art glass, bohemian glass, brighton, czech glass, freeform, mid century, Miloslav Klinger, modernist, retro, sklo, smoky brown, vintage, Zelezny Brodafterglowretro Leave a comment

This is a lovely small freeform blown art glass vase, made by the Zelezny Brod Glassworks, Czechoslovakia circa 1960’s.

A Fantastic sculptural freeform organic design by Miloslav Klinger, evoking the liquidity of molten glass in its form and swirled curving form, which appears different from each side.

Displays the master craftsmanship of the glassblowers at Zelezny Brod glassworks, using traditional techniques such as those from Murano in new exciting innovative futuristic ways.

Would be perfect as a small bud / single stem vase or as part of a grouping. Catches the light beautifully through the curves. Similar examples can be seen in Mark Hill’s book ‘Hi Sklo Lo Sklo’.

Perfect as an addition to any collection of Czech / Sklo / Bohemian Art Glass, and would complement any retro, vintage, 60’s, 70’s, modernist, mid century, space age, minimal or contemporary styled interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches.

Measures 13 x 6 x 6cm / 5 x 2.5 x 2.5in.

Bagni Ceramiche salt and pepper shakers, Italy circa early 1960’s.

October 18, 2013Ceramics1960's, afterglow, alvino bagni, atomic era, bagni ceramic, bagnic pottery, brighton, cruet set, italian pottery, mid century modern, pop art, retro, salt and pepper, Starburst, vintage, vintage styleafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a Stunning Pair of Large Bagni Ceramiche salt and pepper shakers, made in Italy circa early 1960’s.

This design, pattern no.42 was created by Alvino Bagni in 1959, the stippled blue glaze features bands of oval wheel and stylised flower / starburst motifs. Reflecting the popular molecular and atomic motifs of the 1950’s. A Wonderful tall hourglass form, very elegant and beautifully proportioned. The flat tops with their large holes for salt and pepper respectively complete the graphic look.

This design can be seen on p.32 of Mark Hill’s ‘Alla Moda’ book. A Fantastic pair from one of the leading Italian 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 Bagni / Raymor / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches. Different stoppers in the bases of each but serve their purpose.

Each measures 19 x 6.5 x 6.5cm / 7.5 x 2.5 x 2.5in.

Hand marked to the base Italy 2840.

Trio of early plastic / bakelite small dishes, made in England circa 1930’s

October 15, 2013Collectables1930's, antique, art deco, art deco decor, bakelite, bakelite collection, belplastic, Bowl, collectable, dish, early plastic, made in england, mini collection, vintage, vintage decorafterglowretro Leave a comment

These are a wonderful trio of early plastic / bakelite small dishes, made in England circa 1930’s.

The conical one is in a mottled dark red / brown, lovely flared shape with deep bowl in the top, marked to the base ‘use Carlton custard powder’.
The shallow wide bowl is black on the outside and the same mottled dark red / brown inside, advertising ‘The Tricity Demonstration Home’ on the base.
The deeper bowl has a squared rim, and is made of a ‘Camo’ style plastic in olive green, red / brown and black. Marked to the base ‘Belplastic Ltd British Made’.

Fantastic mini collection that would look great on display, or for use on a desk, table, kitchen, as pin / condiment dishes, desk tidy / paperweights etc.

A Lovely set that are so reminiscent of the era and perfectly exemplify the use of new materials and Art Deco / Modernist design during the 1930’s.

Perfect as an addition to any collection of Bakelite / early plastic / Art Deco design pieces. Would look fantastic in any retro, vintage, 1930’s, 1940’s, modernist, minimal or contemporary space.

In Excellent Vintage Condition, the wide bowl has a liitle nibble to the rim and some crazing, the other two pieces are almost perfect, nothing to detract.

The conical bowl measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 3.75cm / 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.5in.

The shallow wide bowl measures 8 x 8 x 2cm / 3.25 x 3.25 x 0.75in.

The deeper bowl measures 7 x 7 x 3cm / 2.75 x 2.75 x 1.25in.