Just a Modern Guy

Porcelain Vases by Kaiser, Heinrich and Kaiser (from left to right) - W. Germany - circa 1960’s
These stunning porcelain vases are fabulous alone but look even better is small groupings. Produced by the masters of porcelain in the Bavarian region of West Germany in the 1960’s these bisque porcelain vases are typically hard-to-find in the [...]

It’s A Wonderful Life - Directed by Frank Capra - 1946
As much as I at times try to act the Scrooge this time of year I ultimately succumb to sentimentality - and it usually corresponds to my annual viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life.
Frank Capra’s  film about George Bailey, Bedford Falls and the story of personal redemption and good [...]

Dawn Burnt Orange Telephone- Northern Telecom - circa 1970’s
Telephones once sat in one place, were wired there so you didn’t misplace it, and actually dialed with a rotary dial. While most telephones were primarily untilitarian in nature, design trends influenced the look. There was the standard Western Electric Model 500 units, which was in many households, [...]

Epic Candle Holder Pair - Viking Glass - circa 1965
With three shopping days left until Christmas you may have a few additional gifts to get and the budget may be getting a little tight. No fear - there are very lovely,  vintage gifts to be had at a very reasonable price at you local vintage shop.
The items shown [...]

Magnolia Vase - Red Wing Pottery - circa 1940’s
Red Wing Pottery began in Minnesota in the 1860’s with potters from Germany who had settled the area. For nearly a hundred years the company primarily produced crocks, jugs and bowls aimed at the agrarian society. The company primarily sold in the Midwest, Northwest and in Canada.
After [...]

Pair of Geometric Vases- Riihimaaein Lasi Oy - Finland Designed by Tamara Aladin - circa 1969
Riihimaaein Lasi Oy (a.k.a. Riihimaki Glass Works) began producing art glass in the 1930’s and, after hiring a team of wonderful young designers after World War II, produced some of the most beautiful glass to come out of the Scandinavia.
Among those [...]

Pinch Water Glass Set - Imperial Glass - Designed by Russel Wright - 1949
To pick up a Russel Wright Pinch Glass is a pleasure. The form of this glassware is designed to fit right in your hand - it cradles there perfectly and feels define. It is the definition of functional art.
Designed by Russel Wright in 1949 and [...]

Edward Hopper Exhibit - National Gallery of Art - Washington DC - Through January 21, 2008
For the hard-to-shop-for person on your list I have a gift idea today which they will remember for the rest of their life.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC is currently showing the work of American artist Edward Hopper [...]

Orange Peel Glaze Vase Trio - Haeger Pottery - circa 1958
The roots Haeger Pottery go back to a brickyard outside Chicago in 1871. Known at that time as Dundee Brickyard, the company manufactured millions of the bricks used to rebuild the City of Chicago after the great fire which destroyed over 17,500 buildings the same [...]

Casserole Dish on Brass / Walnut Warming Stand- Stangl Pottery - 1959
Everyone has got to eat and serving food with style is the cornerstone of any great dinner party.
The 1950’s and 60’s produced some stunning pieces for entertaining and the fabulous casserole dishes from the period are great for use as decorative pieces in a mid-century modern [...]