THE ITEM
This superb set of mid-century craftsmanship is a work of Japanese design. The set features some unusual taxidermy as each coaster presents a butterfly under glass. Each coaster features clear glass above and frosted glass below the butterfly, the body of each butterfly appear to have been enhanced but the wings are original.
The careful workmanship is evident all over and appears in small details such as the slim rattan inserts in the edging of each coaster and the woven rattan work on the sides of the caddy. This set, amongst others, was a popular import from Japan by the New York-based company Maison International Ltd.
Today, this set finds its purpose for use as coasters, as was intended, as well as art objects which offer a gateway into its own special place in cultural history.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs to the coasters or the caddy. There is mild use wear that most evident to the bamboo and is commensurable with the age of the set. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
Each coaster: c. 3.5 inches / 9 cm in diameter x c. 0.8" / 2 cm high.
Caddy is c. 6 inches / 15 cm in length and c. 4.5 inches / 10 cm high. Height including handle: c. 5.1" / 13 cm.
Unpackaged weight: c. 0.4 kg / 351 g
NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
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This beautiful set is of Italian mid-century Modernist design by Kristal, Italy. Clearly, an Italian interpretation of the iconic Finnish Ultima Thule design for Iitala by Tapio Wirrkala in 1968 but this set brings with it its own design nuances.
Instead of resting on melting icicles like that of the Ultima Thule, each piece of this set rests on polished-angle 'ice cubes' and resting centrally within the base of each ice cube, is a single bubble.
This set is not only iconic with its tactile Modernist surface which create elegant refractions when in the path of light but it also has the ability to colour change. The colour-changing ability comes from Neodymium, an element incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Under daylight, the Neodymium glass presents a pale lilac colour however, under indoor and fluorescent lighting, the element becomes a pale blue.
The contemporary statement design is stylistically timeless and very functional, whether as dessert dishes or cocktail tumblers.
CONDITION
Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There is very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of each piece and most evident in subtle movement marks on the underside of the base. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. The jorum bears part of the original Kristal label.
MEASUREMENTS
Jorum Height c. 4.3" / 11 cm. Width (widest point) measurements: c. 7.3" / 18.5 cm. Depth: c. 3.5" / 9 cm. Base measurements: c. 3" / 7.5 cm x c. 3" / 7.5cm.
Tumbler Dish Height c. 3.1" / 8 cm. Width (widest point) measurements: c. 3.7" / 9.3 cm. Depth: c. 2.4" / 6cm. Base measurements: c. 2" / 5.2 cm x c. 2" / 5.2 cm.
Unpackaged weight [Full Set]: c. 2.9 kg / 2,940 g
This carefully hand-built and exquisitely illustrated work is by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, textiles, ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006). This particular piece was created for Bjorn Wiinblad's very first ceramic workshop in Kongens Lyngby [tr. 'the King's Heather Town'], Denmark.
The interconnecting form of this piece is that of a sweet songbird with the head cleverly forming the salt and pepper shaker and the body providing two small wells to hold liquids such as oil and vinegar. Highly romantic, Wiinblad applied his exceptional creativity and imagination to tactile details beyond the overall bird body. From the mildly raised eyes to the swelling wings, care is given down to the tiny crest atop the bird's head.
Handpainted onto the form is the blue-on-white illustrated design with beautifully intricate detailing with tiny rosettes, tendrils, and thistles adorning the body to create this highly tactile mythical songbird.
Stylistically timeless, the design and excellent condition of this piece as well as Wiinblad's full signature with the rare beret-wearing artist caricature makes it a particularly rare and noteworthy find of Wiinblad's early work.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is mild wear that is most evident in the form of faint movement marks on the underside that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside bears the signature 'Bjorn Wiinblad, 56 [year of production], DANMARK' and artist caricature.
MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 4.1" / 10.3 cm (from base to rim) x width c. 2.4" / 6.2 cm (across widest point). Length: c. 5.2" / 13.3 cm (longest point). Base: c. 2" / 5 cm x c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.2 kg / 200 g
NOTES
Cruet will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006) Born in 1918 in Copenhagen, Bjorn Wiinblad began his training and path to success in 1935. Wiinblad sought the path to his first passion of art and enrolled in graphic school at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, debuting in 1945 with an extensive exhibition in Palægade, Copenhagen. He met and became firm friends with Jacob E. Bang around this time, who engaged him to work for Nymølle Pottery.
From the beginnings at Nymolle, Wiinblad received multiple commissions, from designing textile and embroidery patterns to drawing posters, books, and magazine illustrations. Wiinblad drew for the United Nations in Paris and designed costumes and stages for several theatrical performances. His fame grew in Denmark but soon would extend to Norway and Sweden and in 1950 his ceramics were exhibited at Bonnier's in New York, which specialised in Scandinavian design.
Wiinblad's recognition and acclaim would continue to grow, bringing him a silver medal at the first international ceramics festival in 1955 in Cannes, France, and appointment as artistic director for Rosenthal in 1960. During the 1960s, Wiinblad would become the owner of a number of ceramic studios including Vaerksted, Nymolle, and Det Blaa Hus. He would make Det Blaa Hus his workshop and home until his death in 2006.
Wiinblad's successes did not stop in the Sixties, his continued achievements and international success were extensively documented and celebrated: https://www.rosendahl.com/en/intl/bjoern-wiinblad/stories/about-bjorn-wiinblad
Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
Presenting a striking work of mid-century German Brutalist design, formed into an Etagere, or table shelf.
The form of this piece is an uncommon retelling of the popular Atomic design tiered plant tables created in Formica. The iconic characteristics of sharp and dramatically defined curves complimented by the triple threading carry echoes of great Modernist designers and sculptors such as Dame Barbara Hepworth.
The texture of the main structure is highly tactile with an effect reminiscent of indented metal created from the heating and striking of a hammer.
The stylised, eye-catching form piece makes this piece a rare find that can be displayed as a standalone piece or for functional use.
CONDITION
Excellent. Most notable wear are the mild age stains that are commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 11.4" / 29 cm x c. 11.4" / 29 cm width (across widest point). Depth: c. 3.9" / 10 cm. Base measurements: c. 3.9" / c. 10 cm x c. 7.2" / c.18.3 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 805 g
THE ITEM
This richly coloured 9 piece set of Swedish Modern design is by glass designer Lennart Anderssen (b. 1918 - d. 1999) for Gullaskruf glassworks.
The jewel-like colour palette of the set consists of a vibrant Cobalt blue, Ruby red, Ocean green and Grape purple. The form of the bowls is beautifully silhouetted with rounded angles, as is characteristic to Modern design with matching plates that have a gentle inversion and is otherwise smoothly disc-like. Each piece is finished with an accent of dotted reliefs arranged in 3 concentric circles.
This set gives an incredible pop of colours to compliment the dining table.
CONDITION
Superb. No significant damage such as cracks or repairs to the set, the following negligible wear and has been mentioned for completeness:
- Large serving bowl: small chip on the rim measuring c. 0.2 mm.
- Blue plate: very mild scratches.
Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The gold foil Gullaskruf label denoting 'GULLASKRUF, SWEDEN' is present on all pieces except for the small blue bowl.
MEASUREMENTS
- Large Serving Bowl: Height c. 4.8" / 12.2 cm x c. 8" / 20.3 cm width (across widest point). Base diameter c. 2.5" / 6.3 cm.
- Small Bowl: Height c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm x c. 4.2" / 10.6 cm width (across widest point). Base diameter c. 1.8" / 4.5 cm.
- Saucer / Plate: Height c. 0.8" / 2 cm x c. 5.9" / 15 cm diameter (across widest point).
Unpackaged weight [Full Set]: c. 2.3 kg / 2,291 g
NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Gullaskrufs glassworks (1927 - 1983) was a Swedish glassworks founded in Gullaskruv in by William Stenberg, glass production began in 1927. By 1930 Gullaskruf would exhibit their works at the Stockholm exhibition and around the same time, the glassworks came into contact with the foreign market. At that time, exports accounted for 45% of Gullaskruf's production and in addition to the USA and England, glass was exported to Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada, South America, Australia and South Africa.
Over the years, the glassworks would be resident to many great glass designers and artists, some of who became artistic director for Gullaskruf. Designers and artists included: Hugo Gehlin (b. 1889 - d. 1953), Lennart Andersson (b. 1918 - d. 1999), Arthur Percy (b. 1886 - d. 1976) and Kjell Blomberg (b. 1931 - d. 1989).
THE ITEM
This delicious looking mid-century pair celebrates the humble Cebu clam and it's glamorous 'mother of pearl' shell. Handmade, each shell has a silver-plated trim to provide the hinge for attaching the lid and is finished with a leaf-shaped acrylic bottom.
CONDITION
Superb. There is natural wear to the shells and the hinges that is commensurable with age, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
- Salt Shaker. Height: c. 3" / 7.5 cm tall x width c.2.2" / 5.5 cm (across widest point) x depth c. 1.3" / 3.3 cm.
- Pepper Shaker. Height: c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm tall x width c. 2" / 5 cm (across widest point) x depth c. 1.2" / 3 cm.
Unpackaged weight (all pieces): c. 0.1 kg / 58g
NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
This stunning Modernist dinner set for six is from the Sesi series was designed by Erkkitapio Siiroinen for Finnish glassworks Riihimäen Lasi. Siiroinen was inspired to create the Sesi series by his friend Sesi, which he subsequently named the series in honour of. Siiroinen spent two years experimenting to create the black glass and the Sesi series, which would eventually be launched by Riihimäen Lasi in 1976.
Because the concept of Sesi was so new and innovative at the time (it was very rare to design such a large series in black glass), the launch generated a great deal of interest and was widely noted in the press, the series quickly became popular.
The glass itself gives the appearance of black but is actually an exceptionally deep shade of Cobalt blue, the blue hue is revealed when under bright light. The form of the semi-automatic mould blown bowls is rounded with angular 'ear' accents. The hand-blown dinner plates and side plates shimmer like the deepest pools of ink, giving a beautiful expression of the raw material. The bowls contrast the plates beautifully, both of which show off different aspects of Modernist design.
CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs for pitcher jug and all cups. There is mild use wear which commensurates with the age of the pieces. 5 of the dinner plates and all 6 of the soup bowls bear the original 'Riihimaen Lasi, Made in Finland' label, in use during the 1970s.
MEASUREMENTS
- Dinner Plate: diameter: c. 9.6" / 24.5 cm.
- Side Plate: diameter: c. 6.3" / 16 cm.
- Soup Bowl [400 ml / 40 cl ] : height: c. 2.8" / 7 cm. Diameter: c. 4.7" / 12 cm.
Unpackaged weight [Full set]: c. 9.3 kg / 9,293 g
NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Riihimäen Lasi (1910 - 1990). Founded in 1910, Riihimäen Lasi became Finland’s biggest glass manufacturer from the 1920s until the 190s. Chief Designers included Helena Tynell (c. 1946), Nanny Still (c. 1949), and Tamara Aladin (c.1959). These designers pushed the boundaries using multiple glass-forming techniques, including mould-blowing, pressing, centrifugal-casting, and casing, as well as adding stunning decorative details by cutting, engraving, sandblasting and polishing. Sadly, the factory would eventually close in 1990.
Many of Siiroinen's glass series, including Sesi, are very popular among Finnish glass collectors. Siiroinen was known to be a rebellious young designer and it was this attitude that led to some of the most interesting and innovative glass series ever produced in the history of Finnish design.