1970s Brazilian Modern Set of 6 Blue Agate and Rosewood Drink / Cocktail Coasters with Caddy

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.

THE ITEM

This delicious looking set of Mid Century Modern stoneware is by Swedish company Jie Gantofta (1942 - 1992). 

The set comprises of two teak stoppered oil or vinegar flasks, salt and pepper shaker, mustard pot and original Jie Gantofta spoon. 

Each piece has clean, well-defined lines that is finished with a glossy glaze decor in the colours of polished and warm honeycomb. Every piece also carries a finishing accent of teak and the whole set comes with a teak tray which compliments the glaze. 

Simple and scrumptious, this piece would suit a space inspired by design themes such as Mid Century, Modernist or Contemporary.

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is gentle crazing in the glaze that is commensurate with the age of the pieces, please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The underside of mustard pot is marked with 'JIE, SWEDEN', the spoon is marked with 'GANTOFTA, JIE, SWEDEN' and the teak tray base is marked with 'Made in Sweden'.

MEASUREMENTS

• Vinegar / oil flask c. 3.7" / 9.5 cm tall (with stopper) x c. 0.8" / 2 cm rim diameter. Base diameter: c. 1.5" / 3.9 cm.
• Salt / pepper shaker c. 2" / 5 cm tall x c. 1.5" / 3.8 cm base diameter. 
• Mustard pot c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm tall (with lid) x c. 1.2" / 3 cm rim diameter. Base diameter: c. 1.8" / 4.5 cm. (Spoon c. 3.2" / 8.1 cm in length)
• Teak tray c. 0.8" / 2.1 cm tall x c. 7" / 18 cm length. Length including handle: 9.9" / 25.2 cm. Width: c. 4.5" / 11.5 cm (across widest point). 

Unpackaged weight (all pieces): c. 0.6 kg / 567 g 

NOTES

Condiment / cruet set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Jie Gantofta (1942 - 1992)

The company was founded by John Evert "Jie" Johnson in Helsingborg in 1942. They manufactured small articles in wood that were often supplemented with glass or ceramics. The company grew and in 1944, Jie moved the business to Gantofta. At this time, wooden goods were still being made, but Jie would go on to begin producing his own ceramics from 1952. Despite being host to many ceramists and designers such as Anita Nylund, Elsi Bourelius, Ulla Winblad and Lisa Larsson; sadly the company would eventually succumb to bankruptcy in 1992. 

THE ITEM
This chic Modernist piece of 1970s Kitchenalia is is in great condition and a rare find.

The stackable storage set comes with three interchangeable glass sections in opaque white, clear red and blue, and is finished with a teak lid. 

Although designed as a piece of Kitchenalia, it can also be used in many other rooms with a need for light organising - such as a desk tidy, craft room storage, toiletries or makeup tidy. 

CONDITION

Excellent, chips, cracks or repair to the glass, there is mild wear to the teak lid that is commensurable with age. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5.9" / 15 cm including lid x c. 5.4" / 13.8 cm diameter. Unpackaged weight (full set): c. 1.1 kg / 1,097 g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM
Presenting this pair of beautifully stylised, Modernist brass horses mounted to the polished solid wood base is by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller. These figures carry the influences typical of the Mid Century Modern design, which would have been at the height of its popularity during the time these horses were crafted.

Mid Century Modern design influences can include an 'atomic feel' that transforms ordinary geometric shapes into curves and waves and the exaggeration of length or stylising and this influence is evident in the design of this piece. An elegant and sophisticated accent piece that would suit a room with decor themes of vintage, contemporary, Mid Century Modern and even Industrial.

CONDITION
Excellent, no damage, there is natural wear that is commensurable with age is present, please see photographs as part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm (of larger horse). Height: c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm tall (including base) x c. 4.3" / 11 cm width (from nose to tail of larger horse). Wood base: length c. 4.6" / 11.7 cm x width c. 2.8" / 7 cm
Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 466 g

NOTES
Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904 – December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines. Bosse’s work grew in popularity and a number of his pieces were shown at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in 1925. He started designing for Augarten Porcelain Works (1924) as well as Goldscheider (1926) and Metzler and Ortloff (1927). In 1931, to meet increasing demand (especially in America). In the late 1940s, Bosse began experimenting with brass by giving his ceramic figures a metal coating to protect them from breakage.

He formed a partnership with Hertha Baller, whose company (the Hertha Baller Company) manufactured and marketed the brass figurines, this collaboration was called the Bosse/Baller company. In the early 1950s, Bosse and Baller began exploring a new style of brass called the “Black Gold Line” or "Black Golden Line" of brass figurines. He transitioned all of his efforts to brass and the figures became popular worldwide.

In Vienna, the Herta Baller Company continued to make and sell Bosse's designs. Bosse also collaborated with Karlsruhe State Majolika Works on a number of pottery animal figures.

THE ITEM

This superb work of Japanese design and craftsmanship carries it's own special piece of cultural significance and history. 

It is called a Takamakura, 高枕 [Literal translation 'high pillow'], known for its unusual design and association to geisha culture. The sole intended purpose would have been to safeguard elaborate coiffures. 

This piece is of a more complex design, with the woven bamboo top, wood-stained rattan body and gently exaggerated curves and feet at the base being accompanied by an inbuilt drawer compartment at the centre of the unit. Presumably, it was thought that beneath the head was an ideal place to keep valuables safe as you slept. 

Today, this work finds its purpose as an art object offering a gateway into it's own special place in cultural history. 

A BIT OF HISTORY

The role of the Takamakura in history is strongly associated to the geisha and was designed to meet those needs that might come with maintaining the signature geisha updo of the 17th century. The complicated chignon-like style of the geisha, called the Shimada (島田), could take hours or even up to a day to craft.  

Today, most modern geisha wear painstakingly maintained wigs that are easier to manage. However, their apprentices—called maiko (舞妓)—often have their real hair coiffed. Some even have it done the traditional way: pressed, set, teased, tied, and waxed into place by a professional once a week.

The term Takamakura 'high pillow' is at times used interchangeably with Bachimakura 罰枕 [Literal translation 'punishment pillow'], understandably, as the 'pillow' was more of a neck cradle to keep the coiffure maintained until the next hair appointment. 

CONDITION

Good to excellent. There is mild age wear (such as the small spot discolouration of the rattan wood at the back of the headrest) commensurable with the age of the piece - please refer to the photos as part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS

Unit: c. 10" /  25.5 cm tall x c. 18.5" /  47 cm in width x c. 8" / 20.5 cm depth.

Drawer: c. 2" / 5 cm tall x c. 7.7" / 19.5 cm in width x c. 7.7" / 19.5 cm depth.

Unpackaged weight: c. 1.8 kg / 1,767 g

NOTES

Headrest will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.