1960's Space Age Paco Rabanne Chrome Choker

1960's Paco Rabanne, Paris chrome plated star choker with domed centre piece that featured in his signature chainmail dresses from the same era:

SOLD

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Rare 60's Pottery Vase by Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby Sweden

Mari Simmulson (1911 - 2000) pictured above with the same vase. 

Extremely rare signed Upsala Ekeby pottery vase by Mari Simmulson, 15 cms in height, the image bears a strong resemblance to the artist. Out of Stock

Post Modern Memphis Style Vase by Michael Duvall

1980's Post Modern Memphis style vase by Michael Duvall, 28 cms in height. Out of stock

Other examples of Duvall's work:

Vase - V & A Museum

Teapot - private collection

Vase - The 80's Gallery

Ornament by Michael and Rita Duvall - The 80's Gallery

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1950's Leopold Anzengruber Austria Nubian Bust Model No 36

1950's Leopold Anzengruber Austria earthenware Nubian bust  with brass earrings, the finish is so expertly executed that it resembles a bronze, 25 cms in height, weight 1.5 kg. 

Out of stock

Creating An Art Deco Garden

Serralves Museum & Foundation, Porto, Portugal

Art Deco garden urns and bird bath

About ten years ago I was on the quest to find out more on Art Deco garden design and came up with very little inspiration on the internet. I was fortunate to correspond with the Art Deco Trust of Napier, New Zealand and they sent me information and the booklet featured above, the booklet can be ordered via the link: trust@artdeconapier.com or visit www.deconapier.com. 

Here are some tips for designing an Art Deco garden:

Layout: In its most extreme form, the Art Deco garden was simply lawn and evergreen shrubs. In general, the garden should be formal rather than natural, severe rather than fussy.

Planting: Hard-edged evergreen shrubs are most appropriate, as well as being compact and attractive all year. Topiary trees are ideal for the setting. Low flowering plants, in bright colours, that can be planted in straight or curved lines or in massed areas are appropriate. Examples are impatiens, marigolds, calendulas, petunias, anenomes and lobelia. Evergreen ground covers such as clipped ivy is also suitable.

Paving: Regular, evenly coloured paving slabs or tiles are best for paving or courtyards. 

Water features were popular and should be in the form of formal, rectangular or perfectly round pools, edged with tiles or cut slabs, not natural stone. Use square or stepped corners. 

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Lesotho Woven Mohair Wall Tapestry

Kingdom of Lesotho Mohair wall tapestry with intricate details of village life with the Maloti mountain range in the background and figures on Basotho ponies wearing traditional blankets and hats. The tapestry measures 121 x 108 cm (including fringe and tabs) and is mounted on wooden spear, a really heavy piece which must have taken many hours to complete, one of the nicest I have seen. 

Retro National Desk Fan

 Vintage/Retro National Desk fan, powerful blast,  30 cms x 25 cms, 

Denby 'Cheviot' Vase by Glyn Colledge

1950's Denby Cheviot vase by Glyn Colledge, 42 cm in height, mint condition and signed! According to an article in BBC Homes & Antiques by Natasha Goodfellow 'Cheviot Ware, designed by Glyn Colledge is now perhaps Denby's most covetable range. Only around 160 Cheviot vases were made'.

Image from the book 'Denby Pottery 1890 - 1997' Hopwood

Not for sale

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Riihimaen Lasi Oy Vase by Tamara Aladin Finland - Design Number 1376

Two available: Riihimaen Lasi Oy glass vase by Tamara Aladin, Finland, circa 1970, 25 cms in height

Signed Victorian Cameo Pendant

Magnificent signed cameo pendant featuring the Roman goddess Flora set in gold rim with Greek key design and inner rope decoration, not marked but the loop is 9 ct gold, 4.8 cms deep, 3.2 cms wide.

Out of stock

        

1920's Ooloo & Bonzo Ceramic Containers

German porcelain 'Bonzo' tobacco jar by George Studdy marked with number 8360 

Ooloo 14.5 cms in height by approx 10 cms wide marked with number 7588 

1920's German porcelain 'Ooloo and Bonzo' lidded containers from the cartoon series created by George Studdy, . 

Out of stock

                                      

John Biccard Figurines

A rare vintage blank greeting card by John Biccard featuring Magus the camel, 16 x 11 cms 

Amusing vintage John Biccard laminated print 'Ape to Cairo' with Table Mountain in the background, 20 x 27 cms 

John Biccard 'Pablo' figurine 

I purchased my first John Biccard figurine in Cape Town in the early 90's, it was Lawrence of Arabia in the form of a camel's head wearing an Arab headdress, it came with a very witty story about this certain camel and I have treasured it ever since:

John Biccard Lawrence of Arabia bust

John Biccard Lawrence of Arabia resting 

 The Biccard Collection figurines  are made of bonded marble. I found Pablo at a market, he is a shepherd boy and one of the earlier characters produced by Biccard Studio (closed 1999), I am told he has now become the main character 'Pablo' in Biccard's new ebook 'Chessablanca' now available on Amazon. Visit www.johnbiccard.com to view images of his work. 'John Biccard has retired to the Karoo ' to live a contemplative life - steeped in the mysteries - reading, writing, gardening and communing with my horses'. Contrary to the myth, John Biccard is still alive, Biccard is not his surname but the name he uses as an artist.