Handblown Glass Hanging Tea Light Candleholder

glass TeaLight holder

glass TeaLight

This beautiful, delicate handblown glass vessel was made to suspend a single, standard tea light candle in mid-air! Imagine its beauty if hung from the branch of a tree adjacent to a romantic table setting? It exudes beauty and grace, day or night! We have added a 24″ stainless steel wire rope hanger for effortless and rust-proof future use.

Contemporary Tea Light Candle Holder Sconce

Contemporary Tea Light Candle Holder Sconce

Contemporary Tea Light Candle Holder Sconce

This tea light candle sconce appears contemporary and arts and crafts simultaneously. It is both stylized and organic. The material of the candle holder looks like copper but we believe it is an applied finish because it has no patina. The organic portion is steel that looks like pewter which adds to its arts and crafts charm. It is lightweight and mounts with two screws which are included.

Measurements: 17″ tall x 16.5″ wide x 11.75″ deep

Vintage Cherry Wood Bourbon, Cognac or Brandy Snifters

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This beautifully proportioned and skillfully turned (1/8″) pair of snifters were a gift, from the early 80s, well intentioned, but never used. We now envision them being used to enjoy a Kentucky Bourbon, an aged Cognac, a Lambic beer, …. We presume the natural, unstained wood is Cherry. No finish finish to confuse your taste buds! They exude a rich glow reminiscent of the spirits associated with these vessels. The wide bottom design is classic, purposeful, allowing the imbiber to swirl, sniff, and enjoy the nuances of the bouquet. The round bowl creates a natural cup to encircle with one’s hand or hands. These would make a sophisticated, tasteful gift for a connoisseur of fine things.

Measurements: 5.25″ tall x 3.50 wide x 3.50 deep

Vintage Hawkeye Refrigerator Rattan Basket

Hawkeye Refrigerator Rattan Basket
Hawkeye Refrigerator Rattan Basket 2
Hawkeye Refrigerator Rattan Basket 4
Hawkeye Refrigerator Rattan Basket 3

Hawkeye Refrigerator Baskets were originally designed for “picnics, sportsters, travelers, automobilists, and office people.” They were made in the early 1900s, sold at hardware stores and sporting goods stores. An ad produced by the manufacturer describing the three sizes was dated 1906. This size 2 is the largest of the three sizes noted as, size 2, 1, and O. The body and movable handles are rattan with a stained finish. The removal of the cotton web buckle strap allows the sides of the stainless steel hinged lid to be folded up independently or the lid removed entirely. The inside has a non-rust metal liner and removable ice compartment. Our basket was further customized by the user to include a second removable ice compartment.The inclusion of the second ice or cold store compartment still provides an ample useable central section. There is no rust on the metal interior or inserts as shown in the photos. The original owner, G.D. Cremean, based in Lima, Ohio, “Hunter, Trader, & Trapper is identified on the lid of the basket. Ownership was clarified with hand lettering in black and gold paint, adjacent to the makers decal. The Hawkeye Basket Refrigerator logo is still legible aside “Patent Pending, Burlington 10 W.” The basket was purchased at an antique market in Ohio in the 90s and didn’t travel far from its origins. The basket could still be used for its original intention, mobile refrigeration, or better as a beautiful period display piece in a lodge, your rustic home or vacation cabin.

Measurements: 21″ long, 14″ tall and 10″ wide

Silver Chevron Memphis Inspired 80s Zig Zag Candlesticks

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Boring, endless research aside, we remain excited about this pair of one of a kind candlesticks. Their design is anything but boring! Originally purchased in the 80s, as designers, we recognize these as another example of works inspired by the international design movement referred to as Memphis. The group, comprised of industrial designers working chiefly in Milan, Italy included Ettore Sottssass, Matteo Thun, Peter Shire, George Sowden, Michele De Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Marco Zannini, … The influence of the then avante-garde design was also seen stateside. The playful geometry, including chevrons, or zig zags, and circles on these extraordinary candlesticks; a nod to modern or post modern design.

Believed to be solid sterling, unmarked by artist, designer, or maker, these candlesticks are beautiful, individually made, sand cast. While the patina from decades of storage was lovely, we chose to clean and polish them prior to photographing them. They have never been used for anything but display, obvious from the design and pristine condition of the candle holders.

Measurements: 8″ tall x 5″ wide x 2″ deep

Trade Beads as High Fashion Accessory

Ralph Lauren's 2013 Spring Collection ralph-lauren-rtw-ss2013-runway-04_142252375809 ralph-lauren-rtw-ss2013-runway-05_142253445084 ralph-lauren-rtw-ss2013-runway-10_142257863250 ralph-lauren-rtw-ss2013-runway-11_142258809450 ralph-lauren-rtw-ss2013-runway-13_142259861767 tradeBeads_b-8297 tradeBeads_b-8303 tradeBeads_b-8308 tradeBeads_b-8312 tradeBeads_b-8314 tradeBeads_b-8315

Spotted as accessories to Ralph Lauren’s colorful and wearable 2013 Spring Collection, loops and loops of vintage trade beads. Paired with ruffles, fringe, embroidery, serape inspired stripes, these and similar beads, like Lauren’s muses are no less traveled. The 2013 Spring Collection suggests Spain and Latin America and Lauren’s jodphurs, bolero vests, draped scarves, tilted berets and brimmed hats are re-imagined in colors that exude intensity and passion.

These vintage bohemian, or trade beads, were purchased from a group of modern day African traders from Mali and Ghana. Produced originally by Venetians known for their glass wares, they were imported by companies in Germany, Holland, and England then traded in Africa and the Americas. The height of what is referred to as the “trade” period was from the mid 1800s through the early 1900s. Millions of beads were made during that time utilizing various raw materials; metals and minerals. The sizes and shapes ranged from the traditional rounded to tubular, hexagonal, and unique globular and even claw like profiles.

Worn on the runway, in conjunction with a matador’s bolero vest, a poet’s blouse, or a chiffon dress, trade beads project a statement not unlike the image of this and previous Ralph Lauren collections and the women who wear them; well adorned and well traveled.

Curious where to find African trade beads? We have listed two strands at Ephemerascenti at Etsy. Please contact us regarding interest in other strands shown.

vogue photo credits: Monica Feudi/Feudiguaineri.com

Karim Rashid for Nambe Studio Jimini Cream and Sugar Vessels

Nambe Jimini Cream and Sugar Vessels
Nambe Studio Jimini Cream and Sugar Vessels
Nambe Studio Jimini Cream and Sugar Vessels
Nambe Studio Jimini Cream and Sugar Vessels

International design star Karim Rashid knows few bounds. Industrial designer, graphic designer, interior designer, … his dna has effected brands and their products we live with and reach for daily. Samsung, Artemide, Alessi, Umbra, Method, as just a few. His influence on design is phenomenal, profound, his mark is recognizable, iconic.

Jimini, as this two piece cream and sugar duo (numbers 6107 and 6108) are known, was designed by Karim Rashid for Nambe Studio, in 1994, prior to his commission for Alessi. Made of the trademark Nambe alloy, food safe, easily cleaned, and maintained. Nambe is a foundry near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since 1951Nambe has been known for its sandcast, handcrafted and finished artisan process. No two pieces are exactly alike. They exude casual luxury with their trademark alloy finish and functionality.

The pieces are in very good to excellent vintage condition. Difficult to find, if not rare, they are highly collectible as Nambe coupled with Karim Rashid design affiliation.