Astounding Squash Blossom

This stunning sterling silver and coral necklace was crafted by skilled Navajo silversmith, Fatoya Yazzie, renown for her contemporary take on traditional designs. 

This style of necklace is known as "squash blossom," named after the decorations dangling from the sides. Although the squash is an important crop for Southwestern tribes, the Navajo word for these designs means "bead that spreads out." The name "squash blossom" may be the result of a  mistranslation or misunderstanding, but this style of bead has been created by Navajo silversmiths since the late 1800s and the "squash blossom" name appears to have been around almost as long. Some think the squash blossom design is actually a representation of the crown-like tip of a pomegranate, a design element often found in early Spanish clothing and jewelry. The red coral was introduced to Native American silversmiths by European traders. 

The crescent-like pendant is known as a "naja." It originated in Moorish Spain as an amulet to ward off evil and the design is believed to have been brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors. 

The back of the naja is stamped "Sterling" and with the artisan's initials, "FY."

 All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New but things can sell quickly!

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Hail! Fairy Queen. . .

adorn'd with flowers,

Attended by the smiling hours,

'Tis thine to dress the rosy bowers

In colours gay

"The Return of May," Felicia Dorothea Browne, 1808

This enchanting fairy, framed by delicate flowers, foliage, and flittering butterflies, is an example of elegant enameled glassware that became popular in the late 1800s. Against the soft rosy background of cranberry glass, an artist skillfully painted layers of white enamel, creating the effect of a carved cameo. In fact this style of enameled glass was produced to compete with the more costly cameo glass. Cameo glass was typically made of two fused layers of glass, a lighter (usually white) outer layer over a contrasting darker shell; the piece was then cut and etched to create a cameo-like design. 

The subtle shading and layering gives the images a three-dimensional effect. 

Underneath, the vase is faintly acid-etched "FLORENTINE ART CAMEO." This was one of the lines registered by Lazarus and Rosenfeld, a British company that specialized in high-end glassware, china, and pottery. In 1883, they established their glass refinery in Kamenické Šenov in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic).  The refinery ceased operations in 1934.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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Mission Accomplished. . .

. . . is certainly what the proud future owner of this magnificent mission settee set would say when this outstanding oak furniture comes to grace his or her home. 

Dating from the 1910s, these beautifully crafted chairs and matching settee are done in American mission style. The American mission style, although referencing the missions of colonial California, actually evolved from the Arts and Crafts movement. Beginning in Britain in the 1890s, the movement  was a reaction against the over-ornamented and faux-historical style popular in Victorian England, advocating instead for balanced and unembellished designs crafted from natural materials. The American mission style is known for its solid and sturdy furniture, with simple lines and fine craftsmanship that underscores the natural beauty of the wood, typically oak. The unpretentious and understated style fits well with any decor from traditional to minimalist to mid-century modern. 

The set is attributed to the Michigan Chair Company, founded in 1890 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company came to produce chairs and accompanying occasional pieces in a wide variety of styles and woods. It first introduced a line of mission chairs as early as 1898, but by 1909 began creating more period revival and ornamented designs, such as Colonial, Elizabethan, Chippendale, and French. The company is still in business, although it has not produced furniture since 1970, instead offering custom solid hardwood steam bending.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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