Two Heads are Better Than One. . .

. . . especially on this beautifully bizarre vintage bar or table featuring an exotic elephant who is literally two-faced.  From the American furniture firm of Hancock & Moore, this phenomenal pachyderm dates from the 1990s. 

The table top itself may be a replacement, but the original mounting hardware appears to be in place. The gilding also may be a previous owner's customization. However, this extraordinarily uncommon elephant table is a rare beast indeed and will appeal to any affictionado of the unique.

Hancock & Moore was founded in 1981 in North Carolina. Employing skilled craftspeople, the furniture is handmade and built to order, using high quality wood, upholstery, and leather. 

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

16151-1376

I'm For An. . .

 amphora as lovely as this one.

Although traditionalists might argue that an amphora is large double-handled vase used for storage in ancient Greece, to a collector of antique art nouveau, amphora instead refers to the delicate and detailed ceramic or terracotta art objects created in what was known as Bohemia from the late 1890s through the early 1900s. One company in this region marked its wares with the name "Amphora" and it has become a general descriptive term for the striking art nouveau vases, pitchers, ewers, bowls, and other decorative works from this era and area. This terracotta centerpiece bowl is indeed an amphora. 

Art nouveau was an artistic movement from the 1890s through 1910s that looked to nature for inspiration and is exemplified by undulating and sinuous lines, giving the feeling of movement. It was a reaction against staid academic art and the overdone and eclectic Victorian decor. Nubile nymphs, such as this luscious lass, barely clad in swirling robes and flowing tresses, were a frequent feature in art nouveau works. 

The piece is stamped "Stahlknetch" and with a model number. Waldemar Stahlknecht was a Germany factory specializing in terracotta and majolica during the amphora era.

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

16704-23

Extraordinary Epergne!

This glorious example of handblown glass is an epergne, an elaborate centerpiece that would beautify any banquet. The epergne first appeared in the early 1700s. Originally wrought of silver, the epergne featured a center basket or bowl from which radiated branches holding little bowls or baskets, all filled with fruit, sweets, and other treats. It is thought that epergne is derived from the French word "épargne" for "saving," perhaps because dinner guests could help themselves to a laden epergne situated on a sideboard, saving them the trouble of passing dishes. In the Victorian period, elaborate epergnes of brilliantly colored glass. like this stunning example, were used to display fragrant bouquets of fresh-cut flowers.

The rosy red glass is called "cranberry," a color especially favored by the Victorians. The rich red of cranberry glass, also known as gold ruby glass, is achieved by adding gold salts or colloidal gold to the molten glass. Because of the use of gold in its creation, cranberry glass was used primarily to create expensive glassware and ornaments. A piece as ornate as this epergne, with its extensive use of costly cranberry glass, served to display not only flowers, but also its owner's taste and class.

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

6179-936

 

Flower Power!

This treasure from our trove is a real blast from the past, a desk and dresser from the Drexel "Whimsy" line, introduced in 1969.

The flower-child inspired design features blossoms in bright yellows, red, and white against an orange background. Groovy!

Even the handles feature flowers.

Working at this delightful desk could almost make homework or paying bills fun. . . .

Each piece is stamped on the back "Whimsy - By - Drexel."

An advertisement from the time shows a bright bedroom decked out in this wonderful whimsical style. It assures the "Free Spirit" who wants her "Citadel" to "say something" with "zap" that this "flower-powered" furniture has a finish that will keep it as fresh as a daisy. The posy pun-filled ad promises that the furniture doesn't cost a "bunch" and invites customers to come see the "whole Blooming Thing."

Drexel Furniture Company was founded in 1903 in North Carolina. By 1950, it was a leading manufacturer in traditional and modern furniture, as well as furnishing for laboratories, dormitories,  hospitals, libraries, schools, hotels, and churches, with factories in North Carolina and South Carolina. However, in the 2010s, competition with overseas manufacturers began adversely affecting the American furniture industry and in 2018 Drexel filed for bankruptcy. The company was subsequently purchased by a Chinese-based furniture company.

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

16277-37, 16277-38