An Incredible Credenza!

The epitome of both Danish modern design and mid-century modern aesthetics, this beautiful vintage rosewood credenza is attributed to the Danish firm of Skovby Møbelfabrik. Danish modern design actually dates back to after WWI, emphasizing function and the beauty of form and natural woods over ornamentation. In the United States, beginning in the 1950s, the elegant simplicity of Danish modern furniture was a perfect fit with the mid-century modern movement, which also promoted the use of natural materials, the elimination of unnecessary embellishment, and an emphasis on craftsmanship and clean, uncluttered silhouettes. The 1960s saw in big boom in the incorporation of Danish modern furniture in American homes, but, by the end of the decade, changes in American consumer tastes and shopping habits resulted in it falling out of favor. However, once again consumers and collectors have come to appreciate the beauty and versatility of Danish modern furniture and vintage pieces as gorgeous as this example are in high demand.

Demonstrating the Danish modern focus on functionality, there are ample storage options. . .

. . . including these velvet-lined drawers. 

Skovby was founded in 1933 by cabinetmaker Thorvald Rasmussen, creating innovative, sustainable and functional furniture. As his work grew in popularity and the company expanded from a one-man workshop, he was joined by his son, Villy Rasmussen. Today, the family tradition continues under his grandsons,  Preben and Jørgen Rasmussen.

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

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Cool. . .

. . . is what you'll say when you see this attractive antique oak icebox.

For centuries humans have struggled with how to preserve food. Many foodstuffs could be smoked, dried, or fermented, but our ancestors understood that cold could keep meat, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables fresh. Storage could be as simple as immersing an item in a natural spring or as labor-intensive as digging a root cellar. Ice pits and wells lined with stone and filled with ice harvested from ponds and lakes were the earliest iceboxes. In the early 1800s, Frederick Tudor established the Tudor Ice Company, commercially harvesting ice during New England winters and shipping it as far away as Hong Kong and India.  Dubbed the "Ice King," Tudor insulated the ice with sawdust, a byproduct of the lumber industry, learned how to stack it like bricks to help preserve it during its journey, and built special insulated ice houses for storing the ice. By the mid-1800s, the machines for artificially creating ice were patented.

The availability of ice resulted in the creation of the home "icebox," typically lined with zinc or tin and adorned outside with wood. By the late 1800s, such iceboxes were standard kitchen appliances. Because the ice would eventually melt, homes had regular visits from ice men who delivered blocks of ice, some as heavy as 60 pounds. In 1927, General Electric introduced the first popular electric refrigerator and by the 1930s, iceboxes were becoming obsolete.

However, you could give this unique antique a second life. With its handsome oak exterior, it would make the most amazing cooler for drinks and adult libations, or, with a little ingenuity, it could be repurposed as a bar, storage unit, or even book shelf. 

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

 

Drop By. . .

. . .which is what you will want to do if you wish to view this unusual bit of barware. Although it may resemble an oil can, this sterling silver trinket by Tiffany and Company is not for the Tin Man who has everything, but instead is meant to meticulously measure out vermouth for making martinis. Although elegantly engraved "1875," this retired design dates from the 1960s.

The vintage vermouth dispenser comes with its original Tiffany box in the company's iconic blue. 

Underneath, it is stamped "Tiffany & Co. Sterling."

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

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Gig 'Em!

Previously on this blog we featured a rare 1937 Wedgwood commemorative plate featuring one of the buildings at the University of Texas at Austin campus. Now, from our trove, we present this vintage Wedgwood plate honoring UT's arch rival, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, better known as A&M. Appropriately colored maroon and white, the plate features the Academic Building, completed in 1912.

This plate was one of a 12-piece set of dinnerware depicting various landmarks of the A&M campus. Pinky L. Downs, a member of the A&M Board of Regents from 1923 to 1933, is credited with the idea of commissioning the plates (he is also said to have introduced the Aggie "Gig’em" hand sign). In 1935, the university held a contest between its landscape arts and architectural majors for the plates' design and the winner, Jack F. Doyle, was awarded $10 and a complete set of the original 12 Wedgwood plates. Two additional plates, featuring the All Faiths Chapel and the Memorial Student Center, were added in the 1950s.

The plate is stamped on the back with Wedgwood's mark and the mark of the importer. Most plates in this series also included a stamp on the back of an Aggie cadet standing at attention, but some, such as this one, are mysteriously missing this mark. 

The design around the rim depicts six shields, each representing one of the flags that flew over Texas, as well as prickly pear cactus, and, somewhat ironically,  longhorns.

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

An Astounding Still Life

This amazing art work is by Texas artist Stephen Kirk Richards. 

Richards is renown for his meticulously detailed realist paintings and his use of deep rich colors.  His works include still lifes, landscapes, portraits, and historical or literary images. 

The painting not only carries Richard's signature, but also has a copy of his biography on the back. 

 Richards was born in 1952 and currently resides in Amarillo.  He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of the Arts degrees at West Texas State University and studied with American painter Richard Lack.  He is one of the 24 artists in this country who is certified by the American Portrait Society and has exhibited throughout the country.  Richard's works have won numerous awards, including the: 1987 Lee M. Loeb Memorial Award for Excellence, 2011  Best of Show in the National Juried Biennial Exhibition at the Amarillo Museum of Art,  and the 2013 Goddess of Art Award in the first annual National Invitational Exhibition of the American Society of Traditional Artists in Scottsdale, Arizona.  He is an honorary member of the American Society of Traditional Artists and an honorary Living Master at the Art Renewal Center.  His works are included in many private and public collections and he has received numerous commissions.  

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

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