Irezumi Placesetting by Paul Timman – After graduating from the Cleveland Institute for Art, Paul began tattooing out of his apartment. Word got out and eventually, Paul ended up in Hollywood at the renown Sunset Strip Tattoo. Ten years later Timman is a leading tattoo artist and recognized specialist in tribal and traditional Japanese designs. In Irezumi, tattoo moves from body art to table art in a surprisingly graceful way.
Among the far-sighted Danish architect Verner Panton’s most renowned works is the graphic pattern from 1960, “Geometry 1”, for which he was awarded The International Design Award in the US in 1963. Now, almost 50 years later, the stringent yet lively pattern is virtually more popular now than during the height of Panton’s popularity in the 1960s.
The Panton Geometry serving tray has a 15.7″ diameter. It is made of melamine. On Sale @ EmmoHome.
French Bull produces bold, pop-art melamine tableware at really reasonable prices. Shown here is the Spledida Dinner Plate in a bright, graphic pattern. At $11 each, its hard to beat. The line also features salad plates, trays, bowls, cups and serving pieces. Great as a gift for yourself, or someone else.
Condiment Gun available through Mxyplyzyk, New York.
Always tough to figure out what to get for your mom – but look at these soothing options. Alma Fortune Cups inspired by the Turkish tradition of Tasseography (coffee forturne telling), Opera Porcelain with its softly curved forms (just like mom), Kyros Cup & Plate perfect for an afternoon tea and snack. For tea-drinkers, Morehouse Double Walled Glass (shown with a Tea Forte Silken Tea Infuser) and the illicit looking Tea Stick from Blomus: fill with tea, set in a cup of hot water and let the tea steep perfectly. Want to know where to get these great gifts? Click on the image and we’ll take you there.
Elix Vase by Pol Quadens for Ovo Design intertwines the flower stems with the unfolding spiral form of the vase to create a dynamic whole. Even without flowers, Elix takes on a pleasing sculptural quality. Quadens chose to fabricate Elix in Corian because it can be transformed into almost any shape and for its pleasing tactile quality.
Belgian Pol Quadens has designed furniture, watches, shoes and interior spaces. His exploration of composite materials has led to notable designs such as an ultralight carbon fiber chair and a “heel-less” shoe.
Flower Loop by Black + Blum was reportedly inspired by the Fibonacci Curve, you know that series of numbers that accounts for so many of the spiraling shapes that occur in nature… Well, in any case, the vase is pretty and simple. Executed in free flowing wire with a chromed finish, the vase is equipped with a water tube that is concealed inside. Consider linking several Flower Loops together for a greater impact.
London based Black + Blum is an Anglo-Swiss design consultancy that ventured out to develop their own product line. Seems is was a good decision as their modern accessories line continues to grow.
Available through Emmo Home @ $36.00 each.
This is not your average bunch of daises. Oopsa Daisies are graphic depictions of the real thing but supersized. A group of six flowers, the heighest measuring 45″. Available in a selection of colors, about $86 for the set.
Ring in the new year by raising a new glass – and make sure its worth raising. Here are some we like, starting with the Inside Out Series by Alissa Melk-Teichroew. The idea of iconic forms like the martini glass and champagne flute are turned inside out, encasing the form. The double wall of the glass keeps your drink ice cold and the interior shape is unveiled as its being filled. Both available at Stitch Chicago.
The Float Collection by Molo suspend the champagne in an elegant but minimal form. The enitre collection is available through twentieth, Los Angeles.
Finally, the Aarne Glass Collection by one of the pioneers of the Finnish glass tradition, Goran Hongell. Aarne is mouth blown glassware which was awareded a gold medal at the 1954 Milan Triennale and is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The Aarne Champagne is a great way to ring in 2010.
You already know you’ve waited too long… but there are a few items you may be able to pick up locally (depending on where you live!) or get shipped out by tomorrow.
I love recommending things that I have already road tested – I gave these Cone Candles as Christmas gifts to some friends. They are substantial, free standing candles available in many colors. I gave the metallic version which are very pretty in a strong sort of way. The 12.5″ candles are about $20 pair or $86 for eight. They look really nice in numbers. Metallics are slightly more expensive.
Your eco-friends will love this Apero Bamboo Plate by Ekobo. The food safe plate/platter is made in Vietnam by Fair Trade artisanal communities. A feel good gift all around. About $25 each.
Ice Orb by Fusion Brand – you can freeze the cubes in this vertical ice tray and then store 51 cubes in the removable inner bucket. Great new shape for ice in your favorite beverage. $15.