antique miniature cameo glass vase, art nouveau enamelled glass vase

The allure of the miniature

In praise of small things Whether you live in in an apartment or a chateau, small decorative antiques can have a big impact if chosen carefully and artfully displayed. And all the more so since maximalist decor has made a comeback. But why were these cherished miniatures made in the first place? Fit for a…

Kortrijk Flemish Art nouveau vase, Laigniel Belgium 1900

Flemish Art Nouveau pottery

Laigneil and Liberty Kortrijk, c1900. Available to buy Back in my London days, one of my pleasures was getting lost in Liberty’s, the famous olde worlde department store on Regent Street. No doubt if I’d been shopping there around 1900, I’d have seen colourful Flemish art pottery vases like this one, perhaps sharing space with…

lea stein rooster cockerel brooch vintage french designer jewellery

Lea Stein jewellery

Fantastic plastic : Lea Stein jewellery (1968 -) What’s Made In France, highly collectable and so good looking you don’t know whether to wear it or eat it?  Lea Stein jewellery never seems to go out of fashion. Ten things you mightn’t know … 1. Rhodoid sandwiches Lea Stein jewellery is made from a cellulose…

daum nancy cameo vase

The brilliance of Daum

The brilliance of Daum From Daum Nancy, through post-war Daum crystal, to today’s exquisite pâte-de-verre creations, Daum has become a legend in glass. But unlike other glass families such as Schneider or Legras, Daum’s founder, Jean Daum had zero experience of glass. In fact, he more or less fell into the business. A solicitor by…

mado jolain vase mid century french ceramist 1950s pottery jouve capron (1)

Mado Jolain – mid century ceramics for all seasons

Mado Jolain – a ceramist for all seasons This month, we couldn’t resist featuring this uncommonly stylish 1950s vase, which is currently available to buy. With its organic shape, elegant proportions and swirly, bubbly decor, it has pretty much all you could ask for in a vase by the French ceramist, Mado Jolain. The early…

jean langlade art nouveau vase glazed stoneware 1920 baluster french ceramist

A rare glazed stoneware vase by Jean Langlade

A rare stoneware vase by Jean Langlade Jean Langlade pottery is rare, so I’m delighted to be the custodian of this elegant vase… at least until it finds its next owner. Soft shades of blue, turquoise, ochre and pink meet and blend beautifully.  Tiny pinholes and a slightly granular aspect in places add an unconventional…