Michigan - Decorative Objects

Large C Jere coffee cup with stylized steam wafting from it. Any barista would be proud to own. With original string tag. Which reads Under direction of our studios master sculptor l...

This vintage mid century modern ceramic pottery bowl circa 1960 is beautifully handcrafted. The distinctive modernist design features accent holes, center rings, a pedestal base and ...

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY UNTITLED is an abstract blackened steel sculpture that has a continuous lively movement. The positioning of the heavy metal is suggestive of dance. There are similarities to the sculptors, Robert Sestok and Tony Smith, who both worked in bronze and painted steel with similar cut out pieces and abstract designs. Untitled has a joyous aura and its small size makes it a charming intimate piece. It might have been a maquette for a much larger piece. The design works in this 14" height as it would in a 14' height. There is a Letter of Certification that will accompany the sculpture. Tony Rosenthal (1914 - 2009) is best known for creating a staggering list of monumental public art sculptures. For over seven decades Tony Rosenthal created an arc of sculpture in a variety of sizes, styles and media, including wood, steel, bronze, brass, cement and aluminum. Every day millions see, enjoy and interact with art created by Rosenthal in cities around the world. In New York City alone, five Rosenthal public art sculptures have been beloved and visible 24/7 for over four decades, yet Rosenthal is not a household name. Art dealer Joseph K. Levene, told The New York Times, Tony Rosenthal "reminds me of a character actor. You know the face but not the name. With him, you know the art." Tony Rosenthal dedicated his life to creating art and actively created sculpture everyday in his Southampton, New York studio until he passed away at the age of 94, July 28, 2009. At nine Rosenthal learned the fundamentals of carving sculpture when his mother, an opera singer enrolled him in children's classes at the Art Institute of Chicago where he learned how to carve sculptures in soap. In 1936 Rosenthal earned a B.F.A. from the University of Michigan, and in 1952 became the first instructor of sculpture at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1950 Rosenthal was recipient of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s sculpture award; in 1967, Rosenthal received the outstanding achievement award from the University of Michigan and in 1963 a Ford Foundation Grant. 
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Rosenthal became studio assistant to Alexander Archipenko, the figurative master sculptor, casting bronzes in exchange for sculpture lessons; at night, Rosenthal taught evening classes in drawing and sculpture. In 1939, Rosenthal enrolled at Cranbrook Academy of Art, studying with Carl Milles, Cranbrook's sculptor in residence; there, Rosenthal forged friendships with husband and wife designers Charles Eames and Ray Eames and the sculptor Lilian Swann Saarinen the wife of architect, Eero Saarinen.   Decades later Rosenthal acknowledged his gratitude to Cranbrook by donating his archives to them. The Cranbrook Cube, 1984, a 90" painted aluminum cube is in the Cranbrook Museum collection. In 1942, Rosenthal was drafted into the U.S. Army; while stationed in Paris Rosenthal forged friendships with George Braque, Andre Derain, Le Corbusier and Constantin Brancusi, routinely organizing and accompanying groups of soldiers on studio visits. Through multiple visits to Brancusi's Paris studio, Rosenthal learned to create and forge metal sculpture...

For your consideration is a magnificent, stainless steel table sculpture, of a reclining nude woman, "Little Goddess," signed by Jerry Soble, dated 1998. In excellent condition. The ...

The ceramic charger is an example of the kind of work by which John Glick became so famous. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. It is signed by the artist and stamped with Plum Street Pottery on the verso. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery” (now a designated historic landmark in Farmington Hills, Michigan) studio opened around 1965 and closed in the summer of 2016. It was a private studio space for John and a number of his students and assistants. He believed his shapes evolved guided by forces apparently outside his control. This was instinctual, intellectual and due to his openness to change, fusing into what he thought was the most positive force behind a potter’s approach: evolution and growth. Some have called it inspiration. John was not only a major figure in the Detroit creative community, but in the ceramics world at large. According to Shelley Selim in her book on John, “John Glick: A Legacy in Clay” John remains: “one of the most recognizable names in the field of studio pottery – known for lecturing, publishing, and offering workshops widely – and his work has been featured in well over a hundred local, national and international exhibitions since he was a college student in the late 1950s.” Along with this John has mentored over thirty studio apprentices over five and a half decades, received numerous grants and awards for his work, and has been prolific, with an estimated 300,000 ceramic wares throughout the world. He received his Masters from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, working with Maija Grotell, a legendary and influential teacher. Grotell was noted for her deep interest in the human connection to nature’s rhythms and patters. These ideas often grounded her dialog with her students including Glick, affecting, a profund and lasting influence on his future work. This famous Art Academy was designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media) and Lauren Anais Hussey...

A Curtis Jere stag deer table sculpture. This wonderful mid century modern table sculpture features a beautiful stag in abstract motion, rising out of a circular marble base. The det...

Ceramic planter in bisque by Malcolm Leland Architectural Pottery USA Circa 1960's Bisque ceramic cylindrical form with rounded base, model LT-20 Stamped to interior 14 inch diamet...

We are very pleased to offer a modern, tessellated stone storage box attributed to Maitland Smith, circa the 1980s. This gorgeous box features a tessellated stone exterior with inlai...

A large recumbent cast iron greyhound attributed to J.W. Fiske Foundry, New York, circa late 19th century. Weathered black painted finish with underlayers showing through. Wear and ...

12.5" tall open mouth jar vase . Attributed to Blenko glass . No chips or cracks , some in the making inclusions visible in the images . Clean interior with no staining or mineral de...

Handcrafted in the late 19th century, this authentic Old Hickory basket features a classic woven hickory splint construction with sturdy bentwood supports and an arched handle. The w...

No matter the scope of your garden and landscape, urns are an opulent way to enhance your space. In the height of culture in the 19th century, there was no better way to portray luxu...

Large substanial thick walled Lucite fruit or center bow. Astrolite line produced by Ritts co. . Biomorphic shape brings to mind a wave crashing onto the shore

The "Untitled" abstract sculpture by Robert Sestok has a very deliberate aura of strength in its columnar shape. Upon closer inspection details emerge su...

This hand-decorated ceramic vase was produced in Torquay, England, and stands 10 inches tall with a classic ovoid form and slightly flared rim. The vase is finished in a rich cobalt-...

A unique hanging sculpture consisting of 4 interlocking squares set at random angles held in place with dowels. This piece was bought from mi...

This exquisite blue aurene bud vase from Steuben Glass Works, style #2556, was crafted during the remarkable era of Frederick Carder, between 1903 and 1932. Renowned for its stunning...

Elegant wood lined dresser box with hinged lid. Tessalated faux Horn exterior with brass trim. Interior is wood lined. Retains Maitland Smith label.

Beautifully grained rosewood trash can. Designed in Norway by Einar Barnes for P.S. Hegen.

This striking blue aurene bowl from Steuben Glass Works was crafted between 1903 and 1932, a period marked by the innovative vision of Frederick Carder. The bowl, shape #2851, showca...

We are very pleased to offer a modern pair of candlesticks by Dorothy Thorpe, circa the 1970s. These eye-catching sculptural candlesticks are crafted from beautiful Lucite and twisted for a structural display piece that is sure to make a statement. A stainless-steel finish collar at the end draws the eye, with or without candlelight. They hold standard size taper candles. A beautiful example of Thorpe’s work, this set of taper holders turns a dining table, mantel, or console table into a perfectly appointed display. Stainless steel is clean and polished, a few inclusions on both pieces consistent with age and wear of Lucite; overall, in good vintage condition and ready to be used for years to come. Please see all attached pictures. Single Candelabra: 7.75” W x 6.75” D x 6.75” H Double Candelabra...

Not sure how why or who. Detroit artist studio made large cast aluminum claw with sharp talons. Wonderfully eery and macabre. There is a drill bit cast...

Well executed and detailed tabletop welded and brazed Brutalist "Garden" sculpture by D. Pascoe.

fleurdetroit offers for your consideration, a pair of 19th century, English Regency period, lead urns with removable lids. Vase forms are heavily decorated with fluting and classical...

Vintage table top sculpture crafted in solid bronze affixed to a black lucite base. Body of sculpture features a thick brass circular shape that is cut and bent in opposing direction...

Nicely done stylized horse head sculpture in black lacquer . Sculpture sits on streamlined wood base trimmed in aluminum .

This one-of-a-kind modern ceramic suspension sculpture is hand-built in high-fired stoneware in Detroit and produced as a unique work in 2024. Structured through repetition and vertical alignment, the composition explores reflection, gravity, and architectural rhythm. Happening Circle is composed of 66 individually formed stoneware elements, mirror-finished in platinum glaze and suspended from six stainless steel cables. Each cable supports eleven ceramic forms, creating a disciplined vertical column that reads as both sculptural field and spatial intervention. The platinum glaze produces a highly reflective surface that shifts with ambient light, oscillating between metallic density and luminous sheen. The repetition of form establishes visual cadence while maintaining structural clarity. The work is neither wall-bound nor floor-based — it occupies vertical space as suspended architecture. At six feet in height, Happening Circle asserts presence without massing outward. It defines volume through alignment and reflection rather than bulk. Handcrafted in Detroit using a proprietary platinum glazing process. Signed and stamped by J Schatz...

Rare Vincent Price relic. This life mask was purchased following the production of Edward Scissor Hands in Los Angeles. It was kept in storage for decades. The owner is now ready to ...

Beautiful natural form polished Geode possibly rock crystal specimen bowl.

Interesting fun whimsical carved stone garden sculpture. Base measures: 12 x 9 at 6" tall.

Decorative lidded box by R&Y Augousti Paris France circa 1990s Circular shagreen box with a sunburst lid of bronze framed agate radial elements centered by a domed mosaic of abalon...

Organic stoneware vase by North Carolina ceramic artist Lynn Gault circa 1960s Rectilinear form with earth tone flame glaze pattern and various circular voids for ikebana style arra...

Gustavsberg Argenta was a series of stoneware objects designed by Wilhelm Kåge for the Gustavsberg pottery company in Sweden. Wilhelm Kåge (1889-1960) is one of the most well-known ...

Leather-bound wastepaper basket in the form of a book binding

Dimensions: 12.25W x 8.25D x 7.75H, In great condition.  

Set of 3 Concept Prototype Styling Models. 1/2 Scale. One is clay. One is unpainted wood One is painted wood. From a Detroit estate. Studio unknown.

A rare laminated bullseye bowl by Rude Osolnik Osolnik Originals USA 1984 Unusual turned form executed in laminated Baltic Birch plywood with bullseye detail Signed to underside 6...

We are very pleased to offer a pair of eye-catching candle holders by Rita Duvall, circa the 1980s, her work showcases her talent for combining form, color, and function in a unique ...

This plaster bust depicts a woman in the classical manner, her hair drawn back beneath a wrapped fillet into a high coiled chignon. She is draped in a mantle that crosses diagonally ...

Board not included. Interesting set of lead soldier type figures each hand painted and mounted on turned wood disc bases. Castle as the rook is the large...

The Tinder Box is a small exquisite porcelain figurine that shines like a jewel. The figures are carefully created in great detail with much attention paid to the clothes and their decorations, the crutch, the cat, etc. This porcelain was based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale of “The Tinder Box”. A soldier is returning from the wars one day when he meets a witch. She tells him that she can give him riches, if he will do a favor for her. There is a hole at the top of a nearby tree. If the soldier climbs the tree, the witch tells him, and slides down the inside of the hollow trunk...

Joseph Famulari for Austin Productions brings a refined sense of elegance to this sculptural group of egrets. Crafted in metal with a richly textured finish, the composition depicts ...

Eight geological specimen bowls in varying sizes.

Sculptural folk art desk accessory crafted from naturally shed deer antlers, mounted on a layered antler base. The composition features an integrated letter or card holder formed fro...

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY "Comitan" is a stoneware vessel, 1980s, with a handsome elongated neck and full-body. The surface has a rich warm patina with cryptic scratches, stripes and hatchings marking the body. This gorgeous piece is a perfect example of Conover's best work. Claude Conover was a ceramic sculpture artist described as falling within the styles of American, Modern and Contemporary Design. In 1983 he won The Cleveland Arts Prize competition in the visual arts for his bold and unique ceramic pieces that reflect strength of form and endurance unusual in the field. Using his own clay stoneware and mostly monochromatic colors, Conover decorated the surfaces with cryptic scratches, stripes and hatchings. Although decorative in intent, the indecipherable incised lines on his ceramics suggest some prehistoric unreadable script. The resultant works evoke a timeless monumentality reminiscent of ancient vessels whose utilitarian purpose is now lost to us. Within this limited repertoire, he produced beautiful, eternal works of art. Although Conover’s large impressive pots are his best work, he also made other forms, such as bowls, lamps, and ceramic animal sculpture. Conover was born in Pittsburgh and educated at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where a number of prominent artists also attended: Brian Michael Bendis, Marc...

No idea on origins or age of this piece . As an object the colors and the tall narrow form attracted me .

Curtis Jere (American, 1910-2008) jump rope. Bronze figure of a girl jumping rope. Signed "C. Jere" along the base Measure: 10.5" x 6" x 4".

Nicely constructed dresser box or trinket box . Walnut case with fitted interior .

Watercombe Lily Vase made in Toquay, England. Hand-painted ceramic vase with a green glazed body and lotus flower decoration in cream and yellow. Gently flared shape with a brown gla...

Rare largest example of the Marcel vase designed by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala Finland 1998 Biomorphic form with contrasting polished and frosted glass Etched signature to underside...

An Austrian Ebonized and Parcel Gilt Bracket Clock Late 18th/Early 19th Century Height 21 x width 11 x depth 5 1/2 inches. Property from the Collec...

New and hand made in Italy by Rina Menardi, this cup-form bowl or vase stands just under 11” tall and has a pale pistachio green glaze. Streamlined shape with thin, glazed porcelain ...

Rescued from a building in Detroit MI, this turn of the century plaque provides a grand embellishment in a manner that can’t be replicated. A truly ...

In the grand tradition of classical mythology, these four lead sculptures represent the original personifications of nature in all their seasonal aspects. Each figure has been creat...

The Ceramic Garden Planterette is an example of the kind of work by which John Glick became so famous. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. The piece is signed by Glick and stamped with the name of his studio: Plum Street Pottery on the verso. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery” (now a designated historic landmark in Farmington Hills, Michigan) studio opened around 1965 and closed in the summer of 2016. It was a private studio space for John and a number of his students and assistants. He believed his shapes evolved guided by forces apparently outside his control. This was instinctual, intellectual and due to his openness to change, fusing into what he thought was the most positive force behind a potter’s approach: evolution and growth. Some have called it inspiration. John was not only a major figure in the Detroit creative community, but in the ceramics world at large. According to Shelley Selim in her book on John, “John Glick: A Legacy in Clay” John remains: “one of the most recognizable names in the field of studio pottery – known for lecturing, publishing, and offering workshops widely – and his work has been featured in well over a hundred local, national and international exhibitions since he was a college student in the late 1950s.” Along with this John has mentored over thirty studio apprentices over five and a half decades, received numerous grants and awards for his work, and has been prolific, with an estimated 300,000 ceramic wares throughout the world. He received his Masters from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, working with Maija Grotell, a legendary and influential teacher. Grotell was noted for her deep interest in the human connection to nature’s rhythms and patters. These ideas often grounded her dialog with her students including Glick, affecting, a profund and lasting influence on his future work. This famous Art Academy was designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media) and Lauren Anais Hussey...

The 24 carat gilded owl was created by Professor Fritz Klee around 1920 for Hutschenreuther Porcelain. This beautifully crafted piece is unusual in that sur...

France has always been the pioneer of the European garden. These once functional olive jars eventually found their way to cascading gardens once retired, thus creating the iconic Fre...

Charming Handwoven Nantucket Style Basket

A rare and collectible example of Dutch Delftware craftsmanship, this tobacconist jar bears the inscription "St. Omer" within an ornate cobalt-blue cartouche framed by Baroque scroll...

19th century monumental English harvest basket, great at the foot of a bed or amazing coffee table.