Michigan - Decorative Objects

A modernist stoneware glazed ceramic planter by Detroit artist John Glick of Plum Tree Pottery. Circa late 20th century. Glazed in earthtones. Artisisnal yet functional and makes a u...

A mid-century ceramic vase by celebrated Italian designer Marcello Fantoni, showcasing his signature fusion of sculptural form and richly tactile surface treatments. Sided 'Fantoni I...

Striking bronze sculpture of two ladies in the manner of Alberto Giacometti by Clemens Pasch 1910-1985

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

An iconic mid-century modern vase or vessel by Italian artist Marcello Fantoni. Leather encased ceramic vase with a modernist horse design. Circa 1950s. Marcello Fantoni (1915-2011) ...

Abstract bird form an original Kaija Aarikka desktop sculpture manufactured by Aarikka in Finland in 1970s. the purity of her lines is a unique design characteristic of Kaija Aarik...

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

Large Sky blue with silver accent and Murrine decoration Murano glass studio Art glass vase. Very high quality.

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 vintage ceramic bowl in a textured volcanic blue and green glaze made by Marcello Fantani for Raymor, Italy. Artist: Marcello Fantoni Distributor: Raymor Year: 1950s Origin: It...

Bulbous shape matte black vase with multi colored bands in gloss finish . Reminiscent Of Marilyn Kay Austin work for Architectural Pottery .

Vintage 1960s Mod OP art Lucite photo prism sculpture on rotating chrome base . Designed by Bob Cornell creations in very good condition. The photo frame advert brochure, describes...

Fun and nicely carved figure of a Tennis player. Up on his toes with racket high overhead . Hand carved in Italy late 1960s into the seventies . This is one of many carved figures de...

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 ...

Modernist bronze sculpture by St. Louis artist Mary Bolte circa 1950s Abstract depiction of two figures in lacquered solid bronze mounted to a wood base Signed and numbered 18/100 8...

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...

Large and impressive PAIR of seated pottery lion sculptures. These sculptures are of the highest quality. Dating to to mid 20th Century. Mid century modern at its finest.

Fun and nicely carved figure of a waiter server in white dinner jacket holding Chianti bottle and tray of beverages . Hand carved in Italy late 1960s into the seventies . This is one...

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...

A collection of four 19th century iron keys, great patina

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...

A modernist contemporary painted ceramic sculpture depicting a biomorphic face or mask-like form by Detroit artist Sergio De Giusti. A fascinating composition where the face seems t...

Four piece Japanese weed pot collection by Otagiri Mercantile Company Smallest measures: 3.25" H x 4.25" T. Largest is the details.

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 ...

Well executed minimal and brutalist torch cut sheetmetal on round stock welded steel frame.

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...

Exceptional Licio Zanetti monumental Murano glass decanter very heavy and sculptural. Would be a great centerpiece

A Maitland Smith tessellated stone triangle box. A gorgeous décor box from designers Maitland Smith. This small box is constructed with a series of beautif...

Extensive collection of 19th century leather bound books, priced per book, various colors, sizes, most with embossed gilt decoration. This is just a partial offering of what we have,...

Warren MacKenzie (1924 - 2018) is recognized as a true master of 20th Century ceramic art. Through his traditional wheel-thrown vessels, MacKenzie's pottery embodies strong influence...

Unique wire rod sculpture with asymmetrically placed " bow tie " enameled ornaments. Most likely by Jere at Artisan house. Rods do show patina. Some bent or t...

Dazzling mid-century silver tinsel tree- standing 70” to the top. Turning color wheel included, not original to the tree. Diameter is roughly 33” depending on how the removable branc...

Fun and nicely carved figure of a veterinarian with puppy patient up on pedestal . Hand carved in Italy late 1960s into the seventies . Gret detail . This is one of many carved figu...

Memphis style Constructivism aluminum desk clock by Nicolai Canett. Marked "Art time collection, Japan". Signed Canetti on base. Measures: 5" Diameter. x 11Height.

An Assembled Group of Seventeen Sitzendorf Porcelain Monkey Band Figures, Charming as a collection or themed dining table decoration. Priced per figure. Property from the Estate of Fred and Estelle Spector, Chicago, Illinois Fred Spector began violin lessons at the age of five with his uncle J.B. Mazur, concertmaster of the Czar’s Imperial Orchestra in Saint Petersburg. A lifelong Chicagoan, he attended Hyde Park High School and Chicago Musical College. He was a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for 47 years (1956 – 2003). He was actually hired into the CSO twice. The first time was in 1948 but the music director was fired shortly after he was hired, and the symphony did not honor any of the contracts of the recently hired musicians. Eight years later he was invited to audition again. At that point, he was conducting Top Banana...

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

Rare vase by Alvino Bagni for Bitossi and imported by Raymor Italy / USA circa 1960s Bulbous form with narrow neck in an earthy two tone glaze design Original label intact to unders...

Kenji Fujita design salt and pepper shakers. Pepper in matte black, salt in gloss white glaze. Student of Lagardo Tackett of Architectural Pottery . This set designed for Freeman Le...

Incredibly carved Jade birds with Lotus flowers. Artisan sculpted piece to take advantage of the Dark green portion of the Jade to to give definition...

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...

A stunning crystal glass piece designed by George Thompson for Steuben glass company. This 1953 item numbered 8063 features a wide, shallow bowl with a rippled glass base. This piece...

We are very pleased to offer a vintage, sleek, pair of polished stone bookends, circa the 1970s. This set is constructed of solid, heavy-weight marble and skillfully hand-cut and ha...

Matched pair of figural sculptures depicting hunting dogs carrying game, modeled with strong anatomical detail and expressive posture. Each sculpture is signed F. Pautrot on the bas...

A silver-clad table casket the domed hinge top centered with a paterae among foliate scrolls. apparently unmarked This has a golden patina. Height 7 1/2...

Italian Carved Wood and Polychrome Gilding Santos Figure H 29" W 13" Dept. Lovely patina and naturally worn finish.

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

Very nicely made and crafted boomerang or flying V-form hammered copper bowl.

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...

Geometric pieces of wood fitted together inside of laminate or plywood box.

Beautiful natural form polished Geode possibly rock crystal specimen bowl.

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

Charming Handwoven Nantucket Style Basket

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 ...

Great Holliday Gift. Handsome Exotic Wood Humidor With Fitted Interior, Polished Finish.

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...

Oversized sculptural pair of brass scissors In the style of Carl Aubock Circa 1950's Unique and decorative conversation piece crafted of solid brass and hinged at center A great fol...

Early 19th to mid 19th century Chinese, Iron, water bath. With the patina of decades, this cast-iron sarcophagus-shaped bath has its original handles and exudes a timeless floral dec...

A striking contemporary sculpture by Michigan artist Peter Davidson, created in Leelanau County and constructed from carefully selected natural stones and patinated mixed metals. The...

Renato Anatra Gymnast dancer sculpture Murano Art Glass Signed by the artist on the black applied base as shown.

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