Untitled, maker unknown

Lisu Necklace

Untitled, maker unknown

Bracelet from India

Maker unknown, 19th-20th century

Miao neckpiece from Guizhou Province, China

Untitled, maker unknown

Neckpiece from Gujarat, India

Untitled, maker unknown

Miao necklaces from China

Untitled, maker unknown

Miao necklaces from China (detail)

THE WAY TO MY HEART

Holy Moly.

I have totally been hiding away, working, working, working. No complaints here....I love what I do. BUT, I also love frolicking around in beautiful 75 degree weather!

That being said, when things calm dawn, I have to make it to make it to the Museum of Art and Design to see their Portable Treasuries show. Jewelry collectors, Daniel and Serga Nadler have lent part of their extensive silver collection to the museum. The pieces stem from North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia...and they are absolutely TO DIE FOR.

Just check out those beauts above. I'm drooling.

And check out the show...it's up until August 8.

INCA GOLD

To the ancient Incas, gold was considered to be the "sweat of the sun". Silver, "the tears of the moon"...

Helmet made by Felippo Negroli (Milan, Italy), 1543

Made from one plate of steel. The mermaid that lays on her back is actually holding Medusa's head by her hair.

Helmet (Paris, France), 1555

One both sides are embossed battle scenes (Lapiths vs. Centaurs). Probably made for Henry II. 

Armor made by Drouar (Paris, France) 1712

Get this: This armor is said to have been made for the Infante Luis (the first Spanish-born Bourban heir to the Spanish throne) when he was 5 years old!! Can you imagine a 5-year-old holding this thing up? It must weigh a ton!

Helmet (Iran), late 15th century

A helmet shaped like a turban, this piece is made of iron and silver. It passed into Turkish possession as booty with the Ottoman conquest of Iran. It's so interesting – the difference between this helmet and the others. I love its shape and floral pattern (what a dainty detail for a helmet, don't you think??)

Spur (France or Spain), circa 1400

A sign of societal status, the golden spur distinguished riders from those of lesser rank. It's quite beautiful with its checkered pattern. 

MET / ARMS & ARMOR

My favorite part of the MET is their Arms and Armor section, and the funny thing is, I didn't even know that part of the permanent collection even existed until last year. When I did find it, it literally took my breath away. 

The level of detail, craftsmanship and perfection is out-of-this-world. Each piece, regardless of origin, is incredibly ornate. Impending death is like a regal summons...in the way that these warriors would dress themselves for battle. You can almost imaging the clanging and clinking as the rider mounts his horse. So immense and heavy, and yet incredibly elegant.

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S STAINED GLASS

Lava Flow (top) and Space Walk Mobile (bottom) by Gary Ruvo.

Check out these beautiful stained glass mobiles! Cool and modern...a bit Alexander Calder-esque, no?

I love the simplicity, the shapes, the translucent nature of them. Imagine the shadows they would cast if placed near a sunny window? Love them!

Check out more of his work here.

I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU...

I came across this image today while researching ancient Etruscan art for a project I'm working on.

Drooling, aren't you?

It's a gold fibula that dates all the way back to the 7th century BC. Five lions, their style inspired by the Orient, adorn the center of it. They're framed by two bands of interlocking patterns.

Pretty ostentatious. And pretty fabulous.

This particular one is housed in the Vatican Museums in Rome, but the next time you're at the MET, check out their collection of ancient metalwork and jewelry. It's super-extensive...and SO inspiring.

LIESBET BUSSCHE / URBAN JEWELRY

Meet Claes Oldenburg, 2.0.

Belgian artist, Liesbet Bussche creates oversized jewelry and incorporates them into city-scapes and street fixtures.

Post earrings made of concrete boulders, necklace clasps made of sand....what other-worldly giant Barbies could have left them here??

Her playful sculptures can be seen on the streets of Amsterdam. If you happen to be traveling there, her work will be on display as part of the What's New exhibit at Galerie Sofie Lachaert until November 8, 2009.

Here's another favorite:

(detail)

Check out more here.

SIDEWALK FINDINGS: WILLIAMSBURG EDITION

Last night, in an attempt to soak up one of the last remaining summer nights, I joined a few friends for dinner at the new Caracas restaurant that opened up in Williamsburg.

On the walk over, we passed a striking window display that immediately caught our attention.

It contained Amy Von Harrington's collection of copper molds, that as a whole, created quite an image. We had to stop for a few minutes, and found ourselves dissecting each mold, and trying to figure out which was each of our favorites (I was torn between one of the large roosters and the pineapple).

There were some pretty great ones in there: a lounging cat, a Victorian-esque house, a patch of mushrooms, various lobster claws...

On such a dark and empty street, to happen upon a display that drew us in with its golden-bronzy glowiness...what an unexpected treat!