What is it? A jar? An urn? I'm not sure. All I knew is that I had to have it. It appears to be covered in tessellated horn and possibly jade with brass inlay, oh my. The graphic pattern and rich colors are what drew me in initially. It is huge and extremely heavy. The checkout guy said, "It's probably from Pier 1." I thought most assuredly it is not! So, of course, I scurried home to do some research. I found not one single solitary piece that resembled my jar anywhere online. However, I did find some other tessellated pieces that look like they might be related . . .
These pieces are all attributed to Maitland-Smith and/or Karl Springer from the 70's or 80's. I believe Karl Springer designed pieces for Maitland Smith, but sometimes pieces are just attributed to the company and sometimes to him and sometimes to both. Confused much?
Anyway, what do you think? Could my big jar/urn/vase thing be a distant cousin to these precious pieces or is it simply a piece of Pier 1 junk (it's not, I just know it)?
In the end, it doesn't really matter. I just love it (even with its chipped pieces on the lid and a slight dent on one side). If it is an urn, I think you'll know where you'll find me when I leave this earth.
9 comments:
Bahahaha!
and no, it's not junk ;)
I love it.
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
You kill me.
If it were Pier One, you'd see glue gobs on the seams and half the pieces would have popped off by now.
I think you have a thoroughbred there.
Definitely not Pier 1....it looks way too cool to be Pier 1. Also, can totally relate by 'must. walk. slowly.'....i am always telling myself that when i'm in a design/thrift/antique store and i get so giddy b/c i found something i love!! Glad to know I'm not the only one that gets like that!
that right there is a good find lady.
My very first thought upon seeing your image was-
MAITLAND! It's awesome, regardless of its provenance.
And should you ever come across an abalone encrusted obelisk trimmed in brass, run, don't walk and promise you'll send it to me. ;0)
Does it say "Made in China or Indonesia" on the bottom? If not, then it's probably not Pier 1 :)
If it's that heavy..it is not Pier 1. I love it!
Either way, it's cool.
I love that mirror too.
Post a Comment