While not as famous as Josiah Wedgwood, Elijah Mayer porcelain was among the best produced in the late 18th Century in England. His particular specialty was so-called basalt or Egyptian black porcelain, and this coffee pot is a striking example. The carved relief striping is what I really like about this piece, but the spout is also interesting to me. It almost looks Art Nouveau in style because of the sharp, angular shape juxtaposed with the curly leaves at the base. Available at Leo Kaplan in New York.
Few design houses can compete with the reputation of the legendary Maison Jansen. For the century they were in business, this firm set the look for royal palaces and government residences, most notably the White House during the JFK administration. Even more incredible is that they had a global business at the turn of the 20th century, with projects across Europe, the Middle East, South America, and elsewhere, way before international travel was the common practice we think of today. What it must have been like to work for such a company! Available through Caira Mandaglio in London.
A hanging mobile is an unconventional but inspired way to add some modern, mid-century style to a room. Invented and popularized during the 1930s through 1960s by the sculptor and artist, Alexander Calder, whose iconic creations can now fetch millions of dollars at auction, today mobiles are available in a wide range of styles and at prices that are affordable to everyone. In fact, Calder’s current auction record was set in 2014, when a seven foot piece titled Flying Fish sold for nearly $26 million dollars!
Hanging Mobiles are Kinetic Sculptures
When Calder invented the hanging mobile, he envisioned it as a kind of moving piece of sculpture, which is a fascinating idea if you think about it. For thousands and thousands of years sculptors had worked and created masterpieces, but not one of them thought about creating a sculpture that could move. And I think the movement of a mobile is a beautiful and calming thing because it isn’t mechanized; it’s just a the mercy of whatever natural breeze happens to touch it. So unlike other pieces of moving art, it’s not annoying or distracting, but rather soothing.
Hanging Mobiles Look Best in Modern Style Homes
While hanging mobiles are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and shapes today, most have a modern feel to them, and therefore look best in a modern environment. Hanging mobiles also look best in modern style homes because they typically add a touch of bold and bright color to otherwise stark and clean looks. For example, in the pictures below you can see how a hanging mobile can fill a large airy space without looking obtrusive; it adds a focus point and some color without removing that open, spacious feel.
Calder Style Hanging Mobiles
You can find a number of modern hanging mobiles in the style of their inventor, Alexander Calder from a number of places. There are a number of stores that specialize in selling hanging mobiles, such as Hanging Mobile Gallery, and Atomic Mobiles, and you can find lots of people selling handmade mobiles on Etsy as well.
Other Hanging Mobiles
Among some of my other favorite hanging mobiles are below:
The origami mobile has become a popular style of late and is available from Etsy.
And lastly, this hanging mobile in particular from Paul Marra Design is really fantastic, and offers a different look from Calder’s distinctive style.
