My last one became somewhat of an obsession. I was determined to find a small white Pollo vase by Tapio Wirkkala. Some of you are thinking, "What's the big deal? Those turn up all the time." And you're right. They do. But I wanted to find one on eBay or Etsy (because I don't have the patience for estate sales or thrift stores), and I wanted to find one in perfect condition for under $50 (a number I pulled out of thin air). That made the quest a little more challenging, but I finally found one, which is now sitting pretty on a shelf in my bathroom, along with a Kingfisher, also by Wirkkala, and a beautiful glass bird that looks very much like a Dino Martens piece...although I haven't been able to verify that yet.
What does someone who is slightly obsessive do when there's nothing to obsess about? That's simple. She turns to her friends, who helpfully point out new and more elusive items to chase. This time, the wonderful Pippa of Ouch Flower put me onto my newest pursuit: an Arabia of Finland ceramic bird by Howard Smith.
Make that two birds. I want one in white, as well as one in black. And I want them for considerably less than $200+, which seems to be the going price these days.
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| White bird by Howard Smith for Arabia of Finland ebay.com - vital_forms |
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| Black bird by Howard Smith for Arabia of Finland modcats.com |
These come in different colors and different poses, but the forward-looking black and white ones, which stand 8.5" tall and 9" long, are what I want...although I have to admit that some of the others are delightful.
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| laatutavara.com |
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| laatutavara.com |
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| ebay.com - walkingtan |
So let the hunt begin! It may take a while, but someday two of these birds will join my growing collection.
Those birds are so cute! You should try and collect the whole lot! The coloured ones are too gorgeous. Can you believe my mother has two Pollo vases in perfect condition? The teeter on some books in a cupboard of hers, I'm too scared to ask her for them. I love them. I also love her Villeroy & Bosch Acapulco Dinner Set. Sometimes it's too much. Find those birds, dammit.
ReplyDeleteOh, trust me, the search is truly on! And, OMG, the colors on the Acapulco!!! The birds!!! The flowers!!! How do you keep from smuggling a few pieces home every time you visit? Or coach the SGDs to talk about how much THEY like the dishes and the Pollos. Speaking as a grandmother, I can tell you that I adore my daughter...but I'd give up the goods faster for my grandkids.
DeleteLove the white bird. Arabia never got it wrong in what they released really did they...no matter the designer.
ReplyDeleteSo right...never a misstep. Of course, the birds made me search for more about Howard Smith, and I'll have a post about him tomorrow.
DeleteOH NO!!! Now I have a new obsession. That white bird just stole my heart. I can't say that I've ever seen these so I'm so happy you're on the hunt. I'm dying for us BOTH to get one. I have a weakness for birds. They're so 'tweet'! Good luck, Dana.
ReplyDeleteStacey, you haven't seen the half of it. Howard Smith is AMAZING!!!!! I'm doing a post about him tomorrow, and you won't believe what a versatile artist he is.
DeleteI think black bird and white bird should go together.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do too. I won't be satisfied till I have them side by side on a shelf in my house.
DeleteThese are absolutely gorgeous, I love the organic round shapes.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to check back tomorrow for my post on Smith. I think you'll love his other work as well.
DeleteLove these -- will be on the lookout for you (and me!).
ReplyDeleteThere are some on eBay right now...if we wanted to pay over $200 for each one!!!
DeleteThank for this post. I was able to identify a bird textile wall hanging I found a garage sale. It is a Howard Smith. Unfortunately I am missing the 2nd panel.
ReplyDeleteLucky you to have found one of his wall hangings at a garage sale! I hope you find the other panel on eBay or Etsy now that you know how to search for it.
DeleteLooking forward for your post tomorrow
ReplyDeleteIt was actually today's post. For some reason, yesterday's and today's showed up on the feed at the same time. Weird!
DeleteNow I'm mad for Howard Smith. Look forward to the story on him tomorrow. Also love the Toikka birds. I live in Ft. Worth and have been in your store in Dallas a few times. I actually use your furniture refinisher on my heywake furniture. At least I think you use him. Hank? Anyway - I'm really enjoying the blog. Thanks for the daily diversion.
ReplyDeleteI've definitely found a new obsession in Howard Smith too. I hope you saw the post I did today about his other work. I'm glad you've been to the store and are enjoying the blog...and, yes, Hank does a lot of our refinishing work.
DeleteOh I love these Dana but must say I'm particularly drawn to the green one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words; you are dear, and goodhearted...someone I truly value.
I think that's my next favorite one. That's such a sweet pose.
DeleteBlack and white definitely the pick of the colours in my opinion Dana. They are sweet and very charming.
ReplyDeleteThey have such sweet faces...and almost have a personality.
DeleteCongratulations on finding the Pollo, Dana!! I'm so glad to hear your patience paid off!! Maybe my crossed fingers had something to do with it:-) Guess not, but I was certainly hoping to hear just these news:-)
ReplyDeleteI'm doing some catching up on my favorite blogs this evening, it's been crazy busy lately, and I'm sooo behind... Seem to have lost my blogging mojo too, hopefully it will return. Anyway- I LOVE this new crush of yours!! I agree, the black and white one are gorgeous!! I sooo hope you find the pair! I've never seen these before, but I guess it's no surprise that i love them too:-)
We do seem to like many of the same things, don't we? :)
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