When I don't have time to go antiquing, one of my favorite things to do is a little virtual antiquing at http://www.1stdibs.com/, which everyone in the interior design blogosphere knows well. I was browsing the 1st dibs shop of Andrew Spindler when I saw this 19th century shadow box with bird's eggs. It is reminiscent of the 19th century bird's eggs prints that are so popular now. Andrew Spindler's shop in Essex, Massachusetts (about 40 minutes north of Boston) features unique antiques with artfully arranged window displays and a calming, uncluttered interior: neutral colors, a large collection of white ironstone, sisal carpeting, giltwood, and linen upholstery. One of these days, I may have the nerve to ask Mr. Spindler if I may take photos of his shop to show you more.
The shadow box with eggs inspired me to search 1stdibs.com for other egg-shaped, egg made, and eggcentric items I could find. The number of results were surprising and this is only a sample of what's available.
This may be my favorite of the group. It's a 19th century French iron heron stand from Linda Horn with an egg shaped topiary. I could picture this on my terrace, were it not for the price tag.
This is a wooden six-armed candelabra from Pat McGann. It's Italian early 20th century and features a large central egg-shaped wooden orb with tassels on each arm. This would be fun for a breakfast room if there were an electrified version.
Dior candelabra and urns of patinated metal and faux-ostrich egg motif. Mid 20th century France and stamped "Christian Dior". Available through Lebreton Interieurs. These are a little elaborate, but interesting conversation pieces nonetheless.
Arne Jacobsen 1960s egg chairs are widely available, but the rich carmel color of this one from 1stdibs Paris stands out from the rest.
Pretty carved alabaster night light also from 1st dibs Paris. French c1930.
Due to their shape and large size, ostrich eggs lend themselves quite well as lamps. This is a bronze ostrich egg lamp with a marble base and gilt bronze detailing, mid 20th century France. It's available through Boston designer Charles Spada's showroom, Antiques on Five, which is one of my favorites. Although the showroom is "to the trade only" and I'm not "in the business", it's always a treat to browse the website.
I gravitate to curious objects under glass cloches when visiting antiques shops. The objects are either too precious or too objectionable (think taxidermy) to touch. But, in this case, it's a delicate "Still Life with Eggs" from Vincent Mulford with blown glass eggs in a pressed glass compote.
Charming French 1900s egg shaped rusted iron chandelier with three arms available at Gris. Breakfast room material, for sure.
This 1950s Italian modernist chandelier is a too contemporary for my taste, but I appreciate the design. Featured at Van der Akker it's not an egg, but an "egg shaped satin finished glass light diffuser, surrounded by a black metal cage-like structure by Stilnovo, circa 1955". A card with the crib notes version of this description will be necessary for the eventual owner of this fixture.
A feminine, egg-shaped white quartz crystal lamp by Belvedere.
There are also a few far-out finds such as this cement egg jardinere from T.C. Donobedian. Some pretty white tulips would certainly help bring this down to earth.
Or, this interesting hand-crafted French 20th century ostrich egg chandelier. At $20,000, this is far-out indeed.
All images http://www.1stdibs.com/
