Pick of the Week: Vintage Italian Brass Bar Cart

Vintage Italian Brass and Glass Bar Cart

 

 

 The impeccable condition of this bar cart makes it hard to believe that it's over half a century old. Circa 1940, Italian, with a perfect patina, this piece is irresistibly gorgeous. With two glass surfaces, there is plenty of room for everything. Each tray is removable. Happy Hour never looked so good!

Jean-Marc Fray Featured in the Austin American Statesman

Mixing OLD and NEW at Jean-Marc Fray...

By Michael Barnes

When Jean-Marc Fray was a studious boy growing up in the south of France, he found an almost Proustian refuge in his grandmother’s house, full of antiques and books.

“I’d curl up in her armoire and look at books and my uncle’s geology collection,” Fray says. “When it was too hot outside and I was supposed to be taking a nap, I would smell and touch and dream.”

That tactile love of finely crafted objects never faded. Now he shares the ardor with his American-born wife, Cynthia Flume Fray, and his younger brother, Jean-Noel Fray, as well as with hundreds of customers each year at Jean-Marc Fray Antiques and Decorative Arts on West Sixth Street....

Read full article here.

Art Deco Shines In Great Gatsby Remake

 

An opulent mansion, lavish parties, sequined dresses, a mysterious millionaire, beautiful women, and a scandal - all wrapped in the aura of The Roaring Twenties - come alive in the new film adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Baz Luhrmann's remake of the film already has the style conscious buzzing as a new sartorial inspiration prepares to launch on the big screen.

A character as iconic as the 1920's era itself, the wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby is played by the talented Leonardo Di Caprio. Secluded in his grand mansion, the furtive Gatsby throws nightly parties, with liquor flowing and guests fluttering around lavish interiors filled with Lalique style glass, sweeping stair cases, period furniture, and magnificent Art Deco pieces.

A screenshot from an intense scene of the film showcases not just the era's cutting edge fashion, but also a variety of high-end, high quality furniture; pieces that find their way into an interior design concept that successfully mixes vintage and antique furniture.

A single glimpse of the magnificent exterior of the Gatsby mansion, and one can easily imagine what extravagant treasures furnish its rooms and halls. Interior design in the 1920's gave birth to the Art Deco style. Forms are sophisticated and feature strong geometric designs. Exotic woods such as rosewood, teak, and mahogany were used. Many materials were used for detail, such as veneers, lacquers and high French polish, plastic, Lucite and metal.

French Art Deco Macassar Buffet attributed to Jules Leleu, French Vintage Lucite, Brass-Glass Cocktail Table

http://www.jeanmarcfray.com/products/view/3093

The clean lines of the Art Deco period furniture lend itself to integration with other, earlier styles - such as Louis Philippe or Louis XVI. Chairs of this period lean towards the Directoire or Restoration styles, with comfortable, deep seats, upholstered in fabrics or leather, sometimes entirely. Tables are round, oval or rectangular and many new table forms come into being such as the coffee table, tea table, and other small side tables.

The Art Deco era was characterized by opulence and a lavish lifestyle, for those who could afford it. Ever the gracious host, Gatsby's illustrious nightly parties spilled out of the grand halls of his home to his glistening pool and lush gardens. 

In the decades after the "war to end all wars," the world enjoyed an economic boom in the Roaring Twenties, followed by the Great Depression. The boom and bust took physical form in the great design trend of those decades: Art Deco. Even outside, Art Deco finds placement in terms of architecture and decor.

French Art Deco Period Jardinieres

French Pair of Terra Cotta Pots from Anduze

Set for a May 10th release, the anticipation for the film is as grand as the elusive Gatsby himself.
We can't wait!

Coco Chanel "Sheaf of Wheat" Side Tables

Pair of Coco Chanel "Sheaf of Wheat" End Tables

 

 In the golden age of fashion, when the Parisian couture houses reigned supreme, the surrealist painter, Salvador Dali, presented the legendary couturier, Coco Chanel with a gorgeous table for her Rue Cambon apartment. Today, the now classic "Sheaf of What" design is highly coveted by collectors worldwide. A pair of these luxurious tables are currently on display in our gallery, but surely, they won't be around for very long. Don't miss this opportunity to bring in a glamorous piece of history into your home.

REF TT113

French Art Deco Macassar Buffet attributed to Jules Leleu

French Art Deco Macassar Buffet attributed to Jules Leleu

 

 

At Jean-Marc Fray, we are passionate about antiques, curating only the best pieces with the highest level of craftmanship and decorative impact.  This spectacular Art Deco buffet is attributed to the iconic French furniture maker, Jules Leleu. In his day, Leleu designed the Grand Salon of the Ambassadors at the Society of Nations in Geneva and the French Embassies of several nations as well as the luxury ocean liners SS Ile de France and SS Normandie. This piece, unsigned, displays not only a skilled craftsmanship, but also his knowledge of the aesthetics of the Art Deco period. Built with stunning Macassar and burled elm, grand with lemonwood and mother-of-pearl floral inlay and giltbrass trim.

REF TT258

Enchanting Emerald: Pantone Picks 2013's Color of the Year

Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color has announced Emerald as their pick for 2013's Color of the Year. Emerald evokes a sense of sophistication and luxury. It is a color of elegance and beauty.

A great pop of color puts a touch of fun into any interior. Take a look at our own verdant selection:

Green Murano "Avventurina" Glass Bowl

This simple, yet exquisite hand blown glass bowl, with its shimmery,  metallic finish and 23 carat gold flecks in the "Avventurina" glass is a testament to the Italians' sophistication when it comes to glass blowing - your friends will be "green" with envy! REF TT226.

Gorgeous Pair of Murano Sea Green Glass Lamps

 

  This exceptional pair of handblown, Murano glass green lamps with avventurina gold flecks would grace any room. REF SS122

 

 

Hand Painted Fir Chest of Drawers from Spain

 

Hand painted from Spain, this incredible antique gem is oozing with Old World charm. A strong decorative statement, not to mention a much sought after collectible.  REF TT78

French Antique Brass and Marble Coffee Table

We love this French coffee table in gilt brass with a pietra verde marble top. Finely cast details, neoclassic lines, gorgeous green tones in the marble and beautifully patined gold finish makes this piece irresistable! REF TT27

 

 

Mixed Media on Panel by Marissa Starr

 

A wonderful mix of rich greens and luxurious gold hues comes together in "L.O.B." by Marissa Star. "L.O.B." is an original mixed media painting on panel with a high gloss resin finish. Absolutely beautiful!  REF MS18 

 

 

Three Tier Painted Metal Demilune Garden Shelf

 

Stack in style! This 3 tiered demilune shelf has a whimsical feel and looks great in GREEN!  

REF XX335  

Murano Glass "Torciglione" Chandelier

Italian Murano Glass "Torciglione" Chandelier

 

 

For a chandelier that is glamorous, striking, unique, and generously proportioned with an architectural twist, look no further! An incredible find! Seven tiers of twisted, "torciglione" pieces cascade from the sturdy structure. From every angle, the beautiful clear and opaline spirals surround every inch of the chandelier. Viewed directly from below, it is a whimsical scene of graceful Italian glass-making. Rewired to UL standards.

REF TT239

La Fete des Amoureux... February 14.

Only 3 More Days Until
 Valentine's Day!

Still searching for something special? 
A few ideas for all you romantics out there:

Maison Bagues Crystal and Bronze Chandelier

 

 

Set the mood for a romantic evening with the right lighting. This French crystal chandelier, with its flowers, beads and candlesticks will surely do the trick.

Maison Bagues Brass Bambou Bar Cart, c. 1940

Dinner for Two? Serve up something delicious on this beautiful bar cart!

Louis XVI hand carved armchairs, circa 1920.

His and hers armchairs, dramatically upholstered for love in red velvet.

Italian Vintage Brass Chiavari Chairs, circa 1950.

These delicate, gold chairs will add a touch of elegance and romance to any room...

Red-Orange Murano Glass bowl from Venice.

Need something to hold all those chocolates?
This seductive, Venetian glass bowl will be hard to resist!

Cerulean Bleu Murano Glass Vase.

Roses or tulips? Any flower would look fabulous in this vase, but even after the flowers have come and gone, this vase will continue to make your interior shine...

Hand Painted Venetian Vanity, circa 1900.

And last but certainly not least, we just couldn't resist suggesting this unbelievably romantic little desk or vanity from Venice. Your love letters will never be so inspired!


HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!