Cool Stuff: Eva Zeisel Vases

As far as I'm concerned, you can never have enough white vases (and if you doubt me, you should come over and take a look at our china cabinet).

So when I spotted this expanse of pristine ivory porcelain with legendary designer Eva Zeisel's trademark graceful, sensual curves, I was instantly smitten.

The Eva Upright Vases are $55 to $140 each at Vivi.

Cool Stuff: Crate & Barrel Channels the Past

Housewares giant Crate & Barrel is looking to the past for some of its new tableware and accessory designs.

The company's new line of Classic Century Dinnerware (above, $10 to $268) is a resurrection of Eva Zeisel's highly collectible circa-1952 tableware designs, one of which I blogged here yesterday. (If you prefer the originals, there are plenty to be found on eBay and from retailers specializing in vintage goods.)

And the Rimini Vase, $60, and Decorative Bowl, $80, are two more reproduction midcentury offerings from Crate & Barrel. The pieces, first introduced in 1953, were designed by Italian icon Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche Artistiche and are still sought after by aficionados of midcentury pottery.

(Again, vintage versions abound in high-end secondhand stores and on eBay. Clockwise below is a sampling of Bitossi originals currently available on the auction site: Pitcher, horse, vase, bird, vase, raised bowl.)

eBay Find of the Day: Eva Zeisel Gravy Boat

OK, so most of us probably only serve gravy on Thanksgiving. But there's no reason that this lovely elliptical gravy boat by midcentury ceramics icon Eva Zeisel (still designing today at 101!) needs to stay shut up in the china cabinet the other 364 days of the year.

I'd enjoy it every day as a key- and loose change-catcher on an entry table, or as a place to hold jewelry on a dresser top or hair accessories in a bathroom. What would you use it for?

Current bid: $15. (Note: Crate & Barrel has just rolled out a reproduction of this classic serving piece that retails for $48.)