Artisans from ancient Egypt and the Inca Empire had it right when they used gold to produce their timeless masterpieces. And as the world continues to be fascinated by these cultural treasures, designers have taken a cue from their centuries-old predecessors in creating their own modern works of art.
Chirping with happiness
Anyone with a sweet tooth will claim to be returning for seconds, but it might just be for another peek at the Parchment Check Two Tier Sweet Stand instead. At $450, this handmade and hand-painted stand by MacKenzie-Childs comes with just a touch of aqua and will have you singing along to its little birdie’s song.
MacKenzie-Childs, 20 West 57th Street, New York 212.570.6050 :: mackenzie-childs.com
Modern Illumination
The contemporary upgrade of the classic candlestick has been a long time coming, and now the Cobra Large Floor Candleholder from Jorg Jansen has done so with a side of chic. Priced at $1,200, it has a striking silhouette and gorgeous coating of 24-karat gold that add a delightful ambiance to a candle’s flame.
Bloomingdale’s at Fashion Island, Newport Beach 949.729.6835 :: bloomingdales.com
Gold Luck Galore
The maneki-neko is also known as the Japanese lucky cat and brings prosperity and good fortune to its owners. While inexpensive ones are often found on display in the entrances of shops and businesses, this Maneki Neko Cat from Baccarat in gold, $415, is the perfect way to greet you and your family at home.
Baccarat, 800.215.1300 :: us.baccarat.com
Golden Dreams
Glowing with warmth from its 18-karat yellow gold plating, the La Perla Crib gold edition from Suommo creates a magnificent space for a baby to luxuriate in dreams and a happy new life. Price available upon request.
Suommo :: suommo.com/en
Plush Humor
Who said opulence shouldn’t also be fun? The Antipatico Gold Vase from Fornasetti, $1,226, cheekily depicts the Italian artist’s muse, opera singer Lina Cavalieri. With her winking face on one side and a stuck-out tongue on the other, this marvelously crafted gold ceramic vase will playfully hold any fabulous items placed inside.
Fornasetti :: us.amara.com
Unicorn Sighting
The Medieval Unicorn Pin from The Metropolitan Museum of Art brings the mythic creature to life in 22-karat gold overlay. Its $35 price tag is a small fee for a daily sighting of a creature that brings wonderment to all who lay eyes upon it.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 800.468.7386 :: store.metmuseum.org
Picture Perfect
The Gold Ribbon Mirror from John-Richard has an almost 5-foot height that frames any reflection like a portrait. Its perimeter of stylized ribbon-carving twists and weaves in all of its Aztec gold glory. Price available upon request.
John-Richard, 306 Eastman, Greenwood, MS 866.389.6642 :: johnrichard.com
Thirsty for a good cause
The lightweight, flexible and vacuum-sealed Yellow Gold bottle from S’well keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. At $42, it’s the way to quench your thirst in style. With every purchase, S’well continues in its mission with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help provide clean drinking water to children around the world.
S’well, 844.60.SWELL :: swellbottle.com
The Giving Tree
Even though Michael Aram had studied art in New York, it took an inspirational journey to India for the American artist to discover his calling of handcrafted metalwork. The Wisdom Tree Mini Sculpture, $1,500, is a limited-edition piece that although understated in size, sparks deep thoughts and strong emotions in its intricacy of details and character.
Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island, Newport Beach, 949.759.1900 :: neimanmarcus.com/
California Modern Art
Since OC is the birthplace of skateboarding, the MoMA Store’s Andy Warhol: Skateboard Triptych Gold Marilyn Monroe hanging on the wall is the perfect way to celebrate two icons of Americana. This limited edition art is available at $2,000 and comes with its own gift box.
MoMA Store, 800.851.4509 :: store.moma.org
High Art
Marijuana continues to gain acceptance into the mainstream and main streets all over the country. And even if it’s never been quite your thing in which to partake, you can now declare your support through art of California’s role in leading the current nationwide revolution with the Cannabis sculpture from Tommy Mitchell. Price available upon request.
Tommy Mitchell :: tommymitchellcompany.com
Ice Arctic
At your next dinner party, show how cool you are while cooling your guests’ drinks. The Malachite Ice Bucket from Jonathan Adler, in his signature Malachite pattern, hypnotizes with its 24-karat gold luster. $198.
Jonathan Adler at Fashion Island, Newport Beach 949.759.0017 :: jonathanadler.com
Tough of the Ocean
It’s not often that we’re reminded of the ocean by the sense of touch other than through the feeling of sand between our fingers. The Océania Knob from Lalique in a gilded finish accomplishes this and much more, but without the messy cleanup. Price available upon request.
Lalique, 238 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills 310.271.7892 :: lalique.com
Volunteer Benchwarmer
The Arc Mongolian Sheepskin Bench, $1,448, in gold frame adds a designer touch to any entry space, living room or bedroom. Its Mongolian lamb fur top will happily have you taking an extra moment to put on your shoes or simply pondering the meaning of life when it feels as good as this.
Scenario Home, 877.533.5736 :: scenariohome.com