OC Bestiary

So, after last week’s flirtation with walking pneumonia, which included zombifying cough syrups and long stretches of daytime napping, I decided to spend today out in preparation for work on Monday. This meant spending most of the time at the antique malls and stores of Orange’s Old Towne … specifically the Orange Circle Antique Mall … specifically space no. 114, which specializes in Mid-century and Danish modern furniture and decorative objects. I love space no. 114 because the vendors never fail to offer an amazing mix of items, including furniture, decorative items and artwork, even lighting, in a variety of materials. Specifically, I appreciate their obvious affection for animal figurines. Whether in crystal, wood, ceramic or metal, their offerings always convey a sense of whimsy and fine design. Here’re the feathered and furry creatures I bagged today, joined by objéts and succulents from my own collections:

Boulders + Bison

Two boulder-like ceramic vases (sporting cool echeverias) mimic the dynamic curvaceousness of this ‘Bison’, signed by Jage. Finished in both matte and shiny glazes and mounted on an attractive slice of limestone, this is one striking buffalo.

Cattle + Catnapper

Horizontal striations decorate a cylindrical Japanese vessel (planted vertically with spiky aloes), its purity of form the perfect foil for the highly stylized creatures at its base. A glossy ceramic cousin of Pooh’s Eeyore grazes calmly, while a true fat cat indulges in an extended desktop snooze.

King + Kurves

Handmade, this earthenware King of the Jungle sports a smile so amiable it’s hard to imagine him roaring a threat … He’s crowned by a sunny ’50s-era ceramic piece planted with playful succulents that echo his petaled mane.

Hummer + Hedgehog

Two final creatures, both wood and both reduced to their most basic forms: a honey-colored hedgehog and a sweet little hummingbird. The hedgehog’s quills are etched graphically onto its curved back, while the hummer sits pensively on a swirling mound of driftwood. Both creatures contrast warmly in the company of gray-blue echeverias and senecios.

I hate to leave them but my new creatures will have to fend for themselves … it’s back to commuting and deadlines in the morning …