From the minute I saw Juliska's glassware (specifically a trio of handmade glass bud or small bouquet vases) I was intrigued. I think I was wandering through Michael C. Fina during the weeks after 9/11 and trying to lose myself in something beautiful when suddenly these detailed little vessels (parked next to pitchers, creamers, etc.) jumped out at me with their jewel-like clarity. I still keep those three vases in their natal box, complete with foam rubber that fits snugly around their forms.
And now I have found the china.
The glass pieces (40 European glass repros) were followed by Berry & Thread, perhaps Juliska's best known china pattern, and then by a lighting department. By 2006 the collection had swelled to 600 pieces. The company is spearheaded by a Brit named Dave Gooding who seems to have a zest for life and an unstoppable drive to become "the best tableware company in the world."
Gooding's family was in the European tableware import business so he comes by his passion naturally. After stints at Hobart College and a few companies (including MacKenzie-Childs where, by his own admission, he travelled the country "coddling Neiman Marcus") he founded Juliska to advance his vision, although the small group of people up in New England state that collaboration and open thinking is their aim.
And then in 2007 Jean-Phillippe arrived. JP is the monkey, real or imagined, it's hard to tell, who inspired this curious simian dinnerware, which is both classic and quirky. The little monkey appears on everything from salt and pepper shakers to fabulous pitchers to plates by the pile, looking always slightly mischievous and about to jump off the pieces. Who could resist those intertwined tails on the platters (see above)?The china, made of vitrified stoneware, can go from fridge to oven and back again, and resists chipping. And because the dishes have a paint wash over them (rather than a flat gloss) they look antique, ike they might have been used at some glorious French table in the 18th or 19th century. Bring on the carnival!
Juliska does not sell directly to the public. For more info, and infinite fun, go to http://www.juliska.com/ and browse the works -- you will not be disappointed.
