Ultimate Heraldry

It’s no secret at Knickerbocker we have a major obsession with crests, coats of arms, and all things heraldic. Among the most sought after items in our shop, we’re sure to pick them up whenever we can find them and always love working them into our vignettes, so you can imagine our excitement at seeing this amazing collection of heraldic art up for auction at Christie’s next week.


The January 10th Christie’s Interiors sale includes an amazing collection of fourteen massive sculpted plaster panels originally crafted by Gilbert Bayes to adorn the British pavilion of the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Here Edward, Prince of Wales, The Black Prince is depicted resplendent in blue and crimson generously accented with gold gilding.


Gerald Cobb, Herald painter at the College of Arms, designed the panels to represent fourteen great individuals in the history of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, including Owen Glendower, Prince of Wales shown here in regal gold and crimson.


Due to the onset of World War II by the fairs end it was decided safer for the panels to remain in the U.S., where they were purchased in 1973 by philanthropist Eric Lafferty Harvie for installation in the military history gallery of the Glenbow Museum of Alberta, Canada. With its intricate coat of arms and bold use of black on white the crest representing William Cecil, Baron of Burghley, Knight of the Garter, is especially striking.


With each panel measuring in at around a whopping 100 inches square these grand works of art must have made for a spectacular display in the British pavilion. Crowned gold gilt lions and a fearsome winged dragon support the crest of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland.


Choosing a favorite among these bold yet romantic artworks would be difficult to say the least but especially charming is the coat of arms of Horatio Nelson, Viscount Nelson, Knight of the Bath, which includes a sailor among other nautical references to his numerous victories at sea.

All images via Christies.

Wishes for a Prosperous New Year!

Who better to help us ring in the New Year than Luk the Chinese deity of wealth and prosperity!



Wishing a very Happy New Year to all!

A Very Vintage Christmas

For our first Christmas in the country we’ve decided to trade the tabletop trees of years past for a towering conifer freshly cut from a local grower.


This grower doesn’t shape his trees, as most do today, making for a naturally shaped tree with more space between the boughs like those seen in old movies from the 40’s and 50’s. This gave us the idea to go for a full out vintage theme complete with loads of blown glass ornaments, icicle tinsel, and even a charming snow village spread out beneath.


To really get the look of a true retro Christmas tree we made sure to have the big old-fashioned multicolored lights that cast such a wonderfully warm glow, and of course yards of traditional popcorn and cranberry garlands to lend that final homey touch.


Nearby an elaborate Italian nativity finished with moss, straw, and greens is displayed below a three-tier wooden German Christmas pyramid surrounded by a squat pair of nutcrackers and a cheerful collection of Santa figures.


A bowl of clove-studded oranges is a simple and inexpensive project that not only makes an elegant display but also has a wonderful aroma that adds much to the holiday ambiance.


Outside greeting guests an old cast iron grotesque mask is transformed into the Ghost of Christmas Past with a sumptuous halo of holly and pine.


The old carriage house door gets into the spirit with a simple country display of a weathered copper barn star generously decked out with pine and holly.

Decor and photos by KS&D.

Our 100th Post!

Knickerbocker Style and Design is proud to celebrate our 100th post! We've loved sharing our treasures, ideas, and inspirations with you from our eclectic vignettes, to books and movies, design history, holiday decorating, even our move from city to country! We hope you've enjoyed the journey and continue to see what's new in the world of Knickerbocker as we start on our next 100 posts!

Eclectic Holiday Decor

Now that the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared it’s time once again to think about decorating the house the winter holidays. Why not begin with a unique antique or vintage find?


The kindly old gentleman in this charming vintage German oil portrait bears more than a passing resemblance to Santa Claus, especially with his red and green attire and pipe.


Where would Old Saint Nick be without this reindeer? This regal pair of brass deer figures, complete with dramatic antlers, certainly make for an elegant alternative.


Who better to watch over your holiday celebrations than this primitive carved folk art cherub corbel so beautiful you’ll want to keep her around all year long.


The snowy mountain landscape of Mount Fuji depicted on this hand painted antique Japanese porcelain plates makes them perfect for the winter holidays.


Here a cheerful set of tole cache pots features elegant scalloped rims and hand painted wreaths with gilded ribbons and white berries.


Trim the tree with a strand of antique blown glass beads that proudly display the softened patina of Christmas past, and for the most unique gifts for under the tree be sure to visit our shop Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage!

Eclectic Holiday China

With Thanksgiving a week away it’s time once again to start thinking about setting the perfect holiday table.


Incorporating a unique piece or two of antique and vintage china with your existing pieces is a great way to add interest to your table setting. A special piece of porcelain such as a compote dish or gravy boat also makes a wonderful hostess gift that can be brought out and enjoyed year after year.


An elegant platter or unique serving tray always makes a beautiful and useful addition to any china collection, while more specialized pieces such as a sugar and creamer or a set of tiny butter pats are a charming way to add that little extra touch.


For a hint of whimsy why not add something purely decorative? Our pyramid of majolica fruits and vegetables or the colorful Italian ceramic pheasant figure are both perfect accompaniments for any harvest feast.

Photos and styling by KS&D.

An Uncommon Autumn Vignette

Orchids may be an uncommon source of inspiration for an autumn vignette, but the rich red and orange hues of these delicate petals are bold as any fall foliage.


A trio of hand carved wooden folk art figures sit surrounded by deer antlers and an elegant pair of French rococo style sconces, adding an unexpected touch of glamour that echoes the curving lines and points of the antlers. Even the humble pumpkin, a most traditional symbol of the season, takes on a twist displayed under a bell jar.


The whimsical figure of an elegant turbaned hunter stands with rifle at the ready and a charming Staffordshire style lion resting at his feet. The rustic folk art figures of a horse and rider are carved in a primitive style with movable hinged arms.


Looking over the scene is the regal figure of a brightly plumed folk art Indian maiden specially adorned for the occasion with delicate strands of vintage glass beads.

Photos and styling by KS&D.