ars longa * 08-009. Michael Lax Raymor Capri martini pitcher.

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08-009. Michael Lax
Raymor Capri martini pitcher
Hyalyn Porcelain, Inc.
USA, 1953
6.5 x 4 x 9.5"
Glazed ceramic & walnut
Manufacturer's mark

It has been quite a while since I've run across any Raymor Capri — almost two years to be exact — so it is unfortunate that this small pitcher today was priced out of my comfort zone. What was a bit surprising, however, was the inclusion of a raised mark on the bottom of the piece. Other examples I've seen from this line have been unmarked, so I thought it odd that this one should include the typical "L-..." mark Hyalyn used to denote Lax designs. beyond that, I've never seen a pitcher this small before. I've had similar shapes in the past, but never one of this diminutive size.

I'm experiencing a little bit of non-buyer's remorse, so maybe I'll pick it up if it is still around on my next visit to this store. There doesn't seem to be much turnaround at that particular location, so I suppose there is a chance.

Update: I returned. I saw. I bought it. I feel much better now.

Found on February 27, 2008 in Rantoul, IL.

Dawn said: Scott, are you listening? It's me, Dawn. Go back to the store and buy this. Go back to the store and buy this. Go back to the store and buy this. It sounds great. You can use it for so many things. Imagine it as a bud vase for a vibrant Gerber daisy or two. Just an idea. Living vicariously through your groovy find experience, Dawn
2.27.08

Dawn said: PS: Go NOW! :-)
2.27.08

Scott said: OK, maybe you're right. I'll go back this weekend. It's good to have someone knock some sense into me ever so often.
2.28.08WEBSITE

Deb said: Scott, I want to know why, just over the state line from your turf, I NEVER come across anything remotely close to your wonderful modernist finds. Can the teachers and farmers and shopkeepers of central Illinois really have been that much more savvy and design conscious than Hoosiers of the same ilk?
2.28.08

Scott said: I think there are several factors at play, but two main possibilities occur to me. First, I go looking for this stuff A LOT! The majority of the time I go "hunting" I come home empty handed -- you just don't hear about those experiences from me. Second, I'm only two hours south of Chicago, which was a major distribution point for modern decorative arts. Along with New York and Los Angeles, Chicago was home to all the high end modern stores, including one of three Raymor shops in the US. This is important for this Raymor Capri pitcher, since we know it was available for sale only a short distance from my hunting grounds. This type of stuff was available all over the US, though, so if you keep looking you should start to stumble upon some interesting things. Just keep looking -- that's the best way to assure a find or two! Good luck!
2.29.08WEBSITE

Brad Hissing said: Raymor Capri is on my "buy-it-if-I-see-it" list provided, of course, that the price is reasonable. It has been several years since I have seen a piece in the wild. As Dawn notes, small pitchers are very useful!
3.2.08

Dawn said: Ahhhhhhhhhh. I bet we are all breathing a collective sigh of relief with you, Scott. How utterly fabulous that you got it. It was definitely karma, for sure. It is just wonderful. It has such presence. Reminds me of that faucet commercial: a $$$$ couple goes to a $$$ architect and ask him to design their chi-chi bathroom based around a pricey faucet that has very clean, strong lines ...I could see this pitcher standing in the for that faucet in a room design! Brad, I've never seen a piece in the wild, period, lol. But I will sure be looking now.
3.6.08

Brad said: Bingo! Glad you got it. Years ago, I passed on a one of the rare(r) blue Raymor Capri pieces--the long bowl. I'm still kicking myself over that one....
3.6.08

Scott said: Thanks Brad. I've never seen any of the colored pieces firsthand -- only in photos. What I'd REALLY like to get my hands on are some of the vases. They're phenomenal!
3.6.08WEBSITE

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