Parabolic Art+Design

Simple things can make a difference. 1950's white porcelain serving vessels designed by Ben Seibel mix with a classic 1990's postmodern serving tray from the architect Michael Graves, and an anonymous potter's 1980's ceramic lamp in an incredible glaze ties it all together. Please DM for prices and details.

Style is not always practical.

Traditional Nordic design is made timeless by its simplicity. This is a Swedish tine (teen-uh) bentwood box, marked by superb craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. These boxes have been found at sites dating back to the 9th century. This one, signed Sjolander, is probably from the late 20th c. Made to store anything of value in singular style.
15" x 9¼" x 5½" high (4" deep inside.) $80. Shipping available.

a) One of a pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, c. 1960. ($1200 the pair.)
b) Stylish mid-century modern walnut side/end table with shelf, in the style of Greta Jalk, c. 1960 ($225)
c) Groovy 1970s earthtone suede checkerboard (folds for travel) with back and white chessmen ($60)

According to Wikipedia, "Creative Playthings was an educational toy store and catalogue that was established by Frank and Theresa Caplan in 1945. The goal of Creative Playthings was to provide simple and beautifully designed toys to promote a child’s creativity and imagination." Their toys are highly collectable today, and this set of picture dominos from 1968 is no exception. In perfect condition and in their original box, $24.

A study in modern simplicity, this beautifully detailed 1970's side chair by Steelcase refines the concept of chair to its very essence. Chromed steel with high-quality ivory vinyl upholstered back and solid gray fabric seat. Please DM for price and additional information.

Curated, vintage, eclectic items for your home. Open Wed. through Sun , 12-6.

She's gone! Today I said goodbye to one of my favorite art finds. This unsigned abstract expressionist canvas captured my admiration from the first time I saw it, and it added such exuberance to my shop while it was here. The new owner is happy, and I'm thrilled that it found a place in the home of a local Fresno art collector!

Don't miss out on something you love...
Parabolic is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12-6 (or by appointment.)

Think pink!

My eclectic taste. Mid-century modern, 50's Park Ave chic, 20th c. cocktail culture, vintage industrial, 70's glam, and multi-ethnic tendencies.

6 of these available! Mid-century modern (c. 1955) Summerest patio chairs in wrought iron with new waterproof sling seats (3 yellow, 3 green.)
DM to purchase.

Art Deco seems to never go out of style. Case in point: this pair of wall sconces in Italian alabaster. A sense of restrained glamour and architectural elegance is achieved through the use of raw, translucent natural stone paired with pure geometric form and iconic Art Deco detail. Please DM to purchase.

Deep discounts on furniture and art going on now!

Vintage chess set in glazed ceramic with polished marble and travertine board. DM to purchase.

Mid-century Modern didn't stop at furniture, as this 1950's Sunbeam mixer illustrates. I love the optimism that pieces like this radiate. Makes me want to bake a cake! DM to purchase.

This late 19th century Chinese ship captain's document box was designed for secure storage and safekeeping of important documents. If it could only talk..! Its red lacquer finish bears the scuffs and scars of its many adventures, only adding to its charm. It's a great piece to add color and personality to any eclectic space and can even be used as an accent table. 9" x 14" x 18" tall. ($90.)

Last night at 8:45 pm, someone smashed the glass on my front door. Exactly one week ago, someone destroyed my doorbell camera, so security video was limited to cameras that captured passersby on the sidewalk. The video shows someone in a hoodie riding by on a bike with what looks like a suitcase in front of him and a big plastic trash bag hanging off the bike. The footage is not terribly clear, so I can't tell if the guy shoots anything (air rifle?) Whatever caused the damage was pretty strong because pieces of glass reached far into the shop and even broke a plate that was in the foyer. I hope and pray that this is not the start of yet another cycle of senseless vandalism and the fear/stress/trauma it causes among the people who have to live with it. As a small business owner, this mayhem can get expensive and demoralizing.

Update: It looks like Neighborhood Thrift had their front door hit last night as well.😠

I love the asymmetry of the spout on this signed studio ceramic vessel by ceramicist Kris Kessey. The simplicity of the design and the richness of the glaze give this piece a very Japanese feel. Approx. 6" tall. ($35.)

A standout example of Mid-century Modern design, now available! This gorgeous desk was designed by John van Koert for renowned American furniture maker, Drexel, in the 1950's. Featuring a classic wood finish combined with a desktop and upper shelf in leather, it was part of Drexel's top-selling Profile line of furniture. Sliding panels at the back of the desktop reveal storage compartments tucked under an upper shelf which conveniently keeps lamps and other items at arm's reach without cluttering the main desktop. Please DM for dimensions and pricing.

Just in! And just in time for all the fireplace weather in store for us this winter! Authentic George Nelson for Herman Miller fire tool set from the Nelson Fireplace Collection (designed 1951.) Brand new in box, never used, complete with Certificate of Authenticity. The perfect gift for the mid-century modern fanatic on your Christmas list. Buy this pristine example for $285!! (Normal retail price: $395.) This one won't last!

Rudolph and his 3 identical siblings is saying farewell and moving to their new home in the Tower District!

A circa 1980 console table clad in faux stone laminate becomes an extension of the Christmas decor.
Console dimensions: 53" x 16" x 27¼" high. $300.

We are open 12-6 today.

Just sold one of my favorites!

I never get tired of this shade of yellow.

A grouping of 1920's to 1960's tabletop items from our eclectic curated collection of 20th century furniture, accessories and unique objects. Please DM for info and prices.

Instead of repainting, I kept the semi-stripped look of the ceramic lamp body, which revealed layers of past DIY spray paint jobs. The result is much more interesting than a solid color and gives the piece some added personality. A rewiring and a freshening up of the wood, and voila...! A beautiful mid-century modern lamp, perfect for desk or bedside. 31" to top of shade as shown. ($80.)