Pictorial Webster's

Prior to the instant gratification of the world-wide web (we ♥ U Wikipedia!), the best place to find the weird and wonderful was the unabridged Webster's Dictionary. Even before the wonders of wordplay made themselves known, this repository of knowledge was guaranteed to be packed to the gills with meticulous engravings of the world around us (in addition to the copious amounts of words). Whether the item pictured was easily seen, unseen, or out of reach of anything but our imaginations, something about these intricate images sparked a fire in the heart of young scientists and artists alike.


In Pictorial Webster's: A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities, John M. Carrera has undertaken the arduous task of not only tracking down more than 1,500 amazing 19th-century engravings from Webster's Dictionaries, but also cleaning and restoring them to provide a visually breathtaking collection sure to both inspire and delight. With images ranging from Acorns to Zebras, Bell Jars to Velocipedes, this chunky tome "is a treasure trove for art lovers, designers, and anyone with an interest in visual history." When we first saw this book, there was no question: Yes, MUST have! This chunky little tome is chock full of drool-worthy graphical goodness. Available for purchase in our web shop or come by the Leliegracht and thumb through it in person.

Shadow of Lula - Kyoko Hashimoto

From Kyoko Hashimoto's Shadow of Lula collection, this limited edition pendant is a beautiful twist on traditionally somber mourning jewelry. Each pendant depicts the silhouette of an extinct insect species hung from a long adjustable brass chain. Using both traditional and modern techniques, Kyoko has carefully hand crafted subtle layers of beauty and depth that have become time capsules in memory of the tiny lives that no longer inhabit the earth.


Each pendant is produced in a limited edition of 30 pieces and has both the name of the insect as well as the edition number on the reverse side. See available pieces in the webshop, or stop by the Leliegracht to see them in person.

ADAM&EVE - Aleksandra Wisniewska

Collecting and pressing plant specimens has always been a great way to preserve snippets of nature's beauty. Swiss designer Aleksandra Wisniewska has taken this age-old activity one step further, not just preserving the leaves, but transforming them into subtly intricate pendants that evince nature while transforming it into something wholly different.

Aleksandra's technique preserves each leaf creating a distinct filigree effect in which the veins of each leaf are revealed to accentuate the delicate structure. Each sterling silver pendant is as unique as nature can make it, each leaf donated by a generous oak, magnanimous olive tree, or bountiful rose bush. See available pieces in our webshop or drop by the Leliegracht and see them in person!