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Ceramic Artichokes from Z Gallerie

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We can't decide if these ceramic artichokes from Z Gallerie are really cool or really silly. They might be both. We admit, they have no purpose beyond decoration and the spaces between the leaves look like major dust collectors...but we think they might look really charming paired together on a mantle or at the center of a dining table.

We usually steer clear of tchotchkes, but these are artichokes. Plus, they're only $16 a piece, so it wouldn't break the bank to buy a set. Is our judgement waaay off here? (Click below for more info and links.)

They're made from glazed ceramic, and they stand 8 inches high. Available from Z Gallerie for $16.

Comments (18)

I think they're beautiful. Too bad they're probably made in China at that price.

posted by alitris on 2008-01-29 15:50:19
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two is too many. they're definitely borderline grandma. i think they could look a bit better if the material wasn't so cheap looking, i.e. a better glaze, less mass produced look. then again, i have seen worse.

posted by BB on 2008-01-29 15:51:48
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I think this interpretation of an artichoke is a little lacking in sophistication. These look a little "clunky" and somehow miss on shape/detail. I guess my thought is I've seen better, more interesting versions. They look sort of cheap. If you must have a ceramic artichoke for some reason though, I guess they would do the job for the price.

posted by designerny on 2008-01-29 15:55:37
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If you're undecided, don't do it. There's plenty of other stuff out there you'll feel 100% about.

posted by SFGail on 2008-01-29 15:55:44
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i love zgallerie. love love love.

posted by vitamin design milk on 2008-01-29 16:14:56
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I wouldn't want to dust them.

posted by Mella DP on 2008-01-29 16:17:00
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I'm just going to echo Mella DP:

Dusting them would suck.

posted by MMG on 2008-01-29 16:32:27
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I have them at home and I LOVE them. They really don't gather dust - I double checked. I just clean them with a damp cloth every 2 weeks. A set would look nice on a console, in front of set a beautiful table lamps with a stack of books in the middle.

What I did, 2 table lamps on the outside, stack of books in the middle and the artichoke on top of the books. Sure, not functional but it is so beautiful and adds a very chic feel to a decor at a very good price.

I don't think you'll regret it.

posted by Elfya on 2008-01-29 16:45:51
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Are these heavy enough to serve as bookends?

posted by meg_ues on 2008-01-29 16:50:27
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If they gather dust, you could just run an object like this under the faucet every once in a while and then wipe the outside with a clean towel.

posted by john m on 2008-01-29 16:55:29
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I find it hard to take anything seriously that comes from Z Gallerie.

posted by MCNicole on 2008-01-29 17:01:22
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cute...

posted by bgball on 2008-01-29 17:47:23
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They really don't gather dust? That is fantastic! They are cute, I really think!

posted by vanglikop on 2008-01-29 21:10:15
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they are cute... but the ones are Mecox Gardens are much nicer, though $85 (ish) each. Might be worth it though if you're getting just one.

posted by eebnyc on 2008-01-29 21:56:37
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I find it hard to take anything seriously that comes from Z Gallerie.

Really?

I feel the same way about DWR.

posted by hdtex on 2008-01-30 07:50:10
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They're freaking ceramic artichokes...who is taking them seriously?

posted by labchick on 2008-01-30 10:53:15
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ARTICHOTCHKES!!! Bad pun or possible genius product name?

i have a mysterious obsession with all glossy white vegetables.

posted by emmabrown on 2008-01-30 14:06:10
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These are two examples of why I need The 8 Week Cure. They are Stuff- cute stuff, but stuff. I have A LOT of STUFF.

posted by TracyJ on 2008-01-31 00:33:18
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