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The Douglass Rosso Levanto Brass Table Lamp has a timeless character. It's an object that feels both architectural and intimate. A sophisticated design, mixing refined geometry with raw stone and shaped metal, its angular marble base anchors the design with quiet strength, while the metallic shade softens the light into a rich, ambient glow. A masterful accent to bring into any room, the Douglass Rosso Levanto Brass Table Lamp, handmade in Egypt, stands as a sculptural statement where the contrasts between stone and metal, shadow and sheen, are brought together in beautiful harmony.
Editors' Note
The Douglass Collection is named in honor of the orator, activist and icon of 19th century America, Frederick Douglass. Inspired by his 1887 visit to Egypt where the 69-year-old activist climbed the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, this collection features artisan pieces crafted from stone and metal natural to the country. Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, a child enslaved on Holme Hill Farm in Talbot county, Maryland, Douglass was raised by his maternal grandmother. Throughout his life he remained unsure of his actual birthdate, placing 1817 as his best estimate. For the day, he chose February 14th, remembering that his mother, Harriet Bailey, liked to call him her little Valentine. Douglass’ education would begin when he was eight, starting with lessons from Sophia Auld. The short-lived lessons, which ended abruptly once Sophia’s husband became aware of them, were enough to spark a lifelong fascination with knowledge. Continuing to learn in secret — as literacy was illegal for people enslaved in Maryland at that time — Douglass would exchange food for lessons with poor white boys in the area. Between 1826 and 1838, he continued to change hands, whether through inheritance or hiring, becoming a skilled craftsman earning a salary for his work at shipyards, and meeting his eventual wife, Anna Murray, a forewoman of color. Douglass made his escape in 1838. Disguised as a sailor, he escaped Maryland via train and steamboat, eventually arriving in New York City. There he met the Black abolitionist, David Ruggles, who helped relocate Douglass and Anna — then married — to New Bedford, Massachusetts. It was there that Frederick chose the last name, “Douglass,” having traveled since his escape under the alias, “Frederick Johnson.” It was also in New Bedford that Douglass would begin his career as an orator, inspired at first by his frequent readings of The Liberator, a newspaper published by abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison. In 1841, one of his speeches in New Bedford was attended by banker William C. Coffin, who invited him to speak at a convention of the Anti-Slavery Society being held in Nantucket that year. The success of the speech began his work with both the Anti-Slavery and the American Anti-Slavery Societies, and by 1845 he had published the first of his three autobiographies. The second, My Bondage and My Freedom, was published in 1855, while the third, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass was, released in 1881. The North Star, which after an 1851 merger with The Liberty Party Paper, circulated as Frederick Douglass’ Paper, until 1860. He would later found Douglass’ Monthly, which ran from 1859 – 1863, and New National Era, which circulated between 1870 and 1874. An early master of what would later come to be known as branding, Douglass made full use of his popularity and worked strategically to bolster it. This included the iconic hairstyle that he cultivated throughout his life, and his embrace of photography as a means to transform the narrative around Black people, often using his own incredible successes as a model. As a result, he is recorded as the single most photographed American of the 19th century, and among the most photographed in the world for his time.
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Douglass
Collection
Details
The Douglass Rosso Levanto Glass Floor Lamp stands as a dialogue between raw and refined and a metaphor for the activism and advocacy of its namesake. Inspired by Frederick Douglass' 1887 visit to Egypt, the piece, handcrafted by Egyptian artisans, features a slender glass column arising from a solid piece of natural stone. The design allows light to emerge softly from within, rising through the transparent form like a quiet ascent from ground to glow. The stone base, a Rosso Levanto marble is a deep and luxurious, wine-red color, highlighted by striking veins of white and cream. Illumination rising to fill a space with beautiful natural stone and soft warm light, the Douglass Rosso Levanto Glass Floor Lamp is the perfect finishing touch your room has been waiting for. Make it the latest addition to your story of home.
Editors' Note
The Douglass Collection is named in honor of the orator, activist and icon of 19th century America, Frederick Douglass. Inspired by his 1887 visit to Egypt where the 69-year-old activist climbed the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, this collection features artisan pieces crafted from stone and metal natural to the country. Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, a child enslaved on Holme Hill Farm in Talbot county, Maryland, Douglass was raised by his maternal grandmother. Throughout his life he remained unsure of his actual birthdate, placing 1817 as his best estimate. For the day, he chose February 14th, remembering that his mother, Harriet Bailey, liked to call him her little Valentine. Douglass’ education would begin when he was eight, starting with lessons from Sophia Auld. The short-lived lessons, which ended abruptly once Sophia’s husband became aware of them, were enough to spark a lifelong fascination with knowledge. Continuing to learn in secret — as literacy was illegal for people enslaved in Maryland at that time — Douglass would exchange food for lessons with poor white boys in the area. Between 1826 and 1838, he continued to change hands, whether through inheritance or hiring, becoming a skilled craftsman earning a salary for his work at shipyards, and meeting his eventual wife, Anna Murray, a forewoman of color. Douglass made his escape in 1838. Disguised as a sailor, he escaped Maryland via train and steamboat, eventually arriving in New York City. There he met the Black abolitionist, David Ruggles, who helped relocate Douglass and Anna — then married — to New Bedford, Massachusetts. It was there that Frederick chose the last name, “Douglass,” having traveled since his escape under the alias, “Frederick Johnson.” It was also in New Bedford that Douglass would begin his career as an orator, inspired at first by his frequent readings of The Liberator, a newspaper published by abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison. In 1841, one of his speeches in New Bedford was attended by banker William C. Coffin, who invited him to speak at a convention of the Anti-Slavery Society being held in Nantucket that year. The success of the speech began his work with both the Anti-Slavery and the American Anti-Slavery Societies, and by 1845 he had published the first of his three autobiographies. The second, My Bondage and My Freedom, was published in 1855, while the third, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass was, released in 1881. The North Star, which after an 1851 merger with The Liberty Party Paper, circulated as Frederick Douglass’ Paper, until 1860. He would later found Douglass’ Monthly, which ran from 1859 – 1863, and New National Era, which circulated between 1870 and 1874. An early master of what would later come to be known as branding, Douglass made full use of his popularity and worked strategically to bolster it. This included the iconic hairstyle that he cultivated throughout his life, and his embrace of photography as a means to transform the narrative around Black people, often using his own incredible successes as a model. As a result, he is recorded as the single most photographed American of the 19th century, and among the most photographed in the world for his time.
Lighting that’s a work of art.
Details
Bringing light from above to every corner of a room, the Douglass Suspended Brass Chandelier is a study in depth and balance. Suspended by a brass chain, its dual brass rings are arranged with the inner ring elevated above the outer, creating a floating effect that gives the chandelier a sense of movement and space. Handcrafted from antique brass, the Douglass Suspended Brass Chandelier casts a warm, welcoming glow, making it an elegant addition to living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. Its modern silhouette and layered form bring a touch of sophistication to any setting. A striking centerpiece for your favorite room, The Douglass Suspended Brass Chandelier is the perfect piece to take your decor to the next level.
Editors' Note
The Douglass Collection is named in honor of the orator, activist and icon of 19th century America, Frederick Douglass. Inspired by his 1887 visit to Egypt where the 69-year-old activist climbed the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, this collection features artisan pieces crafted from stone and metal natural to the country. Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, a child enslaved on Holme Hill Farm in Talbot county, Maryland, Douglass was raised by his maternal grandmother. Throughout his life he remained unsure of his actual birthdate, placing 1817 as his best estimate. For the day, he chose February 14th, remembering that his mother, Harriet Bailey, liked to call him her little Valentine. Douglass’ education would begin when he was eight, starting with lessons from Sophia Auld. The short-lived lessons, which ended abruptly once Sophia’s husband became aware of them, were enough to spark a lifelong fascination with knowledge. Continuing to learn in secret — as literacy was illegal for people enslaved in Maryland at that time — Douglass would exchange food for lessons with poor white boys in the area. Between 1826 and 1838, he continued to change hands, whether through inheritance or hiring, becoming a skilled craftsman earning a salary for his work at shipyards, and meeting his eventual wife, Anna Murray, a forewoman of color. Douglass made his escape in 1838. Disguised as a sailor, he escaped Maryland via train and steamboat, eventually arriving in New York City. There he met the Black abolitionist, David Ruggles, who helped relocate Douglass and Anna — then married — to New Bedford, Massachusetts. It was there that Frederick chose the last name, “Douglass,” having traveled since his escape under the alias, “Frederick Johnson.” It was also in New Bedford that Douglass would begin his career as an orator, inspired at first by his frequent readings of The Liberator, a newspaper published by abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison. In 1841, one of his speeches in New Bedford was attended by banker William C. Coffin, who invited him to speak at a convention of the Anti-Slavery Society being held in Nantucket that year. The success of the speech began his work with both the Anti-Slavery and the American Anti-Slavery Societies, and by 1845 he had published the first of his three autobiographies. The second, My Bondage and My Freedom, was published in 1855, while the third, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass was, released in 1881. The North Star, which after an 1851 merger with The Liberty Party Paper, circulated as Frederick Douglass’ Paper, until 1860. He would later found Douglass’ Monthly, which ran from 1859 – 1863, and New National Era, which circulated between 1870 and 1874. An early master of what would later come to be known as branding, Douglass made full use of his popularity and worked strategically to bolster it. This included the iconic hairstyle that he cultivated throughout his life, and his embrace of photography as a means to transform the narrative around Black people, often using his own incredible successes as a model. As a result, he is recorded as the single most photographed American of the 19th century, and among the most photographed in the world for his time.
New Arrivals
Details
The Hieratic Chocolate Pillow brings the ancient past and the present day together beautifully, adding new layers to the aesthetic of your home. Sustainably woven and printed, featuring a luxe duck feather insert, it’s body-hugging comfort is exactly what you need at the end of a long day or the start of a lazy one. Finished with sophisticated touches like its colorful piping and a custom gold zipper, it’s a magazine-worthy addition to any room. Its mesmerizing pattern, echoing the delicate brushstrokes of ancient scribes is an absolute eye-catcher. Paired with a rich brown tone in cotton-linen or sumptuous velvet, the Hieratic Chocolate Pillow is the perfect finishing touch for your favorite room. Available in cotton-linen, soft velvet, or in our outdoor eco weave fabric.
Editors' Note
The Hieratic Collection features flowing brushstrokes in a modern form, celebrating the cursive script of ancient Egypt. Hieratic is the shorthand, cursive form of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script. Some date its development alongside that of formal hieroglyphics, a process believed to have begun as early as 3200 BC - 3000 BC. Others believe it was only after the establishment of hieroglyphic script that the need for a simplified version became clear, somewhere between 2925 and 2775 BC. Used by scribes to record on papyrus in ink, hieratic was employed frequently, and eventually solely for religious purposes. The name hieratic, which derives from the Greek hieratikos, meaning “priestly,” was given to the script by the 2nd century Christian theologian, Clement of Alexandria. By that time its function had been purely religious for nearly a millennium. During its earliest days, hieratic was strictly a form of hieroglyphic “book hand” — a simplified form of carved hieroglyphics designed to be written by hand. By the First Intermediate Period (2181 BC - 2055 BC), however, hieratic had become its own formalized script, employing features and symbols not included in hieroglyphic text, though hieroglyphic book hand, also called cursive hieroglyphics, continued to be used. For centuries following this division, hieratic served as the more utilized and, arguably, the more important script, as it was the writing form of everyday life. Hieratic was used in a variety of academic texts covering a wide range of subjects, as well as tax documents, legal texts and personal communications. Though most frequently written in ink on papyrus, hieratic characters were often pressed into clay tablets, as was common for Mesopotamian cuneiform, in parts of the country where papyrus was scarce. As such, it was typically the first writing system that students learned, education in formal hieroglyphics being reserved for later studies. Hieratic script has also been found on pottery, wood, stone and even leather. It was also used extensively in mummification rituals, the characters written on linen and other fabrics. By 650 BC, hieratic’s use for daily writing was overtaken by the derivative script, demotic, though hieratic continued its use among Egypt’s priests until the 3rd century AD. Though now entirely defunct outside of academic circles, hieratic, as one of the earliest written languages, has a profound influence over modern writing. As the direct forerunner of Proto-Sinaitic script, which in turn produced the Phoenician, Paleo-Hebrew, and Ancient South Arabian alphabets, hieratic is the ancient source of many modern writing systems, including Greek, Cyrillic, Hebrew, Arabic, Berber, English, French, Spanish, German, and more.
Details
True beauty is found in simplicity. The Douglass Brass Wall Sconce embodies that philosophy with its clean, geometric design. The understated, yet eye-catching, brass square base extends vertically, creating a structured play of light and shadow. Its sharp lines bring a modern edge, making it a strong addition to any space. Designed for hallways, corners, and bedrooms, The Douglass Brass Wall Sconce, handcrafted by Egyptian artisans, stands out without overwhelming, adding character through its solid shape and warm glow.
Editors' Note
The Douglass Collection is named in honor of the orator, activist and icon of 19th century America, Frederick Douglass. Inspired by his 1887 visit to Egypt where the 69-year-old activist climbed the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, this collection features artisan pieces crafted from stone and metal natural to the country. Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, a child enslaved on Holme Hill Farm in Talbot county, Maryland, Douglass was raised by his maternal grandmother. Throughout his life he remained unsure of his actual birthdate, placing 1817 as his best estimate. For the day, he chose February 14th, remembering that his mother, Harriet Bailey, liked to call him her little Valentine. Douglass’ education would begin when he was eight, starting with lessons from Sophia Auld. The short-lived lessons, which ended abruptly once Sophia’s husband became aware of them, were enough to spark a lifelong fascination with knowledge. Continuing to learn in secret — as literacy was illegal for people enslaved in Maryland at that time — Douglass would exchange food for lessons with poor white boys in the area. Between 1826 and 1838, he continued to change hands, whether through inheritance or hiring, becoming a skilled craftsman earning a salary for his work at shipyards, and meeting his eventual wife, Anna Murray, a forewoman of color. Douglass made his escape in 1838. Disguised as a sailor, he escaped Maryland via train and steamboat, eventually arriving in New York City. There he met the Black abolitionist, David Ruggles, who helped relocate Douglass and Anna — then married — to New Bedford, Massachusetts. It was there that Frederick chose the last name, “Douglass,” having traveled since his escape under the alias, “Frederick Johnson.” It was also in New Bedford that Douglass would begin his career as an orator, inspired at first by his frequent readings of The Liberator, a newspaper published by abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison. In 1841, one of his speeches in New Bedford was attended by banker William C. Coffin, who invited him to speak at a convention of the Anti-Slavery Society being held in Nantucket that year. The success of the speech began his work with both the Anti-Slavery and the American Anti-Slavery Societies, and by 1845 he had published the first of his three autobiographies. The second, My Bondage and My Freedom, was published in 1855, while the third, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass was, released in 1881. The North Star, which after an 1851 merger with The Liberty Party Paper, circulated as Frederick Douglass’ Paper, until 1860. He would later found Douglass’ Monthly, which ran from 1859 – 1863, and New National Era, which circulated between 1870 and 1874. An early master of what would later come to be known as branding, Douglass made full use of his popularity and worked strategically to bolster it. This included the iconic hairstyle that he cultivated throughout his life, and his embrace of photography as a means to transform the narrative around Black people, often using his own incredible successes as a model. As a result, he is recorded as the single most photographed American of the 19th century, and among the most photographed in the world for his time.
Details
Our Blossom Peach And Black Wool Moroccan Rug is custom-made for you by exceptional artisans of the Beni Mrirt Tribe of Morocco. Handwoven using a luxurious blend of premium New Zealand wool and high-quality Moroccan wool, this innovatively refined combination offers unparalleled brilliance, superior softness, and lasting durability. A unique masterpiece for your interior, this rug is woven knot by knot, then bathed and air-dried under the serene Moroccan skies. Part of our Sojourner Rug Collection, each piece beautifully charts her journey to liberation.
Editors' Note
Our Sojourner Rug Collection is named for the powerful orator, activist and American hero, Sojourner Truth. Born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree (also, Bomfree or Bomefree) in 1797, on the Ulster County, New York plantation of the “Low Dutch” Ardinburgh family, Truth was part of a large community of enslaved people that had existed in New York since the early 1600s. Beginning first with the Dutch, and later the English as New Amsterdam made its 1664 transition into modern-day New York, slavery grew in the region until by Truth’s time, New York had the second largest enslaved population among the 13 colonies, trailing only South Carolina. Between 1806, when a 9 year-old Isabella was sold to a cruel and abusive Englishman, John Neely in Kingston, New York, and 1826 when she fled from bondage, Truth was sold no less than 3 times, married, and bore 5 children — one, her daughter Diana — the result of an assault by her final enslaver, John Dumont. In 1826, when Dumont reneged on a promise to free Isabella the year before the scheduled 1827 abolition of slavery in the state, she took her youngest daughter, Sophia, then only 3-months old, and escaped to the home of Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen in New Paltz. The Van Wagenens did not believe in slavery, but paid Dumont for her services for the year to ensure her safety. While there, after a lifetime of religious instruction and harrowing experiences, Isabella had a spiritual awakening that led her to become a preacher, and then — 17 years later — to rechristen herself as Sojourner Truth in 1843. Also, in 1828, Truth sued successfully for the return of her son, Peter, whom Dumont had illegally sold into slavery in Alabama. Called by the Spirit to speak the truth, Sojourner began to live as an itinerant preacher, traveling to speak and living with progressive communities such as the Northampton Association of Education and the Progressive Friends. Through these societies she came into contact with many leading abolitionists and suffragists, including William Lloyd Garrison, Lucretia Mott and Frederick Douglass. Known for her sonorous singing voice and the passion of her sermons, Truth became a sought-after speaker for both abolitionist and suffragist stages and a formidable proponent for both causes — particularly after the 1850 release of her autobiography, which was published by Garrison. The 1850s saw some of the highest points of Truth’s career as an orator, including her 1853 speech, What Time of Night It Is, delivered at a New York State meeting of the Women’s Rights Convention and her most quoted and remembered speech, the 1854 magnum opus, Ain’t I a Woman, given in Akron, Ohio for the Ohio Woman's Rights Convention. Tended to by two of her daughters, she passed away on November 26, 1883. In Washington D.C., Frederick Douglass dedicated a eulogy to her, encapsulating the meaning of her life and work in words that resonate equally today. “Venerable for age,” he said, “distinguished for insight into human nature, remarkable for independence and courageous self-assertion, devoted to the welfare of her race, she has been for the last forty years an object of respect and admiration to social reformers everywhere."
Details
Experience the textural wonder of the large-scale Coral Ceramic Bowl. This shallow oblong bowl features an organic ruffled exterior and slightly sandy tone and surface. Display on its own, or feature as a dynamic accent piece.
Editors' Note
This piece is inspired by coral reefs, comprised of up to hundreds of thousands of individual, living organisms called hard-coral polyps, reefs cover only 1% of the ocean floor worldwide. Yet, as much as 25% of all sea life depends on these vital, organic structures. In fact, the bio-diversity of corals reefs is high enough for them to be considered the, “rainforests of the sea.” Coral reefs are found on nearly every side of the African continent. Most extensively, they stretch between Madagascar and the Red Sea along the east coast, while a smaller number are found around the Canary Islands on the northwest. Still, some of the most popular and frequently visited reefs are found in South Africa, where they primarily run along the KwaZulu Natal coast. In addition to supporting vast communities of marine life, the coral reefs protect costal lands — and the people who live on them — from flooding, erosion and hurricane damage, while providing a rich food supply. Yet the reefs and the ecosystems they support are extremely fragile, and human actions such blast and cyanide fishing, injection wells and overall climate change have caused severe damage, with the result that as much of 14% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost since 2009, and are expected to decline further as climate change continues unabated. A necessary part of our environment, protecting coral reefs is of the utmost importance today and into the future.
Inspiration
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LIFESTYLE EDITORIALS
Lifestyle & Culture Inspiration From Across The African Diaspora
