Cowan’s, the premier auction house in Cincinnati, Ohio, is holding a Fine & Decorative Arts sale October 2-3. Included in this mishmash of English and Continental furniture, paintings, and ceramics is a rare eighteenth-century engraved surveyor’s compass made by Isaac Chandlee of Maryland (lot 240) and a pair of late nineteenth century sailor-made carved ivory canes (lot 342). Preview the entire sale in person from Wednesday September 30 to Saturday October 3 or online at www.cowans.com.

New from Double Dog Studios, an Iphone Application ready to serve architects, craftsmen, and furniture collectors. I.D. Wood gives full information on 50 different woods providing species name, botanical name, origin, common uses, and more. A well devised reference tool for those on the run, and also those perplexed by Bruce Hoadley’s work.

Sample screen shots follow.

For some people, it is never too early to think about finding the perfect Christmas gift. London’s Design Museum follows this logic and has released information on a number of solid design products that will be available through the museum shop. Among the offerings the Wooden Desk Stationary Set designed by Kenjiro Sano and hand produced in Indonesia is a favorite. Other good looking items include the Eco Tool Set from Green Toys and Hans Hilfiker’s Swiss Railway Wall Clock.

All items will be for sale at designmuseumshop.com.

Signs of the Times ran at the Nantucket Historical Society from May to September of 2006. The exhibition covered the changing face of the Island through a wonderful collection of shop signs. Everything from restuaruants to blacksmiths were included.

For those intrigued, Signs of the Times lives on in digital form. Items like the famous Island Record Sign (above) and the Downyflake Doughnut Shop marker (after the jump) tell some neat tales of Nantucket’s past. Plus, sign painting is a such a grand American art form that there isn’t much pictured that won’t elicit some interest.

More signs after the jump, many more at this link.

The Fashion Institute of Technology Museum is one of Time Out New York’s “not boring museums.” While popular opinion on this site suggests that no museums are boring, the designation does fit well with FIT’s exhibition calender. Currently on view is Politics & Fashion a comprehensive journey through politically charged garments. There is an American focus, which allows for a distinct 200 year time line to be established.

The exhibition opened in July and runs through November 7, 2009.

Crafts Collection 13 is the thirteenth (no surprise there) in a series of celebrations of home grown craftsmen by Danish Craft. The material is marketed internationally, bringing new audiences to the people behind the designs. This year’s theme focuses on the emotions. 23 Danish designers explore how thought plays into handcraft. The objects will first go on view at Maison & Objet in Paris. (via Frame).

More Danish craft after the jump.

Ryuji Mitani is a leader in Japanese handcraft. His work began in earnest in 1981, and has continued to build and develop. His interest in preserving traditional handcraft and technique led to the recent publication of Handcraft in Distant Towns celebrating all that is made by human hand in three cities – Fukui, Kyoto, and Matsumoto. To promote the books release, a complimentary exhibition has been mounted. On view now at Sfera, Kyoto, the assemblage of material is (as one might imagine) beautifully simple. On view until month’s end. (via Wallpaper*).

More images follow.

Simon Hasan’s new collection of furniture for Vauxhall Collective was inspired by his trips to UK industrial and craft centers. The material takes from tradition – the splitting of wood timber, brass and stoneware production, leather craft, tweed upholstery. In this, Hasan creates new forms and objects with a clear link to the past but without overt quotation of historic style. The collection includes two stools, a cabinet, and a set of vases. (via Dezeen).

More images of Hasan’s collection after the jump.

Kouta Fukunaga fashions birch tree trunks into glorious wine coolers and sake bottles. These creations were recently awarded the 2008 Takaoka Craft Competition 1st prize. Fukunaga comes from the island of Hokkaido, which is known for its natural rolling hills and cows and now home to a growing community of artisans. They, like Fukunaga, are inspired by the surroundings. (via Daily Icon).

More images follow.

David Wakeley’s 20th Century Furniture is hinged on a desire to perfectly balance design, function, and visual impact. Wakeley’s inspiration comes from the furniture of the early to mid-20th century (hence the name), finding excitement in everything from the Mission Style to the mass produced design work of Saarinen.

The Boomerang bench (above) is part of 20th Century Furniture’s music offerings. With organic lines and natural finish, the bench is designed so that a pianist may reach for music in the drawer while remaining seated. The piece also comes with an upholstered seat if desired.

More of David Wakeley’s work, including tables and magazine racks, after the jump.