Boules D'Escalier, The Flávia & Frank Abubakir Collection

Boules d’Escalier: The Flávia & Frank Abubakir Collection reveals a fascinating world of craftsmanship hidden in plain sight. Gathering hundreds of staircase finials—known as boules d’escalier—from the remarkable private collection of Flávia and Frank Abubakir, renowned collectors of Boules, this volume celebrates forms often overlooked yet rich in artistry and history.

The book unfolds in a fluid visual journey, grouping the pieces by color, pattern, and the intricate techniques etched into their surfaces. From luminous crystal forms to richly colored glass works; each boule reveals the imagination and craftsmanship of the artisans who created them. Photography by Harald Gottschalk captures the collection in Portugal and Brazil, highlighting both the sculptural beauty of the objects and their unique character.