Circa 1960s 1970s Wood Sculpture in the Manner of Hc Westermann

Description

The sculpture was discovered by an estate service in the closet of a home in the historic “The Highlands” neighborhood … more The sculpture was discovered by an estate service in the closet of a home in the historic “The Highlands” neighborhood of Seattle. Bonhams Auction House was consulted, but unable to identify the artist or determine the value.

The daughter of the deceased original owner said she recalls the sculpture from her childhood and believes her father purchased it from the artist in the early 1970s.

The sculpture seems to be mocking the overvalued status of art and how it is viewed and handled, yet is a beautiful, labor-intensive object showcasing exceptional carpentry . . . . yet is also aesthetically nonsensical in that the box is dissimilar from the black biomorphic shape . . . an odd arrangement of shapes and woodworking techniques.

In any case, it is an unusual, mid 20th century conversation piece! If you find it overvalued, send me an offer : )


No makers mark.

Similarities to the work of H.C. Westermann;

-exceptional carpentry

-laminated wood, plexiglass, screws, lacquer, marquetry

-gloves were produced by the Nissho Iwai Corp between 1968 and 1982 (dating the sculpture to the correct time period).


Some scratches and abrasions to both the box and the black lacquered shape


box measures

19" deep

13 1/4"wide

11" tall


lacquered biomorphic shape measures

17" tall

15 x 11" wide less