Decorative Arts

  • Charles and Ray Eames,  Decorative Arts,  Design,  Goerge Nelse,  Herman Miller,  Modern Art,  Noguchi,  Showrooms

    The Herman Miller Pop Up Shop in Soho

    The Collection’s final, vital elements are wholly new works from Herman Miller to be introduced this Summer and beyond. In the queue are designs by Ayse Birsel and Bibi Seck, Leon Ransmeier, Sam Hecht and Kim Collin, to enhance and extend The Collection’s reach and service to virtually every space in modern life.

    Right foreground: Eames lounge chair and stool upholstered in white

    Not simply an exercise in nostalgia, however, the collection also includes recent award-winning contemporary designs by some of today’s best known practitioners from Italian alliance partners Magis and Mattiazzi. These highly respected design houses represent the work of Konstantin Grcic, Jasper Morrison, the brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Steffano Giovannoni, Nitzan Cohen, Naoto Fukasawa, Marcel Wanders, Sam Hecht and Kim Collin.

     Eames Arm Chair

    Mattiazzi Chairs

    The Collection includes familiar and well-loved pieces from the company’s early collaborations with the giants of 20th design, many reintroduced after decades or freshly reinterpreted with new materials and manufacturing technologies.

     Eames Dinning Room Chairs and Table

    Names like Eames, Nelson, Noguchi, Girard, Bennett, and Burdick are the foundation for this pop up shop. The shop marks the first public display of the renewed Herman Miller Collection, a comprehensive portfolio of products that offers the ability to create complete environments—from the backyard to the boardroom—with solutions that serve commercial, home, and hospitality spaces. Taking its cue directly from the 1952 writings of George Nelson, Herman Miller’s then director of design, the portfolio represents “the continuing creation of a permanent collection designed to meet fully the requirements for modern living.” 
    Eames Chairs and table
    The Herman Miller Pop Up Store which is now open in Soho until July 1st is one of the most ambitious pop up store around. During their opening party, over 800 guests gathered together in order to observe and absorb design at its finest. Every piece of furniture and accesory from Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Isamu Neguchi, to Girard, have a story of its own. Herman Miller, the American furniture company have always been ahead of the pack by introducing their customers with nothing less but the finest modern furniture in commercial interiors and modern spaces since the 1930s. This particular exhibition officially introduced Herman Miller Collection to the largest metro market in North America. They even have a popular shop filled with design accessories – from Maharam pillows upholstered with George Nelson’s fabrics to my favorite Eames Black Birds. While the Pop Up Shop is intended to serve as a showroom for the commercial architectural and interior design community, it is also open to the public seven days a week. The carefully curated portfolio combined existing and newly reintroduced iconic modern furniture pieces, as well as the contemporary work of some of today’s best known designers, as well as a total of 200 product families, including several pieces previewed in advance of their retail availability this Fall. The flow of the shop’s vignettes made me want to explore the space even more, and I appreciated how these museum quality pieces represented both residential and commercial applications, which provide solutions for casual office environments, executive offices, meeting rooms, dining rooms, living rooms and even outdoor environments. The product display and the shop is located at 68 Wooster Street (between Spring and Broome) in the heart of SoHo.  For more pictures of the exhibition, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/highendweekly. And don’t forget to Like US too!
  • Decorative Arts,  Designers,  Interior Design,  Jack Lenor Larsen,  Rugs,  Textiles

    At Home with legendary textile designer, Jack Lenor Larsen



    The Dream Weaver
    There is nothing about textiles that Jack Lenor Larsen doesn’t know! His own fabrics are unique, original designs which are sometimes made from wire, plastics, synthetics and natural fibers. His construction of the fabric is always a surprise, and a delight to designers who get to work with them. Because of his originality and the depth of his understanding of textiles, he is a legend in the design industry, and beloved by so many of us, including myself. Jack Lenor Larsen is the son of Danish-Norwegian immigrants, and one of the most influential, respected, innovative textile designers of the past fifty years.

    Jack Lenor Larsen’s apartment in Murray Hill, New York

    Serene
    The apartment is a testament to Jack Larsen’s global travels, and his extraordinary style …
    … and genius as an artist and visionary designer
    Photos courtesy Jeffrey Hirsch, via New York Social Diary
    This wool and silk rug from Jack Larson is spell bounding and will make a visual impact in any style room,
    Photo via One Kings Lane
    A great read and a must for any library
    Get it today on Amazon
    Jack Lenor Larsen pictured inside his study
    Photos courtesy Jeffrey Hirsch, via New York Social Diary
    He not only made his name with Frank Lloyd Wright, who used his fabrics for the music room at Taliesin, or Marilyn Monroe who once shopped for his upholstery fabric whilst setting up her nest with Arthur Miller, Mr. Larsen was instrumental in opening up the huge world of textiles to the American public. He is a collector, artist, philanthropist, author, and world famous for his traditional and contemporary crafts. And above all that, I found him to be très gentil, a gentleman, and surprisingly humble, in all of my interactions with him. What a great example to us all.


    NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
  • Art Deco,  Decorative Arts,  Maison Gerard

    The Genius of Leleu

    This particular cabinet illustrates how Jules Leleu adapted rather than absorbed the modernist ideas that was so prevalent during his time. Born from a business oriented father in 1883, Leleu boldly opened his own studio in Paris in 1922, while he was in his mid twenties. He exhibited at the historical Exposition Industrielle et Arts Decoratifs in 1925. By the way, he won the coveted grand prize at that exposition. When most people thank about art deco, they naturally think of french art deco because of that grand 1925 exhibition in the city of lights.

    Jules Leleu’s walnut cabinet

    Rare and important walnut four door cabinet from Leleu
    Details of the cabinet
    For many, the furniture of Jacques-Emile Ruhlman will forever remain the epitome of Art Deco. He gets high praises for the elegant contours of the exotic woods that he used, most of them inlaid with mother of pearls. And if you’re fortunate enough to own one or two pieces of his work, I’d say you are well and truly in a higher league than most. Having a Jules Leuleu piece of furniture grace your home is not too shabby either. His furniture is aggressively pursued by art deco lovers, museums, and interior designers with big budget clients. Today, I’m featuring this exquisite and extremely rare walnut cabinet, which I first came across earlier this year, while I attended the Winter and Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory. This cabinet, from Maison Gerard, stopped me dead in my tracks because it had so much presence. And although it can be the most assertive piece of furniture in a room, somehow because of its elegance, it manages to look a bit understated. Understated elegance goes a long way, trust me. 

    Cover Image
    Photos courtesy Maison Gerard
    Leleu was an illustrious furniture designer who adroitly used some of the following materials in his decorative pieces, iribe rose together with blond shagreen, and walnut. You will often find that Art Deco furniture of the 1920s and earlier often featured shagreen, mother of pearl, eggshell, ivory, tortoiseshell, ormulu, painted parchment, snakeskin, exotic animal hides and silver and gold leaf.
  • 1stDibs,  Art Fairs,  Decorative Arts,  Fine Arts,  Textiles

    Mid-20th-Century Style



    Modern Love
    Throughout the 20th century, the products, styles, theories and philosophies of design have become evermore diverse. No doubt this was due to the growing complexity of the design process, and the changing taste of the costumer. In the last century, design has existed as a major feature of culture and everyday life. It was seen as an instrument for improving the quality of life. I have a special fondness for decorative arts from the 1950s because it was a period of renewal and optimism in America.



    Jacaranda Lounge Chairs from Brazil, circa 1970s
    from R20th


    Designers and artists were creating some of the most memorable art and objects. New materials such as plastic laminates, latex foam, fiberglass shaped the look of the mid 20th century. Designers were appealing to consumers’ growing aspirations by producing streamlined and forward-looking products that were the embodiment of the American Dream. The home became the very focus of that dream, and designers helped to shape it.

    Alexander Calder Tapestry, France, circa 1970’s
    “Le Lezard et le Tetard”, Woven at Ateliers Pinton – Aubusson
    from Vojtech Blau
     
    Left: Malatesta and Mason, Armchair, Leather and Walnut, circa 1960. 
    Right: Kaiva textile for Marimekko, c. 1964

    Duilio Barnabé, Portrait, circa 1961

    Coffee table with glass top on a light grey mahogany base by Irina A. Klepper, circa 1950s
    Jumo Bakelite streamlined lamp for Jumo Brevette, Paris, circa 1945
    Maurice Calka, Boomerang desk for Leuleu-Deshays, 1970
    Today a new generation is discovering and appreciating mid-20th-century art and design. Worldwide, this trend can be found in some of the most diverse spaces. I am quite partial to it since it was so glamorous, so stream-lined, so chic! If you share the same sentiment, then there is no better place to be than at the inaugural New York 20th Century Art and Design fair by 1stDibs. This event will take place under the tent at Lincoln Center in Damrosch Park from Friday, April 13th until Sunday, the 15th. There will be an early buying preview party on Thursday, April 12th. 1stDibs plan on showcasing 20th century art and design at its best. On view will be a highly curated selection of furniture, lighting, sculpture, paintings, jewelry, silver, glass, ceramics, photography, textiles, tapestries, prints, vintage clothing and accessories. It’ is time to fall for modern love.

    NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.

  • Architectural Digest,  Art Fairs,  Decorative Arts,  Textiles

    Top Picks from the 2012 Architectural Digest Show

    Today I’m reflecting on the Architecture Digest Show that took place last week at Pier 94. Those types of fairs are informative, and excellent for product sourcing. But sadly, the AD Show have seen more misses than hits, over the years.

    Left: In Memory and Hope

    And so it was a breath of fresh air, when I discovered a few vendors who were pushing the limits with innovative ideas, and designs. I loved the Rockwell’s Group’s table concept for DIFFA Dining by Design. It was simple and inviting, with this underlining theatrical effect to it. David Rockwell’s new textiles for Jim Thompson worked well with the playful, and dramatic surface of the table which was covered in a warm white wax.

    The Rockwell Group 2012 Dining by Design for DIFFA
    Photos courtesy Strohl & Co
     Whimsy
    Mark A. Perry Sculptor
     Sculptural Forms
    Contemporary Vases from artist Young Mi Kim, Cocobolo Design
     Vibrant Hues
    Luxurious Qashqai blankets from D. Bryant Archie Textiles
     Rio Hamilton from Neidermaier
    Fall 2012 Furniture Collection
    The Curator’s Eye
    Robert A.M. Stern Stern Collection
    Photos courtesy High End Weekly
    Robert A.M. Stern‘s booth was beautifully curated, and brought to mind Maison Gerard’s gallery spaces. The furniture was offset by a gorgeous white-washed herringbone floor. I’m so glad that my friend Rio Hamilton from Neidermaier brought the booth to my attention! Speaking of Neidermaier, their furniture collection are always so stylish, and in accord with hospitality, and residential projects. Did I mention how chic they are? I’ve always been impressed with D. Brynat Archies striking hand-made, vibrant, yet subdued, luxurious fabrics. Her new resort collection of 100% cotton fabrics, pillows, throws and bed covers reminds me of Marrakesh. How exotic!
  • Asia Week,  Decorative Arts,  Erik Thomsen,  Fine Arts,  Inc.,  Joe-Hynn Yang Courage and Joy,  Ralph M. Chait Galleries,  The Chinese Porcelain Company,  Zetterquist Galleries

    Highlights from Asia Week New York 2012

    The Strange Elizabethans

    Growing up in Hong Kong, at times, the artist felt lost with her identity, and often envisioned the Chinese population as anonymous, but with a strong tie to England.

    By artist Annysa Ng from China 2000 Fine Arts

    Imperial Pairs
    Although my taste in porcelain is much simpler than these, I was attracted to this pair because of their commending stand and beauty. Their provenance is most likely tied to another pair of identical vases from a garniture from the Jiaquing period as illustrated in the Treasure in Royalty: The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Quing Dynast, back in 2003.
    From Ralph M. Chait Galleries.
    Forced Happiness
    Beautiful carved wood prints, and works on pencil have become the signature of Pace Prints on East 57th – right across the street from the Fuller Building. The cynical sense of humor of artist Yue Minjun, creates a potent sense of what the political climate feels like in communist China.
    Layered In
    The one man show of artist Tai Xiangzhou is now on display at the Chinese Porcelain Company. Tai’s work (pictured in the background) is extensive, intense, and has a dreamlike quality about it.
    He is the only existing artist whom have studied under Liu Dan.
    Simple as a Ring
    Eric Zetterquist on East 66 Street has a great exhibition of some of the more well known Chinese porcelain from the 6th Century A.D. I liked the Japanese jade-like porcelain vase pictured here on the top left corner.
    It has an acute simplicity, and the look is quite modern.
    A finely carved painted pottery figure of a Fat Lady at Courage and Joy.
    The miniature statue looks right at home in its surroundings.
    Closer Look
    Ceramic technology reached its peaked and influenced the cultural tradition in ancient China and Japan. This plum blossom seemed simple, but upon closer look one discovers the masterful hands behind it. The roundness of the mouth is quite unusual, not to mention unique. While visiting Joe-Hynn’s exhibition, I got to explore the individual beauty and relationship between each one of his pieces. This is a finely potted green-glazed stoneware bottle vase, with a globular ‘garlic’ mouth from the Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE).
    Old and New
    I took this shot because it reminded me of the ancient world mixed with the new. Looking at the outside world from the windows of Erik Thomsen‘s gallery, I appreciated even more the contrast of the sereneness of this scroll, with the hustle and bustle of a New York City’s moment.
    Exquisite
    Although this is not included in the exhibit, I couldn’t help but share it with you. The black lacquer vase looked exceptionally pleasing, and so are the orchads for that matter. Agreed?
    A warm welcome from two of the members of Carlton Rochell Asian Art
    Symbol Figure

    This authoritive figure – a Schist Bodhisattva Gandhara, circa 3rd Century – was a site to behold.
    Carlton Rochell explained how they have been pursuing this particular piece for 30 years, and after it stayed a few monhts in their possession, they can happily report that it found a new home – an institution to be exact.

    So Wise
    Ancient scroll from Jiyoung Koo on East 72nd Street. This particular scroll was from the private library of a collector in New Jersey. It is understood that he had the piece for several years not realising the importance of the provenance.
    Fly Away
     I fail to remember the name of this artist, but remembered to take this picture since I loved it so much! In Japan, a butterfly is a symbol of abundance and wealth. This comtemporary piece can be found at Dai Ichi Arts.
    En Garde!
    An earthenware Guardian-Warrior from the Western Jin dynasty from the 3rd-4th century A.D.
    Kaidodo Gallery on East 78th Street.
    The Fine Prints
    This image portrays a Prince inspecting manuscripts in a palace library attributed to Manohar, Mughal, circa 1600. The devil is in the fine details of this intricate photo from Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch. It’s one of their priceless prints from the Indian Painting exhibition for Asia Week New York 2012
    Photos courtesy High End Week™
  • Celebrities,  Decorative Arts,  Designers,  Dienst,  Dotter Antikviteter,  Events,  Jack Lenor Larsen,  Juan Montoya,  Mario Buatto,  Martha Stewart,  Showrooms,  Susan Zises Green,  Thomas Wolz

    Out and About: Dienst + Dotter Antikviteter

    The Dienst + Dotter showroom located at 411 Lafayette Street (next door to the sophisticated celebrity-driven night club, Butter) is one of those showrooms in New York that stands out from the rest. Especially given its location. 


    Jack Lenor Larsen, Thomas Woltz







    They’ve been able to retained their loyal following from their original days in Sag Harbor, New York. Last night, the Scandinavian antique dealers hosted a kick off reception for the New York School of Interior Design’s Annual Spring Benefit which will honor visionary, scholar, world traveler, and authority on traditional and contemporary crafts, Jack Lenor Larsen and Thomas Woltz. 

    The benefit will take place Wednesday, April 18 at the Metropolitan Club. I was horrendously busy this week, so it was a relief to be at this elegant, yet laid-back event which was so well attended by some of New York’s top design talents, editors, and socialites. Even the doyenne of lifestyle television, Martha Stewart, was in attendance. The 70 year old business magnate looked fabulous in a very tasteful and chic black leather pants, while she sauntered around the room in her high heel black suede boots. Nothing seemed to escape her notice, as she came prepared with her digital camera, and even took time to smell the showroom’s roses. This was my first time at Dienst + Dotter and I can tell you that I plan on visiting them soon. They have an outstanding collection of furniture that ranges from $500 to $50,000. When you get there, make sure you visit their bathroom as well. Yes. Take note of their 17th century letter which is cocooned inside this breathtaking antique frame, located right above the toilet seat. The bathroom is inviting and is in itself a haven of peace. I’ve always had a penchant for gorgeous and practical bathrooms, and this one is certainly an inspiration for my future designs.

    Martha Stewart
    Emma Dienst, Jill Dienst
    Photos courtesy Annie Watt
     Martha Stewart

    Atmosphere
    Vyna St Phard, with Mario Buatto
    Susan Zises Green, Juan Montoya
    Polly Guerin
    Laura Rothfuss, David J Stocker
    Photos courtesy High End Weekly
     Marilyn White
    Photo courtesy Annie Watt 
    Penny-farthing, American Star Bicycle from 1885
    Photos courtesy High End Weekly
     Dienst + Dotter
    Photo courtesy Richard Perry for The New York Times
  • Asia Week,  Decorative Arts,  Exhibition,  J.J. Lally,  Museums,  The Metropolitan Museum

    J.J. Lally: Silver and Gold in Ancient China

    This slender curving handle of half-round form with flattened back, tapering to a simplified duck’s head terminal at one end and flattened out to a lotus-petal-shaped very shallow curving scoop at the other end.
    Top: A Silver long-handled tea scoop (Ze)
    Early Tang Dynasty, A.D. 7th century – Length 9 3/4 inches.

    Bottom: A gilt-silver wine cup and stand, from 
    the Northern Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1127) Diameter of cup stand 5 1/8 inches, Diameter of cup 2 3/4 inches, 

    Height overall 2 1/8 inches. 




    The flower-shaped wine cup with gently rounded and slightly flaring sides divided into ten petal-lobes, chased on the exterior with ten demi-florettes in a band below the lipped rim, the saucer-shaped stand also divided into ten lobes enclosed by a flat foliate rim of conforming outline with squared edge and raised on a high hollow ten-lobed foot, chased in the center of the stand with an undulating band of composite floral scroll, and the splayed edge of the foot chased with a border of pendant petal lappets enclosing demi-florettes, the gilded surface showing a soft luster and scattered dark tarnish, the patination and tarnish more concentrated on the underside of the cup stand where surface has not been as thoroughly cleaned.

    A parcel-gilt silver ‘Musical troupe’ Ewer and Cover
    Liao – Northern Song Dynasty, A.D. 10th -11th Century
    Height 10 inches

    The hexagonal vessel of tall slender form decorated with six gilded figures in high relief including a dancer, a drummer and four different musicians playing Chinese instruments centering each of the six flat tapering sides, further decorated with a ring-matte punched ground embellished with incised foliate and cloud motifs above and below each figure, and with incised borders of overlapping petal motifs framing each panel, the sloping shoulders and tapering narrow neck also decorated with floral motifs on ring-punched grounds within petal-borders and the upright cylindrical spout and high arch-form handle similarly decorated, standing on a plain splayed hexagonal ring foot and with a small stepped cover with incised foliate decoration surmounted by a large gilded flame-shaped finial.
    A clam shell box and chased silver cover
    Tang Dynasty, A.D. 8th-9th Century
    Width 4 inches

    This shell-shaped silver cover with domed surface finely decorated with a fenghuang bird with fan-shaped crest and long luxurious tail feathers shown walking with wings displayed, surrounded by exotic blooms and lush foliage borne on long curling stems, the decoration all freely incised in outline and with fine stippling and linear details, reserved on a dense ring-punched ground, and enclosed within a narrow plain border around the rim and downturned narrow sides which are angled over the edge of the natural clam shell base, with a small silver ring at one side of the cover linked by a silver chain to a similar ring on a peg drilled through and attached to the shell.
    A set of early gold headdress ornaments
    Northern Dynasties – Early Tang Dynasty, circa A.D. 5th-7th Century 
    (Approximately 50 pieces)
    Length of the repoussé bands 11 7/8 inches; 8 5/8 inches; 3 inches
    Length of florette tassels 2 3/4 inches
    Length of sequins 3/8 inch
    Length of beads 3/8 inch

    This breathtaking set comprised of nine repoussé decorated bands, five florette tassels, six hollow beads, and twenty-nine sequins, the largest band decorated in shallow relief with a frieze of round-faced boys wearing lotus-petal skirts and bead necklaces shown grasping the strands of an undulating foliate scroll sprouting palmette motifs between beaded borders punched with tiny holes for attachment. The shorter two narrow bands each decorated with similar undulating foliate scroll sprouting palmette motifs in a continuous pattern between beaded borders, the six small bands decorated with overlapping undulating ropetwist pattern between beaded borders. The five tassels each in the form of an eight-petal florette pierced through the center to receive a thin pendant gold strip of tapered form, and the twenty-nine sequins all of teardrop shape, slightly convex on one side and concave on the other, pierced at the top for suspension. Finally, he six beads thinly cast with a mould line across the waist; all the elements showing a higher polish on the front and slightly matte on the reverse, one of the medium-size narrow bands with an ancient repair visible only on the back.
    A parcel-gilt silver chrysanthemum-form cup from the
    Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279)
    3 3/8 inches

    The deep flower-form bowl with two tiers of twenty-four slender petals each recessed on the interior and convex on the exterior, rising to a scalloped rim with inset gilt-edged lip, the domed center of the interior imitating the center of the flower, with rows of rounded bosses above a collar of gilded leaf tips, raised on a hollow tapered foot also petal-lobed and flaring to a scalloped edge.
    Exhibition and Sale March 16 – April 14, 2012

    ‘Asia Week’ is a great opportunity for everyone interested in Asian art to gather and exchange ideas while feasting their eyes on the best Asian art exhibitions in museums and specialist art galleries. At J.J. Lally & Co. we have spent several years hunting for and gathering together the rare ancient Chinese silver and gold works of art which we will be exhibiting March 16-April 14, and many of the other 33 Asian art galleries participating in ‘Asia Week’ have made an equal or greater effort. Asia Week’ is a scholarly event, a social event and a great art market event which draws aficionados from all around the world. – Mr. Jim Lally

    The minute I walked through the doors of J.J. Lally, I was immediately struck by the warm and enthusiastic welcome of their gallery’s director, Ms. I-Hsuan Chen. She knew it was my first time there, and wasted no time to introduce me to their upcoming exhibit, Silver and Gold in Ancient China – a splendid show which many of you will get to see during Asia Week New York. As a young girl, I’ve always been fascinated by Asian art, not just because of its sheer, intense beauty, but I had a penchant  for Asian gold because of its allure, and mystical quality. And when it comes to decoration, Asian art holds its own, and compliments modern and traditional interiors extremely well. During my tour, it became evident that this gallery embodied some of the finest Chinese works of art of every kind, particularly the arts of ancient China. I’ve also learned that J.J. Lally boasts an amazing collection of some of the most extremely rare body of works throughout the year. Some of which have been purchased by The Metropolitan Museum here in New York, The British Museum, the Shanghai Museum, and the Harvard University Art Museums.

    Chinese silver of the Song dynasty (960-1279) is very well represented in this exhibition. Look for a rare piece of Song silver – an elaborate Openwork and Repoussé-Decorated Buddhist Stupa-Form Reliquary, formerly in the collection of J.T. Tai, which bears a dedicatory inscription including a Chinese reign date corresponding to A.D. 986. And what does the girl who have everything (I am not referring to myself) wish for when she visits J.J. Lally? A clam shell box and chased silver cover from the Tang Dynasty, of course! This piece is truly exquisite, and the fine details of the silver metal is so intricate that you’ll be mesmerized just by looking at it. J.J. Lally is located at 41 East 57th Street, 14th Floor New York, NY 10022. Opening Preview Saturday and Sunday, March 17–18 from 10am–6pm
    www.jjlally.com.
  • Art Exhibition,  Decorative Arts,  Maison Gerard,  Mario Dal Fabbro,  Modern Art

    Mario Dal Fabbro at Maison Gerard


    “My goal is to represent spatially the complexity of profiles, the dimensions of forms which constantly seem to rearrange themselves in space and set themselves between the empty space and the concrete form.” Mario Dal Fabbro


    Direction Optical, Carved Wood Sculpture, 1968
    by Mario Dal Fabbro (1913 – 1990)
    H: 17 1/2″ x W: 25″ x D: 16″
    Signed and dated


    Three Squares, 1971
    H: 22″ x W: 18″ x D: 6″
    Signed, and bears an original tag
    Dal Fabbro was born into a family of furniture-making craftsmen in Capella Maggiore, Treviso, Italy. He studied in Venice at the Institute for Decorative and Industrial Arts and at the Regio Magistero Artistico, majoring in art and design and graduating with honors in 1938.
    Untitled, 1982
    H: 6 1/2″ x W: 16″ x 4″
    Signed and dated
    He has authored over 20 books on furniture design, created works that are sensuously anthropomorphic and while reminiscent of Brancusi have an even more tactile quality due to his choice of woods.
    Birds at play, 1972
    H: 19″ x W: 22″ x D: 12 1/2″
    Signed, dated, and inscribed
    In his later career, Dal Fabbro focused solely on his sculpture, perfecting his transformation of wood into his signature fluid and dynamic shapes. This exhibition at Maison Gerard is the latest in an ongoing series showcasing artists who are little known outside the collector’s market but whose work is important and noteworthy today.
    Untitled, 1978
    H: 23″ x W: 5 3/4″ x D: 8″
    Signed and inscribed

    Photos courtesy: Maison Gerard
    All rights reserved

    “I personally love the effortless quality of his work, the purity of form, which is the thread throughout the body of work…” Benoist F. Drut, Maison Gerard
    Mario Dal Fabbro Sculpture: Opening Reception: Wednesday, February 22nd – 6 – 9 PM
    Exhibition from Thursday, February 23 – Friday, March 30, 2012
    Artists are a rare breed, and their actions are usually misunderstood. How do you explain why someone as creative and imaginative as Mario Dal Fabbro chose not to sell his important sculptures during his lifestyle? I don’t pretend to know the answer to that, but I do know that many art collectors are thankful that the  wait is over.
    Starting this Thursday, until March 30th, Maison Gerard will feature and sell 40 rare and exquisite wood sculptures by the artist and mid-century furniture designer at their swanky gallery, located at 43 East 10th Street. RSVP (rsvp@maisongerard.com) for this event, because quite frankly, you won’t regret it.

    In his lifetime, the esteemed sculptor only exhibited his works but never allowed them to be sold. Known for his seductive abstract forms, and his connection to the wood is evident in the way he highlights the natural beauty of its density, color and grain. The result is the constant interaction of solid and void, mass and movement, for pieces that are supremely architectural and structured yet sensuous and tactile. He was trained as a sculptor but took an active role in the family furniture business. I will look for you at the party in order to entertain your feedback for this special sale and exhibition at Maison Gerard. Are you thinking of purchasing one of these sculptures, and if so, which one? Look for my feedback of the preview party at the News and Events Secion at the Devenish Group, this coming Friday. See you soon.

  • 1stDibs,  Announcements,  Art Fairs,  Decorative Arts,  Fine Arts,  Mid 20th Century Furniture

    1stDibs’ 20th Century Art & Design Fair

    Top 20th Century 1stDibs Dealers sign on for inaugural edition of the New York 20th Century Art and Design Fair on April 12 – 15, 2012. The event is to be held at the tent at Lincoln Center in Damrosch Park and presented by Dolphin Promotions

    Many of the leading names in the field of 20th Century design will showcase a cross-section of iconic material including furniture, lighting, sculpture, paintings, jewelry, silver, glass, ceramics, photography, textiles, prints, vintage clothing and accessories. Among the participants from the United States are: Bridges Over Time; Camilla Dietz BergeronLtd.; Christopher Anthony; Collage-20th Century Classics; Donzella; Downtown; Dragonette Ltd.; Fat Chance; Framont Fine Art; Good Design; Joyce Groussman; Katy Kane Vintage & Couture Clothing; Le Lampade; Lillian Nassau LLC; Liz O’Brien; Lobel Modern; Mark McDonald; Modernism Gallery; Neil Marrs; R 20thCentury; Reform; Sally Rosen 20th Century Collections; Steve Newman Fine Arts; The Silver Fund; Todd Merrill & Associates; Vojtech Blau, Trinity House and Caira Mandaglio.

    An early-buying preview party benefiting the Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture will be held on Thursday evening, April 12, and is expected to draw serious collectors, designers, investors, and museum curators. The show opens to the public from Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15. The venue at Lincoln Center, located at West 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues in the fashionable and easily accessible Upper Wide Side neighborhood of New York, is a gorgeous climate-controlled tent with hard walls and flooring. It is one of the largest event sites in Manhattan and has become an established location for some of the city’s most celebrated events, including the American Ballet Theatre Gala, New York Philharmonic Gala, and HBO’s Sex in the City party.
    Further details regarding the preview gala, lecture series, and special guests will be announced soon. For more information, please visit NYC20.net or contact Dolphin Promotions at (708) 366-2710 or (954) 563-6747.