Pair of American Studio Craftsman Leather Chairs c.1950
ABOUT
Price is per chair. This is an original set of two studio crafted chairs, made of a sturdy Koawood frame with rounded corners. The backrest and seating are made of a red-brown leather with a beautiful and heavy patina. The back is made of one piece of leather and the seating is webbed. The piece has retained its original finish and is in excellent condition with appropriate patina for its age.
- CREATOR Unknown
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1950
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Wood, Leather.
- CONDITION Excellent. Wear consistent with age and use. The leather is worn but structurally sound.
- DIMENSIONS H 31.5 in. x W 20.5 in. x D 20 in. Seat 17 in.
HISTORY
While the 1920s in the U.S. were marked by widespread mechanization and the industrial output of design, during the postwar period American designers began creating works that foregrounded historic craft methods and rejected mass-production. A major root of this rejection was the previous generation of European avant-gardes who came to the U.S. before and after WWII, many of whom were educated at the Bauhaus and took up teaching posts at U.S. institutions like Black Mountain College and Cranbrook Art Academy.
The period's financial prosperity allowed for this rejection of mass-production to happen—particularly training in applied arts (supported by the G.I. Bill) and the support of studios set up for one-of-a-kind object production. Notable figures in this movement include George Nakashima, Wharton Esherick and Sam Maloof.
