Lot 74
  • 74

Frank Lloyd Wright

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description

  • Frank Lloyd Wright
  • A Rare Weed Vase
  • mahogany and copper
  • executed by Minic Shops, New York

Provenance

Private Collection (apprentice to Wright), Spring Green, WI
Kelmscott Gallery, Chicago
Lunn Ltd., New York
Anthony d'Offay, London

Literature

"Frank Lloyd Wright designs home furnishings you can buy," House Beautiful, November 1955, pp. 289-290 (for variant weed vases designed for the Heritage-Henredon line)
David A. Hanks, The Decorative Designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, New York, 1979, pp. 192-193 (for the model rendered in three different design drawings for Heritage-Henredon, 1955)

Condition

Overall in very good condition. The wood surfaces with some occasional light surface scratches, minor dings and edge wear consistent with age. The copper liner is approximately 12 inches long, with expected surface wear, rubbing and discoloration to the exterior from surface contact with the vase (this is not visible when the liner is inserted). The copper liner tube is open at the bottom end, which further supports the theory that this weed vase (along with the few other known examples) were used as models in the Henredon showrooms. (One could easily insert a rubber plug to make the liner functional). Great scale and architectural presence.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Frank Lloyd Wright's insistence that the interior created an environment which enhanced and complimented the intricacies of the architectural scheme dominated his designs throughout his career.  In 1955, Wright broke with his tradition of individual client commissions and designed a line of furniture and decorations for Heritage-Henredon.  The aim was to develop a line of commercially-produced organic designs for the average American.  Many of the designs were adapted from his earlier Prairie School aesthetics.

The design of the current lot is based on the iconic hand-wrought copper weed vase originally designed by Wright in the late 1890s.  The subsequent Heritage-Henredon example in mahogany simplifies the lines of the earlier model, yet maintains the same function to introduce natural foliage to the interior.  Wright's later modernist weed vases were never put into production.  Rather, the few known examples, which were executed in varying heights, were produced in a limited number for display in the Heritage-Henredon showrooms.  Another example of this design is in the collection of The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Scottsdale, Arizona.