Lucia K. Mathews

Presented by Mr. John Zeile (Furniture Shop co-owner) to Mrs. Lilla Elizabeth McClellan and Mr. Leon Lowell McClellan (Furniture Shop accountant) shortly after their marriage in 1914
Thence by descent
Private Collection, New York

Harvey L. Jones, The Art of Arthur & Lucia Mathews, San Francisco, 2006, p. 185 (for a related circular mirror frame) and pp. 228-229 (for related carved and polychromed wood objects)

Overall in very good original condition, showing very gentle wear. The mirror frame is slightly warped, which is very minor and only detectable if examined closely on a flat table top. The carved polychromed surfaces with some gentle surface rubbing, a few small minor surface losses and scratches, and fine surface craquelure consistent with age. The original mirror with a few very small scattered losses to the silvering on the underside. The carved surfaces show very fine definition. In reality the colors are slightly more vibrant, and the color palette is slightly more green (less blue) than in the catalogue illustration. A charming mirror from Mathew's rare repertoire with a distinguished historic provenance.
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.

Lucia Mathews and her husband, Arthur, founded the Furniture Shop in San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fire.  One of the first studios to open after the catastrophe, the Mathews sold functional items inspired by the English Arts and Crafts aesthetic.  Both artists were skilled painters, and their rare decorative works incorporated sophisticated imagery owing to that training.  Lucia's designs are dominated by conventionalized Japanesque-inspired floral compositions and intimate portraiture realized in such forms as covered jars, boxes, frames, and on a larger scale, case furniture.