Lucia Kleinhans Mathews

Presented by the artist as a wedding gift to Albert and Margaret R. Kleinhans, 1916
Thence by descent
Don Magner, Brooklyn, NY
Acquired from the above by the present owner 

Mathews: Masterpieces of the California Decorative Style, The Oakland Museum, Oakland, CA, May 12-July 30, 1972
The Ideal Home 1900-1920: The History of Twentieth-Century American Craft, American Craft Museum, New York, October 21, 1993-February 15, 1994

Harvey L. Jones, Mathews: Masterpieces of the California Decorative Style, Oakland, 1972, p. 102, cat. no. 163 (for the present lot listed in the exhibition checklist)

Overall in very good condition. The surfaces throughout appear to have been gessoed and painted, after which it was varnished. The varnish exhibits age commensurate with age and use, and is slightly sun faded on the exterior. When examining this piece under blacklight, scattered inpainting is apparent on the majority of the black bars used in the outer decorative borders, presumably on account that this one pigment did not bind well with the gesso. With some additional scattered small and minor areas of inpainting throughout to the decorated fields. The exterior surfaces with light surface wear, some occasional surface abrasions, surface soiling and darkening to the varnish consistent with age and gentle use. With some gentle bruising and rubbing to the corners. The select areas of surface gilding with some small losses. On the proper left rear corner of the box lid, there is a stress fracture and associated tear to the wood approximately 1 ¾ inches long (appears stable) adjacent to the corner seam. There are also a few shrinkage cracks along the exterior seam lines of the bottom board of the box (all appear stable). The underside of the box with surface scratches, abrasions marks and associated small losses to the inscription and year dates. The interior retains its original celadon green silk lining, which is in very good condition, with a few minor tears primarily reserved along three of the four side panels and along the top edges of the interior side panels. (Surfaces not examined beneath the interior silk-lined walls.) The box displays beautifully in person and is in remarkable condition considering the vulnerable nature of the painted surfaces.
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.

This polychromed box was presented as a wedding gift in 1916 to Lucia Mathews' brother, Albert Kleinhans, and to his wife, Margaret R. Kleinhans.  This keepsake was endearingly inscribed and by the artist on the underside and interior box lid.