Bernhard Pankok

executed by the Vereinigte Werkstätten für Kunst im Handwerk, Munich
mahogany, fruitwood marquetry, fabric upholstery

Von Zezschwitz, Munich, 25 November, 2005, lot 60
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Magyar Iparművészet: Az Orságos Magya Iparművészeti Museum és Iskola és a Magya Iparművészeti Társulat Közlönye, Budapest, 1902, pl. 192 for a period illustration of this model in situ at the Prima Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte Decorativa Moderna, Turin, 1902
Laurence Mouillefarine, "Explorateur des Arts Décoratifs", Architectural Digest, France, no. 62, December 2006 - January 2007, p. 104, illustrated
Ralf Eibel, "Mit Hohem Einsatz", Architectural Digest, Deutschland, December - January, 2009, p. 116, illustrated
Werner Adriaenssens et al, Roberto Polo: The Eye, London, 2011, p. 432, illustrated

Overall very good condition consistent with age and gentle use. Very minor scattered surface scuffs and scratches concentrated to the feet. One longer scuff, approximately 8 cm in length to the lower right hand side proper. Two hairlines to the marquetry, front right proper, measuring approximately 10 cm and running vertically, one hairline to the front left proper approximately 8 cm running vertically, all of which have been sensitively and professionally stabilised. Minor scattered chips to the top edge of the wood below the upholstery which have been sensitively and professionally restored. The upholstery is newer.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This model chair, reportedly exhibited in Pankok’s ladies salon at the Internationalen Kunst-Ausstellung in Dresden in 1901, was undocumented until 1902, when Pankok included the chair in his now complete ladies salon at the Prima Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte Decorativa Moderna in Turin. The only known illustration of the complete ensemble at Turin appeared in a Hungarian art publication, Magyar Iparművészet, op. cit. in 1902, and a copy of this illustration is in the Pankok Archive at the Württemberg State Museum in Stuttgart. It is deduced that Pankok was unsuccessful in finding a buyer for the salon in Turin at a suggested price of 12,000 marks. He then exhibited the salon at the Ausstellung der Münchener Vereinigung für Angewandte Kunst in 1905, after which the salon was again dismantled, elements of the salon then passing into various private hands and institutions. It is reported that the chair resided in the residence of merchant Franz Sallentien, whose home was designed by German architect and designer Bruno Paul in 1909. Then, in 1945, Sallentien’s home was occupied by American soldiers, one of whom returned to the United States with the chair, where it remained for many years. The chair was rediscovered in the early 2000’s, brought to Berlin, and eventually sold in Munich (Von Zezschwitz, 2006, lot 60) to the present owner.