Divan (no. 165)
Item
Title
Divan (no. 165)
Creator
United Crafts
Date
1901-02 (ca.)
Medium
Ash, leather
Object No.
2018.19.06
Credit line
Gift of Gregg and Monique Seibert
Description
Amongst the design details that Stickley employed in his initial work, following the dissolution of his partnership with Elgin A. Simonds in 1898, the Gothic arch–seen in this divan as well as rocker (no. 2609)–first appeared in the series of “Bungalow” furniture he photographed for his catalog New Furniture from the Workshop of Gustave Stickley in 1900. Reintroduced into chair backs as early as the mid-eighteenth century, the use of a pointed arch remained a popular strategy for furniture makers throughout the nineteenth century.
Priced from $56 to $61 for the frame and roan skin cushions in 1901 and 1902, this was amongst the most expensive examples of seating furniture manufactured by Stickley’s companies. Although the firm’s 1901 retail plates–line drawings of the furniture provided to retailesrs–are the only record that this form was available in “green ash,” the company’s business records indicate that pieces continued to be executed in this finish through 1903. This reiterates the caution with which catalogs should be relied upon to determine the dating of objects. From 1901 to 1904, although the firm rarely announced options other than ash, oak, and mahogany in their promotional materials, Stickley manufactured furniture in elm, hazel, and birch in a variety of finishes.
Priced from $56 to $61 for the frame and roan skin cushions in 1901 and 1902, this was amongst the most expensive examples of seating furniture manufactured by Stickley’s companies. Although the firm’s 1901 retail plates–line drawings of the furniture provided to retailesrs–are the only record that this form was available in “green ash,” the company’s business records indicate that pieces continued to be executed in this finish through 1903. This reiterates the caution with which catalogs should be relied upon to determine the dating of objects. From 1901 to 1904, although the firm rarely announced options other than ash, oak, and mahogany in their promotional materials, Stickley manufactured furniture in elm, hazel, and birch in a variety of finishes.
Associated names
Gustav Stickley
Provenance
Purchased, en suite, by an undisclosed buyer, ca. 1901, then by descent. Dalton’s American Decorative Arts and Antiques (September 2001). Cathers and Dembrosky (by 2002). Gregg and Monique Seibert (2002).