Pair of rare and early “Shang Ti” tables in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with vibrant enamel cloisonne and Chinese style ebonized wood bases with red enamel by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, late 1950’s (Tables retain partial original Gem Stone Arts labels on bottoms). Gem Stone Arts, created by Philip LaVerne, was the original workshop where Philip and Kelvin LaVerne started experimenting with engraving metals. It proceeded the opening of the LaVerne Gallery on East 57th Street. Kelvin LaVerne stated that Philip designed the bases which were executed by a Chinese woodworker at Gem Stone Arts. The bases were later replaced with patinated bronze bases as the design evolved. These are early experimental works.
Reference:
ALCHEMY: THE ART OF PHILIP AND KELVIN LAVERNE written by Evan Lobel with Kelvin LaVerne, published by Pointed Leaf Press in 2024, a “Shang Ti” table is shown with different color enamel cloisonne and bronze legs in the section on Historical Civilizations on page 66.
Gem Stone Arts is discussed on page 24, stating, “ {In the 1950’s, Philip} formed a company called Gem Stone Arts and designed and made furniture and mirrors…”
Dimensions for each
D: 19 inches
W: 19 inches
H: 18 inches
Condition: Excellent
SOLD
ref: tables2
