Otto Heino & Sam Maloof Studio Arts at Bonhams & Butterfields
Published August 26th, 2008
Works from California Studio Legends Otto Heino and Sam Maloof on the auction Block at Bonhams & Butterfields’ fall 2008 auction of 20th Century Decorative Arts, to be held in Los Angeles on Monday, September 22, 2008, features a diverse group of master works spanning a century of design. Strong examples of Studio Works of Art, Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary works come to auction.
Maloof’s sculptured cradles, chests, bureaus and settees grace the permanent collections of many of the world’s major museums, including: the Smithsonian Institution, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Art Museum, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Featured fall auction highlights by Sam Maloof include a highly sought-after walnut and ebony rocking chair (est. $30/50,000), a dining table ($12/18,000), a side table (est. $8/12,000) and coffee table (est. $12/18,000).
California master potter Otto Heino is known for his natural, physical throwing style and his eye for harmonious form. Both he and his late wife Vivika worked as collaborators for over 40 years helping to bring the California craft movement to the world stage; all the while remaining true to their personal vision. The pair has influenced generations of students who studied under and apprenticed with them at prestigious institutions.
In 1978, Heino submitted a piece to the prestigious Sixth Biennial International de Ceramique at Vallauris, France where Pablo Picasso presented the first-time exhibitor with the “Gold Medal” prize, an upset that introduced him to the international stage. A ‘Bird Head Vase’ with white matte glaze and blue and black decoration, similar to the winning piece from the 1978 competition, will be offered (est. $3/5,000) on September 22nd.
In conjunction with the 20th Century Decorative Arts auction and preview, Bonhams & Butterfields will host “Masters and Apprentices in the Studio Craft Movement,” a panel discussion on September 18, 2008. The program will highlight the West Coast studio craft movement and explore the apprenticeship system employed in America, while featuring a rare opportunity to interact with the living legends Otto Heino and Sam Maloof. Gerard O’Brien of Reform Gallery, Los Angeles will moderate the event.
