Mid-Century Marvel from Martinsville

The epitome of America mid-century modern design, this incredible credenza or china cabinet contrasts the natural beauty of golden glowing wood with accents of white laminate. American mid-century modern was a significant design movement stretching from 1945 through the 1960s. Influenced by European movements such as the German Bauhaus school and Scandinavian design, mid-century modern is characterized by the simplicity of its style, the extensive use of natural materials, and the lack of unnecessary embellishment, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and clean, uncluttered silhouettes. The combination of natural and man-made materials is also typical of mid-century modern.  With its compact size and stylish lines, this collectable piece of fine furniture would enhance any decor. 

Inside one of the drawer, this striking piece carries the mark of American of Martinsville. 

The back of the piece carries the model number and the designation "China," no doubt meaning it was intended as a hutch or cabinet to display your fine china or treasured trinkets.

American of Martinsville was founded in Martinsville, Virginia by former tobacco producers Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee in 1906. Sensing that the tobacco market was changing as large concerns such as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company were expanding across the country, the two men turned manufacturing bedroom furniture under the name the American Furniture Company. By the 1920s, the company was offering a wider range of furniture, In the 1950s, now operating as American of Martinsville, it offered a variety of furniture styles, hiring in-house designers to keep up with current trends. The company gained a reputation for fine craftsmanship and sophisticated design.  It also began producing furniture for the hospitality market. 

In 2000, American of Martinsville was purchased by La-Z-Boy Incorporated, which sold it six years later. Today, the company is belongs to the Akin Furniture Group, a family-owned business in Arkansas that specializes in furniture for the hospitality and healthcare industries.  

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

3-18688

Cool Couroc

No elegant mid-century cocktail party was complete without glossy black Couroc trays and barware, all inlaid with colorful designs that varied from whimsy to realism. The company's motto was, "Any tray can serve a drink. Only Couroc can start a conversation." This terrific set of four trays from Couroc feature a stylized Hopi Hummingbird Kachina, inlaid with vivid colors and outlined in golden metal. 

Couroc was founded in 1948 in Monterey, California by husband and wife Guthrie Courvoisier and Moira Wallace, During WWII, Courvoisier produced plastic parts for military aircraft. This experience helped him develop a glossy black resin that could be molded into trays, bowls, and dishes and was resistant to water, alcohol, and burning cigarettes. Wallace, a talented artist, became company's chief designer, developing the technique to inlay the trays with everything from natural materials like wood, shells, and plants to metals, glitter, and coins. The inlays were done by hand by a team of skilled artisans. Because of variations in the materials used and the fact that each tray was assembled by hand, no two Couroc trays are exactly alike.

Both beautiful and durable, Couroc's barware was sold at high-end department and gift shops. Companies such as Coca-Cola commissioned Couroc to create promotional items. However, after celebrating its 50th anniversary, Couroc closed in 1998. 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New but things can sell quickly!

10380-1328

Stunning Still Life

This prime example of mid-century modern painting is a subtly stylized still life by Jean Richard (1914 - 1984).

Born Ryszard Onyszkiewicz in Lwow, Poland, Jean Richard first studied at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts, later moving to Paris to continue his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts. Following the Second World War, he traveled throughout Europe, painting landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. This international painter has a Texas connection, as in 1962 he moved to Dallas where he established a studio, taught, and painted. He would later move to Lubbock before relocating to Oregon.   His paintings are found in collections worldwide and he received multiple awards.  

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!