DESCRIPTION

Two heavy vintage solid brass leaves, manufactured in Waynesboro, Virginia by Virginia MetalCrafters. The leaves were designed by Oskar Hansen, are hand made, hand finished and of the highest quality, probably made in the 1960's. Both leaves have the VMC insignia, the Gloxinia leaf is maked 3-37 / Copyright 1948 / Gloxinia and the Calathea leaf is marked 4-16 / Copyright 1948 / Calathea. The Gloxinia leaf measures approximately 5 5/8 inches long, 3 3/8 inches wide and 1 5/8 inches at its tallest. The Calathea leaf measures approximately 10 1/4 inches long, 3 1/2 inches at its widest and 1 1/8 inches at its tallest. The coatings have been stripped from both leaves and they have been cleaned and polished.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Oskar J. W. Hansen (March 12, 1892 – August 31, 1971) was a Norwegian-born, naturalized American sculptor, but also did extensive writing on theology, astronomy and the arts. Before coming to America in 1910, Hansen went to sea as a cabin boy, traveling around the world five times as a merchant seaman for Norway.  He also joined the French Foreign Legion in North Africa, attaining the rank of General of Brigade.  In America, he served in the U.S. Army earning the rank of Major. When Hansen left the Army, he settled near Charlottesville, Virginia, devoting much of his time to sculpting in bronze, marble and wood. In 1948 Hansen began designing a series of dozens of brass leaf trays for Virginia Metalcrafters. The trays will be among VM's best selling products for decades. Some of the trays were retailed by Williamsburg Restoration to raised money for Colornial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Other than Virginia Metalcrafters, Hansen was associated with the sculptures and art on the Hoover Dam and the Yorktown Victory sculpture in Yorktown, Virginia. Hansen was a complex and fascinating figure from the 20th century, he died in August of 1971.

CONDITION

The leaves are in very good vintage condition, there is fine scratching throughout and some slight discolorations.

SHIPPING

The leaves will be shipped via FEDERAL EXPRESS in the US and USPS outside the US, the item will be packed well with bubble wrap and shipped in a sturdy cardboard box, fully insured and the package will have to be signed upon delivery.  Please CONTACT with your ADDRESS and ZIP CODE for SHIPPING CHARGES.  

PLEASE NOTE DESCRIPTION, CONDITION AND PHOTOGRAPHS CAREFULLY, FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS AND TO REQUEST OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS, RETURNS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  THIS ITEM IS SOLD "AS IS" AND "AS DESCRIBED".