441. Rare & Important Byrdcliffe
blanket chest, c.1904, rectangular form with paneled sides
and eight hand-carved lilies at corners, executed
by Zulma Steele. Lilies in transparent polychrome stain of green and red. Beautiful forged
hinges also made at Byrdcliffe craftsman. Few
examples of Arts & Crafts furniture combine the
historic significance with the design and rarity of
this exceptional piece. Original finish, minor stains
to top, 50"w x 22"d x 21"h, excellent condition
25,000-35,000
Note: The Byrdcliffe community was formed in
the early 1900s, and located in the Catskill Mountain
area near Woodstock, New York. This completely
equipped artists community followed Ruskin's principles of
using indigenous sources of nature for inspiration.
Cabinetmaking was a major focus of the colony,
but other crafts included pottery, weaving,
photography, and metalwork. The furniture production occurred
for only one year, 1904, and only approximately
fifty pieces were created. An example of Byrdcliffe
furniture is included in the permanent collection of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art.
