'Kang Tao' Bronze Dining Table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, c. 1965, Signed
$95,000.00
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For collectors of Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, the pièce de résistance is this highly coveted 'Kang Tao' dining table. Given so few LaVerne's were made as dining tables, most of their production were in coffee and cocktail tables, to find a dining table is rare to begin with - but the monumental sized rectangular 'Kang Tao' is incredibly rare and highly sought after.
This oh-so-gorgeous and oh-so-rare dining table features the Tao motif in its entirety - something you don't get on the smaller coffee tables in which only a portion of the artwork is displayed, this patinated bronze and pewter with hand applied polychrome, completed in the mid-1960s by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, a father and son American artisan team. The 72" inch long top sits atop four bamboo styled bronze legs with natural patina to match the top. Underneath the base is the studio label bearing the Philip LaVerne Galleries Ltd logo with their motto "Works of Art" and studio address. On the top of the base, the table is signed Philip Kelvin LaVerne in bronze over pewter.
Similar to the Chan, Spring Festival and other Chinoiserie motifs, the Tao features a traditional street scene of people amongst weeping willows and ancient structures bordered by an angular wall in between.
This rare, coveted, in-demand and sought-after dining table is best described as a functional sculpture. Philip and Kelvin considered themselves artists, rather than furniture makers, and their gallery motto was "Works of Art". So for most of the collector and antique dealer world, we consider this a sculpture that can be used as a dining table, cafe or breakfast table, center table or game table. It is sturdy and structurally sound, and since the materials are of a strong and robust nature - it is absolutely suitable for every day use. But of course, if you prefer, you can place it in your room purely for viewing purposes, it is similar to any other piece of quality, Fine art that you would otherwise place on a museum wall.
This Kang Tao dining table is an incredible option for the most discriminating client or collector. Consider for a Mid-Century Modern, Modern, Post-Modern or Contemporary home. Also an interesting addition of Juxtaposition in a French neoclassical, Traditional, Spanish, Transitional or Hollywood Regency room. Due to its formidable materials, this is suitable for residential or commercial use, perfect for any magazine-cover-worthy interior design project.
REFERENCE: Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Sculpture III, Paper Catalog, 1960s.
Shown on page 2 and page 50 the TAO motif in a smaller coffee table form,
description states, “SU-TAO - A panorama of life in ancient China, delicately sculpted, enhanced with patinas of natural beauty”.
Shown on page 8 and page 50 the TAO motif in a circular shelf table form, description states, "TAO & MING SHELF - A winding wall united architecture and the elements. Hand sculpted of bronze, pewter-enhanced with patinas of subtle beauty".
Shown on page 31 and page 53 the TAO motif on a circular game table, description states, "The delicate artistry of the Tao period is brilliantly sculpted in bronze and pewter".
Shown on page 47 and page 56 the TAO motif on a large rectangular credenza, description states, "Delicately hand sculpted in bronze and pewter, a highly functional cabinet depicting a poetic theme of the Tao dynasty".
Common misspellings: Phillip and Kevin Laverne, Philips and Kelven Lavern, Phillips and Calvin Leverne.
MEASUREMENTS: H 30" x W 72" x D 44"
CONDITION: Very good vintage condition, all original. Minor wear to top. Top possesses normal use marks in a few areas including a few small water marks. Polychroming is present, beautiful patina throughout. Very nice example, ready for immediate use. Top signature clear and visible, original gallery tag present underneath.
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