Humidor c. 1915
josephheinrichs
minneapolisinstituteofart
silver, assemblage, metal, ceramic, sculpture
art-nouveau
silver
assemblage
metal
sculpture
ceramic
sculpture
ceramic
decorative-art
"Humidor," a copper, silver, and horn box by Joseph Heinrichs, dates to c. 1915. Heinrichs, an American artist born in 1892, created this functional object using an array of materials that reflect the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century. The box features a circular form with a dome lid, adorned with intricate metalwork and applied details, including horn and leather. The rich, dark patina of the copper, the polished silver accents, and the warm tones of the horn create a visually appealing contrast, showcasing the artistry of the maker. The "Humidor" is currently held in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, serving as a testament to Heinrichs' craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of Arts and Crafts design.
Comments
Unlike the standard rectangular wooden boxes that keep cigars at the right humidity, Joseph Heinrichs’s humidor puts form before function. Eclectic decoration disguises its cigar-holding purpose. The bone handle, wire-wrapped arrowhead ornaments, and riveted silver—romanticizing Native American culture and the American frontier—give it a handcrafted look. Made for sale in New York, it may have been intended as a bit of the American West for wealthy city dwellers.
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