Arthur Espenet Carpenter, desk and chair

Arthur Espenet Carpenter
Roll-Top desk and Wishbone chair

USA, 1979/1985
American black walnut, brass, felt, rosewood, vellum, oak, African hyedua
39.25 h × 54 w × 31 d in (100 × 137 × 79 cm)

Chair measures: 30.75 h x 21.5 w x 23 d inches.
Desk features three drawers and a tambour top concealing interior illumination, an electrical outlet, nine small drawers, three letter holders, and writing surface with three rosewood butterflies. Carved signature and number to reverse of desk 'Espenet 7909', and to underside of chair 'Espenet 8010 3 Re 85 Ellis'.

Provenance: The Artist | Private Collection, California | Acquired in 2012 from the previous via Tripp Carpenter by the present owner

Literature: Modern Americana, Merrill and Iovine, pg. 85

This item will preview and ship from Rago in Lambertville, New Jersey.
Condition Report: All surfaces exhibit faint wear consistent with use over time. Both desk and chair show some repairs, a couple of them done by the artist's son (filled fissure to the length of the writing surface, and repair to one of the corners of the chair frame). Very good overall vintage condition. Please note this work may require the buyer to obtain a CITES permit to export out of the United States. Due to increased scrutiny regarding the issuance of CITES certificates, Rago cannot guarantee an export permit will be granted. Wired for American outlets and outfitted for a single miniature incandescent double contact index bulb (8.26/26.88 Watts-12.8/14V AC voltage). In good working order.