Bruce Alonzo Goff (American, 1904-1982). Eight Glass Cullets from Shin'en Kan, 1956-1996. Salvaged glass. 6 x 7 x 8 inch... (Total: 8 Items)

Description

Bruce Alonzo Goff (American, 1904-1982)
Eight Glass Cullets from Shin'en Kan, 1956-1996
Salvaged glass
6 x 7 x 8 inches (15.2 x 17.8 x 20.3 cm) (largest)

PROVENANCE:
Shin'en Kan, Bartlesville, OK;
Collection of Price Tower Arts Center, Bartesville, OK.

Shin'en Kan, which means "The House of the Far Away Heart," was avant-garde architect Bruce Goff's masterpiece, originally designed for Joe Price in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. An elaborate and perplexing exploration of tactility, Goff selected materials that ranged from plush and luxurious to bizarre and grotesque, including floors and walls covered in 4-inch thick white shag carpeting, ceilings lined with goose feathers, opulent beading cascading from the rafters, but also blood-smeared glass mosaics and décor made of turkey insemination rods. The living room was designed to be one large bed, with a sunken conversation pit placed in the middle, and there were secret passageways throughout the home. The walls were made of lumps of coal, with brilliant aquamarine glass cullets interspersed throughout. The resultant structure was whimsical and mesmerizing, but with an uncanny quality that seemed to suggest impending disaster. Perhaps turmoil was foreseen by Goff - he had no shortage in his personal life - and echoed in the structures he designed and built, as many have met their demise under suspicious circumstances, Shin'en Kan included. In 1996, after a long dispute over ownership, Shin'en Kan burned down. Officials believed this to be a case of arson, though no party was ever held accountable. Because the walls were coal, the complex was destroyed completely, with little else but the glass shards remaining. One was salvaged and used as part of Goff's headstone, and, perhaps because of his long association with Price Tower (the architect lived in an apartment there for nine years), Price Tower Arts Center took ownership of the entrance gate and some of the remaining cullets, which are offered here.



*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.