Dining Chair

Kristina W. Madsen, Dining Chair, 1993, imbuia, silk, horsehair, and aniline dye, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance, 1998.82, © 1993, Kristina Madsen
Kristina W. Madsen, Dining Chair, 1993, imbuia, silk, horsehair, and aniline dye, 33 x 20 1⁄2 x 18 1⁄2 in. (83.8 x 52.1 x 47.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance, 1998.82, © 1993, Kristina Madsen

Artwork Details

Title
Dining Chair
Artist
Date
1993
Location
Dimensions
33 x 20 1⁄2 x 18 1⁄2 in. (83.8 x 52.1 x 47.0 cm)
Copyright
© 1993, Kristina Madsen
Credit Line
Gift of the James Renwick Alliance
Mediums
Mediums Description
imbuia, silk, horsehair, and aniline dye
Classifications
Object Number
1998.82
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1998.82

Artwork Description

Kristina Madsen views her work as a study of pattern, with furniture as its medium. Her intricately hand-carved pieces bring together a wide variety of influences: a knowledge of textiles passed down from her grandmother, a traditional English cabinetmaking education, and an interest in South Pacific wood carving traditions. In 1991 Madsen received a Fulbright grant to spend nine months in Fiji studying with master carver Makiti Koto. While there, she learned the freehand intaglio technique, in which all engraved lines appear below the surface of the wood. Since then, she has used this technique to enliven her furniture. The geometric engravings on this Dining Chair, which reference lace, a Hawaiian fan, and the common Fijian motif of a shark’s tooth, add a rich texture that complements the simple yet elegant design. 

Works by this artist (1 item)

Kristina W. Madsen, Dining Chair, 1993, imbuia, silk, horsehair, and aniline dye, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance, 1998.82, © 1993, Kristina Madsen
Dining Chair
Artist
Date1993
imbuia, silk, horsehair, and aniline dye
On view