Ilonka Karasz

Estate of the artist
Fifty/50, New York, 1984
James Brown, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner , circa 1995

American Designers' Gallery, 145 West 57th Street, New York, November–December 1928
Ilonka Karasz:  Pioneer Modernism, Fifty/50, New York, May 17-June 23, 1984

Overall superb restored condition. Only a handful of minor nicks and scratches, with the most noticeable one being on the side edge of the proper left front cabinet. A unique and historic work.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present sofa served as the symbolic foundation for one of the earliest known examples of "skyscraper modernism" as created by Ilonka Karasz for an exhibition held at the American Designers' Gallery, New York, in 1928. Karasz designed a room entitled "Studio Apartment" which featured a series of multipurpose units of furniture, arranged in the shape of an urban skyline, a visual motif contemporaneously being explored by Paul Frankl. Other works in the room included a sectional bookcase and a secretary desk, which is now in the Norwest Collection, Minneapolis Institute of Arts.