Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei
Serpentine Stool
Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei
Serpentine Stool
2012
artist's proof from an edition of 20
hand-sculpted, fired and painted porcelain
24 in. (60.9 cm) high
19 in. (48.2 cm) diameter
Overall in excellent condition. The porcelain surface presents with extremely minor surface irregularities consistent with the technique and to production. When viewed in person, the piece presents with a complex and dynamic surface and beautiful, slightly off-white tonality. The surfaces with some occasional faint discolorations and stray marks, not visually distracting and only visible upon close inspection. A superb and rare example in porcelain of the unique collaboration between Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.
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.
Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and Chinese artist Ai Weiwei collaborated in 2012 in the creation of the annual Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London, a temporary structure built outside of the gallery for the summer months. The pavilion was the trio’s first collaboratively built structure in the United Kingdom and can be described as a large underground auditorium built under the gallery, topped with a floating canopy supported by columns. The interior was entirely covered in cork, including steps and small functional stools punctuating the space. The material was chosen for its uniquely sturdy and malleable properties and to echo the pavilion’s excavated underground landscape. The present porcelain stool was produced as part of a limited edition for the Serpentine Gallery and directly references its cork counterparts in both scale and design. Through porcelain, the original form takes on new elevated meaning and becomes an incredibly delicate object, alluding to Ai Weiwei’s signature use of porcelain and Herzog & de Meuron’s rigorous exploration of new materials.