The present bench represents Isamu Noguchi’s mastery of his medium of stone, and figures as a singular object within the sculptor’s oeuvre in its artistic combination of form and function. The bench was commissioned in 1956 by famed Modernist architect Gordon Bunshaft as part of an expansive corporate complex. Notably, the monumental three-piece sculpture titled The Family was created by Noguchi as another integral part of his design for this same commission. Given that the bench has remained in its original outdoor location since its creation it presents in a remarkably well-preserved state.
An Important Bench by Isamu Noguchi will be offered as a part of Sotheby’s Important Design auction on 7 June at Sotheby’s New York as a part of Design Week.