Dirk Van Erp Hammered Copper Tray

775

Here is a rare and huge Dirk Van Erp hammered copper tray. Measures 20 3/4" in dia. Has the hand rolled edge, is properly signed DIRK VAN ERP SAN FRANSISCO with the windmail. Is about 1" deep and has good patina, while showing some light wear. Very Heavy Hammered copper weighing over 5 pounds.

Dirk Van Erp was born in 1860 and died in 1933. He opened his own studio in 1908 in Oakland, California. He moved his studio to San Francisco in 1909 and the studio remained under the direction of his son until 1977. Van Erp made hammered copper accessories, including vases, desk sets, bookends, candlesticks, jardinieres, and trays, but he is best known for his lamps. The hammered copper lamps often had shades with mica panels.

Arts And Crafts Lamps And The History Of Art Nouveau

Written by Jim Hoyle

The Arts and Crafts era began in England during the late 1800's. Simple clean designs and individual craftsmanship that employed aspects of nature were the main characteristics of this design period. This new movement was in direct contrast to the mass production of products that was made possible by the industrial revolution. This new art, (Art Nouveau in French) was also many ways a relief from the lavishly ornate designs of the Victorian era which preceded.

The industrial revolution had dehumanized the process of manufacturing especially as it relates to home decor products. It broke down the work process into various components by processes called the "division of labor". Workers were able to work on only a portion of a complete product. The Arts and Crafts movement was a rebuttal of this dehumanizing process as it was concerned specifically with the human element of a person creating an entire product from start to finish.

The architect Augustus Pugin (1812-1852) was one of the first outspoken leaders in speaking against the dehumanizing aspect of the industrial revolution. He was followed by other proponents of these ideas: John Ruskin (1819-1900), William Morris (1834-1896) and Phillip Webb. Morris was the most popular name associated with this movement.

This new style of art spread throughout Europe and was named Art Nouveau (new art) by the French. Each country and region had its own styles and variations of this new art movement.

During the late 1800's, America was basically importing its artistic and home furnishings designs from England and Europe. Colonial and Shaker designs were the only truly American styles at that time. Gustav Stickley's simple and clean furniture designs exemplified the Arts and Crafts style in America.

There were a number of remarkable lamp companies of that period. Their products are very collectible and highly sought after today. Many of these collectible Arts and Crafts Lamps or Art Nouveau Lamps that sold for $15 - $25 in the 1920's may now sell for many $1,000's and much more.
Some of the lamp companies which are representative of the Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau era are:

Tiffany
Handel
Pairpoint
Duffner & Kimberly
Edward Miller
Bradley and Hubbard
Pittsburg
Moe Bridges
Chicago Mosaic
Cincinnati Iron Works
Classique
Consolidated
Dirk Van Erp
Aladdin
Daum Nancy
Jefferson
Rockwood Pottery
Roycroft
Wilkinson
Lightolier
Jeanette
Phoenix