Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

The San Francisco area woodworker Arthur Espenet Carpenter was one of the most celebrated figures in the postwar American Studio Furniture movement. Like George Nakashima, Sam Maloof, Wendell Castle and other craftsmen of the era, Carpenter built furniture both as a means of creative expression and for the simple personal fulfillment of making a thing well. The excellence of their work stood in high relief against the mass-produced goods made of synthetic materials that became prevalent in the mid-20th century. Born in New York City during the Jazz Age, Carpenter earned a degree in economics from Dartmouth College and initially intended to become an accountant, like his father. But after serving four years in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II, Carpenter had a change of heart about entering the business world. Back in New York, he became an Asian-arts dealer but finally found a true sense of direction when visiting the “Good Design” shows held in that era at the Museum of Modern Art. Carpenter was particularly taken with the hand-turned wooden bowls by James Prestini and decided he wanted to make objects himself. To get far from New York, he drove to San Francisco at age 28, bought a lathe and, with the help of a G.I. Bill small-business stipend, opened a woodworking shop in the Mission District. Carpenter started out making bowls, sold through local high-end retailers such as Geary’s. His skills improved, and within a few years Carpenter had moved to the coastal town of Bolinas, California, where he built furniture on commission. His national reputation was sealed when in 1972 — somewhat to Carpenter’s own surprise — his designs were shown by the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery in the exhibition “Woodworks,” alongside those of Nakashima, Maloof, Castle and the Philadelphia-area craftsman Wharton Esherick. Carpenter defined a new design aesthetic now known as the “California roundover” — a style characterized by flowing lines and gently-contoured edges that make wood feel almost supple to the touch. The graceful and comfortable Wishbone chair, so named for the tapered supports that form its legs, is Carpenter’s signature design. The chairs, typically made of black walnut, are usually priced in the range of $20,000 a piece. Because of its simplicity and economy of materials, Carpenter’s furniture works well in any informal, unfussy decor — though it is particularly striking in a modern environment. As you will see on these pages, the work of Arthur Espenet Carpenter is both friendly and exquisite. The quality of its craftsmanship is impeccable, and it exudes the gentle warmth of the lovingly handmade object.

Creator: Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Arthur Espenet Wooden Box 1961

$4,500

Arthur Espenet Wooden Box 1961

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Chicago, IL

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Exotic Walnut Box, 1961 A finely crafted wooden box by celebrated California studio furniture maker Arthur Espenet Carpenter, dated 1961. Made from richly fi...

Category

1960s American American Craftsman Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Rosewood Tissue Box 1965c.

$3,800

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Rosewood Tissue Box 1965c.

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Chicago, IL

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Rosewood Tissue Box (circa 1965) This elegant rectangular tissue box exemplifies Arthur Espenet Carpenter’s mid-century modern vision. Carpenter was a self-t...

Category

1960s American American Craftsman Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Rosewood

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wood Block, Solid Alternating Walnut and Mahogany

$3,800

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wood Block, Solid Alternating Walnut and Mahogany

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Chicago, IL

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Wood Block or Decorative Tray 1960's Handmade at the Espenet studio in Bolinas, California, this striking object is crafted from alternating strips of solid ...

Category

1960s American American Craftsman Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Black & White Marble Square Tissue Box

$222

H 5.52 in W 5.32 in D 5.32 in

Black & White Marble Square Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalis...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

White Onyx Rectangular Tissue Box

$257

H 3.55 in W 9.85 in D 5.32 in

White Onyx Rectangular Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this onyx tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalist ...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Contemporary Authentic Leather Navy Blue Covered Tissue Box

$575

H 7 in W 5 in D 5 in

Contemporary Authentic Leather Navy Blue Covered Tissue Box

Located in Toronto, ON

Your powder room may be small, but that doesn't make it and less deserving of extravagant ornamentation. This navy blue leather tissue box cover is nothing short of exceptional, fully wrapped in leather and bone on a base of sycamore. Concealed bottom door to allow access for square tissue box.

Category

2010s Philippine Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Leather

Vintage wooden Trinket Jewelry Box

$79

H 3.5 in W 8 in D 6.5 in

Vintage wooden Trinket Jewelry Box

Located in Seattle, WA

This Vintage wooden box possibly oak is perfect for trinkets or Jewelry. It has slidable and removable compartments. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Condition as p...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Michael Elkan Burled Wood Box

$650

H 2.5 in W 9 in D 6.5 in

Michael Elkan Burled Wood Box

By Michael Elkan

Located in Highland, IN

This lovely trinket box in Oregon bird’s-eye maple burl by Silverton, OR woodworker Michael Elkan has a beautiful, rich color and texture. Handcrafted from a single piece of wood, th...

Category

20th Century American American Craftsman Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Burl

Neoclassical Style Metal Tissue Box Cover

$450 / item

H 5.75 in W 6 in D 6 in

Neoclassical Style Metal Tissue Box Cover

Located in Sheffield, MA

Add style and the finishing touch to your countertop or nightstand with this antiqued gold toned top and grey ribbed metal body tissue box cover to pr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Shadow Grey Marble Rectangular Tissue Box

$222 / item

H 3.55 in W 9.85 in D 5.32 in

Shadow Grey Marble Rectangular Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophisticati...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Green Guatemala Marble Square Tissue Box

$222 / item

H 5.52 in W 5.32 in D 5.32 in

Green Guatemala Marble Square Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalis...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Forest Green Marble Rectangular Tissue Box

$222 / item

H 3.55 in W 9.85 in D 5.32 in

Forest Green Marble Rectangular Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophisticati...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Pink Marble Square Tissue Box

$222 / item

H 5.52 in W 5.32 in D 5.32 in

Pink Marble Square Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalis...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Coral Marble Square Tissue Box

$222 / item

H 5.52 in W 5.32 in D 5.32 in

Coral Marble Square Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalis...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Sand Marble Rectangular Tissue Box

$222 / item

H 3.55 in W 9.85 in D 5.32 in

Sand Marble Rectangular Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this marble tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophisticati...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello

$1,000 / item

H 5 in W 20 in D 20 in

Lacquered Solid Wood Modern Minimal Modular Drawers from Costantini, Baccello

By Costantini

Located in New York, NY

Baccello lacquered solid wood Modern minimal modular drawers from Costantini. Each unit measures 20" x 20" x 5" high. 6 units as shown. Each one...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Ebony Tissue Box

$1,340 / item

H 2.76 in W 5.52 in D 9.85 in

Ebony Tissue Box

By Arcahorn Srl.

Located in Milan, IT

An elegant reinterpretation of an everyday household item, this superb tissue box is expertly fashioned of prized horn and ebony wood with a glossy lacquere...

Category

2010s Italian Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Horn, Wood, Ebony

Light Green Onyx Rectangular Tissue Box

$257

H 3.55 in W 9.85 in D 5.32 in

Light Green Onyx Rectangular Tissue Box

Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Crafted entirely by hand, this onyx tissue box cover is a fusion of form and function, seamlessly blending into any space while adding sophistication and elegance. Clean, minimalist ...

Category

2010s European Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx

Previously Available Items

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Turned Charger in Primavera, 1956

Sold

H 1 in Dm 18 in

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Turned Charger in Primavera, 1956

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare Arthur Espenet Carpenter turned charger in Primavera wood with brass inserts. Signed and dated 1956.

Category

1950s Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Rare Arthur Espenet Carpenter Turned Teak Bowl American Studio Craft

Sold

H 4.94 in Dm 11.82 in

Rare Arthur Espenet Carpenter Turned Teak Bowl American Studio Craft

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Large turned wood centerpiece bowl. Signed. P.915 Espenet, Siamese teak.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

Arthur "Espenet" Carpenter Wine Rack

Sold

H 17 in W 12 in D 8 in

Arthur "Espenet" Carpenter Wine Rack

By Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Located in San Diego, CA

Carved walnut and brass six bottle wine rack by Arthur "Espenet" Carpenter. Piece is hand signed "Espenet 67."

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Espenet Carpenter Decorative Objects

Arthur Espenet Carpenter decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Arthur Espenet Carpenter decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Söwe Konst, Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, and Guido Gambone. Prices for Arthur Espenet Carpenter decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,600 and can go as high as $3,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,600.

Creators Similar to Arthur Espenet Carpenter

Michael Elkan

Shop All Objets décoratifs Michael Elkan

David Ellsworth

Shop All Objets décoratifs David Ellsworth

Bigelow Kennard & Co.

Shop All Bigelow Kennard & Co Objets décoratifs

More Arthur Espenet Carpenter Furniture

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Seating

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Tables

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Stools

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Chairs

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Dining Room Tables

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Armchairs

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Racks and Stands

Arthur Espenet Carpenter Settees