Wise Guys (1962, amber)
Object Name
"Wise Guys" owl family box bag, dark brown on light wood
Dimensions
11 L x 5 7/8 H x 2 3/4 W in.
Date
1962
DESCRIPTION
Summary
Multi-color screen print and bejeweled box purse depicting family of owls perched on a tree limb, with stars in the sky behind. Owls are printed in dark brown with outlines and details in black and white. Eyes of the owlets are done in amber-colored faux gems. "wise guys" printed in hand-style script in lower left corner of front. One of several variations Collins made of this design over the years.
DESIGN
Title of Piece
wise guys (sic)
Artist
Enid Collins (American, 1926-1989), for Collins of Texas
Associated Product Codes
HH
General Colors
Dark brown, amber, white, black
Collins's Colors
Black Jet, Crystal, Topaz, Gold
Subjects
Astrology, zodiac, flowers, nature, water, life, growth
Signature and/or Mark
"ec" and copyright symbol screen printed on lower right front
Accessories
None
Copyright
Reg. no. GP35651; 09/02/1962; "Large owl with eyes open & 3 small owls with eyes closed, perched on a tree branch."
FABRICATION
Materials
Acrylic serigraph on heavily lacquered solid wood (probably mahogany); glass jewels manufactured for Collins of Texas in the Czech Republic; acrylic embellishments; hand-wrought solid brass clasps and ornaments; rigid vinyl handle; satin lining; mirror
Techniques
Serigraph (screen) print; machine-made box with hand-applied stain and lacquer; hand-wrought solid brass; some hand assembly (hand application of jewels)
Place of Manufacture
Medina, Texas
Places of Sale
Unknown
Rarity
Unrated
CONDITION
Condition
Excellent
Condition notes
Shows less-than-typical wear, including to handles; original jewels intact and in place
Preservation notes
None
NOTES
Additional notes
One of several variations of "wise guys" Collins designed over the years.
Gallery
Related Items
Box BagsMichele Van HaeckeNature, Fauna (Animals), Birds, Word-Play, Family, Trees, Puns, Wildlife, Birds - Owl, 1960-1969, WComment