Korea [sphere with base]
Maker
H. C. (Horace Clifford) Westermann
(American, 1922-1981)
Date1965
MediumMetal.
Credit LineThe H.C. Westermann Study Collection, Gift of the Estate of Joanna Beall Westermann
Object number2002.122l
Object TypeSculpture
On View
Not on viewKorea is one of many handcrafted objects that Westermann made as gifts for his wife, Joanna. This hand-carved, inlaid, glass-doored wood cabinet contains a collection of personal and found objects including an antique scrimshaw (carved ivory or whale bone), a Mickey Mouse figurine, and a Victorian pop-up valentine card from Westermann to Joanna. The exterior of the cabinet is embellished with carved images and texts including a clenched bandaged fist holding a piece of rope, a dagger accompanied by the text "death-before-dishonor," a carved image of a burning Japanese suicide plane approaching a U.S. naval ship, and the word "Korea." A chain and lock carved out of wood adorn the right side of the cabinet. These items touch upon some of the recurring influences on Westermann: his love for the sea, his interest in pop-cultural icons, and his famous devotion to his wife.