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Johnson Wax Building Research Tower lighter


Lighter
Design attributed to: Frank Lloyd Wright (American, 1867–1959)
designed 1947; manufactured 1947-50
Object Place: Possibly Racine, Wisconsin

Medium/Technique Silver with red paint
Dimensions Overall: 15.2 x 7 cm (6 x 2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line The John Axelrod Collection
Accession Number2014.1260
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsSilver

DescriptionThe gently-flaring square columned body of the lighter rests on a stepped circular pedestal of silver-plate embellished with a single band of red paint. The body of the lighter is composed of six wide, horizontally ribbed silver-plated bands alternated with five thinner smooth bands painted red. A smooth silver-plated square top caps the columned body and is embellished with two additional circular steps, the topmost containing the wick.
ProvenanceBy 1985, owned by Morris-Galion (gallery), Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sold September 20, 1985 to John Axelrod, Boston, Massachusetts; 2008, promised gift of John Axelrod to the Museum; 2014, gift of Axelrod to the MFA. (Accession date: October 29, 2014)