Curtis Jere
Curtis Jere Vintage Mid Century Modern 'The Elms' Wall Sculpture c. 1960s
Curtis Jere Vintage Mid Century Modern 'The Elms' Wall Sculpture c. 1960s
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Curtis Jere was the trade name of the creative partnership between brothers-in-law Jerry Fels and Jerold Fels, operating through their Los Angeles–based company Artisan House, founded in the early 1960s. Their large-scale decorative metal wall sculptures became a defining element of the American post-war interior, prized for their dimensional drama and the way they transformed a bare wall into something both organic and arresting. Working primarily in steel, brass, and copper, and producing pieces that ranged from intimate accent works to monumental installations, Curtis Jere sculptures remain among the most sought-after examples of California decorative arts from the mid-century modern era.
This piece, known as "The Elms," is among Curtis Jere's most beloved and enduring designs. The composition presents a dense, naturalistic grove of stylized elm trees constructed from individual metal stems rising from a shared horizontal base rod that spans the full width of the work. Each stem — varying in height to create an organic, gently undulating silhouette — branches repeatedly at the top into progressively finer sub-stems, each terminating in a small flat-faced disk element that evokes the seed clusters and rounded foliage characteristic of the elm. The overall effect is of a living stand of trees captured in metal: airy yet substantial, spare yet teeming with detail. At 54 inches wide and 33 inches tall, the piece commands a wall with quiet authority.
The sculpture is constructed from steel rod and wire finished with a warm, dark bronze patina — a deep burnished brown-gold tone that reads as both rich and naturalistic. The patina contributes to the organic quality of the work and ages beautifully over time. A handwritten "©C. Jere" signature and date inscription appear on one of the lower horizontal rods, confirming its authenticity.
This sculpture is offered in vintage as-pictured condition, showing the natural patina and character that accumulates over decades. The signature and construction are intact and authentic.
SKU: MCM-0593
Shipping
Shipping
Please contact us for a shipping quote. Shipping charges vary based on distance, size, availability of drivers, and more however a good rule of thumb is between $200 and $500.
Call/Text Eva: 973-652-1150
Email: Modcitymadness@gmail.com
Dimensions
Dimensions
Condition & Restoration
Condition & Restoration
We photograph each piece in its current condition and offer two ways to purchase: as-pictured or restored. This approach gives you a clear and honest view of the item and allows you to choose the level of finish that best suits your needs.
As-Pictured:
Choosing the as-pictured option means you’ll receive the item in its current state with light cleaning and basic touch-ups completed in our warehouse. We ensure that drawers, doors, and structural elements are functional, but no deep refinishing work is performed. This option is ideal for those who appreciate the charm and patina of original vintage finishes, want to avoid additional restoration costs, or prefer a quicker turnaround without the lead time required for refinishing. It's also a great choice if you’re a collector or designer looking to integrate the piece into a space with a lived-in aesthetic.
Restored:
Selecting the restored option includes our full professional refinishing process. Once selected, the piece is transported to our workshop, where we address surface damage like lacquer failure, chips, water marks, and deep scratches. Our team sands, stains, and seals each surface where appropriate, restoring the finish while preserving the character of the original design. We also carefully adjust doors, drawers, and hardware to ensure smooth operation and reliable function. The result is a fully restored vintage furniture piece, ready for daily use and built to last for decades to come.
This dual-option model gives you the flexibility to choose what’s right for your space, style, and timeline—without compromising on quality or transparency.
Note:
Some items may only be available for purchase with restoration included. In these cases, the original condition does not meet our standards for resale without a full professional refinish.
This ensures that every piece we ship—restored or otherwise—meets the level of quality and functionality we stand behind.
Conversely, certain items—such as lighting, upholstered pieces, or otherwise—are only offered as-pictured, as we typically don’t refinish these types of items.
Materials
Materials
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Quality Control & Restoration
Restoration ProcessOur skilled team meticulously restores each sold piece, addressing imperfections and ensuring lasting quality. From refinishing to functionality testing, we go beyond the surface to deliver exceptional vintage furniture that stands the test of time.