Pair William Westenhaver for Witco Teak Sculptures — The Boater and The Surfer

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Pair William Westenhaver for Witco Teak Sculptures — The Boater and The Surfer

A captivating pair of Mid-Century Modern carved … Read more Pair William Westenhaver for Witco Teak Sculptures — The Boater and The Surfer

A captivating pair of Mid-Century Modern carved wood sculptures attributed to William Westenhaver for Witco, circa 1965–1970. These abstract figural works—depicting a surfer and a boater—are emblematic of the era’s fascination with leisure, movement, and stylized form.

Each figure is executed in solid hardwood with a warm, hand-rubbed finish. The stylized forms feature elongated limbs, curving silhouettes, and cut-out circular voids that evoke both motion and balance. The surfer stands atop a long, surfboard-like base, body arched forward as if riding a wave, while the boater’s figure is more grounded, legs bent in a poised stance that suggests propulsion or paddling. These forms reflect Westenhaver’s ability to blend primitive inspiration with the abstraction and rhythm of modernist sculpture.

Sculptures like these were often commissioned or sold through Witco’s retail partnerships for use in mod interiors, tiki lounges, or modern resort spaces. They stand today as iconic relics of postwar American design—both playful and refined.

Dimensions:
• Surfer: 12” W x 3” D x 28” H
• Boater: 8” W x 6” D x 28” H

Condition:
Excellent vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age. No restorations; original finish and patina are intact. See less