Born in 1879 in Germany, Paul Klee had his initial art training in Munich just prior to 1900. He also learned to appreciate music from his musician father and was never able to completely separate the two art forms. After an extended trip through Europe, he settled in Munich and remained there until 1920.

Born in 1903 in New York. Gottlieb received his initial training in New York under John Sloan and Robert Henri. He later traveled and studied throughout Europe before returning to New York in 1930, for his first exhibition of Expressionistic figures and landscapes.

While the designer of this dramatically towering lamp is unknown, the style of the vase of flowers on the base is is in the Japanese taste popular in America during the 1870s and 80s. Originally, the lamp was fitted with a rubber hose that conducted gas from a jet on the floor or ceiling.

Featuring leaves and bees in an asymmetrical composition, the tiles in this clock reflect a Japanese taste.

Even though decorating furniture appears to have been frequently taught in girls schools during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, few examples of such work survives. This candlestand is a rare exception.

The finely cast and finished ornament of this ornate timepiece boasts a draped classical female figure, a cornucopia, oar, anchor, shell, and wreaths, which all together suggest the theme of the sea's bounty.