Sylvia Hyman (American/Tennessee, 1907-2012) stoneware and porcelain trompe l'oeil sculpture, titled "Remembering Dianne," depicting mahjong tiles set for play atop an alligator case. Signed "Sylvia Hyman" to underside and dated 2007. Sculpture: 8"H x 17 3/4"W x 8 1/2" D. Comes with separate original base and protective acrylic cover. Overall measurements: 13"H x 22 1/2 "W x 14"D. Note: this sculpture is pictured on page 63 of "The Intriguing Vision of Sylvia Hyman, Trompe L'Oeil Ceramic Artist," Mansfield Press, 2011. An autographed copy of the book, as well as two autographed loose photographs of the work and several unsigned Hyman exhibition postcards, are included in this lot. Biography (from the Smithsonian Museum): "Sylvia Hyman studied art at Albright Art School in Buffalo, New York, and earned her BS in art education from Buffalo State College. She became an art teacher in the New York public school system before moving to Kentucky, and in 1960 moved to Nashville, Tennessee. It was in Kentucky that Hyman began working with clay when a potter's wheel and kiln were donated to the high school at which she taught. With the help of a local German-trained potter, Hyman learned basic throwing and glazing techniques. She continued her studies, both technical and in the history of ceramics, while in graduate school and at workshops offered through the American Crafts Council. Hyman left teaching in 1971 to focus on her art full time. Although later in life she became legally blind, Hyman continued to create sculptural ceramic pieces for commission and exhibition in her Nashville studio with the help of two assistants." Her works are in multiple museums including the Smithsonian, the Tennessee State Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and Saga Prefecture Museum in Japan.

The collection of the late Dianne and Harris Gilbert, Nashville, TN. Note: the Gilberts and Sylvia Hyman were personal friends.

Small area of chipping and restoration at left rear corner. Small areas of buckling at back and cracking at top of case appear to be intentional.