Description
1960s Don Shoemaker Hand-Carved Cocobolo Wood Bookends – Pair | Mid Century Modern Mexican Design, Señal S.A.
Rare and exquisite pair of hand-carved cocobolo wood bookends by renowned Mexican-American artist designer Don Shoemaker, created in the 1960s for his esteemed workshop, Señal S.A.
These sculptural bookends are a striking example of mid-century modern Mexican design, reflecting Shoemaker's deep appreciation for organic form and material integrity.
Crafted from richly figured cocobolo wood"”a luxurious tropical hardwood native to Mexico, closely related to Brazilian rosewood"”each piece showcases a dramatic live edge, exposing the heartwood and natural grain variations that make cocobolo so prized. The wood's dynamic patterns, tonal depth, and tactile beauty are emphasized through Shoemaker's signature hand-carving technique, blending craftsmanship and nature-inspired modernism.
These substantial bookends are both functional and sculptural, embodying the ethos of 1960s modernist design in Mexico.
Retains its original manufacturer's label on the underside, reading "Made in Mexico Señal S.A." and is in good restored vintage condition, having been cleaned and polished.
Key Features:
* Designer: Don S. Shoemaker
* Manufacturer: Señal S.A., Mexico
* Date: 1960s
* Material: Solid Cocobolo wood
* Design Features: Hand-carved, live edge, natural grain, sculptural form
* Provenance: Includes original labels from Shoemaker's workshop
* Exhibition History: Design featured in the 2017 Don S. Shoemaker exhibition at the Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City
* Dimensions (each): 8" H x 6.5" W x 4" D
These museum-quality bookends are a collector's dream"”ideal for admirers of Mexican modernist furniture, organic modern design, or rare pieces by Don Shoemaker. They bring both history and artistry to any library, office, or curated interior.
SEO Keywords: Don Shoemaker bookends, cocobolo wood, Mexican modernist design, Señal Mexico, 1960s mid-century decor, modernist wood sculpture, collectible designer bookends, organic modern, rosewood style bookends, vintage Don Shoemaker furniture, Latin American design.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: good restored
Origin:
Mexico
Creator:
Brand: Senal; Artist: Don S. Shoemaker; Designer: Don Shoemaker
Materials & Techniques:
Cocobolo
International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Rare and exquisite pair of hand-carved cocobolo wood bookends by renowned Mexican-American artist designer Don Shoemaker, created in the 1960s for his esteemed workshop, Señal S.A.
These sculptural bookends are a striking example of mid-century modern Mexican design, reflecting Shoemaker's deep appreciation for organic form and material integrity.
Crafted from richly figured cocobolo wood"”a luxurious tropical hardwood native to Mexico, closely related to Brazilian rosewood"”each piece showcases a dramatic live edge, exposing the heartwood and natural grain variations that make cocobolo so prized. The wood's dynamic patterns, tonal depth, and tactile beauty are emphasized through Shoemaker's signature hand-carving technique, blending craftsmanship and nature-inspired modernism.
These substantial bookends are both functional and sculptural, embodying the ethos of 1960s modernist design in Mexico.
Retains its original manufacturer's label on the underside, reading "Made in Mexico Señal S.A." and is in good restored vintage condition, having been cleaned and polished.
Key Features:
* Designer: Don S. Shoemaker
* Manufacturer: Señal S.A., Mexico
* Date: 1960s
* Material: Solid Cocobolo wood
* Design Features: Hand-carved, live edge, natural grain, sculptural form
* Provenance: Includes original labels from Shoemaker's workshop
* Exhibition History: Design featured in the 2017 Don S. Shoemaker exhibition at the Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City
* Dimensions (each): 8" H x 6.5" W x 4" D
These museum-quality bookends are a collector's dream"”ideal for admirers of Mexican modernist furniture, organic modern design, or rare pieces by Don Shoemaker. They bring both history and artistry to any library, office, or curated interior.
SEO Keywords: Don Shoemaker bookends, cocobolo wood, Mexican modernist design, Señal Mexico, 1960s mid-century decor, modernist wood sculpture, collectible designer bookends, organic modern, rosewood style bookends, vintage Don Shoemaker furniture, Latin American design.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: good restored
Origin:
Mexico
Creator:
Brand: Senal; Artist: Don S. Shoemaker; Designer: Don Shoemaker
Materials & Techniques:
Cocobolo
International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; good restored
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
8 x 8 x 8 in
1960s Don Shoemaker Hand-Carved Cocobolo Wood Bookends a Pair
Estimate $800-$2,400
Starting Price
$500
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Heirloom Living I
Jun 12, 2026 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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