Photo Credit: RonLentz
Contemporary Men's Walnut Valet Box by Ron Lentz
Asking Price: $149
Pros:
-This sleek, contemporary men's walnut valet box was handmade by Ron Lentz, an accomplished, self-taught woodworker operating in a small town just outside Richmond, Virginia.
-A valet is a dresser-top box used to store a man's personal accessories, such as his keys, watches, cufflinks, rings, glasses and wallet. A valet can be either a box with a lid, or a deep tray that is open on the top. By keeping all of a man's personal effects in one place, a valet can really help clean up a cluttered space.
-This men's walnut valet is 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) long by 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) wide by 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) deep. The interior of the valet is divided into three compartments that are all lined with green suede.
-This men's valet is made from magnificently-figured solid walnut that has been carefully rubbed with natural walnut oil and wax to protect its surface. The very best woodworkers never stain their fine woods, but instead allow them to show off their natural color and texture, as in this instance.
-This walnut valet combines a distinctly angular form with a sweeping, organic arc to create an unmistakably masculine work of art.
-I love a good hardwood box. The finest examples are skillfully handcrafted from some of the most expensive woods in the world, including mahogany, cherry, ebony, walnut and cocobolo. I'm certain the very best will eventually become heirloom quality antiques.
-This walnut valet is signed by the artist, Ron Lentz. This is a very desirable attribute because really fine hardwood boxes aren't simply woodworking or handicraft specimens. They transcend those petty labels to stand as exquisite works of art.
-Unfortunately, if Mr. Lentz' Etsy profile photo is accurate, he is getting on in age and I'm not sure how many more years of productive woodworking he has left. This is yet another example of the coming crisis in contemporary art that I've written about before.
-This piece would make a great gift for a brother, father, husband or other man in your life. Of course it would also make a satisfying treat for yourself too, if you are so inclined. In light of the fact that this contemporary walnut valet is useful, stylish and even has the potential to appreciate in value as artwork, I think the $149 price tag is well justified.
Cons:
-Buying contemporary art is a high risk endeavor, at least from an investment perspective. It is analogous to buying penny stocks in the stock market; you may do great, but don't count on it. Of course, the fact that this walnut valet is eminently functional certainly offsets some of the risk here. Even if the piece ends up with no significant value on the secondary market in another decade or two, it will still have provided its owner with tremendous value through its organizational function and stunningly good looks.
-Walnut is the most expensive temperate hardwood generally available, but many varieties of fine tropical hardwoods, like mahogany, ebony, rosewood and bubinga, are all substantially more expensive.
