Images(2)

Sample, Sales

Object number2009.101.1 a,b

Made by Max Azen's Furs

Datec. 1968

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumFur; Felt; Paper; Clay; Metal

Credit LineGift of Christopher Milne

DescriptionFur flower bouquet.Dimensions10.5 x 11.5 x 14.5 in. (26.7 x 29.2 x 36.8 cm)
Historical NotesBouquet of mink flowers from Max Azen Furs. Azen's, a downtown institution founded in 1906, supplied the region with fine fur until 1981. The mink flower bouquet, donated by Christopher Milne, dates to 1968 when Milne's uncle, Dr. Clifford Lee Wilmoth, went to Azen's to choose a fur coat for his wife as an anniversary gift. The company sent him home with a bouquet of its various mink colors. Accompanying the bouquet was a "Happy Anniversary" card signed by Harry Azen, with instructions to "nurture these flowers and soon they will grow into a full length mink coat." It is unclear whether this floral gift was a one-time sales pitch for a special client or a regular enticement used by Azen to cultivate customers in the 1960s.

Previous owner Dr. Clifford Lee Wilmoth

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