exceptional 1920s american art deco green glazed richman brothers department store terra cotta acanthus leaf

resized art deco style exterior green glazed terra cotta figural richman brothers acanthus leaf. the largely intact terracotta finial was carefully salvaged from the extant richman brothers downtown department store building (formerly known as the bee hive dry goods store constructed in 1884 by the architectural firm of adler and sullivan). traces of the original facade were wiped away when in 1929, when the building underwent an extensive remodel or “facadectomy” consisting of a glazed polychrome enameled terra cotta curtain wall and/or facade fashioned in typical art deco design motifs. two identical figural endcaps rested along the building’s roofline, which also contained uniquely designed deco style owls and flowing scrollwork or volutes. the entire terra cotta cornice was removed by urban remains after the discovery of structural instability and/or severe corrosion of steel support members. the surface wear and discoloration or darkened surface areas were caused by prolonged exposure to air pollutants. the cavities or "webbing" on the backside have been removed to lighten the weight and make it more displayable in a variety of settings. measures 10 x 14 x 12 inches.