1920s SF Opera Stage Prop Imitating an 18th-Century Ceramic Stove

A dramatic stage prop from the San Francisco Opera, meticulously crafted to resemble a traditional 18th-century ceramic stove. Once part of the collection of California artist Ira Yeager, this piece captures the grand theatricality of early 20th-century stagecraft through its impressive scale and detailed imitation of Gustavian style.

Circa 1925, this original period prop was created during a vibrant era of production for the San Francisco Opera, the oldest surviving company on the West Coast.

Composed of sculpture materials finished in a warm cream tone, it shows a gentle patina and wear consistent with its life on the stage. Rooted in the Neoclassical tradition, specifically the Gustavian style of Sweden, this piece reflects the 1920s obsession with historical revival and the enduring romance of 18th-century European interiors.