Preliminary identification

Electric Llama Designs 'W' Napkin Holder, c. 2024

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A striking 'W' shaped napkin holder handcrafted from contrasting exotic hardwoods. The piece features the bold, striped grain of Zebrawood paired with the deep, natural violet of Purpleheart in a modernist geometric profile.

Story

Handcrafted by award-winning artisan Ryan Stanberry, this piece turns a humble kitchen accessory into a sculptural statement. The 'W' design is a functional cradle that uses gravity to keep napkins perfectly upright. It brings the forests of West Africa and South America to your dining table.

Maker / Origin

Ryan Stanberry, founder of Electric Llama Designs, is a Sarasota-based woodworker who won the 2024 'Best of MakerPlace' award. His work is celebrated for its seamless joinery and the use of rare, sustainably sourced hardwoods that celebrate natural color without the use of dyes.

Condition & Value

Appears to be in excellent, like-new condition with no visible chips or fading. The natural purple of the Purpleheart is still vibrant, suggesting it has been kept out of direct UV light. Excellent condition maintains full retail value.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD