Design
UPDATE: 20th Century June Sales at the Major Auction Houses
RESULTS:
Christie’s 20th Century Decorative Art and Design auction on June 14, included Isamu Noguchi’s ‘Dretzin’ table and Henry Africa’s collection of Tiffany lamps. The Dretzin table, (estimate: $800,000-$1,200,000) which is arguably Noguchi’s most unique and important design, sold well above the high estimate for $2,882,500 while the Tiffany lamps also sold for prices well above their estimates.
Click here for a complete list of results.
Phillips de Pury & Company’s Design auction, on June 15 in New York, attracted competitive international phone bidders and achieved high sales reflecting the growth and popularity of the current Contemporary, ArtDeco, and Mid-Century design markets. François-Xavier Lalanne’s set of four sheep (estimate: $350,000-500,000) was the highest selling piece at $726,500. Jean Royére’s ‘Ambassador’ sofa and Ken Price’s sculpture ‘Steeps’ also drew notable attention and sold well above their high estimates.
For a list of the top ten lots, visit http://phillipsdepury.com/press/2012/ny-design-results.aspx?year=2012
FRANÇOIS-XAVIER LALANNE Set of four sheep, 1996-1999
On June 6, Sotheby’s Paris Decorative Arts and Contemporary Design auction, spanned a range of styles from Art Nouveau and Art Deco through 1950s, 1970s and 1990s. Highlights from the sale include, the eagerly anticipated pair of “porthole” doors (€100,000–150,000) by Jean Prouvé from the 1953 Pavillon du Centenaire de l’Aluminium along the Seine.
An important and unique table for Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Dretzin, 1948-1949.
PREVIEW:
Coming up on June 14, Christie’s Important 20th Century Decorative Art and Design features Isamu Noguchi’s Dretzin Table (estimate: $800,000-$1,200,000), arguably the most important work by the celebrated artist. The table was commissioned for the Dretzin home featured in House & Garden in February 1950 and has stayed within the Dretzin family ever since. As much a sculptural work of art as a functional object, the Dretzin table evokes the artist’s “Totem” sculptures of 1945 to 1948, as well as the contours of a serene Japanese landscape. pieces that represent each design movement in the 20th century.
“Everything is Sculpture. Any material, any idea without hindrance born into space, I consider sculpture.” – Isamu Noguchi
The ‘Redhead’ dressing table, model no. AR1537/NR1828, and ‘Tivo’ side chair, model no. AR29/NR57, for Margaret Hunam Harmsworth (‘Miss Redhead’), 1925.
Phillips de Pury & Company’s upcoming Design auction on June 15 in New York will feature design masters including a set of four sheep by François-Xavier Lalanne (estimate: $350,000-500,000), an important dressing table by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, and works by iconic Modernist designers Charlotte Perriand and Jean-Michel Frank.
