S
otheby’s is pleased to present Important Design, Featuring Works from the Schlumberger Collection, a landmark assemblage of design spanning the last century—from the finest examples of Art Deco to defining achievements in Post-War and Contemporary Design. At the heart of the sale is the centerpiece of the Schlumberger Collection: François-Xavier Lalanne’s Hippopotame Bar, pièce unique. Commissioned by Anne Schlumberger in 1976, this early tour de force is the first and only iteration of the form hand-fabricated by the artist in copper, serving as the precursor to the later cast-bronze edition. The Collection also includes rare and exceptional works by Les Lalanne, Alberto and Diego Giacometti, and André Dubreuil.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, the sale features an outstanding group of works by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Jean Dunand, Dominique, and Eugène Printz. These pieces exemplify the era’s incomparable craftsmanship and refined elegance. Leading the group is a pair of Ruhlmann’s exceedingly rare “Gonse” armchairs, a magnificent “Redhead” dining table, followed by a suite of eight “de Becker” side chairs and a pair of “Lecannelé” armchairs.
We are also delighted to offer a curated selection of exceptional ceramics by the visionary Danish ceramicist Axel Salto from the collection of Joel Shapiro. The group highlights Salto’s dramatic forms and experimental glazes, including a rare vase in the artist’s celebrated budding style with rich oxblood glazes. Complementing this Nordic material is a rare “PH Spiral” chandelier by Poul Henningsen, executed by Louis Poulsen.
The sale further includes significant works representing the pre-war Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau movements, with important examples by Gustav Stickley, Émile Gallé, and others. A rare “S.A.M.” table by Jean Prouvé anchors the French mid-century offerings, which are complemented by notable works by American mid-century designers George Nakashima, Paul Evans, and Wendell Castle.
The sale concludes with a dynamic selection of contemporary design, featuring major works by Ron Arad and a vibrant group of pieces by Mattia Bonetti.
Property will be on view in Sotheby’s New York galleries from December 5-9, 2025.
