S
otheby’s is pleased to present Important Design, a curated survey of twentieth-century design, spanning standout examples of Art Deco, Post-War, and Contemporary design. The sale opens with works from a Private New York Collection, featuring an “Ecusson” seating suite by Jean Royère and the beautiful Structure Végétale candelabrum by Claude Lalanne. Anchoring the offering is the exceptional “Promenade des Amis” console by Diego Giacometti from the collection of Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue.
The sale is further strengthened by two single-owner collections: Sculpting Light, Shaping Form: Works by Jean Royère & Serge Mouille from an Important Private Collection, which features exceptional works by the aforementioned designers, and Important Works by George and Mira Nakashima from the collection of Irene and Barry Bloom, a collection built over time, reflecting the designers’ enduring relationship with their commissioners.
Additional highlights include significant works representing the pre-war Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau movements, with important examples by Gustav Stickley and Tiffany Studios. The French Art Deco offerings are anchored by a superb selection of glass by Maurice Marinot and exceptional designs by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Rounding out the sale is a selection of contemporary design, including works by Donald Judd, Ron Arad, and Ingo Maurer.
Property will be on view in Sotheby’s New York galleries June 3–11, 2026.
