The intersection of design and sculpture is evident in the inspired furniture from American post-war makers in this chapter. Characterized by the rise of the American Studio Crafts movement, the period is dedicated to high craftsmanship and artistic individuality, with the essence of materials beautifully preserved and celebrated through each piece. Typically made in small workshops, the custom, expressive works presented here embody a virulent rejection of the uniformity of mass production. Sculptural pieces by Judy McKie inspired by the animal world, lighting by Albert Paley and playfully postmodern furniture by Wendell Castle encompass a selection of highlights from an Important Collection. The period is further celebrated through custom walnut furniture by George Nakashima as well as work by Phillip and Kelvin Laverne, Harry Bertoia, Paul Evans and Dan Dailey.

Led by superlative works by Judy McKie, Wendell Castle and Albert Paley from an Important Collection, the sale features a remarkable range of work from post-war American designers.

Post-War Design in America

The sale includes a distinguished breadth of work by Tiffany Studios that showcases the firm’s masterful treatment of leaded glass and bronze. Leading the sale is a selection of vivid lighting, from chandeliers and wall sconces to table lamps, including a superlative example of the iconic “Dragonfly” shade model. Further highlights include a pair of geometric and jeweled windows, precious favrile glass vases and fancy desk goods.

Discover a comprehensive range of precious objects and lighting from the iconic American firm

Magnificent Tiffany Studios

Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Poul Kjaerholm, Ib Kofod-Larsen and Kurt Ostervig figure amongst the most important figures of Scandinavian mid-century design. Celebrated for their respective approaches to the creation of modern and functional pieces of furniture relying primarily on the use of precious woods, their craft is celebrated here in the form of a large selection of curated pieces of seating– from chairs and sofas to daybeds and ottomans. The superior quality of these vintage furniture works is further enhanced by the timeless modernity of their design, proving as graceful and practical as they were decades ago.

With a number of quality chairs, sofas and settees on offer, the auction provides a curated glimpse into the versatility and unique artistry of 20th century Scandinavian craftsmen and designers.

The Timeless Art of Scandinavian Seating

A compelling selection of Art Deco furniture comprises the auction and features a wide array of pieces by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Paul Dupré-Lafon, Jean-Michel Frank, Jacques Adnet and Jules Leleu, among others. At accessible price points, the objects and furniture in the sale reflect the splendor of a period shaped by sophistication and new visions of modernity. This section includes a large selection of property from an Important New York Collection, which brings together with taste and vision a variety of functional works of design by some of the period’s most eminent creators.

Discover rare and important pieces of furniture from the era’s top makers, spanning the 1920s through the 1940s.

European Art Deco: Designing Modernity

The sale comprises a unique variety of contemporary design from the late 1970s onwards. With the introduction of new materials and techniques, designers were able to transcend the traditional notions of form and function. They created pragmatic work responding to contemporary preoccupations, addressing environmental and social issues while reimagining the very material fabric of furniture-making. The auction includes a range of contemporary pieces by such designers as Marc Newson, Zaha Hadid, Ettore Sottsass and Dale Chihuly.

From the 1980s to the present, discover a selection of irreverent and experimental designs that are shaping the new global design landscape.&nbsp;

Global Post-Modern and Contemporary Design

A superb selection of René Lalique glass is represented in the sale through vases and accessories with a range of abstract and figurative decorations. Highlights include a “Serpent” Vase and a “Victoire” Car Mascot, both representative of their designer’s exceptional vision which shaped the Art Deco movement. European art glass is further represented in the sale through colorful work by Émile Gallé, Lötz and François Décorchemont.

Vases, lamps and precious objects from esteemed Art Nouveau and Art Deco craftsmen comprise this curated selection of the sale

Treasures of European Art Glass, from Gallé to Lalique

The up-and-coming designer speaks about his award-winning practice.

Sotheby’s is thrilled to present Design, an online auction with bidding open from 7 March through 14 March, 2023. The sale encompasses design across movements and materials, from Art Nouveau decorative arts to Post-Modern and Contemporary furniture, featuring works by Tiffany Studios, René Lalique, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Hans Wegner, Dale Chihuly, Wendell Castle, Judy McKie and many more. Property will be available to view by appointment at Sotheby’s New York galleries. Sale number: N11246

Assistant Vice President, Head of Sale, 20th Century Design

Louis Soulard

Associate Specialist, 20th Century Design

Taryn Clary

Associate Cataloguer, 20th Century Design

Thomas Szolwinski

Meet our Specialists

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Sotheby’s is thrilled to present Design, an online auction with bidding open from 7 March through 14 March, 2023. The sale encompasses design across movements and materials, from Art Nouveau decorative arts to Post-Modern and Contemporary furniture, featuring works by Tiffany Studios, René Lalique, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Hans Wegner, Dale Chihuly, Wendell Castle, Judy McKie and many more. Property will be available to view by appointment at Sotheby’s New York galleries.