Overview
OVERVIEW
This December, Sotheby’s Important 20th Century Design auction will present a curated selection of European and American decorative arts and design from the last 100 years. The sale includes several iconic works of the American Arts & Crafts movement, including an important and rare Music Cabinet designed by Harvey Ellis for the Gustav Stickley firm which is distinguished by its exquisite inlay ornamentation. A rare armchair by Donald Deskey for Radio City Music Hall is just one of several masterworks on offer presenting the best of American modern design of the 1930s. The auction also includes many rare examples of European prewar design from private collections. Among the many highlights is a highly important “Roses” Vase by René Lalique. Executed in 1913, this extraordinary vase is emblematic of the most accomplished work executed in cire perdue glass by René Lalique. Other French highlights include a unique small-scaled variant of Demeter Chiparus’ five-figure “Les Girls” sculpture, as well as the largest offering of works by Paul Dupré-Lafon to appear on the American auction market. The sale also presents collectors with a broad exploration of modern and contemporary design, highlighted by important works by Maria Pergay, Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, George Nakashima, Wendell Castle, Studio Job, Johnny Swing, Hella Jongerius and Maya Lin.
