NEW YORK.- Christie抯 will offer the first auction exclusively devoted to Georg Jensen silver, on January 19 at Christie抯 Rockefeller Center. The collection, previously housed in a country estate in Northamptonshire, England, is the largest and most comprehensive collection of Jensen silver known. The auction celebrates the firm抯 100th anniversary and will offer an exceptional selection of groundbreaking designs from 1904 to the present. Collectors will be presented with a rare opportunity to view the full range of Jensen抯 work and the unique chance to acquire both popular designs and one-of-a-kind objects that have made Jensen silver so revered for a century. From ornamentally embellished pieces to sleek modern designs, approximately 800 objects will be on the auction block and will include a selection of his finest centerpieces, candelabra, candlesticks, chandeliers, electric lamps, plates, wine-related items, soup tureens and flatware. The collection, which represents styles from the Arts & Crafts, Art Deco and Modernist periods, illustrates Jensen抯 ability to remain at the forefront of 20th century design.

Georg Jensen (1866-1935), known for his superior craftsmanship, was trained as a sculptor and silversmith and was deeply influenced by the Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts traditions. Inspired by nature, he incorporated many floral motifs into his work. His early and beloved blossom and grape patterns have become icons of 20th century design and best represent his excellence in sculptural decoration. This ornamentation is seen on a silver centerpiece compote of 1919 (estimate: $10,000- 15,000) and a silver flatware service in the blossom pattern (estimate: $20,000-30,000). A pair of covered wine coolers with pinecones and berries also of 1919 (estimate: $50,000-70,000) reflects his love of nature. The grape motif is used abundantly in a pair of silver five-light candelabra, 1945-1977 (estimate: $40,000-60,000), creating an effect of great richness. A rarely seen form in silver is a staggering seven-light chandelier with berries and leaf-scrolled branches, dated 1920 (estimate: $150,000-250,000).

Jensen Designers - Not only was Georg Jensen a genius of silver design in his own right but also he employed designers whose avant-garde approaches ensured the firm抯 legendary status as the leader of 20th century silver design. Jensen was committed to supporting and respecting his designers� artistic motivation and inspiration, and credited them by allowing them to mark their initials on the bases of the silver pieces. One of the major creators who was key to the firm抯 continued success was the artist Johan Rohde (1866-1935). His most famous design and the most successful of all Jensen flatware, the acorn pattern, is included in the sale with an extensive silver table service for eighteen (estimate: $25,000- 35,000). Contrasting Jensen抯 work, Rohde was more restrained and sparse in his use of ornament.