NEW YORK, N.Y..- Today, December 14,
Bonhams presents its final Modern Decorative Art + Design sale of the year in New York, which will feature a strong selection of works from design masters such as Diego Giacometti, Shiro Kuramata, Charlotte Perriand, and Vladimir Kagan.
Highlighting the sale is an incredible Carcasse a la Chauve-Souris table by major Swiss designer Diego Giacometti (1902-1985), best known for his fantastical sculptures of animals. Estimated at $300,000 500,000, this exceptional example was crafted circa 1965 and incorporates patinated bronze bats. Additionally featured is an iconic Miss Blanche chair by Shiro Kuramata (1934-1991), one of the most important Japanese designers of the 20th century. Poetic and dream-like, the chair is constructed predominantly of acrylic, a material Kuramata loved for its sense of "non-existence", which suited his philosophy of presence-absence and interest in denying materiality. It is estimated at $200,000 300,000. Also included in the sale is a 'Maison du Mexique' bookcase by French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), estimated at $100,000 150,000. Perriands pioneering work helped shape 20th century design and aimed to craft functional living spaces, as is showcased with the Maison du Mexique bookcase.
Of particular note is a single-owner collection of ten custom pieces by American furniture designer Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016), highlighted by his famed 'Unicorn' sofa, estimated at $50,000 60,000. All items in the collection were custom made in the 1960s for his close friends, Melvin and Audrey Troy, for their magnificent home in Sands Point which overlooked the Long Island Sound.
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, motor cars and a luxury division, including jewellery, watches, wine and whisky. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 53 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com