MUMBAI.- Ever wondered about the piano Beethoven, Liszt and Chopin sat down at to pen their masterpieces? Or why those magnificent pianos whose ornate images spring to mind have evolved to the simpler versions we now see? If the history and evolution of design, particularly Art Deco and Mid-century Modern, pique your interest, Saffronart’s Live Auction— Celebrating 20th Century Design, is something that cannot be missed.

Conducted by Saffronart co-founder Dinesh Vazirani, Celebrating 20th Century Design will commence at 7:30 pm IST on November 13, 2014 in the Saffronart Mumbai gallery at Prabhadevi. It will be preceded by a preview in Mumbai, and viewings in Mumbai (November 3 – 12) and Delhi (November 5 – 8).

The natural association made with Art Deco is of Mumbai’s cinema halls and buildings lining Marine Drive. Yet, the movement’s influence on furniture is perhaps confined to very old homes and niche showrooms. The Art Deco movement flourished in the interwar period in Europe, and drove the fad for bold, geometric designs. In India, Art Deco came into vogue with the princes and elite dictating trends. When World War II uprooted nations and associated ideas of design, design turned more functionalist. Mid-century Modern is characterised by simple designs and a range of colours that continue to govern our tastes even today. As a tribute to two of the most significant design movements of the 20th century, Saffronart will be holding this live auction in its Mumbai gallery.

The auction features 105 impressive lots spanning furniture, lighting, silverware, art and glassware. Among the highlights is a magnificent 120-piece ‘Acorn’ pattern silver cutlery service by Danish silversmith Georg Jensen. One of Jensen's most iconic designs, the 'Acorn' or 'Konge' pattern was designed by the legendary designer Johan Rohde in 1915, and still remains highly sought after. Another highly important lot is a beautifully proportioned ‘John Broadwood & Sons’ grand piano, in a rosewood case centered by a pierced music board, lyre-shaped pedestal support, hinged top, supported by three baluster legs terminating in brass castors. John Broadwood & Sons have made instruments for every British monarch since King George II, and have held the Royal Warrant for the longest period. In the 19th century, Broadwood & Sons pianos were used by composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin. The piano on auction was originally imported into India by H. Hobbs & Co, Calcutta.

Other highlights include a Pair of Finn Juhl-style Chairs, modeled after the famous Danish designer Finn Juhl’s NV45 chair; a Pair of Art Deco Club Chairs, a Stunning Double Pedestal Art Deco Dining Table, an Art Deco Ceiling Light, and a Quantity of Cut Glass Stemware, St. Louis, France.