BEVERLY, MASS.- Kaminski Auctions’ first sale of the New Year will be a Twentieth Century Modern Design & Fine Art Auction. Scheduled for Sunday, January 4 th 2015 at 10:00am EST, the sale takes place at the Kaminski Auction gallery in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Offering an attractive array of furniture, decorative objects and fine art, this Twentieth Century auction is set to highlight a group of six Paul McCobb dining chairs for Planner Group, circa 1950, fashioned of maple and iron with original labels, as well as an Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen "Egg Chair" in original condition, which is expected to achieve or exceed a high estimate of $2,000. Bidders are also sure to notice a vintage pair of chairs attributed to Hans Wegner. Although the caning on these chairs was restored and brand marks are not visible, the finesse and trademark lines of the frame itself cannot be denied.
Perhaps of particular interest is a masterful silver leaf coffee table by Max Kuehne, circa 1930. The table bears an incised, polychrome floral decoration over gessoed wood and is estimated at $3,000-$5,000. A nearly identical Kuehne table sold through Kaminski Auctions in September 2013 and achieved a high bid of $5,500. Twentieth century modern furniture collectors will also find pieces from Knoll, Plycraft, and Eames for Herman Miller.
The fine art portion of this sale includes an abstract mixed media work on canvas by noted Indian artist Arup Das. Dated 1971 and signed lower right, the work displays a warm color palette of red, orange and golden yellow and can be interpreted as a landscape. The category of fine art also includes an original oil on canvas by French artist Jean le Moal. The expansive piece, which exhibits an abstract, organic design comprised of vibrant jewel tones, is expected to bring between $10,000 and $15,000.
A screen print by Banksy, entitled "Queen Chimp", is sure to garner attention from a wide audience. The work depicts England’s Queen Elizabeth II as a chimpanzee and exemplifies Banksy’s method of anonymous, yet highly accessible, political commentary. The signed and dated print from 2003 hits the auction block with an $8,000-$10,000 estimate. Other important contemporary pieces include a signed figurative pencil drawing by Elaine de Kooning, wife of renowned artist Willem de Kooning, a work on paper by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, a Georges Braque lithograph titled “Homage to Bach,” and an untitled cityscape by American artist Leon Golub.
Decorative art objects worthy of mention include an Edward Moulthrop figured tulipwood bowl, signed "ED MOULTHROP - FIGURED TULIPWOOD - LIRIODENDRON TULIPFERA" and numbered "#206902 – V”. The highly burnished surface of this globe bowl accentuates the stunning burl wood on the exterior. The classic lathe turned piece will go through auction with an estimate of $10,000-$15,000. An earthenware lidded bowl by Italian ceramicist Guido Gambone also finds its place within this category. The signed and stamped vessel is marked underside “Italy” and is valued at $1,500-$2,000.
Also nestled within this sale is an assortment of gold jewelry designed by Barry Kieselstein-Cord from a private Florida collection. The current owner originally purchased this sampling of designer earrings and bracelets from Bergdorf Goodman in the mid 1980s. Several pairs of earrings each possess a sale estimate of $1,500-$2,500, while the bracelets are expected to achieve between $3,000-$5,000
Various art glass pieces from makers such as Kosta Boda, Lalique and Alfredo Barbini for Murano round out the top lots. With over three hundred lots in the sale, there is something to pique the diverse interest of each and every Twentieth Century collector. Preview for this auction will be held at 117 Elliott Street, RT.62, Beverly, Massachusetts. Preview times are Wednesday, December 31st & Friday - Saturday, January 2nd - 3rd, 10:00AM – 5:00PM and day of sale beginning at 8AM.
