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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Bonhams to offer Tiffany studio highlights in 20th Century Decorative Arts auction on June 12

Bonhams is to present a strong selection of works by Tiffany Studios as part of its 20th Century Decorative Arts auction, June 12. Tiffany Studios, founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1885, has continually set the standard for creating beautiful, intricate and imaginative art glass, windows, metalwork and leaded glass lamps.

The centerpiece of the Tiffany section is a superb Favrile glass and patinated bronze Trumpet Creeper Lamp, circa 1910 (pre-sale est. $400,000-600,000). Inspired by Tiffany’s love of nature, the floral pattern in this lamp is particularly vibrant in its use of brilliant color, and representative of Tiffany’s finest work.

Another fine example of Tiffany Studio’s work is a Wisteria Lamp designed by Clara Driscoll, circa 1899-1918 (pre-sale est. $300,000-600,000). This irregular border lamp is arguably Tiffany Studio’s most iconic design and Bonhams is pleased to offer a rare miniature version of the model, the “Pony” Wisteria Lamp (pre-sale est. $150,000-200,000), as well as a “Pony” Begonia Lamp (pre-sale est. $120,000-180,000).

In addition to the wide array of Tiffany offerings, the sale is rich in turn of the century Vienna Secessionstil material, such as a rare Bernard Loffler enameled nickel silver hostess pin, designed for the Wiener Werkstatte Kabaret Fledermaus (pre-sale est. $5,000-7,000). A Josef Hoffmann bent beechwood Fledermaus salon suite, formerly belonging to Andy Warhol, is also on the block (pre-sale est. $2,500-3,500). A pair of five-light candelabra designed by Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte (pre-sale est. $25,000-35,000) is among several lots of Wiener Werkstatte silver being offered.

Art Nouveau and Art Deco enthusiasts will enjoy the offerings of iconic figural sculptures by Agathon Leonard: Danseuse Au Cothurne (pre-sale est. $25,000-35,000), Demetre Chiparus: Dourga (pre-sale est. $25,000-35,000) and Otto Poertzel: Butterfly Dancers (pre-sale est. $20,000-30,000). Another important highlight of the Art Deco section is a rare Alberto Giacometti plaster claw-form sconce (pre-sale est. $50,000-80,000).

Rounding out the sale is a selection of works by contemporary studio artists comprising glass, ceramics and furniture. One of the highlights of the section is a Dale Chihuly blown and applied glass Navajo Blanket Cylinder, 1976 (pre-sale est. $20,000-30,000). An iconic carved walnut rocking chair by Sam Maloof 1977-1978 (pre-sale est. $20,000-30,000) will be offered, as well as a group of early furniture by George Nakashima from the Wepman Collection, including a rare pair of Louvered-Front Chests of Drawers (pre-sale est. $15,000-20,000) and a pair of walnut and hickory Conoid Lounge Chairs (pre-sale est. $15,000-20,000).

Collectors and enthusiasts of 20th Century Decorative Art are welcome to visit Bonhams at 580 Madison Avenue to view the outstanding selection of antique and modern pieces. Preview begins June 9, and the sale will be held June 12 at 10 am, EST.