Skinner, Inc. will host an auction of 20th Century Design in its Boston gallery on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The upcoming sale features a select group of mosaic glass lamps, Favrile glass, lighting, and metalwork by Tiffany Studios. Studio furniture by George Nakashima highlights a fine furniture selection that includes modern designs from across the globe. Works by Dale Chihuly and Scheier will be offered along with a large collection of experimental Chelsea and Dedham pottery.
Mosaic Glass Lamps and Lighting
A fine collection of early 20th century lighting features lamps by Tiffany Studios including the sale’s cover lot, a mosaic Black-eyed Susan table lamp (lot 46, estimated between $20,000 and $30,000), and a pomegranate table lamp (lot 10, $8,000 to $12,000). Lamps by Gorham, Wilkinson, Chicago, and Unique as well as a mosaic table lamp by Duffner & Kimberly (lot 41, $8,000 to $12,000) round out an excellent selection by noted American makers.
The strong early lighting selection is complemented by designs from the 20th and 21st centuries. Modern and contemporary lighting includes iconic design such as: a Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen PH-5 hanging lamp (lot 524, $600 to $800), a Curtis Jere Crane lamp (lot 625, $1,200 to $1,600), and two Tom Dixon mirror ball pendant lamps (lot 624, $300 to $400).
Tiffany Metalwork and Art Glass
In addition to lighting by Tiffany Studios, the June auction also features a selection of Favrile glass and metalwork at every price point. Veteran collectors and newcomers alike will find something of interest, from a pair of gold Favrile candle lamps (lots 36 and 37, both $1,000 to $1,500), to diminutive items such as a gold Favrile toothpick holder (lot 53, $250 to $350) and a salt cellar (lot 57, $200 to $400). Metalwork offerings include an eleven item Tiffany Studios Zodiac pattern desk set including a lamp (lot 76, $3,000 to $3,500), as well as smaller treasures such as a Pine Needle pattern pen tray (lot 86, $250 to $350).
American and European Art Glass
Examples of art glass include pieces by Quezal, Loetz, Galle and Daum, Lalique, and Steuben.
A selection of Italian and Scandinavian art glass features a monumental vase by contemporary glass master Maurizio Asti for ARS Cenedese (lot 580, $1,000 to $1,500) and a “Trees in Fog” vase by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta (lot 515, $2,000 to $3,000).
Sterling Silver
A variety of sterling silver includes a seven-piece acorn pattern serving set (lot 336, $1,200 to $1,500) and many other Georg Jensen-designed objects. Other silver pieces of note include a Gabriele De Vecchi five-piece tea service (lot 354, $5,000 to $7,000) and an Allan Adler “Starlit” flatware service for twelve (lot 319, $8,000 to $12,000).
Art Pottery
A collection of Dedham pottery includes early Chelsea Keramic, Chelsea Pottery U.S., beautiful experimental pieces, and a perennial favorite among New Englanders, blue and white crackleware.
Other New England and American potters and studios include a Saturday Evening Girls jar (lot 301, $2,500 to $3,500), as well as works by Merrimac, William J. Walley, Hampshire, Rookwood, Roseville, Newcomb, Fulper, School of Mines, and Pisgah Forest.
Modern and contemporary American studio pottery is highlighted by a selection of Edwin and Mary Scheier vessels, including a large piece with incised decoration (lot 540, $3,000 to $5,000). Pieces by Marilyn Garnick, Karen Karnes, Polia Pillin, and Lynne Turner complete the selection of American studio pottery.
European pottery features a selection of pieces by Dalpayrat and a lovely Charles Catteau Grès Keramis vase (lot 401, $800 to $1,200), as well as a pair of Art Nouveau wall plaques by Rozenburg (lots 295 and 296, both $1,000 to $1,500).
Modern Art and Sculpture
For those looking to beautify a living room, work space, garden or any other area of the home, there are outstanding examples of art and sculpture available. Highlights include an Andy Buck “Five” sculpture (lot 570, $500 to $700), an arresting Oluf Gravesen nail sculpture (lot 527, $1,000 to $1,200), a Mobil Pegasus Gas Station sign (lot 811, $2,000 to $2,500), and a George Sherwood kinetic garden sculpture (lot 805, $1,000 to $2,000).
20th Century Design Furniture
Studio pieces from George Nakashima including a floor lamp (lot 532, $3,000 to $5,000), a wall cabinet (lot 533, $7,000 to $9,000), and a Frenchmen’s Cove dining table (lot 534, $12,000 to $15,000) highlight a diverse and fine selection of furniture from American designers and manufacturers.
Collectors and those seeking iconic Mid-century Modern design to enhance their décor will find a substantial selection of Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller seating on offer.
Pieces by other American designers include a home office desk by George Nelson (lot 649A, $5,000 to $7,000), a brightly upholstered chair and footstool by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (lot 675, $2,000 to $3,000), and furniture by Warren Platner, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi for Knoll. Eight Frank Gehry “High Sticking” chairs (lot 654, $2,500 to $3,500) and a credenza and coffee table by Bernard Rohne for Mastercraft (lot 585, $3,000 to $5,000); in addition, a wide range of Danish modern and Italian designs, including pieces by Vico Magistretti will also be offered.
