“Highest caliber” of Modern design objects in Sollo/Rago’s Fall Sale

Sept. 29, 2004

LAMBERTVILLE , N.J. - John Sollo and David Rago have announced details of their fall Modern auction to be held Oct. 23-24, with real-time Internet bidding provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.

"We will be offering some of the finest examples from the modern era to be found anywhere,” said John Sollo. “We have pieces of the highest caliber that have never been in circulation before.” The 1,200-lot auction will feature objects of exceptional quality by esteemed designers, artists and sculptors.

George Nakashima, whose work is always an auction highlight, is represented with more than 40 lots of his designs. As Nakashima's work continues to lead the market, Sollo/Rago continues to acquire some of the most desirable examples of the artist’s 20th century Modern artforms. A standout lot is Nakashima’s spectacular free-edge top with rosewood butterfly keys and an unusual double-pedestal Minguren base. “It belonged to a friend of George Nakashima and would be considered a ‘trophy piece,’ worth between $30,000 and $40,000,” Sollo said. “ am excited to bring this great piece of Nakashima to the public. This is the first time we have ever had a piece with this unusual base."

The showstopper is sure to be a 4 by 5ft Paul Evans collage. This brightly colored piece is the largest ever produced by Evans. The colors, textures and architectural elements all blend perfectly to give the piece, which relies on boxes of miniature sculptures, a geometric tension. The small, intricate sculptures form one larger sculpture, and the metal frame, which is integral to the piece, becomes part of the sculpture as well. Together, the components render a sense of drama to the piece.

Several exotic designs by Bucks County, Pa. artist Phil Powell will certainly delight any Modern collector. Powell's amazing vision and talent for design is obvious in this assortment of desirable and very distinctive pieces which includes a 12ft long walnut table with lapis inlay, and chip-carved base painted with gold and silver leaf; and a carved walnut, chip-carved coffee table with a glass top and gold leaf arms. Also featured are two Phil Powell wall hanging cabinets from the 1960s with a sculpted base covered in gold and silver leaf, as well as several unique tables.

Other exceptional offerings in this sale include a collection of Secessionist inlaid furniture, including a 1911 occasional table by Alfred Nagel with a hand-hammered base and mother-of-pearl inlay on top. Also featured is a feather-light teak floor lamp by Luxus, in excellent condition, made in the early 1950s in Sweden and found in an estate collection in Vermont. Other artists represented include Niels Vodder, with a Chieftain chair; a Borsani sofa and pieces by Natzler, Voulkas Pillan, and others.

A special Saturday evening session of this sale, beginning at 5 p.m. EST will consist of 175 works of art from the collection of Lois Kushner, a noted art dealer and gallery owner in Philadelphia area since 1960. Among the highlights are Ballerina, a 1982 bronze sculpture by Fernando Botero estimated at $250,000-350,000; a 1979 hand-colored screenprint on Tycore acid-free panel by Frank Stella titled Green Solitaire, estimated at $35,000-45,000; a 1970 brass sculpture, Untitled Head I, by Roy Lichtenstein (with provenance from the Leo Castelli Gallery), estimated at $20,000-25,000; and a dramatic armchair with lion’s heads by Diego Giacometti, estimated at $35,000-45,000.

View the illustrated catalog and bid absentee or live online through www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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