Works by Nakashima, Tiffany lead Freeman’s $1.2M sale

Tiffany Studios, ‘Nasturtium’ table lamp, circa 1905 with ‘Favrile Glass Ball Library’ adjustable base, signed base and shade, 27in high x 21in diameter. Price realized: Estimate: $206,250. Freeman’s image

PHILADELPHIA – Strong prices were realized throughout Freeman’s online-only design auction on Friday, April 3, which showcased a curated selection of 78 lots by important international designers and craftsmen. With an impressive sell-through rate of 96%, the auction achieved nearly $1.2 million, well exceeding its presale high estimate. Nearly 70% of all lots offered sold for prices above their high estimate. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.

A Tiffany Studios “Nasturtium” table lamp sold for $206,250—nearly triple its high estimate (above).

The sale saw a 100% sell-through rate for a group of rare Meissen porcelain by Henry van de Velde (below).

Henry van de Velde (Dutch, 1863-1957) large sauceboat, Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, 1903-1904, 5 1/8 high x 5in wide x 11 5/8in long. Price realized: $28,600. Freeman’s image

Samuel Yellin’s ironwork did exceedingly well, with most Yellin lots soaring past their estimates.

Samuel Yellin (American, b. Russia, 1884-1940) framed radiator grill for the Brooklyn Edison Co., Philadelphia, circa 1930-1931, wrought iron, 44¼in high x 30in wide, in a later frame. Price realized: $37,500. Freeman’s image

The Important “Holtz” Table by George Nakashima exceeded its high estimate and is the highest price achieved at auction for a piece by George Nakashima in 2020.

George Nakashima (American, 1905-1990) Holtz table, New Hope, Pa., 1986 claro walnut, American black walnut, rosewood, 29in high x 92in long x 65in wide. Price realized: $137,500. Freeman’s image

“I am delighted that our online only Design sale was a tremendous success, particularly in these challenging times. Strong prices were achieved across the board, proving that high quality and fresh-to-market material tends to hold its value. Overall the sale stood as a testament to Freeman’s robust market for classic American Design and Design from Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region,” said Tim Andreadis, Freeman’s head of design.