Unique pair of porcupine (or ‘feathered’ wood) floor lamps, estimated to make $800 or more.
NEW YORK – When Roland Auctions’ first anniversary sale rolls around on Saturday, Oct. 15, buyers will be treated to exquisite period furniture from the Belle Epoch to Mid Century, and decorative arts that run the gamut from Orientalia to Old Paris majolica and Scandinavian art glass. Designer names include Adnet, Asprey Breuer, Dresser, Van der Rohe, Saarinen, Mont, Lindberg, Nyland and Millet. The art in the sale is by Picasso, Serge Poliakoff and Sonia Delaunay, among others. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.
According to Rob Roland, co-founder of Roland Auctions in Greenwich Village, properties hail from the estates of modern artist Frances J. Whitney and Tony-nominated actress Tresa Hughes. Other properties come from a Park Avenue apartment and the estate of a couple who collected Mid-Century design for their homes in Belgium and New York. Of the latter, Rob Roland said, “They acquired the best quality in the best of taste.”
Leading the furniture is a massive antique Italian console of serpentine form with three drawers, each inlaid with satinwood lanterns and flourishes above elaborately carved foliate swags. It is surmounted with finials. The top of the console sideboard is well-patinated Italian marble in shades of coral, brown and green. Beautifully aged, the console’s catalog estimate is $5,000 to $6,000.
A massive gilt wood mirror with center cartouche and repeating swags sits atop the console. Its estimate is around $1,000. For mirror buyers who like their candle glow reflected, there is a Venetian glass example with girandoles, expected to command $1,000 or more.
Also in the classical vein is an antique, painted Italian commode with three drawers. Of serpentine form, the dresser bears carved decorations of shells, acanthus leaves and florets along its plinth and cabriole legs. It is estimated at a catalog high of $4,500.
A large Empire chandelier attributed to Caldwell, with eight northwind faces rounds out the classical highlights.
Jumping to Mid Century, restraint marks the high style D-form mirror and console from the atelier of James Mont, the Turkish-American designer whose contemporary take on classical designs appealed equally to celebrities, including Lana Turner, and mobsters like Frank Costello and “Lucky” Luciano. They are expected to command around $3,500.
A credenza and chest of drawers, possibly by Jansen, also captures the Mid-Century beat.
For the dining room, there is a ten-piece John Widdicomb set and a Knoll five-piece set. The Knoll set is comprised of a square walnut table with tapered legs and four chairs. A set of four Cesca side chairs designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928 and manufactured by Thonet are also desirable.
An Eames Lounge (670) and Ottoman (671), released in 1956 by Herman Miller for the high-end market, after years of development by Charles and Ray Eames, has withstood the test of time. Of molded plywood and leather, it is like the ones in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Among the lighting fixtures, a pair of “feathered” floor lamps stands out. Possibly unique, the circular fixtures, each about 3 1/3 feet tall, are covered in short spikes of natural balsa-like wood that result in a textured effect and irregular pattern. They are absolutely conversation-starting accessories.
Other lamps include a pair of mid-Century square table lamps that encase circular mercury glass balls. In side the balls, seen tungsten filaments and tensor bulbs become part of the aesthetic.
The tabletop decorative arts are especially appealing and include a small ceramic plate by Picasso and pottery from Roji, Rookwood, Roseville and Bitossi. There are two large studio-art glass vases signed Samuel J. Herman. Stig Lindberg is represented by a vaguely apple shaped form vase of white under glazed with green lines and leaves. This is offset by a blue and clear Orrefors art glass bowl. Buyers will also find items from Christofle and Georg Jensen.
Sonia Delaunay’s abstract oil painting is outstanding. Serge Poiiakoff, the Russian born French modernist who came to be known as one of the most powerful painters of his generation is represented by a vibrant abstract. Works by Sue Wilson, Javier Gomez, Joachim Probst and Maltezos are also included.
A strong collection of jewelry concludes the sale. Notably, there is American studio silver and Moroccan gold treasures. Items by William Spratling, whose history is featured on New Focus On.com and whose work is the subject of a new book by Sandy Baum are also featured.
Finally, a collection of vintage photographic equipment adds yet another dimension to the sale.
The sale commences at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15 at Roland Auction gallery, 80 East 11th Street. For condition reports, please call Bill or Rob Roland, 212-260-6000 or email info@rolandantiques.com.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
