Lalique collection to kick off Rago design auctions Sept. 22-23

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. – Rago Auctions will feature the Reese Collection of Lalique Glass on Saturday morning, Sept. 22, as part of their Early 20th Century Design Auction. The sale will continue that afternoon with a “Mid-Mod” session of mid-priced 20th-century furniture, lighting and decorative objects. The weekend event will conclude Sunday, Sept. 23, with a two-session Modern Design Auction. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

The Reese Collection of Lalique Glass, which consists of 54 lots, will open the auction Saturday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Immediately following are ceramics by George Ohr, Newcomb College, Rookwood, Marblehead, Adelaide Robineau, Grueby, Brouwer, Tiffany Studios, Charles Binns, Fulper, Teco, Van Briggle, Grand Feu, Redlands, Arequipa and others. Eleven lots of English Martin Brothers ware, including two bird tobacco jars and two creature jars are also in the lineup. European ceramics to be sold include a single-owner collection of Boch Freres pottery by Charles Catteau.

The furniture highlight is an important and rare Greene & Greene table. In addition to lighting by Tiffany and Handel, Saturday morning’s sale features an exceptional Gustav Stickley lantern.

“Our Saturday session opens with a single-owner collection of Lalique from Texas featuring many desirable forms, including an amber Serpent, electric blue Perruches, and a rare Oiseau de Feu surtout. The session continues with what may prove to be the most exciting lot: a rare and early Gustav Stickley leaded glass lantern with a stylized rose pattern, recently found in a home in New Jersey. There is also a selection of American ceramics from a 40-year-old collection encompassing some of the rarest producers. Highlights include two Redlands Pottery covered vessels, squeeze bag-decorated Arequipa, a Charles Binns baluster vase, and a large Brouwer vase with applied grape clusters,” noted David Rago, partner and co-director, Design Department.

The Mid-Mod session of 156 lots will begin at 3 p.m. Designers whose works will be offered include George Nakashima, Paul Evans, Ettore Sottsass, Gio Ponti, Hans Wegner, Gilbert Rohde, Tommi Parzinger, Paul McCobb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Edward Wormley.

The Modern Design Auction, starting Sunday at 10 a.m., features more than 40 lots of George and Mira Nakashima furniture. A spectacular single-owner, fresh-to-the-market collection of Bertoia works, including nine by Harry Bertoia and four by his son Val is included.

Additional furniture by Paul Evans, Wendell Castle, Phil Powell, Albert Paley, Judy McKie, Vladimir Kagan, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Silas Seandel, Shiro Kuramata, and Charles and Ray Eames, will also be offered.

“One of my favorite pieces in this sale is the Gio Ponti dresser. We’ve sold a couple of examples in the past, but every time I handle one I’m reminded of why they’re so desirable. The simple pairing of an attractive geometric façade against a handsome walnut grain elevates a practical piece into something more. Another work that transcends the mundane is our Paavo Tynell chandelier. The star-like elements suspended by thin brass wire appear to be floating on light,” said Jad Attal, Rago’s Modern specialist.

Modern glass and ceramics will be sold Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Many of the top artists are well represented, such as Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Michael Glancy and Dan Dailey.

Printed catalogs are available for $20 each by calling 609-397-9374 or emailing a request to info@ragoarts.com.