AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- DECEMBER 16TH: 20TH CENTURY DESIGN AT SOTHEBY'S

by Kelly Keating on 12/15/13

The last edition of Auction Finds focused on English ceramics at both the high and low end of the market.  This week's auction finds spotlights important high end 20th century design to be sold at Sotheby's New York on December 18, 2013.  The objects this week range from glass to silver to bronze to wood from the Art Deco period to the early millenium.

The first discovery this week is a "Malesherbes" green glass with white patine vase by Rene Lalique.  This model, a pear shape covered with cased and molded leaves, was introduced in 1927.  Lot 121 with a pre-sale estimate of $6,000-8,000 stands 9.5 inches tall.  It is hard to see in the photograph but this vase has subtle white overlay that makes the outline of the leaves pop.  The color of this vase with the white patine is extraordinary and it would make a wonderful starting point for a room.  Though subtly Art Deco in design it would work well in most interiors.

This week's next find is also green glass, but in a distinctly more Art Deco manner with its cubist facets and vibrant emerald green color.  Lot 137 is a "Ruba Rombic" vase by Reuben Haley (1872-1933) with a pre-sale estimate of $5,000-7,000.  The circa 1928 vase stands 9.625" tall and was manufactured by the Consolidated Lamp and Glass Company of Corapolis, PA.  Distinctly modern in its appearance, this vase still would work well in any type of interior giving a splash of color especially when filled with an equally vibrant flower.

Reuben Haley is considered to be a major contributor to American glass design and is responsible for the most extensive line of 'Art Deco' glassware produced in the USA- Ruba Rombic. This 37 piece collection of Cubist glass was designed by Reuben Haley in 1927 for the Consolidated Glass Company of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania and was manufactured from 1928 to 1932 when the factory closed.  Reuben Haley brought Cubism to life in this molded, hand blown and hand-finished glassware which looks like a chiseled block of ice.

This week's next treasure takes us from glass to silver and another example of Art Deco design.  Lot 131 is a pair of partially hammered and silverplated metal 11.125" tall candlesticks with a pre-sale estimate of $10,000-15,000 .  The sticks were made by Jean Despres circa 1927.  Despres (1903-1988) was a jewelry designer by trade but also made other objects such as these candlesticks.  He favored the streamlined, modern aesthetic of the age of the machine creating Art Deco objects that were quite beautiful.  These sticks reflect this streamline "moderne" aesthetic in their columnar shape with simple spherical "knobs" at the base for decoration, half-globe holders with sinister looking spikes in which to impale your candle and the round hammered base.

This next find moves from silver to the first bronze piece in this week's auction finds.  It is another fine example of the Art Deco period.  Lot 126 is a large cold painted and patinated bronze, carved ivory, onyx and marble sculpture entitled "Danseuse de Kapurthala" by Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947) with a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-50,000.  On an onyx and marble base a dancer strikes a typical Art Deco pose- arms in the air, balanced on one foot while the other foot resting on the opposite knee- while wearing a typical Art Deco costume expressing the exuberance of the circa 1928 period.  She stands an impressive 20.75" tall.  The subject of the sculpture is enhanced by the use of luxurious materials such as bronze for the body and carved ivory for the face.  The contrast of the bronze and the ivory is particularly striking.

The next bronze object this week is a sculpture of the new millenium.  Lot 226 is a gilt bronze owl sculpture entitled "Chouette" by Claude Lalanne circa 2004 with a pre-sale estimate of $40,000-60,000.  The owl sculpture stands 20.125" tall.  I choose this lot because it appealed to me visually and it seemed to fit in well with the other Art Deco lots in this week's finds in its streamlined and ultra "moderne" look as if it was a prop in the movie "Metropolis".  It would be at home in 1925 as much as it is a product of 2004.  It also seems very tactile as if you want to touch it like an idol and for some reason too it keeps reminding me of The Maltese Falcon though that is a different bird, a different story and a different time.  That statue just sold at auction for over 4 million dollars.

This week's last discovery is a wonderful desk by one of my favorite designers Jean Royere (1902-1981).  Lot 164 is a three drawer desk made of mahogany and oak circa 1950 and has pre-sale estimate of $25,000-35,000.  I love the graphic quality of this desk in how the darker mahogany follows the contours of the desk and contrasts with the lighter oak.  It is an exceedingly simple desk, but pleasing in its materials and form.  It would look great with a laptop!

I hope you enjoyed this week's auction finds.  My favorite piece this week is the Ruba Rombic green glass vase by Reuben Haley.  It is such a stunning color with a stunning form, I would have it in my house tout suite.  What was your favorite object this week?  Leave a comment below.

If you are looking for an antique or vintage piece from high to low, please take a look at my website to see how I work with clients.  Then email me at [email protected] and tell me what you are looking for and what your budget is for the piece.  I can work in all price ranges.

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Until next time,

Kelly T Keating