Mid-century modern furniture, with its ability to make a compelling statement with only a few lines, has been a favorite with successive generations of interior-design enthusiasts. “Now we’re seeing many younger buyers at our sales, who tell us they appreciate the simplicity of IKEA furniture but know the importance of buying mid-century period pieces, both for their authenticity and investment value,” said Rico Baco, co-owner of Palm Beach Modern Auctions (PBMA). For those buyers, and everyone else who appreciates the best of mid-century design, PBMA will host a Saturday, September 23, 2017, end-of-summer Boutique Auction of high-quality furniture, art, and decoratives.
Baca tells PBMA buyers who seek advice that a great room can begin with a single purchase, like a classic Florence Knoll sofa, an Isamu Noguchi dining table, or a pair of inviting Charles Pfister leather lounge chairs. All are available in the upcoming auction.
For those who wish to advance to the upper reaches of mid-century furniture production, PBMA is pleased to offer a single-owner private collection of pieces by Vladimir Kagan (German/American, 1927-2016), whose visionary designs incorporated Bauhaus, nature themes, and organically sculpted forms. “Vladimir Kagan created interiors for many high-profile corporate clients, as well as the lobby of the Standard Hotel in downtown Los Angeles,” Baca said. “He will only continue to be regarded as an influential and important figure in mid-century design.”
The auction’s Vladimir Kagan selection includes a rare and early cabinet with tambour doors designed by Kagan and marketed by Kagan-Dreyfus. Constructed of wood, glass and metal, it is similar to an example depicted on page 69 of the reference The Complete Kagan: A Lifetime of Avant-Garde Design. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000
A sleek Kagan seating suite comprised of two upholstered sofas/loveseats in muted yellow-gold is estimated at $10,000-$15,000, while a pair of rare Kagan barrel-form lounge chairs, Model #100A, upholstered in soft pistachio green, is expected to reach $8,000-$12,000. Other Kagan highlights include a pair of early marble-top cherry nightstands, $6,000-$8,000; an upholstered cherry headboard (similar to book example), $4,000-$6,000, and omnibus textured sectional sofa, $2,000-$4,000.
A chic Katavolos, Littell & Kelley striped upholstery and metal sofa measuring 97-1/2 inches wide is known as the “NEW YORK” sofa, Model #8-FC, in the Laverne Interntional manufacturer’s catalog. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. A pair of apricot leather lounge chairs from the same series is estimated at $3,000-$5,000.
Leading the fine and decorative art section is a monumental Roger Herman (German/American, b. 1947-) painting on canvas titled St. Ursula. It measures 84 x 120 in., and has a long line of provenance that includes prior sale at Bonhams San Francisco, and the Collection of Sidney Goldfarb. Its presale estimate is $6,000-$10,000. A 2013 lithograph by Takashi Murakami (Japanese, b. 1962-) titled KAIKAI, KIKI AND ME, No. 39 of an edition of 300. Previously in a private Salt Lake City collection, it is estimated at $1,000-$2,000.
There are many other desirable designer items from which to choose, including coffee tables, chests of drawers, highly collectible Larry Mohr abstract bronze sculptures, Murano lamps, chandeliers and glass vessels, mirrors, and sculptural works.
PBMA’s Saturday, September 23, 2017 auction will start at 12 PM ET. The exhibition center and auction venue is located at 417 Bunker Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33405. A complimentary snacks and beverages, and free valet parking, will be available to all. For additional information on any item in the sale, call (561) 586-5500 or email info@modernauctions.com. View the fully illustrated catalog and bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.com.
