For my last Design Auction review of 2020, I look at the selection brought under the hammer by Sotheby’s. There is an impressive set of creations of Charlotte Perriand but for once, I will concentrate on the pieces from early 20th century.

Initially planned in October, this ‘Important Design’ auction is now planned for December 17th for an online and live event from Paris.

176 lots with contemporary designers and some modern too. Fans of Charlotte Perriand will be delighted to discover rare and exceptional pieces from an esteem collector who purchased them from the Galerie Steph Simon between 1972 and 1975 on the advice of Pierre Debeaux, then architect of their villa. The unique Eventail table is the undisputed pinnacle of this private French collection.

But today, I have mostly picked up design creations from the selection of Art Nouveau of this auction.

As usual, there is no commercial tie between the auction house and myself and it is a personal selection.

Lot 2 - Tea and coffee set by Dagobert Peche

silver and ivory, circa 1920.

Comprising : a teapot, a coffee-pot, a sugar bowl, a cream-jug and its tray. Each with the maker's mark, the silver mark, and inscribed 900 WIENER WERKSTATTE ; The tray with the manufacturer's mark. The highest : 16 cm; the tray : 45 x 48 cm ; gross weight : 3549,3 g

Estimate: EUR 30,000 - 50,000

**Lot 4 - Trèfle table by Eugène Gaillard**

padauk and Madagascar rosewood, ca 1913. 70 x 70 x 70 cm

Estimate: EUR 10,000 - 15,000

Lot 7 - Vase by Eugène Rousseau

circa 1875-1878. Coloured, smoked, etched and enamelled glass. Signed E.Rousseau Paris on the underside. Height : 26,5 cm

Estimate: EUR 8,000 - 12,000

walnut, Brazilian rosewood with marquetry, circa 1900. Signed Gallé on the top of the cabinet. 163 x 68 x 39cm

Estimate: EUR 15,000 - 20,000

**Lot 18 - Van Beuningen dressing table by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann**

Makassar rosewood, shagreen and ivory, ca. 1930.

Property from an Important Private Collection.

Stamped Ruhlmann and with the mark of the Atelier A underneath.

133 x 95 x 46 cm

Estimate: EUR 100,000 – 150,000

Lot 43 - Sofa by André Groult

Pylma, ebonised wood and fabric, circa 1913. 92 x 123 x 80 cm

Estimate: EUR 20,000 – 30,000

**Lot 47 - L'attrapeur de rêve rug by Elizabeth Eyre de Lanux et Evelyn Wyld**

Wool, circa 1927.

181 x 167 cm

Estimate: EUR 10,000 – 15,000

Lot 51 - Dressing table by Jean-Michel Frank

Sycamore, chrome-plated metal and mirror, circa 1930. Stamped and numbered J.M. FRANK CHANAUX & Co 17032 underneath. 123 x 120 x 50 cm

Estimate: EUR 30,000 – 50,000

Lot 54 - Dressing table and armchair by Maison Jansen

Chromium plated metal, opal glass, fabric upholstery, circa 1930.

Dressing table : 91,5 x 160 x 51,5 cm;

Armchair : 85 x 51 x 45 cm.

Estimate: EUR 30,000 - 50,000

**Lot 91 - Forme libre sideboard by Charlotte Perriand**

Dibetu, melamine and plastic. Designed in 1939, executed in 1971. Executed by Gorlier. 92 x 234 x 48 cm

Estimate: EUR 240,000 – 350,000

**Lot 93 - Unique Eventail table by Charlotte Perriand**

Dibetu, 1975. Executed by Gorlier. 70 x 143 x 243 cm

Estimate: EUR 700,000 - 1,000,000

Lot 113 - Table lamp by Angelo Lelli

Painted brass, brass and Plexiglas, circa 1970. Stamped MADE IN ITALY ARREDOLUCE MENZA underneath. Height : 54,5 cm

Estimate: EUR 3,000 - 5,000

**Lot 137 - Gingko table and four chairs by Claude Lalanne**

Gilt patinated bronze, 2009-2015. Monogramed, stamped C.L LALANNE, dated 2009 for the chairs and 2015 and with the foundry mark Figini for the table.

Each chair numbered 8/8 F, 8/8 G, 8/8 H and EA 1/4 A, the table numbered 6/8 and stamped 0155. Table : 71,3 x 154 x 154 cm. Each chair : 44,5 x 47 x 76 cm

Estimate: EUR 600,000 - 800,000

Lot 160 - Vase by Pierre Soulages

Porcelain, gilding and metal, designed in 2000, the series started in 2008, this model manufactured in 2010. Inscribed and numbered SOULAGES 5/10 and with the Manufacture de Sèvres marks underneath. From an edition of 10. 54,8 x 34cm

Estimate: EUR 200,000 - 300,000 

Hero picture: Lot 56 - Canapé Ambassador by Jean Royère. circa 1955. Oak and velvet upholstery. 107 x 242 x 89 cm.

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