New York – On December 14, Bonhams will present its final Modern Decorative Art + Design sale of the year in New York, which will feature a strong selection of works from design masters such as Diego Giacometti, Shiro Kuramata, Charlotte Perriand, and Vladimir Kagan.
Highlighting the sale is an incredible Carcasse a la Chauve-Souris table by major Swiss designer Diego Giacometti (1902-1985), best known for his fantastical sculptures of animals. Estimated at $300,000 – 500,000, this exceptional example was crafted circa 1965 and incorporates patinated bronze bats. Additionally featured is an iconic Miss Blanche chair by Shiro Kuramata (1934-1991), one of the most important Japanese designers of the 20th century. Poetic and dream-like, the chair is constructed predominantly of acrylic, a material Kuramata loved for its sense of “non-existence”, which suited his philosophy of presence-absence and interest in denying materiality. It is estimated at $200,000 – 300,000. Also included in the sale is a ‘Maison du Mexique’ bookcase by French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999), estimated at $100,000 – 150,000. Perriand’s pioneering work helped shape 20th century design and aimed to craft functional living spaces, as is showcased with the ‘Maison du Mexique’ bookcase.
Of particular note is a single-owner collection of ten custom pieces by American furniture designer Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016), highlighted by his famed ‘Unicorn’ sofa, estimated at $50,000 – 60,000. All items in the collection were custom made in the 1960s for his close friends, Melvin and Audrey Troy, for their magnificent home in Sands Point which overlooked the Long Island Sound.
