New York, 2 December 2024 - Phillips will host two major Design auctions in New York this December, led by a stunning pair of "Boule" armchairs, also known as "Ours polaire," by Jean Royère. The seasonal live auction of 20th- and 21st-century design is anchored by exceptional examples of Postwar French design, with the Royère pair, drawn from a private collection and estimated at $600,000 to $800,000, set to headline the sale. Alongside it, a single-owner sale dedicated to the ceramics of Lucie Rie, Moved by Beauty: Works by Lucie Rie from an Important Asian Collection, opens the day at 10AM EST on December 11, followed by the Design sale at 2PM EST. Both auctions will be previewed in a public exhibition running from December 6 to 11 at 432 Park Avenue.
The "Boule" armchairs embody the pinnacle of 20th-century blue-chip design, with the signature curves and luxurious forms that define Royère's timeless aesthetic. Introduced in 1942 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, where Royère famously designed an entire living room around the form, the "Boule" quickly became a cornerstone of his oeuvre, appearing in many of his later interiors. The pair on offer achieved $482,500 at Phillips in 2009, far surpassing its $200,000 to $250,000 estimate. Now, fifteen years later, with an estimated value of $600,000 to $800,000, the chairs reflect the remarkable ascent of Royère's market.
Postwar French design from an American collection
Additional highlights of Postwar French design come from a prominent American private collection (lots 101 to 121), with exceptional works by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé, Georges Jouve, and Serge Mouille. Leading the group is Charlotte Perriand's iconic "En Forme" sideboard, circa 1964, estimated at $300,000 to $500,000. The selection also features Jean Prouvé's Long swing jib wall light, circa 1948, at $150,000 to $200,000, and a Sideboard, model no. 4 by Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret, designed 1939 to 1945 and manufactured 1946 to 1968, estimated at $100,000 to $150,000. This curated, single-owner section also gathers outstanding contemporary and Latin American designs, while modern and contemporary artworks from the same collection are offered in Phillips' December Modern & Contemporary Art online auction, running from December 2 to 12.
An Art Nouveau ensemble from the École de Nancy
Another standout feature of the December Design sale is a remarkable selection of Art Nouveau furniture and lighting from a prestigious private collection. Leading this group is an extraordinary 1905 dining suite and ceiling light by Eugène Vallin, a master of the École de Nancy movement. Commissioned by Éléonore Corbin Mauljean, the suite includes a dining table with 12 chairs, a grand sideboard, two servers, and a cabinet, complemented by a bronze and glass chandelier offered as a separate lot. With flowing, organic forms inspired by local flora, the pieces reflect Vallin's unparalleled craftsmanship and the artistic ideals of France's Art Nouveau movement, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping the legacy of the École de Nancy. The Important dining suite and the Important ceiling light, both circa 1905, each carry an estimate of $100,000 to $150,000, joined by Émile Gallé's Pair of "Ombelle" side chairs, circa 1902, at $12,000 to $18,000, and his "Hortensia" table lamp, circa 1904, at $20,000 to $30,000.
Further highlights from the sale
The sale brings together design across a century, from European modernism to contemporary studio work. Further highlights include the following lots, with their pre-sale estimates.
The Design sale takes place on 11 December 2024 at 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, with viewing from 6 to 11 December 2024.
Estimates do not include buyer's premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium.
(Press Release)
