New York, 27 May 2025 - Phillips has announced highlights from its upcoming Design auction, scheduled for 10 June at 2PM EDT at its Park Avenue galleries in New York. The sale offers a wide-ranging selection of 20th and 21st century design, with most works sourced from distinguished private collections, and is led by the striking "Folie" mirror by Line Vautrin, a rare and poetic example of the French artist's celebrated mirror designs, estimated at $180,000 to $240,000. Additional top highlights include an elegant "Berceau" low table by Diego Giacometti, a "Fish" bench by Judy Kensley Mc Kie, a "Crococurule" by Claude Lalanne, a rare turtle-back tile chandelier by Tiffany Studios, and an impressive selection of American furniture by George Nakashima.
Benjamin Green, Associate Specialist and Head of Sale, Design, New York, said, "Phillips' Design team is proud to announce our June Design Sale, a vibrant celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic vision from the 20th century to the present. Featuring iconic works by historic makers alongside standout contemporary designs, the auction reflects the evolving tastes of today's collectors." The sale also features important studio ceramics by Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, alongside works by leading figures in contemporary, French, and Italian design.
Works from distinguished private collections
A significant portion of the New York Design Sale is drawn from private collections, offering exceptional provenance and compelling historical context. Among these is Line Vautrin's captivating "Folie" mirror from a private Upper East Side collection. One of the artist's largest and most sculptural creations, the mirror is a striking departure from her typical mosaic glass designs. The "Berceau" low table by Diego Giacometti, estimated at $200,000 to $300,000, hails from the esteemed collection of art collectors John and Mary Pappajohn, and is widely regarded as one of Giacometti's most refined and iconic designs, distinguished by its sculptural elegance and lyrical restraint.
Another highlight is a rare turtle-back tile chandelier by Tiffany Studios, dating to around 1905 and estimated at $150,000 to $200,000. Crafted in a fiery red favrile and leaded glass with gilt bronze, it has remained in the same American private collection for 45 years. Its reappearance on the market marks a rare chance for collectors to acquire an outstanding example of Tiffany Studios' masterful lighting designs.
Celebrated zoomorphic and Surrealist forms
Also featured is Judy Kensley Mc Kie's "Fish" bench, estimated at $150,000 to $250,000 and originally owned by Modern art dealer and gallerist Ruth O'Hara. Following the success of Mc Kie's "Leopard" couch in Phillips' Design auction in London last month, the house is pleased to present another of her celebrated zoomorphic works. Cast in bronze, the "Fish" bench exemplifies Mc Kie's distinctive ability to fuse form and function with symbolic resonance, radiating both playful energy and quiet strength, with animal forms serving not as embellishment but as an integral part of its structure.
Claude Lalanne's "Crococurule," estimated at $100,000 to $150,000, stands out in her body of work for its unique fusion of classical and naturalistic elements. Drawing from the Roman curule, a ceremonial seat reserved for magistrates and emperors, Lalanne reimagines the traditional form by replacing its customary fur with a cast of crocodile skin. The juxtaposition of the cold, metallic medium with the organic texture of the crocodile creates a striking visual tension, a whimsical and unexpected blend of nature and design that is a hallmark of the Lalannes' oeuvre and highly coveted by collectors around the world.
American and studio design
Among the standout offerings of American design is a strong selection of works by George Nakashima, spanning 1956 to 1990, all from private collections. Leading the group is a rare three-door room divider from a private New England collection, crafted in American black walnut with striking book-matched claro walnut doors and estimated at $60,000 to $80,000. Rounding out the season's offerings is a selection of British studio ceramics by Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, a category in which Phillips has consistently achieved outstanding results, including a "Cycladic" pot by Coper estimated at $40,000 to $60,000. The sale further features a diverse range of works across other key areas of design, including contemporary designs by Jeroen Verhoeven, Ron Arad, and Marc Newson; Italian designs by renowned figures such as Gio Ponti, Angelo Lelii, and Thomas Stearns; and French design by celebrated makers including Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Paul Dupré-Lafon, and André Borderie.
Selected highlights
The auction takes place on 10 June 2025 at Phillips' galleries at 432 Park Avenue, New York, with viewing from 6 to 9 June. Phillips offers dedicated expertise across Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels, with auctions and exhibitions held primarily in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong.
Estimates do not include buyer's premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium.
(Press Release)
