20th Century and Contemporary
Furniture, Lighting and Objects
MNEMOS_02 BY ASYMPTOTE (MEDIUM BOX)
By Asymptote The American architects Asymptote, designed a series of exquisite gold boxes, reintroducing the once highly coveted and collectable precious snuff boxes. In the 18th Century, snuff boxes were the height of sophistication, not only for collectors, but also for Parisian goldsmiths. The artisans of the time constantly aimed to outreach each other with new finishes and new mechanisms.
Mnemos_02 is a gift box, or bonbonnière, for one’s most precious belongings. The bonbonnière is made in vermeil otherwise known as silver gilt, and holds three handmade compartments, either in purpleheart wood or in golden satinwood. The design across the top is a wave raised and shaped into the gilded silver, which breaks along all four sides of the box in the same fashion. England, 2008 Height: 3.0 in (7.5 cm) Width: 8.7 in (22.0 cm) Length/Depth: 5.9 in (15.0 cm) $35,000 C2J0240
MNEMOS_03 BY ASYMPTOTE (LARGE BOX)
By Asymptote Mnemos_03 is the third and largest box in the series, also exploring the fluid movement of molten gold. Intended for jewellery, it is like Mnemos_02, made in vermeil. Both part of the centre wave pivot open to reveal a nested puzzle of seven single and double height compartments in satinwood. England, 2008
Height: 4.7 in (12.0 cm) Width: 9.6 in (24.5 cm) Length/Depth: 9.6 in (24.5 cm) $45,000 C2J0241
PSYCHE
By Matali Crasset Psyche is a contemporary rendition of the 19th Century archetypical cheval mirror, so popular at the Parisian court of Napoleon III.
One dresses at the back of the mirror, behind a hand-dyed leather screen, where an elegant mahogany and brass easel and hanger hold your most precious floor length dresses and other garments. Once dressed, one then stands in front of the mirror. The mirror itself is a triptych of heavier drawn glass, which has been hand silvered and bevelled on its exterior edges, to create an elegant frame to the picture it takes of its reflection. The empirical contrast between the delicate mahogany and brass easel, no heavier than a feather, and the strong weighty gravity of the mirror, truly defies the laws of nature. Only Matali Crasset’s ingenious design triumphs over these laws to offer a spectacular vision. England, 2008 Height: 70.9 in (180.0 cm) Width: 39.8 in (101.0 cm) Length/Depth: 29.9 in (76.0 cm) $50,000 C2J0247
DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND LARGE HANGING LANTERN
By Matali Crasset Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend transforms the traditional hanging lantern archetype into a symphony of 102 different angles of Paktong, an ancient goldenhued, silver metal, encasing 24 blown glass panes. The lantern is lit by an internal hanging pendant of a similar shape, and is suspended by a custom paktong chain with a unique repeating master link design.
Paktong is a unique, non-tarnishing metal which first appeared in China in the 12th Century and disappeared in the 19th Century. Meta hence re-created Paktong with the help of Oxford University’s archaeological material sciences unit and a small, specialist foundry with a particular expertise in complex alloys. The Meta-Paktong formulation is based upon a 1720 candlestick, made of Chinese-sourced Paktong which possesses a particularly beautiful patina. The lantern is available in two sizes, as well as matching sconces.
England, 2008 Height: 36.0 in (91.5 cm) Width: 24.0 in (61.0 cm) $54,000 C2J0265
DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND SCONCE
By Matali Crasset The Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend 1 sconces are designed after the original diamond shaped lantern by Matali Crasset. Their lines follow the geometric pattern of the lantern’s back, creating with the lantern a symphonic ensemble of light. Each wall light is individually cast in Paktong, the lost precious Chinese alloy recreated by Meta for its delicate golden patina. In keeping with Paktong’s traditional elegance, the light is diffused through traditional blown glass. The back plate is mirrored and the inverted lighting element is shaded by panels of opaline glass. England, 2008 Height: 18.5 in (47.0 cm) Width: 12.0 in (30.5 cm) $15,000 each C2J0250
ACANTHUS
By Patrick Blanchard These elegant table lamps are inspired from the study of nature and flora. Reminiscent of the art nouveau period, the intricately carved flutes of the lamps rise up to meet a small fan of delicately wrought acanthus leaves. When illuminated, these leaves act as a shade, shielding us from the intensity of the light within and leaving us instead with a soft candle-like glow. This is made possible by the translucency of the lime wood. England, 2008
Height: 27.6 in (70.0 cm) Diameter: 9.4 in (24.0 cm) $8,500 each C2J0249
GLISSADE
By Wales & Wales An elegant, graceful writing desk in 5,000 year old bog oak, whose entire top slides sideways to reveal a hidden well, lined with matching Moroccan leather. Atop the desk sits a scarlet yellow lacquer pen box, covered by an extension of bog oak. Glissade is a tribute to 18th century cabinet makers who used writing desks to display the refinement of their skills. The careful matching of the grain shows a balance and consistency of tone, which is only matched by the soft curves flowing in and out of the top, both just as delicate to attain. England, 2009 Height: 31.9 in (81.0 cm) Width: 57.1 in (145.0 cm) Length/Depth: 25.2 in (64.0 cm) $50,000 C2J0261
A FONTANA ARTE MIRROR
Attributed to Max Ingrand An oval wall mirror framed by blue oval-shaped glass with beveled outer edge. Max Ingrand (Bressuire, 1908 – Paris, 1969, was artistic director of Fontana Arte from 1954 to 1964. One of the greatest glass workers of the twentieth century he created pieces that were incredibly avant garde whilst at the same time being commissioned for historical projects, including Nôtre Dame du Pré cathedral at Le Mans and Chenonceau Castle. Many of his most original creations were for Fontana Arte, at a time when post-war Italian design was at its most innovative and influential. Gio Ponti, the architect and co-owner of Fontana Arte, had first celebrated Ingrand's work in his magazine Domus in March of 1936. “Max Ingrand, through constant research in the technique of acid and sand processing, surface and depth, achieved a truly masterly craftsmanship refinement. We show his works here as useful examples of decoration, ornament and design which to the perfection and precision of the crafting sometimes add a lyrical inspiration.” Italy, circa 1958 Height: 35.7 in (90.6 cm) Width: 25.2 in (64.0 cm) $18,000 F3D0110
A SET OF FOUR THEATRE CHAIRS A unique set of six Italian late 1930’s theater chairs in bois clair. The turned legs with carved collars support a shaped seat and coved back with show wood frames. Each chair upholstered in its original vinyl snakeskin with decorative nail heads, retaining their original patinated metal ash trays. Italy, circa 1930 Height: 37.0 in (93.9 cm) Width: 23.0 in (58.4 cm) Length/Depth: 25.0 in (63.5 cm) $18,500
F3E0149
A LACQUERED TABLE
By Gio Ponti Circular drop-leaf ‘APTA’ table, designed by Gio Ponti (1889 – 1979) and manufactured by Walter Ponti. With painted geometric designs in blue and white and circular cut-out legs. The ‘APTA’ series, presented as adaptable, lightweight furnishing for the mid-century home, was shown at EuroDomus 3 in Milan in 1970. Italy, circa 1970 Literature Gio Ponti: Interni, Oggetti, Designi 1920 – 1976, Falconi, pg. 254 Gio Ponti: L’Arte Sin Innamora Dell’Industria, La Pietra, ppg. 378 – 380 Gio Ponti: The complete Work 1923 – 1978, Ponti, pg. 294 Height: 29.5 in (75.0 cm) Width: 19.9 in (50.5 cm) Length/Depth: 47.0 in (119.5 cm) $28,000 F3E0292
A LOW TABLE
By Ico Parisi A circular low table in onyx and ebonised wood. Designed by Ico Parisi, made by Ariberto Colombo, Cantu. Italy, circa 1946
Height: 14.6 in (37.0 cm) Diameter: 37.4 in (95.0 cm) $35,700 F3E0293
A CONSOLE MIRROR
By Cristal Art A full height oval mirror bordered with panels of cobalt-blue glass in a brass frame, with a glass console shelf and resting on a scrolled metal stand. Cristalart were a small manufacturer based in Turin whose work today is often mistaken for that of the larger Fontana Arte. Their work is characterised by the scale and bold new organic forms that distinguish post-war Italian design. Italy, circa 1955 Height: 85.4 in (217.0 cm) Width: 48.0 in (122.0 cm) Diameter: 9.8 in (25.0 cm)
$22,100 F3F0001
A PAIR OF TRIPLE FRAME STEEL AND BRASS MIRRORS
By Willy Rizzo Studio A unique pair of triple frame mirrors in polished steel and brass. Italy, 2015
Height: 78.7 in (200.0 cm) Width: 39.4 in (100.0 cm) $22,000 F3F0003
A COMMODE
By Gio Ponti A Gio Ponte walnut commode with three drawers. Original label, Prod. Singer, USA 1953 America, 1953 Height: 36.6 in (93.0 cm) Width: 47.2 in (120.0 cm) Length/Depth: 19.7 in (50.0 cm)
$80,000 F3F0035
A DRINKS TROLLEY
By Jacques Quintet A fine quality modernist gilt bronze drinks trolley with interlocking brass rails and glass shelves. France, circa 1940 Height: 30.3 in (77.0 cm) Width: 31.9 in (81.0 cm) Length/Depth: 21.7 in (55.0 cm)
$12,500 F3F0220
A MODERNIST SEATING SUITE by Jacques Leleu A modernist seating suite consisting of a sofa and a pair of armchairs with polished steel and gilt-bronze feet.. France, circa 1958 Height: 30.3 in (77.0 cm), Width: 31.9 in (81.0 cm), Length/Depth: 21.7 in (55.0 cm) Literature Maison Leleu 1960's by Maison Gerard, Exhibition Catalogue 2014, the model shown in a period photo of M. Bompi's office (page 6), another example re-upholstered on page 42 and 43, and described on pages 76-77. Francoise Siriex, Leleu, décorateurs ensembliers, éditions Monelle Hayot, Château de Saint-Rémy-en-l'Eau, 2007 Francoise Siriex, The House of Leleu, Hudson Hills Press, New York, ill. pp 81, 413. Viviene Jutheau, Jules et André Leleu, Éditions Olbia, Neuchâtel, 1996, p 158. $70,000
F3F0222/F3F0223
A PORTABLE PAINTED METAL GARDEN DRINKS TABLE A modernist circular portable drinks table in the manner of Mathieu Mategot. Having holders below the circular top for 8 glasses and below for 5 bottles. The base is weighted for stability. France, circa 1955
Height: 27.2 in (69.0 cm) Diameter: 20.9 in (53.0 cm) $9,350 F3F0295
A PAIR OF 20TH CENTURY GLASS LAMPS Attributed to Romeo Rega A pair of Italian mid 1960’s lamps taking the form of a glass rectangle with an unusual stippled surface decoration, the whole standing on a rectangular brass plinth. Romeo Rega was a leading figure of contemporary Italian design. Alongside respective artists such as Gabriella Crespi, Willy Rizzo and Maison Jansen he helped champion Modernist glamour, through an innovative use of glass, chrome and steel. Italy, circa 1965 Height: 27.6 in (70.0 cm) Width: 18.7 in (47.5 cm) Length/Depth: 8.9 in (22.5 cm) $12,750 L3B0260
A PAIR OF ART DECO TABLE LAMPS An unusual pair of art deco futuristic tube table lamps, the opaline glass with collars of engraved polished brass, inside a framework of stepped brass tapering to a pointed finial spire, standing on a hexagonal base with further engraved circles. America, circa 1930 Height: 18.9 in (48.0 cm) Width: 6.7 in (17.0 cm) $21,250 L3C0236
AN IRON AND VERRE EGLOMISE FLOOR LAMP Attributed to Serge Roche and Robert Pansart A fine quality parcel-gilt wrought iron floor lamp attributed to Serge Roche, inset with four verre eglomise panels by Robert Pansart, in excellent condition. Serge Roche (1898- 1988) was the greatest exponent of the baroque revival that lasted from around 1930 to 1948. He designed his own work, and also commissioned others, especially Gilbert Poillerat, to supply his famous clients including the Prince of Turn und Taxis, the Duke de Talleyrand, Charles de Beistegui, Lady Mendel and Jean Cocteau. Robert Pansart was the greatest verre eglomise artist of his time and Roche’s regular collaborator, creating magnificent glass-decorated tables, mirrors and other items whose decoration would often reflect the organic motifs in the surrounding metalwork.� France, circa 1940 Height: 70.9 in (180.0 cm) Diameter: 22.0 in (56.0 cm)
$23,000 L3D0140
A GLASS AND BRASS CEILING LIGHT By Gio Ponti An etched glass and brass ceiling light, attributed to Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte. Gio Ponti (1891 – 1979) founded Fontana Arte for Luigi Fontana in 1932, for which he designed numerous pieces with his friend Pietro Chiesa until 1945. He designed Murano glassware for Venini in the late 1940’s, collaborated with Pietro Fornasetti, created many designs of furniture for Cassina, including the iconic ‘Superleggera’ chair, as well as working on specific commissions such as the Hotel Parco dei Principe in Rome and its sister hotel in Sorrento in 1964, the interior of which has survived intact.
Italy, circa 1960 Height: 24.0 in (61.0 cm) Diameter: 28.0 in (71.0 cm) $25,000
L3D0320
A PAIR OF MODERN LAMPS In the manner of G. Crespi A rare and stylish pair of Italian lamps, with solid lucite columns and brass bases, in unusually good condition and retaining their original brass and perspex shades. Italy, circa 1970 Height: 25.0 in (63.5 cm) Width: 12.0 in (30.5 cm) $14,000 L3D0321
A SET OF FOUR FONTANA ARTE WALL LIGHTS A most unusual set of four painted and polished brass wall lights, the foliate painted arms alternating with brass pendants, each ending in enameled stylized floral light sockets. Italy, circa 1960 Height: 15.0 in (38.1 cm) Width: 17.0 in (43.2 cm) Length/Depth: 9.0 in (22.9 cm) $18,000 L3E0128
A PAIR OF ITALIAN POST-WAR CEILING LIGHTS Each circular trumpet-form chrome top hung with chiseled glass pendants. Italy, circa 1970 Height: 14.6 in (37.0 cm) Diameter: 18.5 in (47.0 cm) $25,000 L3E0284
A HANGING LIGHT By Pietro Chiesa A hanging light by Pietro Chiesa, with diffuser, in satin curved glass, the superior disk in polished glass. Brass mounts. Produced by Fontana Arte, c. 1940 Literature Stile n. 24, December 1942, pg. 64, fig. 2 Italy, circa 1940
Height: 23.0 in (58.5 cm) Diameter: 27.6 in (70.0 cm) $9,500 L3F0036
A PAIR OF WALL LIGHTS Attributed to Andre Arbus A pair of neo-classical wall appliques in the form of arrows, in bronze and white lacquer.
France, circa 1940 Height: 23.2 in (59.0 cm) Width: 13.4 in (34.0 cm) Length/Depth: 7.5 in (19.0 cm)
$7,140 L3F0232
A PAIR OF NICKEL LAMPS Stamped AC A pair of mid century Italian nickel plated geometric column lamps, possibly by Arredoluce. Each stamped ‘made in Italy’ above the letters AC with a star above. Italy, circa 1970
Height: 24.4 in (62.0 cm) $9,350 L3F0297
BIRD FORMS By Hamish Mackie Bronze Gilt, Numbered edition of 12 Signed Hamish Mackie Dated 2014 Height: 11.8 in (30.0 cm) Width: 7.1 in (18.0 cm) Length/Depth: 21.0 in (53.3 cm) $27,500 per pair O3E0138
LIFE SIZE STAG By Hamish Mackie Bronze, numbered edition 7 of 12 Signed Hamish Mackie Dated 2008 Height: 85.4 in (217.0 cm) Width: 72.0 in (183.0 cm) Length/Depth: 26.0 in (66.0 cm) $95,000 O3F0206
CENTERPIECE WITH CAMELLIAS By Clare Potter and Christopher Spitzmiller Centerpiece with hand molded camellias in all stages of bloom. Glazed ceramic. America, 2000 Height: 24.0 in (61.0 cm) Diameter: 15.0 in (38.0 cm)
$22,500 O3E0227
A MAGAZINE RACK By Piero Fornasetti A lithograph-mounted and lacquered brass magazine rack by Piero Fornasetti. The front and reverse decorated with three mandolins. Italy, circa 1950 Height: 14.5 in. (37 cm) Width: 16.5 in. (42 cm) Depth: 11 in. (28 cm) $5,000 O3F0202
A SILVER PLATE CANDLEABRUM By Borek Sipek A centrepiece 7 branch candleabra jardiniere by designer, Borek Sipek. The double cone pierced body supported the separate jardinière element and the serpentine arms with double socles. Made by Driade. Holland, circa 1990 Height: 16.9 in (43.0 cm) Diameter: 15.0 in (38.0 cm) $3,740 O3F0305