Lambertville NJ: Once again, Sollo Rago brings together the very best in twentieth century design drawing from a wide spectrum of important works by Art Deco masters to studio hand-made, one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, ceramics and glass. With over 1,000 lots, Sollo Rago Modern’s sale on April 25 and 26th, will offer collectors and design enthusiasts a wide range of offerings and price estimates.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer such a strong selection with exceptional variety, especially French Art Deco” says John Sollo. “We have gathered together some of the best makers of the 20th century.”
The sale features the collection of Juan Montoya, the pre-eminent New York interior designer. Highlighting his eclectic and always elegant taste, the collection was built over the last fifteen years. Works include an exceptional club chair by the French Art Deco firm Dominique, a truly modernist desk by Réné Herbst, the base made from a single curved piece of mahogany and a rare chair by the American architect Paul Rudolph in acrylic and chrome, the floating angles of the chair reflecting the same ideas as his architecture.
Other European offerings include a pair of gilt and cast iron Andirons by A.A. Rateau, a rare and important dining table by Eugene Printz and a large collection of furniture and accessories by Jacques Adnet. Contemporary European designs include a stainless steel ‘Well Tempered Chair’ and a sinuous ‘Aqua’ table by Zaha Hadid for Established and Sons.
Studio works, always an important focus for Sollo Rago, are highlighted by an exceptional George Nakashima English oak burl coffee table. On offer are many pieces of Wendell Castle’s work including a spectacular desk with feet made from sculpted wood hands and a wood laminate jewelry box, one of his signature works. Other related works include a dining table with zoomorphic details by Judy Kensley McKie and a playful clock by Pedro Friedeberg. Among the Paul Evans pieces is a custom double-sided screen, an excellent example of this rare form.
Glass, turned wood and ceramics are also exceptional with offerings by Dan Dailey, Dale Chihuly, Bob Stocksdale and Mark Lindquist. Ceramics include a collection from Theo Portnoy, the pioneer craft dealer and feature some of her favorite artists including Ralph Bacerra and Jack Earl.
Lastly, new dimension has been added to Sollo Rago’s auctions of fine Modern furniture and decorative arts. Sollo Rago has selected approximately twenty architectural photographs aimed to dovetail with modern design. This new added dimension underscores the natural crossover between fine art and design. The sale will feature architectural photographs by Berenice Abbott, Margaret Bourke White, Alfred Eisenstadt and William Klein, among others.