Jean Royère
Pair of "Boule," also known as “Ours polaire” armchairs, circa 1942
Estimate: $600,000-800,000
NEW YORK – 2 DECEMBER 2024 – This December, Phillips will host two major Design auctions in New York: a single-owner sale dedicated to Lucie Rie’s ceramics, Moved by Beauty: Works by Lucie Rie from an Important Asian Collection, and the seasonal live auction of 20th- and 21st-century design. Moved by Beauty begins 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 6–11 at 432 Park Avenue.
A stunning pair of "Boule" armchairs, also known as "Ours polaire," by Jean Royère, is set to headline the upcoming Design sale. These iconic pieces, drawn from a private collection, embody the pinnacle of 20th-century blue-chip design with their 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 of armchairs on offer achieved $482,500 at Phillips in 2009, far surpassing its $200,000–250,000 estimate. Now, fifteen years later, with an estimated value of $600,000–800,000, they reflect the remarkable ascent of Royère’s market.
Additional highlights of Postwar French design in the sale include exceptional works by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé, Georges Jouve, and Serge Mouille, all sourced from a prominent American private collection (lots 101–121). Leading the group is Charlotte Perriand’s iconic “En Forme” sideboard, estimated at $300,000–500,000.
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