PHILLIPS’ DESIGN SALE IN NEW YORK ACHIEVES $4 MILLION

 

Benjamin Green, Associate Specialist and Head of Sale, Design, New York, said, “Today’s auction delivered exceptional results and reaffirmed the strength of the design market. We began with great energy as a T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings console table achieved $40,640 — nearly seven times its low estimate — setting the pace for a day marked by strong bidding and standout performances. Notably, works by celebrated women designers made a powerful impact, with Judy Kensley McKie’s ‘Fish’ bench leading the sale, selling for $406,400 and breaking the world auction record for the artist. Works by Line Vautrin and Claude Lalanne are also among the top four lots of the sale. Lalanne’s ‘Crococurule’ commanded $330,200 against a low estimate of $100,000, while Michele Oka Doner’s ‘Burning Bush’ candelabrum with snuffer also achieved impressive results, selling for $58,420 – nearly ten times the low estimate.

 

Italian lighting design quickly followed with impressive momentum, with all three Tomaso Buzzi lots selling for more than double their estimates, highlighting the continued enthusiasm for mid-century Italian craftsmanship. A 100%-sold selection of lighting designs by Tiffany Studios was another standout, led by a rare turtle-back tile ceiling light from circa 1905, which sold for $279,400, and an ‘American Indian’ desk lamp from circa 1910, which achieved $139,700.

 

Additional highlights included Pierre Chareau chairs, which sold for more than twice their low estimate, and a Serge Roche table lamp that quadrupled its estimate, reaching $27,940. Collectors also responded enthusiastically to furnishings by George Nakashima, as well as works by Paul Dupré-Lafon, Jean Prouvé, and Pierre Yovanovitch, whose ‘Candy Pebble’ side table sold for more than ten times its high estimate.

 

This sale was a powerful testament to the enduring appeal, diversity, and innovation of 20th-century and contemporary design. We’re grateful for the passionate engagement of our global community of collectors and look forward to building on this momentum in future sales.”