classic auction

rare sofa | finn juhl | baker | 1951 | click > enlarge

Since 1920, designers from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway have produced forms in natural, tactile materials which rebuff the machine-age industrialism of Bauhaus. A convergence of social transformations, international influences and ancient artistic traditions manifested into new forms which veered away from the classicized, status-driven designs of the past to become a bedrock of modernity.
 
Crafted of warm woods with a distinct clarity of function and form, Scandinavian design is the most aesthetically consistent and philosophically inclusive design movement of the last century. Its appeal derives primarily from form and material, yet also from the inherent grace, comfort and style of spiritually uninhibited yet formally disciplined design. The Nordic sensibility is seen in the sweeping back and embracing arms of a rare Finn Juhl sofa (estimate: $20,000 – $30,000), upholstered in wool and leather. Its unconventional shape is recognizably Juhl, generous in both spirit and form.

barstools, set of three | piet hein | fritz hansen | 1971

rare carpet | barbro nilssion | märta måås-fjetterström | 1948

Also of particular importance in the sale is a selection of Swedish carpets by Carl Dagel, Barbro Nilsson and Märta Måås-Fjetterström among others. Scandinavians excel in carpet-making by necessity, since carpets warm homes during the long, frigid Nordic winters. Particularly striking among the group is a hand-woven Salerno Blue tapestry carpet by Swedish designer, Barbro Nilsson (estimate: $30,000 – $40,000).

grasshopper floor lamp | greta magnusson grossman | ralph o. smith | 1950

pernilla long chair | bruno mathsson | firma karl mathsson | 1944

collection of eight vessels | carl-harry stalhane | rorstrand | 1950

important chandelier | paavo tynell | taito oy | 1950

1> grasshopper lounge chair | preen fabricius & jorgen kastholm | alfred kill | 1968
2> desk, model JH 8110 | hans wegner | johannes hansen | 1965
3> pitcher | kay fisker | a. michelsen | 1927/1959
4> egg chair and ottoman | arne jacobsen | fritz hansen | 1958
5> krenit bowls, set of twelve | herbert krenchel | torben orskov | 1953
6> cabinets, pair | sven langkilde | 1960
7> kongelys table lamps, pair | niels rasmussen thyier | fog & mørup | 1940
8> cow horn chairs, set of eight | hans wegner | johannes hansen | 1952
9> wall clock | henning koppel | georg jensen | 1980
10> chaise model 39w | alvar aalto | artek | 1947
11> pk 22, pair | poul kjaerholm | e. kold christensen | 1956
12> rare sofa | finn juhl | baker | 1951
13> barstools, set of three | piet hein | fritz hansen | 1971
14> rare carpet | barbro nilssion | märta måås-fjetterström | 1948
15> grasshopper floor lamp | greta magnusson grossman | ralph o. smith | 1950
16> pernilla long chair | bruno mathsson | firma karl mathsson | 1944
17> collection of eight vessels | carl-harry stalhane | rorstrand | 1950
18> important chandelier | paavo tynell | taito oy | 1950

All lots can be previewed online at [ view lots ] or [ catalog ] or in person at Wright, 1440 West Hubbard Street, Chicago. Gallery preview runs 8 > 14 November | 10a > 5p daily and Sunday by appointment. For additional information about the sale, please contact 312.563.0020. [ wright auction ] [ auction begins 15 november noon cst ]