International fine arts auctioneers Bonhams will celebrate 20th Century Design in December with a large auction of decorative arts and furniture comprising desirable examples spanning more than a century of innovative design. The December 19, 2007 auction at Bonhams New York, on the 6th floor of the Fuller Building, features works of English and American Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Tiffany Studios, Secessionstil, Art Deco and Modernist Design and works by Contemporary Studio Artists.Mahogany living room seating furniture with geometric inlay from the noted Cordelia Culbertson House, 1911-13, by brothers Charles and Henry Greene will highlight the American Arts & Crafts section. Pieces to be offered range from a pair of upholstered armchairs (est. $60/90,000) to a complimentary lady’s and a gentleman’s upholstered sofa (est.$40/60,000 and $50/70,000, respectively). The present owner considered herself a caretaker of these pieces, with a responsibility to the distinguished Greene & Greene history. She has retained the original fabric, along with the original ebony tacking strips — these offered along with the furniture. Another fine example of Greene & Greene design for the Culbertson House, a folding three-panel foliate screen (est. $30,000/50,000), will also be offered.According to Department Director Frank Maraschiello, “With the recent renewed interest in the their work, Greene & Greene pieces are enjoying new appreciation and have achieved record prices at auction. Their work continues to inspire new generations of architects, designers and collectors who share a love of pure materials, highly skilled construction and the Greene & Greene philosophy of viewing furnishings as works of consummate artistic craft.” The December sale will open for preview at Bonhams in New York City on December 15-18, 2007. The illustrated catalogue will be online for review and purchase in the weeks preceding the sale at www.bonhams.com/us. 

Posted: 12|3|07 at 10:40 am. Filed under: US News.