Italian Design

Roundabout 250 lots from our collection of Italian Design will be offered on 24 September from 5 p.m. CEST. A dining room by Osvaldo Borsani, made of walnut with elements coated with goatskin dyed green designed in the 1930s, will be offered in four single positions. Typical for his designs are the elliptical legs of the table (1,800-2,800 EUR) as well as of the small and large sideboards (2,800 - 3,800 EUR and 4,000 - 6,000 EUR). A watercoloured sketch from 1935-36 helps to date the design of the small sideboard to around 1935. Historical photographs show a similar version of the large sideboard: it was used as an eyecatcher in the Casa Manzoni which was furnished by Borsani in 1937.  The colourful design of the 1980s by the Memphis group is represented with quite a few interesting glass objects. Ettore Sottsass alone is present in the auction with 39 of his designs. His glass objects will be called up at 2,200-3,000 EUR. A highlight amongst his lighting is the ’Ashoka’ table light for Memphis (1981), appraised at 1,500-2,000 EUR.  Counted among the classics of the Italian sale is Gae Aulenti’s 'Jumbo' coffee table, 1964 or Bruno Munari’s ceiling light ’Acona Biconbi’, c. 1962 (1,500-2,000 EUR). A very nice ensemble is composed of two ’Margherita’ easy chairs and one stool by Franco Albini, 1951 (2,500-3,500 EUR). A unique coffee table by Gaetano Pesce, 1992/93 appraised at 15.000-20.000 EUR is among the most expensive objects of the auction.

Great results for Osvaldo Borsani, Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti.

Following the auction 'Danese Milano & more', more classics of Italian design were auctioned, with around 250 designs from the 1920s to 2007 being offered. Furniture and lights from all decades were in high demand. The four-part dining room furniture by Osvaldo Borsani from the 1930s, which was called up in individual lots, could be sold almost completely. Especially in demand was the small walnut console table covered with green kid leather, which went to a new owner for 5,016 EUR.

Gio Ponti's chairs and armchairs were also well received by an international clientele. Two fireside chairs, estimated from 1,800 to 2,500, generated proceeds of 3,960 EUR, the two armchairs 'Hotel Bristol Meran' were sold for 5,019 EUR.

The highlight of the auction was the secretary 'Panoplie', a collaboration between Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti, which passes into the possession of a museum.

Exciting bidding battles broke out around several coffee tables this time. The black-grey marble table 'Jumbo' by Gae Aulenti more than doubled its estimate and was allowed 6.336 EUR from a bidder. Equally popular was the side table 'Tankette' from the 1980s by Paolo Pallucco (proceeds 3,432 EUR).

Unsold lots can be purchased until October 25th.