Results from Rago's Shahn Collection Auction

November 14 '10

With Sales hovering just above estimated value, the Shahn Collection sold through all of the lots listed in the auction. While the auction itself was predominately fine art, DeTnk was watching the few design pieces.

As we had pointed out earlier this month, this auction listed a Finn Juhl chair in need of moderate repairs. As we had predicted this chair became the star sale of the design objects, as it sold for over twice the estimated value.

Observing trends from this auction, we see that bidders were interested in objects that had an honest aesthetic. Works that read to be made through modern production technologies, such as Charles Eames' DCW Chair, struggled to reached their estimated values; while pieces that are honest of their materials and production techniques seemed to fair much better. Perhaps this trend is what supported the sale of Fin Juhl's chair. The moderate damage reminds one of the chairs age and history, revealing it's past use, materials, and production techniques.

Below are the results from our lots to watch recommendations.

Lot: 1029A
GEORGE NAKASHIMA
Pair of grass seated chairs in cherry and hickory
Unmarked
27" x 23"
Estimate: $2,000 - 3000
Sale Price: $3,416

Lot: 1034
CHARLES EAMES
Pair of DCW chairs in molded plywood
Used and worn, veneer losses
29" x 19 1/2"
Estimate: $800 - 1200
Sale Price: $1,037

Lot: 1035
FINN JUHL
NIELS VODDER
Teak No. 48 Open Arm Chair, des. 1948NV-48, ca. 1950
31 1/2" x 27 1/2" x 22"
Estimate: $500 - 700
Sale Price: $1,586