PIASA held its first Parisian auction of the year this Thursday, January 28th with an auction dedicated to French Design from the 1920s to the 1970s. The auction attracted a great deal of interest from enthusiasts and collectors, heralding an auction that for the most part exceeded estimates. Some pieces even greatly exceeded the expected amounts, with results that tripled or even quadrupled their top estimates.
This vacation devoted to French Design from the 20th century (pre-1970s) confirms the tremendous interest of the market and collectors for the furniture and objects produced during those years in France.
The major designers of this scene, such as Pierre Chareau, Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé, confirmed their status as key figures with auctions commensurate with their fame. As evidenced by the famous Bookcase called "Mexico" (Charlotte Perriand) with its rare chromatic composition, part at €149,500;this presentation table, 10 copies of which were made by Jean Prouvé for the Daum crystal factory, which doubles the top estimate at €32,500, and this monumental rosewood desk signed Pierre Chareau, which marks the highest bid of the sale at €214,500.
Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999)
Bookcase, "Mexique"
Estimate: 80000 / 120000 €
Result: 149 500 €
Pierre Chareau (1883-1950)
Desk, model MB 113
Estimate: 150000 / 200000 €
Result: 214 500 €
Some very fine bids also focused on designers, perhaps less media-oriented than those mentioned above, but equally emblematic of the production of this period. For example, a pair of armchairs known as 'Chistera' by Joseph-André Motte achieved the extraordinary result at €93,600, setting a new world record for this piece.
Joseph-André Motte (1925-2013)
Pair of armchair, 'Chistera'
Estimate: 25000 / 35000 €
Result: 93 600 €
Likewise, a pair of lighting fixtures signed by the couple Jacques & Dani Ruelland, among the fifteen ceramics presented, was sold for €29,900 (for an estimated €10,000-15,000) or an armchair, with very sculptural forms, by the duo Robert Guillerme & Jacques Chambron and estimated at €2,500-3,500 went for €11,700.
Robert Guillerme (1913-1990) & Jacques Chambron (1914-2001)
Estimate: 2500 / 3500 €
Result: 11 700 €
Much more unexpectedly, a sofa, a unique piece with an unpublished design by Georges Rual, fetched €39,000 (for a high estimate of €9,000), proof that 20th century French design combined with remarkable craftsmanship has everything to seduce collectors of high quality objects.
Georges Rual (1901-1986)
Sofa - Unique piece
Estimate: 7000 / 9000 €
Result: 39 000 €
