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Designs by Nakashima, Cheuret, Buthaud highlight upcoming Rago auction

Detail of Cobra Console Table by Albert Cheuret

On Saturday, May 18 ,and Sunday, May 19, Rago Auctions in Lambertville hosts sales of Early 20th Century Design, Modern Design and Modern Ceramics and Glass.

Works by the Nakashimas, Albert Cheuret, and René Buthaud are among the standouts.

Highlights from the May 18 Early 20th Century Design sale include an exceptional Cobra console table by Albert Cheuret, and the Collection of Stephen Engel, comprising 55 lots of works by René Buthaud, including pottery, works on paper, paintings, and verre églomisé panels.

Cobra Console Table with Mirror by Albert Cheuret

“Among the many highlights in this sale, I am most excited about lot 1131 – a remarkable Albert Cheuret Cobra console with mirror,” said specialist Sarah Cutler. “Its sinuous and exotic design reflects the renewed interest in ancient Egyptian art sparked by the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.”

Highlights of the May 19 Modern Design auction include nearly 40 lots of George and Mira Nakashima furniture, a unique Wendell Castle “Tell the Trees” chair, 10 lots from Harry and Val Bertoia, a massive Hugo França sideboard, and many works by Paul Evans, including an early Loop cabinet, a Sculpted Bronze cabinet, and a rare Patchwork sculpture.

A dining table (left) and dean’s desk (right) by George Nakashima

“One of my favorite pieces in this auction is the Wendell Castle ‘Tell the Trees’ chair,” said Jad Attal, Modern Design Specialist. “It represents what I love most about Wendell’s work: his combination of craft and sculpture. This complex carved wood chair was made with state of the art technology, including 3D scanning, 3D modeling and computer-controlled milling. The result is awesome and harkens back to the stack-laminated technique from his earliest work, minus the tremendous physical labor.”

Chair by Wendell Castle

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