Bidsquare Picks: Chair Flair at Skinner

Have you ever spotted an unusual chair and wondered what it would be like to sit on?

At first, it appears like a foreign object curiously offering up a new experience; you imagine lowering yourself into its uncharted contours, wiggling to and fro and proclaiming "how comfortable!" or "how odd!" - an unpredictable yet familiar analysis. 

It takes a bold designer to resuscitate the brilliance of everyday objects in this way, and the upcoming 20th Century Design auction at Skinner is loaded with looping lounges and pristine pairs. 

For this week’s Bidsquare Picks, we’re showing off our chair flair: 

Lot 286, Mark Newson for Cappellini Beech Bentwood Chair; Estimate $1,000 - $1,500

Tightly curled and locked into place like a rebellious rake, this Italian made seat by Australian born designer, Mark Newson, is a stunning silhouette. Don't let its sculptural appeal fool you; this daring design is a sturdy option for doing ones daily dose of creative contemplation.

Lot 5, Woven Ring Chair; Estimate $800 - $1,000

Oh! The possibilities are wide open! Swinging in and out of this woven ring chair would make sitting around at home a lot more entertaining. Woven with natural fibers, and probably from Southeast Asia, this obscure chair is wholly wonderful.

Lot 248, Alvar Aalto Lounge Chair; Estimate $1,000 - $1,500

For Finnish architect and designer, Alvar Aalto, creating simple work, well suited for and harmonious with human beings was his top priority. As seen in Lot 248, Aalto's deep leaning lounge and sweeping birch wood arms effortlessly conveys luxury and warmth.

Click here to see additional works by Alvar Aalto coming up at Skinner. 

Lot 132, Thonet for J&J Kohn Bentwood Rocking Chair; Estimate $300 - $500 

Thonet, founded by the master carpenter Michael Thonet in the early 20th century, is known for being the first furniture producer to innovate the "bentwood" technique. The poetic curves of Lot 132, which beautifully connects the arms and legs, as well as the geometric backrest, exemplifies a timeless Art Nouveau rocking chair. 

Click here to view additional works by Thonet coming up at Skinner. 

Lot 196, Two George Nakashima, Conoid Lounge Chairs; Estimate $20,000 - $25,000

Sitting in a chair by George Nakashima is a deeply personal and spiritual transference of respect for Nakashima's refined craftsmanship as well as the tree that was used to create it. In 1981, Nakashima authored the book, "The Soul of a Tree: A Woodworker's Reflections," citing his personal story as well as a guide to inspire future furniture-makers and architects. Although, he produced a line for Knoll (1946) as well as the Origins line for Widdicomb (1957) it is his studio and commissioned works, like Lot 196, which are recognized as his most desired pieces.

Skinner's 20th Century Design sale on June 21st will include five outstanding lots by George Nakashima; a Conoid Bench, Conoid Lounge Chairs, Walnut End Tables, a Walnut Mira Chair and a Walnut Coffee Table. 

With new auctions added daily, we're always ripe for the pickin! Be sure to check into 'Bidsquare Picks' each week for a speedy look at our upcoming selections!

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Jessica Helen Weinberg | Senior Content Editor at Bidsquare

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