Bidsquare Picks: Modern Melodies at Rago

If the tone of modern design could be expressed through music, it might be played on something like the hybrid pictured below. Who better than Wendell Castle, the father of the American studio furniture movement, to help shape the sound of modernity? Castle’s wooden masterpieces have been hallowing out the plight of humdrum design and echoing back with perfect pitch for nearly four decades. 

In this weeks Bidsquare Picks were sliding across the scales of Rago’s upcoming catalogs to feature the key players of modern design. 

Lot 1161, Wendell Castle, Steinway Piano, Exceptional Ivory Spirit piano and chair, Scottsville, NY, 1989; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000

This unique collaboration between Steinway & Sons and Wendell Castle, featured in Ragos Modern Design sale on (01/21), offers a harmonious example of the range and innovation that exists within Castles body of work. Click here to view all of Wendell Castles upcoming selections. 

Read more about extraordinary Wendell Castle auction results in our previous blog, Bid, Bang, Boom! Bidsquares Weekend Wins at Rago. 

Lot 1519, Dale Chihuly, Massive Pacific Haven Chandelier, Seattle, WA, 2001; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000

A chorus of colored glass hangs suspended in this massive chandelier by Dale Chihuly containing around 200 pieces of cascading swirls and bulbs. Click here to preview all upcoming works by Dale Chihuly at Rago. 

Lot 1000, George Nakashima, Long Chair with Arm Rest, New Hope, 1958; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000

There arent many others who can make wood sing quite like George Nakashima can. This sleek, one armed lounge is sitting comfortably as the highest estimated piece by the famed Japanese-American master craftsmen in Rago’s upcoming sales. Click here to view all fifty-eight designs by Nakashima coming up this month. 

Lot 1026, Paul Evans Studio, Sculptural Front Cabinet, New Hope, PA, 1968; Estimate $95,000 - $125,000

The American craft movement wouldnt be the same without the maestro of metal himself, Paul Evans! This studio piece from the 1960s is fused with a wild arrangement of textures and shapes like a shield of abstract sheet music. Click here to view all upcoming works by Paul Evans. 

Lot 1129, Ettore Sottsass, Menta totem, Italy, des. 1965-69, produced 1985; Estimate $18,000 - $24,000

Stacking ceramic and lacquered wood like a carefully patterned arpeggio is the founder of the Memphis Group and leader of Italian 20th century design - Ettore Sottsass. Showcased last year at the Met Bruer in Design Radical, his productive career spanning over six decades continues to create melodic dialogues that challenge and encourage all who follow. Click here preview all works by Ettore Sottsass coming up at Rago. 

Click here to browse Ragos upcoming auction catalogs; Mid-Mod (01/19); Property from the Collection of Seymour Stein, Founder, Sire Records (01/20); Early 20th C. Design (01/20); Modern Design (01/21); Modern Ceramics + Glass (01/21)

With new auctions added daily, were 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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