Freeman’s Fall Design Auctions Nearly Double Estimates, Featuring Tiffany Studios and George Nakashima Standouts

Freeman’s fall Design auctions soared on November 20, delivering exceptional results and reaffirming the market’s enthusiasm for rare and important design. Together, the morning Early 20th Century Design and afternoon Modern Design sales realized a combined total of $1,340,060—nearly double pre-sale expectations.

Lot 21 | Tiffany Studios (American, 1892–1930)| Bronze table lamp with Pansy shade | Sold for: $44,800

The Early 20th Century Design auction excelled with a remarkable 140% sell-through rate by value and 95% of lots sold. The sale was led by strong demand for a large selection of Tiffany lamps, alongside standout examples of Rozenburg porcelain and exceptional French Art Deco furniture by Maurice Dufresne, Jean Pascaud, Jules Leleu, and others.

Modern Design continued the momentum in the afternoon, with nearly every lot selling—97% in total—and an impressive 154% sell-through rate by value. The session drew competitive bidding for works by George Nakashima, Finn Juhl, Ruth Duckworth, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, as well as leading Italian designers such as Lino Tagliapietra, Gino Sarfatti, and various post-modern designers affiliated with Memphis.

Together, the two sales attracted significant new interest, with 31% of buyers participating in a Freeman’s auction for the first time and bidders from 12 countries engaging across both sessions. 

Roger Ward, Head of Department, Design, indicated, “We were pleased to see strong demand across all periods and categories, with particularly notable interest in French Art Deco during the morning session and robust enthusiasm for contemporary design in the afternoon.”

TOP TO BOTTOM
Lot 11 | Lot 28
Sold for $25,600 | $14,080

Early 20th Century Design

The morning session was dominated by Tiffany, with four of the top five lots coming from the studio. Leading the auction was a bronze Tiffany table lamp with a Pansy shade (Lot 21)—a richly colored motif beloved by collectors—which sold for $44,800, well above its $25,000–35,000 estimate. Tiffany’s Pansy pattern, known for its lifelike floral clusters executed in striated and mottled glass in hues of purple, yellow, and green, reflects the studio’s mastery of naturalism and Art Nouveau design. 

Another standout lot was a set of eight Art Deco dining chairs by Maurice Dufrêne (Lot 11), crafted in burl maple and mahogany with inlay and upholstery—realizing $25,600, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $3,000–5,000. Dufrêne, a leading figure in French decorative arts, was known for his refined, handcrafted furniture and his leadership of the Maîtrise workshop. 

Additional Highlights

Lot 64
Tiffany Studios, Curtain Border hanging shade, c. 1910
Sold for $32,000

Lot 20
Tiffany Studios, Table lamp with Geranium shade
Sold for $28,800

Lot 9
Maurice Dufrene, French art deco sideboard, c. 1922
Sold for $21,760

Lot 57
Jean Pascaud, Art Deco Meuble D'Appui, c. 1930
Sold for $20,480

Lot 28
Samuel Schellink (painter) for Rozenburg, c. 1901, Eggshell porcelain vase with polychrome seahorse decor, model 89
Sold for $14,080

Lot 3
Jules Leleu, Inlaid two-door cabinet, c. 1938
Sold for $10,240

Lot 6
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Oreille Cassée wingback chair, c. 1925
Sold for $10,240

TOP TO BOTTOM
Lot 187 | Lot 82
Sold for $76,700 | $25,600

Modern Design

The afternoon session was led by Achille Salvagni’s Spider six-light chandelier in lacquered bronze and onyx (Lot 187), which surged to $76,700, more than seven times its $10,000–20,000 estimate. The striking, sculptural form—stamped “AS 1/1” to denote its unique edition—showcases Salvagni’s signature blend of classical influence and contemporary precision.

Freeman’s also continued its strong track record with George Nakashima. A 1982 “Conoid” bench (Lot 105) featuring two butterfly joints achieved $41,600, while a Set of eight “New” chairs (Lot 23) from 1977 realized $24,320, doubling the low estimate. Nakashima’s work—celebrated for its organic lines, solid craftsmanship, and reverence for natural wood—remains a consistent draw for collectors.

Additional Highlights

Lot 82
Lino Tagliapietra, Saba, 2008
Sold for $25,600

Lot 175
Toots Zynsky, Agrodolce (Bittersweet) vase, 2003
Sold for $19,200

Lot 21
Finn Juhl, 'Chieftain' Lounge Chair, Baker Furniture, USA, c. 1960
Sold for $19,200

Lot 194
Gino Sarfatti, Floor light, model n. 1006, Arteluce, designed 1966
Sold for $17,920

Lot 24
George Nakashima, Trestle dining table with 3 butterfly joints, 1977
Sold for $15,360

Lot 148
Ruth Duckworth, Untitled, 1980
Sold for $12,800

Lot 129
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Chan coffee table, c. 1960
Sold for $12,800