2022 Design In Review

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Clars had a strong 2022 Design auction season with bidders vying for the top lots, allowing Clars to achieve impressive auction records across the board.

Spring Highlights

Clars was pleased with the international response to American designers, like George Nakashima and Vladimir Kagan, at the March 25th Modern + Contemporary Art + Design Auction.


George Nakashima, 7′ overhanging walnut wall case, executed in 1971.
George Nakashima, 7′ overhanging walnut wall case, executed in 1971.
Sold: $62,500

Leading the Design section of the auction was a wall hanging cabinet by master woodworker, George Nakashima, that topped off at $62,500 and sold to an international bidder.


Vladimir Kagan Collection, contour rocking chair.
Sold: $16,900
Vladimir Kagan Collection, contour rocking chair.
Sold: $16,900

A Vladimir Kagan Collection contour rocking chair, circa 1999, had numerous bidders competing for the lot, and found a new home with an online bidder for $16,900.

Another popular Designer among bidders was Hans Wegner, whose Papa Bear lounge chair realized $13,700.


Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen Papa Bear lounge chair, Denmark, circa 1960.
Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen Papa Bear lounge chair, Denmark, circa 1960.
Sold: $13,700

Summer Highlights

The June 17th Modern + Contemporary Art + Design sale at Clars totaled $1,070,250 across 239 lots.


Mario Bellini, Cab Chairs Model 413, set of ten. Sold: $17,360
Mario Bellini, Cab Chairs Model 413, set of ten.
Sold: $17,500

Highlights for Design included a set of Mario Bellini Cab chairs that sold for $17,500, and a Phillip Lloyd Powell New Hope Chair that brought $15,000.


Phillip Lloyd Powell, New Hope Lounge Chair and Ottoman.Sold: $15,000
Phillip Lloyd Powell, New Hope Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
Sold: $15,000

Fall Highlights

Clars had a nearly 100% sell through rate for the Fall Design sale on September 16th, with just above 100 lots selling for over $210,000 total.


Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table
Angelo Mangiarotti Eros Dining Table.
Sold: $18,750

Top picks included an Angelo Mangiarotti ‘Eros’ Dining Table, which sold for $18,750, and a set of Christian Liaigre Bazane Stools that sold for $9,375.


Christian Liaigre Bazane stools.To be offered September 16th
Christian Liaigre Bazane stools.
Sold: $9,375

Winter Highlights

Design led Clars’ December 18th Auction with a large selection of pottery, including several pieces by Toshiko Takaezu. Takaezu, a Hawaiian ceramicist of Japanese descent, is most well known for her ‘Closed forms.’ Clars was pleased with the results of a set of four of these pieces which commanded $24,250.


Closed Forms
Toshiko Takaezu, Closed Forms.
Sold: $24,250

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Property from the Collection of Lila Mae Azad

This April we are honored to present the collection of Lila Mae Azad — a woman whose devotion to the arts lives on through her legacy.

  • Estate Spotlight
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Abstract & Rooted in Tradition — Seasons Page

The contemporary Asian section of our April 18th auction will feature important work by Chuang Che, a Chinese-American abstract artist.

  • Asian Art
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Effortless Sophistication in Motion

Our Modern Design section of the April 18th auction will feature a sculptural Alvar Aalto bentwood tea trolley.

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Sculptural, Iconic, and Effortlessly Modern

This April 18th we will offer pair of Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Swan chairs — sculptural, iconic, and effortlessly modern.

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Imperial Elegance at Auction

This April, we will offer an elegant 18th-century Qing dynasty imperial yellow satin brocade robe, chuba with gold dragon patterns.

  • Asian Art
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Pawn Stars featuring Clars’ Deric Torres

Clars’ very own appraiser Deric Torres helped a customer who thought she had a rare Oscar Bach Hall telephone table worth a fortune.

  • Furniture & Decorative Arts
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