Spring Design Auction

  • Auction
  • Modern + Contemporary

Clars is starting Spring with our Design Auction, to be held on March 16, 2023. Highlights include pieces by Hans Wegner, Stan Bitters, Toshiko Takaezu, Gertrud and Otto Natzler, George Nakashima, Charles and Ray Eames, among others. There will also be a selection of silver including Christofle and Tiffany.


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Stan Bitters glazed ceramic medallion.
Stan Bitters glazed ceramic medallion, 3′2″ diameter.
Estimate: $12,000–$16,000

The Spring Design Auction will have numerous highlights across genres and countries. On offer will be a fine selection of pottery and ceramics including a Stan Bitters medallion, 3’2″dia., estimated at $12,000–$15,000. Bitters is renowned for his influence on the Californian arts and crafts scene since the 1960s.


Stan Bitters glazed stoneware planter.
Stan Bitters glazed stoneware planter, 12″h x 19″w.
Estimate: $1,200–$1,600
Natzler bowl
Gertrud and Otto Natzler bowl, earthenware with matte glaze, 5″h x 12.5″w.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000

Another prominent lot in the auction is a large Gertud and Otto Natzler bowl, which has a fine blue-grey mat glaze and measures 12.75″w. The bowl is valued conservatively at $5,000–$7,000. Other ceramicists in the sale include Toshiko Takaezu, Ka-Kwong Hui, Annabeth Rosen, Richard Hirsch, Brother Thomas Bezanson, etc.


Toshiko Takaezu glazed stoneware bowl
Toshiko Takaezu glazed stoneware bowl, 4.5″h x 11.5″w.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000

There will be numerous furniture highlights in the auction, including a Michel Buffet floor lamp, expected to sell for $7,000–$10,000. Also, to be offered are several lots by designer Hans J. Wegner such as a set of eight ‘Heart’ Chairs estimated at $4,200–$5,200, a rare pair of JH-101 Lounge chairs and JH-103 Sofa, among others. In addition, there will be a pair of Finn Juhl NV-45’s offered, with an estimate of $20,000–$30,000.


Michel Buffet floor lamp.
Michel Buffet floor lamp, enameled steel and aluminum, 68.5″h.
Estimate: $7,000–$10,000
Hans Wegner, Heart chairs
Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen Heart Chairs, model no. FH-4103, set of eight, 29″h.
Estimate: $4,200–$5,200
Tractor Stools
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Zanotta, Italy, set of four, 20″h.
Estimate: $1,500–$2,500
Hans Wegner Ch101 Lounge Chairs, pair
Hans Wegner JH-101 Lounge Chairs, pair.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Albert Larsson occasional table.
Albert Larsson occasional table, Sweden, 1950s, teak, copper, 17″h x 16″dia.
Estimate: $500–$700
Hans Wegner Ch103 Three Seat Sofa
Hans Wegner JH-103 Three Seat Sofa.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Thebes stool
Thebes stool, 15″h x 16.5″w.
Estimate: $800–$1,200
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chairs, Model NV-45, Pair.
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chairs, Model NV-45, Pair.
Estimate: $20,000–$30,000
Florence Knoll stacking stool model 75
Florence Knoll stacking stool model 75, 18″h x 14″dia.
Estimate: $500–$700

For American furniture, there will be a Philip and Kelvin Laverne Fantasia coffee table, estimated at $5,000–$7,000, a Charles and Ray Eames 670 and 671 lounge chair and ottoman, and an Ettore Sottsass Westside lounge chair, just to name a few.


Philip and Kelvin Laverne, Fantasia Coffee Table.
Philip and Kelvin Laverne, Fantasia Coffee Table.
Estimate: $5,000–$7,000
Charles and Ray Eames, 670 and 671 Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
Charles and Ray Eames, 670 and 671 Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
Estimate: $3,000–$5,000
Ettore Sottsass, Westside Lounge Chair.
Ettore Sottsass, Westside Lounge Chair.
Estimate: $1,500–$2,500

As for early 20th Century items, a Tiffany Studios table lamp, with Vine Border (Acorn) shade, will be estimated at $7,000–$9,000.


Tiffany Studios, Table Lamp with Vine Border (Acorn) Shade.
Tiffany Studios, Table Lamp with Vine Border (Acorn) Shade.
Estimate: $7,000–$9,000
Lezards et Bleuts
René Lalique Lezards et Bleuts vase, 14″h (drilled).
Estimate: $2,000–$4,000

Several sterling silver lots will be offered such as a Tiffany & Co. Audubon flatware set, valued at $7,000–$9,000, and a Christofle, Sceaux flatware set, expected to sell for $6,000–$9,000.


Christofle, Sceaux Flatware, Set of 84
Christofle, Sceaux Flatware, Set of 84.
Estimate: $6,000–$9,000
Bidding for Clars’ March 16th, 2023 auction is available by phone, absentee bid, live online at Live.Clars.com and through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. For more information about this auction, please contact [email protected].

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