New York City Auction Houses Are Offering Tiffany, Lalanne, and Other Delights in Their Winter Interior Design Sales

Christie's, Sotheby's, Phillips, and Bonhams give you good reason to redecorate this month.

Claude Lalanne, 'Crocodile' bench (2015). Courtesy of Christie's.

These December shows feature live auctions and exhibitions where you’ll find enough Lalanne, Tiffany Studios, and more to gleefully redo your space. Or just fill up a brand new home, truly up to you.

Christie’s brings its Design show, with a December 9 auction, plus viewing from December 2 to 8. The standout here is a Claude Lalanne Crocodile bench from 2015 made of gilt bronze and numbered 8/8. The designer, part of a duo with her husband François-Xavier Lalanne, drew from Surrealism and Art Nouveau, and her work often suggests flora and fauna. Sure, it might be tricky to fit your shoes underneath, but you’ll figure it out. Price estimate upon request. 

Tiffany Studios, Wisteria table lamp (ca. 1901). Courtesy of Sotheby’s.

For some cozy lighting with that winter hot chocolate, you can grab a Tiffany Studios Wisteria (ca. 1901) table lamp at Sotheby’s Important Design event. The auction is December 8, with viewing on December 2-7. The lamp owes its look to the Impressionism and Japonesque influences that were trending at that time. The circa 1901 lamp is made of leaded glass and patinated bronze, with the shade comprising 2,000 individually cut and selected pieces of glass. It will likely fetch $500,000–$800,000. 

Terrence Harold Robsjohn-Gibbings, Mesa coffee table (1952–53). Courtesy of Phillips.

True American design comes courtesy of British creator Terrence Harold Robsjohn-Gibbings with his Mesa coffee table. You’ll find it at Phillips’ Design show, with an auction December 7 and viewing December 1–7. The table, designed in 1952 and produced in 1953, is emblematic of the designer’s mission to develop a timeless American look for the postwar era. It’s got a curvy, warm shape and is made of walnut-veneered wood and estimated at $200,000–$300,000.

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, A Unique Set of Six Interior Panels from the Restaurant Drouant (ca. 1925). Courtesy of Bonhams.

You can travel to art-world Paris with a Unique Set of Six Interior Panes from the Restaurant Drouant. The circa 1925 set is by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann and features at Bonhams Modern Decorative Art + Design show. The auction is December 14, with viewing December 9–13. The Drouant was a popular eatery at 18 rue Gaillon, Paris, frequented by creative icons including Rodin and Renoir. The literary organization l’AcadĂ©mie Goncourt announces its annual Le Prix de Goncourt prize from the Ruhlmann-designed bronze staircase. The panels are made of etched glass, gold, and silver leaf, expected to go for $300,000-$500,000.


Follow Artnet News on Facebook:


Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and incisive critical takes that drive the conversation forward.
  • Access the data behind the headlines with the artnet Price Database.