Design

  • Event date 12 JUN
  • Event location New York
Combining tradition and the avant-garde, our New York Design auctions offer collectors the best of the 20th and 21st centuries.
On 12 June, American Avant-Garde: The James D. Zellerbach residence by Frances Elkins offers iconic designs from the celebrated Pacific Heights mansion in San Francisco, California. Providing a unique opportunity to explore Elkins's masterful take on pre-war American modernism, the sale includes rare and unique works by 20th century masters including Alberto Giacometti, Jean-Michel Frank and Emilio Terry. Having remained in the residence since their 1937 placement by Elkins, over 30 lots arrive at auction for the first time ever.

Immediately following, the Design auction features significant works by architects and artists from the last 180 years, featuring major works by Tiffany Studios, including the impressive Goddard Memorial Window, from 1909–10, sold to support the continued advancement of St. Luke’s Church missions and endowment. From Classic and Important Design from a Prestigious New York Collection comes sought-after works by Alberto and Diego Giacometti, including the ‘Tête de femme’ and the ‘Feuille aux Oiseaux et Grenouilles’ side table.

Art Deco designs by Jean Dunand, Pierre Chareau, Line Vautrin and Paul Dupre-Lafon pave the way for the French post-war architects and designers Jean Prouvé and Jean Royère. Surrealist sculptural design by François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne sit alongside classics of Scandinavian design, including works by Kaare Klint and Axel Einar Hjorth. Headlining the genre will be the iconic ‘Snowflake’ chandelier by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell. The contemporary design offerings are rounded out by sculptural works by Wendell Castle, Marc Newson and Ron Arad.

Don’t miss your chance to bring home designs of exceptional elegance and provenance at our New York Design auctions.

Exhibition

Christie's New York

New York


Location
Christie’s New York
20 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020

Viewing
6 June, 10am – 5pm
7 June, 10am – 5pm
8 June, 10am – 5pm
9 June, 10am – 5pm
10 June, 10am – 5pm
11 June, 10am – 5pm
12 June, 10am – 5pm

Anne H. Bass: The New York Interiors

Explore a curated selection of handbags, jewellery, silver, furniture and decorative arts that completed one of Manhattan’s most iconic private residences

DISCOVER NOW
Elegant living room with classic furniture including an ornate chaise lounge and matching armchair.

Special publication

American Avant-Garde: The James D. Zellerbach Residence by Frances Elkins catalogue cover

SPECIAL PUBLICATION | 2025

American Avant-Garde: The James D. Zellerbach Residence by Frances Elkins

Explore the iconic Frances Elkins interior in our sale catalogue

The Maillet Daguerreotype Collection

Explore art from our rare photographs sale

Browse auction
JOHN RUSKIN (1819-1900) View towards Fiesole, Florence, c. 1845

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MAIN IMAGES: © 2025 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris