The 18–19 December auction of Decorative Arts of the 20th Century and Design closes a year of sales with over €1.4 million in sales, a 78% sell-through rate, and a 238% increase on starting prices.
The widespread interest confirms the vibrancy and appreciation of the department’s offerings, which combine critical rigour, meticulous documentation, and a keen eye on trends, highlighting a collectible design increasingly focused on unique pieces, limited editions, and exceptional craftsmanship.
The top lot of the auction, a symbol of the quality and consistency of the selection, was the console created by Osvaldo Borsani and Lucio Fontana for “Casa G di Milano” between 1950 and 1951, sold for €435,200. The work captivated audiences through its extraordinary synthesis of artistic experimentation and interior design, clearly reflecting the multifaceted skills that, throughout the 20th century, shaped Italy through the work of architects, sculptors, decorators, and artists.
Lot 61
Osvaldo Borsani (1911-1985) e Lucio Fontana (1899-1968)
Console decorated with sculptural group. Execution by Arredamenti Borsani, Varedo, 1950-51. Black granite, painted and gilded wood and plaster. (cm 215x167x52).
Sold € 435.200
This focus on collectible design guided the entire sale, offering a coherent and engaging journey. In lighting, the large chandelier by Pietro Chiesa (lot 58, €44,800), Fontana’s indirect-light chandelier for Borsani (lot 60, €33,280), Max Ingrand’s crystal suspension (lot 57, €33,280), and Carlo Scarpa’s five-light lamp for Venini (lot 120, €24,320) combined elegant materials, technical inventiveness, and refined formal research.
Lot 58
Pietro Chiesa ( Milano 1892 - Parigi 1948 )
Large chandelier. Execution by Fontana Arte, Milan, 1938ca. Brass structure and glass diffusers. (h 135 cm.; d 85 cm.).
Sold € 44.800
Lot 60
Lucio Fontana ( Rosario 1899 - Comabbio 1968 )
Indirect light chandelier. Execution by Arredamenti Borsani, Varedo, 1949-51. Painted stucco with slightly raised scrolls and gilded on a white background. Support in lightly reinforced cement conglomerate. (cm 160x45).
Sold € 33.280
Lot 57
Max Ingrand ( Bressuire 1908 - Parigi 1969 )
Suspension lamp model "2056". Execution by Fontana Arte, Milan, 1950s. Cup composed of 32 crystal elements, nielloed brass frame. (h 60 cm.; d 93 cm.).
Sold € 33.280
Lot 120
Carlo Scarpa ( Venezia 1906 - Sendai 1978 )
Five-light suspension lamp model "5275". Venini, Murano, 1934ca. Metal and brass structure, slightly coloured blown glass with a corroded exterior surface. (h 83 cm.; d 68 cm.).
Sold € 24.320
In glass and ceramics, Italian and French artisanal craftsmanship from the 19th and 20th centuries remained a highlight, with works of significant historical and aesthetic value: from Gio Ponti’s rare “Mappamondo” vase for Richard Ginori (lot 109, €28,160) to Émile Gallé’s cameo glass (lot 24, €24,320).
Lotto 109
Gio Ponti ( Milano 1891 - 1979 )
"Mappamondo"Rare vase of the series "Le mie terre". Execution by Richard Ginori, Milan, 1928-30. (h 32 cm.).
Sold € 28.160
Lotto 24
Emile Gallé ( Nancy 1846 - 1904 )
"L’amour chasse les papillons noir", Vase known as “de tristesse”. Nancy, 1889. Double "ialite" glass, colourless and black cameo, acid and polished decorated with Cupid shooting black butterflies. Baluster base hot-applied in semi-transparent dark purple glass, engraved with acid and grinding wheel. (h 11 cm.).
Sold € 24.320
Silverware and accessories also contributed to defining the narrative of the sale, combining functionality and formal sensitivity: emblematic examples include the cocktail set by the Fratelli Cacchione (lot 97, €20,480) and Angelo Lelii’s floor lamp with painting support (lot 70, €17,920).
Lot 97
Fratelli Cacchione
Cocktail set in 925 silver, consisting of a large spherical container that can be divided into two bowls, twelve tumblers, a stand with handle and three bottle holders, a circular tray, an ice bucket with tongs, a shaker with strainer, and two serving containers. Milan, 1970s.
Sold € 20.480
Lot 70
Angelo Lelii ( Ancona 1915 - Monza 1987 )
Floor lamp with picture holder model "12377S Cavalletto". Produced by Arredoluce, Monza, 1968ca. (h 208 cm.).
Sold € 17.920