Modest Designs

01/30/2025

Artist-Fabricated Minimalist Side Chair

Simple architectural lines in solid Douglas fir belies refined detailing and construction, such as subtle carved edge-shaping in the seat and backrest, circa 1980s. Unmarked, but reminiscent of the work of Donald Judd.

Dimensions: Height: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)

10/22/2024

10/18/2024

Dunbar Early Modern Mahogany Bookcases, model 3312

Introduced in 1933, these wonderful two-drawer open bookcases are from one of Edward Wormley’s first Modern collections for Dunbar Furniture.

The streamlined design feels as fresh and contemporary today as it did almost 100 years ago. Veneered in straight grain mahogany and retaining the original dark finish, the design is elevated with subtle details such as a slight taper to the body, and inset drawers and pulls.

Two cabinets available, sold separately

Dimensions: Height: 41 in (104.14 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 12.25 in (31.12 cm)

For sale or rent. DM for details.

10/16/2024

Carole Stupell Quartz Crystal Specimen Table Lamp

Large example of Carole Stupell’s classic studio-made table lamp. The natural Quartz crystal rests on a two-tier bean-shaped silvered wood base.

The original custom shade mirrors the base form, and is topped with a crystal finial. Crystal is 18” high.

Dimensions: Height: 41.5 in (105.41 cm)Width: 10 in (25.4 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)

Available for purchase or rental

03/28/2024

For the Gentleman Viking in your life-

Erik Mattsson, Swedish Grace Intarsia Inlaid “Vikingar” Cabinet

Swedish Art Deco “Vikings” cabinet, designed by master architect/designer Erik Mattsson, inlay by Mjolby Intarsia, A.B, for Westbergs Mobler, Tranas.

Mixed wood marquetry inlay on mahogany case, of stylized Viking motifs, opening to shelves and drawers, from an edition of 18 examples. Includes copy of original design specs.

Makes a wonderful dry bar, armoire or china cabinet.

Dimensions: Height: 63 in (160.02 cm)Width: 46 in (116.84 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)

Also available for rent.

03/15/2024

Large 1960s French Ceramic Table Lamp

Large sculptural organic modern table lamp. The hand built gourd-shaped body decorated with cutout designs. The pottery base measures 23”h, 28” to top of socket, 42” total with shade.

Dimensions: Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Diameter: 12 in (30.48 cm)

03/15/2024

Chic Italian Lucite Table Lamp

Substantial solid block of Lucite with beautifully carved/sculptured front. Chrome stem is topped with single socket.

Dimensions: Height: 21 in (53.34 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)

Available for rent

Italian, 1970s

03/07/2024

Pair American Art Deco Curved Glass Console Tables by Ben Mildwoff

Fabulous vintage pair of curved glass and ebonized wood console tables, designed by Ben Mildwoff and manufactured by his industrial glass company. Incredibly contemporary looking, this true Art Deco design epitomizes the early modernist fascination with creating high design through humble industrial materials.

Immigrating to New York City early in the last century, Ben Mildwoff founded a successful industrial glass manufacturing company. With an interest in art and design, he eventually became a designer of mid-century modern furniture, working in glass. His designs graced the homes of his NYC society friends, fitting seamlessly alongside the designs of Paul Frankl, Donald Deskey, and the other stars of NYC modern architecture and design.

Dimensions: Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)

Available for rent

03/04/2024

Emil Milan Studio Carved Bowls and Tray

Four bowls available, one with a set of serving tongs, along with a small tray.

The largest bowl is a rare example in solid Brazilian rosewood, and measures over 25” long ($2500).

The salad bowl with tongs in French walnut, and is 22” wide ($2900).

The smaller bowl is American black walnut and is 15” wide ($1400).

The smallest bowl is 10” long ($750).

Tray is 14” x 10” ($850).

Each is signed with “Emilan” and wood type.

02/28/2024

T9 Coffee Table by Francois Arnal for Atelier A

Chic design with chromed steel clip-on legs with white marble top. Top can be replaced with glass or other material.

Dimensions: Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)Diameter: 34 in (86.36 cm)

Available for rental

02/26/2024

Janice Urnstein-Weissman, Large-Scale Oil on Canvas, 2007

Janice Urnstein-Weissman (American, b.1944), “Le Noir Kimono” from the Living Canvases series, signed lower right, artist inscription verso stretcher, slat framed, 49” H x 30” W (canvas), 52” H x 32” W (frame)

Provenance: Jenkins Johnson Gallery, New York

Janice Urnstein Weissman is an American figurative painter. Weissman started her artistic career as a classical painter utilizing Impressionistic techniques, which has evolved since the 1960s into a style of Realism. For the past eleven years, she has been exploring tattoo sub-cultures for the purpose of documenting the phenomenon she refers to as “Living Canvases.”

Her work is held in the permanent collections of the Arnot Art Museum, Elmira, NY; Museum of the American West, Los Angeles, CA; Hallmark Crown Center, Kansas City, MO; as well as Habimah Theatre Tel Aviv, Israel. Critical attention to her work has been received by PBS, American Art Collector, ArtNews, Art in America, ArtWeek, and Los Angeles Magazine.

Dimensions:

Height: 50.5 in (128.27 cm)
Width: 31.25 in (79.38 cm)
Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)

02/22/2024

Vintage Aluminum and Rosa Breccia Marble Dining Table

c. 1970s, likely Italian, the architectural, heavy gauge aluminum base supports a thick oval marble top carved with razor edge bevel. Would make an impressive desk. Designer unknown but incredible build quality and design

G*e Aulenti (Designer) Carlo Scarpa (Designer)

Dimensions: Height: 27.75 in (70.49 cm)Width: 78 in (198.12 cm)Depth: 38.25 in (97.16 cm)