Bonhams 20th century Decorative Arts

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Monday 8th of December 2014 - One of the most striking lots in the 20th Century Decorative Arts auction at Bonhams New York that will take place on December 16 is a corner washroom and maquette from the world's oldest luxury train, the Orient Express, which is expected to fetch between $10,000 and $15,000.  Carved and lacquered circa 1927, a marquetry inlaid mahogany corner washroom created by Rene Prou for a Sleeping Compartment aboard the Simplon Orient Express, circa 1927, is a standout piece. It stands tall at 78 ½ inches and is fitted with a ceramic wash basin, shaving mirror, toiletry holders and fitted waste compartments, with two half-length door mirrors; together with a corresponding circa 1926 Sleeping-Car model outfitted with the René Prou designed washroom. The piece was designed by Rene Prou, a leading French furniture designer of the 1920s and '30s, who was responsible for several sumptuous interiors in some of the most renowned luxury ocean liners, trains and hotels of the era. His engraved panels, adorned with inlaid flowers set in geometrical shapes, came to be seen as a symbol of the "Orient Express Style."  Among the highlights are:  A Tiffany Floral Bouquet chandelier, 1899-1918 (est. $80,000 - 120,000) from a West Coast private collection. The shade boasts exceptional craftsmanship through the bursts of color, and profusion of peony blossoms and foliage in various states of bloom. An exquisite Tulip lamp, 1899-1918 (est. $60,000-90,000), which comes from the same West Coast collection. A Favrile glass and patinated bronze Dragonfly lamp, circa 1910 (est. $60,000 - 80,000) which incorporates one of the most beloved motifs of the Art Nouveau period, exotic and brightly colored dragonflies, whose delicate wings are set against a vivid aquatic backdrop of blue and green rippled glass. In the Contemporary Studio Works of Art section, several exceptional glass sculptures will feature, which come from a private collection from Florida. Highlights include:  An eight-piece Dale Chihuly Celadon Red Persian Set ($15,000 - 20,000); A Michael Glancy two part sculpture: Primary July Set ($10,000 - 15,000); And three vessels by Italian Master glass artist Lino Tagliapietra: Spirale, Tuscon and Tholtico, each estimated at $12,000 - 18,000. The sale will conclude with a rare Free Standing Cradle ($20,000 - 30,000) by revered California furniture maker Sam Maloof. This rare walnut example, created in 1977 and cherished for 34 years, is the first example of this design ever to come to auction.  The auction will preview from December 13 – 17.  The catalog is available online HERE.