NEW YORK – On June 8, Christie’s New York Design sale saw outstanding results. The sale totaled $23,448,106, selling 158% by its low estimate and 97% by value, its highest various owner sale total to date. Design featured a curated assemblage of important and rare designs by preeminent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The sale was highlighted by iconic designs by Alberto and Diego Giacometti, including the top lot of the sale: ‘Oiseau’ by Alberto Giacometti, which realized $3,196,000, an impressive 1,598% against its low estimate. Another top lot of the sale was by Diego Giacometti, a Pair of 'X' Form Stools, Troisième Version, which sold for 473% by its low estimate and realized $945,000.

The auction showcased masterworks by Claude Lalanne, including other top results in the sale: a Large ‘Ginkgo’ Low Table, which realized $1,260,000, a Unique ‘Structure Végétale' Chandelier, which realized $1,197,000, and a 'Crocodile' Settee, which realized $1,184,400.

The sale began with impressive designs by celebrated French designer Jean Royère, with records set for several models by the artist, including a Pair of 'Sculpture' Armchairs, and rare ‘Sculpture’ sofa, aggregate total for the suite at $1,234,800, and an iconic ‘Ondulation’ wall light from the Norah and Norman Stone Collection which realized $302,400, 1,008% of low estimate.

Design also featured an exceptional group from A Century of Art: The Gerald Fineberg Collection, led by the Important ‘Menhir Della Vita’ by Ettore Sottsass, which realized $856,800, a world auction record for the artist. The Art Deco was headlined by the rare and important Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann carpet from circa 1925, realizing $693,000.

Tiffany Studios results were strong across all lots offered, as evidenced by 100% sold rate. Top lots of the group were the ‘Pony Wisteria’ from a Private European Collection which realized $466,200, more than double its low estimate, and the stunning ‘Fruit’ table lamp, which realized $428,400.

Daphné Riou, Head of Design, America: “It is fantastic to see that Design continues to be such a strong market, with great depth of bidding across countries. We are thrilled with the results for leading artists across the century including Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Jean Royère, and Claude Lalanne, not to mention the early works by Tiffany Studios which bodes well for the exceptional works to be presented in The Ann and Gordon Getty Collection: Temple of Wings, in New York next week.”

Victoria Tudor, VP, Specialist, Head of Sale, 20th Century Design, commented: “The spirited bidding throughout the sale carried momentum and enthusiasm from all corners of the globe. The Ettore Sottsass ‘Menhir della vita’ for example, with over eight telephone bidder and in room paddles lasted for over 7 minutes in determined bids. We are thrilled to be in a position of strength out of H1, with high hopes for the rest of the year.”