On The Block: The Stunning J.F. Chen Collection of Historic Eames Classics Coming Up At Wright
Author:Philip FerratoWhat: The J.F. Chen Collection of Eames Design
When: September 10, 2015 at 12:00 Noon EST
A dean of Los Angeles furniture and decorative objects dealers, Jao Fai Chen has an impeccable eye, a vast warehouse full of the great, the interesting, and the just plain oddball. But never, ever dull. Now his massive collection of works by Charles and Ray Eames– most of it manufactured by the Herman Miller Company– is up for auction. You can make a quick trip to Chicago, or you can bid online. Or both. We’ve chosen a small selection of standouts from the catalogue.
From 1968 to 1984, the Herman Miller gift to employees with newborn babies, this RAR-1 rocking chair is expected to bring $700-$900. Lot 118 gives new dimension to the term “maternity leave”.
Lot 213 is an example of the largest folding screen in production. At 100” this calico ash wood FSW-10 is estimated at $5,000 to $7,000. Despair not, there are smaller screens in the sale.
Made before 1954, this classic ESU storage unit [Lot 164] is expected to fetch between $5,000 and $7,000.
This charming birch plywood and Bakelite radio designed for Emerson is one of seven radios in the sale. Lot 117 is expected to sell for between $1,000-$1,500.
Perfect for the young Modernists in your life, Lot 160 is an ECS storage wall with two murphy beds; estimated at $3,000-$5,000.
We’re in love with Lot 218, a pair of dowel-legged chairs in walnut, naugahyde and enameled steel– and estimated at $1,000-$2,000.
Caution: Seriously, Chen’s Instagram feed is addictive. His 1stDibs.com page is fascinating as well. For more Mid-Century classics, be sure to check out the Wright’s online catalogue for their American Design Sale, later the same day.
