Upcoming Rago Auction Celebrates Scholar Dr. Martin Eidelberg

Rago auction house is pleased to present an impressive collection of Early 20th Century Design pieces on Saturday, January 21.

Of major importance is the Collection of Dr. Martin Eidelberg, which takes place Saturday, January 21st. Rago is honored to present the collection of scholar and author Dr. Martin Eidelberg, featuring 95 lots of some of the finest examples of early 20th century American pottery ever offered at Rago, including spectacular works by George Ohr, Grueby, Adelaide Robineau, University City and Van Briggle. Also among the highlights are rare works by Eva Zeisel, Marblehead, and William Hunt Diederich, as well as European ceramics by Gio Ponti, Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, Auguste Delaherche, James Vibert and Edward Colonna.

David Rago, Partner and Co-Director of the 20th-21st Century Design Department had this to share, “Dr. Eidelberg not only taught us about the history and importance of objects and their makers, he also explored the relationship those objects had with each other, to us, and to society as a whole, and how that all defined Arts & Crafts as a reform movement. Few besides him knew, in the early 1970s, the radical intention of a piece of Grueby potter or the paradigm-altering perspective of interiors that emphasized natural materials and hand-made objects bathed in cleansing sunlight.  I am indebted to him for revealing truths as relevant now as they were 45 years ago.”

Over 225 lots follow the collection of Dr. Eidelberg in Rago’s 20th Century Design Auction taking place later that afternoon. Featuring ceramics by George Ohr, Grueby, North Dakota School of Mines, Overbeck, Tiffany Studios, Marblehead, Wheatley, Teco, Shearwater, Rookwood and Clewell. European pottery by Moorcroft, Zsolnay, Martin Brothers, Clement Massier and Pilkington. Furniture by Charles Rohlfs, L. & J.G. Stickley, Gustav Stickley and Lifetime, including rare willow seating by Gustav Stickley and an exceptional Roycroft magazine stand. Lighting by Pairpoint, Handel, Roycroft, Samuel Yellin and Dirk Van Erp. Art Nouveau works by Eugene Gaillard, Hector Guimard, Max Blondat and Gallé. Superb glass, lighting and metalwork by Tiffany Studios, including a Peony table lamp and gimbal candlestick. French glass by Lalique, Daum and Gallé. Metalwork and jewelry by Roycroft, Samuel Yellin, Dirk Van Erp, Tiffany Studios and Edward Oakes.

Sarah Dziamba, a Junior Specialist in the department shared, “Among the many highlights of our Early 20th Century design session are such gems as a large Frederick Rhead Della Robbia vase, a rare Roycroft stein by Karl Kipp, a George Ohr cadogan teapot and a painting attributed to Harvey Ellis, all rounded out by an exceptional offering of Tiffany Studios glass, metalwork and lamps.”

Visit ragoarts.com to view the complete online catalog and get your bidding fingers ready! See you there this weekend!

Photos courtesy of Rago Auctions.

Top photo: Lot 323 — Tiffany Studios, Peony Table Lamp, est. $60,000 – 90,000
Middle photo: Lot 10 — George Ohr, Tall Vase, est. $65,000 – 95,000
Bottom photo: Lot 207 — Roycroft, Tall Magazine Stand, est. $8,000 – 12,000