Freeman’s | Hindman to Unveil Rare and Iconic Georg Jensen Silver Hollowware in Exclusive Single-Owner Auction
Freeman’s | Hindman is pleased to announce the upcoming auction Design for Living: A Private Collection of Georg Jensen Silver, taking place on December 11 in New York City. This extraordinary single-owner collection brings together iconic and rare examples of Georg Jensen’s silver hollowware—representing the very best of the Danish silversmith’s craftsmanship—giving bidders the opportunity to acquire works that exemplify the firm’s enduring legacy and continued relevance. Assembled over decades with an expert eye for quality and historical significance, Design for Living reflects a deep appreciation of Georg Jensen’s contributions to design over the past 100 years.
From left to right: A Georg Jensen Silver and Hardstone Mounted Box | Estimate: $4,000 - 6,000
A Johan Rohde Designed Georg Jensen Silver Centerpiece Bowl | Estimate: $10,000 - 20,000
A Pair of Johan Rohde Designed Georg Jensen Silver Five-Light Candelabra | Estimate: $50,000 - 70,000
“This collection brings together formative works from Jensen and his team of designers that illustrate the development of the eponymous ‘Jensen Style’ that would define the firm’s aesthetic throughout the 20th century and into the future,” says Nick Coombs, Senior Specialist, European Furniture and Decorative Arts, and Head of Sale. “Throughout the sale, designs by Johan Rohde, Sigvard Bernadotte, and Harald Nielsen join works designed by Georg Jensen himself to create a vision of modernity and craftsmanship that collectors, decorators, and designers will recognize as the pinnacles of the Danish firm’s oeuvre.”
Speaking to this historic sale, Gemma Sudlow, Executive Vice President and Managing Director New York Region, states, “We are delighted to be the auction house of choice for this beautiful collection and are looking forward to partnering with Danish designer and tastemaker Helene Blanche (@heleneblanche) to include her beautiful and timeless fabric and wallpaper designs in our sale promotion. Our 1905 townhome on New York’s Upper East Side, with its architectural and design features from the 1930s, will be the perfect setting to showcase this prestigious private collection.”
Design for Living: A Private Collection of Georg Jensen Silver draws from the zenith of Jensen’s oeuvre, featuring a diverse array of forms—ranging from timeless classics to rare and desirable pieces—that will resonate with decorators, seasoned collectors, and newcomers alike. Many of the items in this collection bear marks dating their creation to the lifetime of Georg Jensen (1866-1935) and celebrated designers such as Johan Rohde (1856-1935), Harald Nielsen (1892-1977), and Sigvard Bernadotte (1907-2002).
The collection also highlights how motifs and styles have evolved over the years while preserving the Jensen firm’s core artistic identity. Showcasing recognizable designs like the iconic grapevine, blossom, cactus, and louvre motifs, it also includes rare, standout works that typify the unique vision of the designers who contributed to the firm’s global reputation.
Among the highlights of the auction are a pair of large five-light silver candelabra designed by Johan Rohde (estimate: $50,000 – 70,000), blending classical themes with Jensen’s distinctive grape cluster and dolphin motifs— embodying the firm’s vision of harmonizing modernity with classicism. Almost fifty years after the Rohde candelabra were created, Sigvard Bernadotte’s No. 855B candlesticks (estimate: $5,000 – 7,000) echo the same fluted columns and refined details, exemplifying the craftsmanship and design that defined the Jensen firm.
Exhibitions
The top lots from Design for Living: A Private Collection of Georg Jensen Silver will be showcased internationally, starting with a special exhibition at Freeman’s | Hindman’s sister auction house, Lyon & Turnbull, in London from October 8 to 10. The collection will then return stateside where it will be displayed in Freeman’s | Hindman’s New York gallery beginning on December 6 through to the auction on December 11.
How to Bid
Design for Living: A Private Collection of Georg Jensen Silver will be offered on December 11 in Freeman’s | Hindman’s New York saleroom. Bidding will be available in person, over the phone and via absentee or live online bidding.