Exceptional Tiffany Lamps and Nakashima Furniture Skyrocket at Freeman’s | Hindman’s Design Sales
Freeman’s | Hindman saw standout success at its May 20 Early 20th Century and Modern Design auctions, with total sales reaching an impressive $1.6 million. Leading the day was Jun Kaneko’s monumental, glazed stoneware work, Untitled, Dango (2000), which soared past its estimate of $50,000–$70,000 to achieve $89,400. The auctions also delivered strong results for celebrated designers and studios, including Paul Evans, George Nakashima, Toshiko Takaezu, and Tiffany Studios, among others.
Jun Kaneko (Japanese, b. 1942) | Untitled (Dango), c. 2000 | Sold for $89,400
Commenting on the sale, Roger Ward, Head of Department, Design, said: “While stellar results were seen in our highest-value offerings, we were equally encouraged by the spirited participation across all price points, categories, time periods, and designers. Highlights of the sale included exceptional performances from pieces by Tiffany and George Nakashima, alongside significant interest in ceramics by Jun Kaneko and Toshiko Takaezu. Notable works
by Wharton Esherick and Karl Springer also achieved excellent results, reflecting the continued enthusiasm of collectors for American studio furniture and modern design. International demand was evident, with Danish, Italian, and French designs drawing interest from both U.S. and European buyers, affirming the global appetite for quality 20th-century design.”
Smashing Success with George Nakashima
George Nakashima (American, 1905–1990) | Exceptional Minguren I coffee table, 1982 | Sold for $89,400
Freeman’s | Hindman reaffirmed its strength in the George Nakashima market with a 100% sell-through rate for a suite of works from a Prominent Pennsylvania Family Collection. A master woodworker deeply rooted in Pennsylvania’s design legacy, Nakashima’s enduring appeal was reflected in the day’s standout results. Leading the group was an exceptional Minguren I coffee table, which achieved $89,400—the highest price of the sale. Institutional Success with Early 20th Century Design
Elizabeth E. Copeland (America, 1866–1957) | Exceptional box, c. 1920 | Sold for $28,800
Soaring past its estimate, an exceptional c. 1920 box by Elizabeth E. Copeland realized $28,800—more than doubling its $8,000–12,000 estimate. The piece was consigned by the Estate of James G. Hansen at Fetcher House, Winnetka, Illinois, a distinguished collection with additional works to be offered in a dedicated online sale on June 6. This remarkable object was acquired by the Jody & Dick Goisman Collection as a promised gift to the Milwaukee Art Museum.
TOP TEN LOTS
· Jun Kaneko (Japanese, b. 1942), Untitled (Dango), c. | Sold for $89,400
· George Nakashima (American, 1905–1990), Exceptional Minguren I coffee table, 1982 | Sold for $89,400
· Tiffany Studios (New York, 1878–1933), Daffodil lampshade | Sold for $83,050
· Tiffany Studios (New York, 1878–1933), Dragonfly table lamp | Sold for $54,400
· Wharton Esherick (American, 1887–1970) Chest of drawers, 1936 Paoli, PA | Sold for $38,400