Whether coming out of a harsh northeastern winter, or preparing for a rise in temperature on the west coast, the trend of uplifting, natural, and geometric design is equally desirable for the any spring interior. The 20th Century Design selection in Clarke Auction’s March 8th sale will provide the market with many examples of furniture and lighting that can help usher in the active new season.

A perfect way to transition from the heaviness of late winter to the freshness of spring is to combine traditional weighty materials and delicate, elevating construction. Paul McCobb’s Irwin Collection for Calvin supports this theory, especially in the travertine platform coffee table ($1,000/$1,500), travertine tea cart ($800/$1,200), and travertine and faux bamboo side table ($300/$500) to be offered on March 8th.  The linear brass bases raise the structures of the pieces with a show of strength, yet leave enough room for air to flow effortlessly between their frames. Even the light color of travertine tops give the feeling of delicacy while being structurally solid. Similarly, a set of Dunbar nesting tables ($400/$600) uses brass stretchers to bridge the gap between weight and height.

The offered sizable Danish rosewood server ($1,000/$1,500) and the Nanna Ditzel four drawer desk ($1,500/$2,000) exemplify the concept of elevation and transition. Both pieces show a rectilinear block of natural material raised on disproportionally thin legs. The genius behind these design elements is that the aesthetic is not undermined, rather it highlights the smaller elements of the pieces, which gives the pieces lift and a lightweight look.

Items like the Florence Knoll pair of club chairs ($1,000/$2,500), and the Florence Knoll three seat sofa ($1,000/$1,500) employ similar elements with different materials to the same effect. Florence Knoll’s iconic sofa and club chair designs use reflective and linear chrome bases to raise case-style frames off of the ground. The effect is also elegant, with the chrome giving the appearance of much lighter material, paired with the sturdy comfort and familiarity of a block style sofa.

Possibly the most visually acute design elements can be expressed in the seating selection available on March 8th. A pair of Carlo di Carli for Singer & Sons pull up chairs ($800/$1,200) are featured by Clarke for their transitional and natural design. Carlo Di Carli’s design skews the right-angle geometry in such a subtle way that the eye is drawn beyond its function, only to be directed to its organic and simple beauty. The Finn Juhl Japan chairs ($800/$1,200) also show organic construction, yet in a more compact way that pushes the eye downward instead. They are a nice contrast to the Italian design by di Carli.  

Another notable designer who is favored for his delicate look and subtle angles will also be featured in the sale. Gio Ponti, whose work was closely aligned with Carlo di Carli, uses express angles in the backs of the dining chairs he designed. The chairs will be featured together with a Bertha Schaefer dining table, both manufactured for Singer & Sons ($1,500/$2,500).  Other important complimentary designs from Denmark include a floating top coffee table ($300-$500), a Fritz Hansen tray table ($200/$300), a set of 4 Niels O. Moller side chairs ($500/$700), and more.

Finally, the quality of both indoor and outdoor atmosphere in the change of season relies on light. The many varying lighting lots in the March 8th sale at Clarke help brighten space through form and function. The featured lot is a beautiful Gaetano Sciolari cubic chandelier ($500/$700). The chrome frame and ground facing lights are a great show of geometry and material. Other lighting lots including a Lightolier geometric chandelier with smoke glass globe shades($300-$500), a pair of Massimo Vignelli chrome and plastic table lamps($400/$600), two Robert Sonneman lamps ($400/$600), a gorgeous natural rock formation table lamp by Carole Stupell ($1,000/$1,500), and a rock crystal and bronze original lamp by Willy Daro ($1,000/$1,500).

Clarke Auction will feature over 350 lots of 20th century design, fine art, antiques, Asian art and objects, silver, jewelry, and coins on March 8th, 2015 at 12pm EST.

The in-house previews for the sale will be held on Friday & Saturday, March 6th & 7th from 12pm to 6pm EST. Previews will continue on the day of sale, March 8th from 10am to the start of sale.

The catalog is available 24/7 and is updated daily at www.Clarkeny.com.  Online bidding is available on www.liveauctioneers.com or www.BidSquare.com. Please note that Clarke Auction is now using BidSquare as an additional option for online bidding. Terms and Conditons for bidding through Bidsquare are the same as other online platforms. To register for BidSquare, please visit their website at www.BidSquare.com