Midcentury Modern design has been leading the market in recent years, and on Friday February 28, Weschler’s Capital Collection Estate Auction will feature furnishings from notable designers including Vladimir Kagan, George Nakashima, Charles & Ray Eames, and Hans Wegner.

Once described by The New York Times as "James Bond meets the Jetsons”, Vladimir Kagan’s sculptural furniture continues to be admired and coveted by museums, Hollywood celebrities, and designers from around the world.  Consigned by a local estate, Weschler’s will offer a sampling of Kagan’s work including an upholstered walnut arm convertible sofa, a fluted walnut and cast-aluminum 'tri-symmetric' floor lamp, a sculpted walnut reclining chair with ‘disappearing’ leg rest and a walnut flared-leg cocktail table; each carry estimates ranging from $1,000-$6,000.

In addition to Kagan’s pieces, the renowned craftsman and architect George Nakashima will be represented by two custom-made pieces: a walnut three sliding door credenza and a walnut seven-drawer chest (each est: $10,000-$15,000) as well as a Widdicomb-manufactured walnut oval pedestal base extension dining table (est: $1,000-$1,500). 

Highlights from a selection of whimsical contemporary craft from the estates of noted D.C. collectors Bernard and Sherley Koteen include a painted glass and mixed media sculpture by Ginny Ruffner (American b. 1952), From the Conceptual Narrative Series (est: $1,000-$2,000) and a glazed clay sculpture, Shipyard Welder, by Peter VandenBerge (Dutch/American b. 1935) (est: $3,000-$5,000).

The auction’s fine art selection boasts over 130 works with an oil on panel of a reclining nude by one of the greatest Latin American post-modern artists, Angel Botello (Puerto Rican 1913-1986), taking center stage (est: $15,000-$25,000). Other highlights include a Harbor Skyline by Howard Norton Cook (American 1901-1980) (est: $10,000-$15,000), a misty view of New York City’s teeming waterways; an elegant Portrait of a Lady in a Hat from the circle of George Romney (British 1734-1802); and an exceptional still life by the Italian-born American painter Joseph Stella (1877-1946). Typically recognized for his old master style works, he employs color and texture to create a realistic depiction of seashells in this work (est: $10,000-$15,000). Françoise with a Bow in Her Hair, a delicate lithograph by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) (est: $20,000-$30,000), highlights the prints and drawings offerings.

A stunning selection of jewelry & watches features an Art Deco platinum and diamond ring from a Virginia collection (est: $5,000-$7,000); a Van Cleef & Arpels 18-karat yellow-gold bangle bracelet (est: $3,000-$5,000); and a gilt metal, enamel and split pearl key-wind open face pocket watch by Bovet Fleurier which carries an estimate of $3,000-$5,000.

The auction will also feature a selection of Russian bronzes, a large collection of Chinese snuff bottles from a Virginia collector, silver, including a 20-piece Tiffany sterling ‘Lap Over Edge’ part dinner service, American and European furnishings and rugs.

Exhibition for the auction will be held February 22-27 at Weschler’s downtown D.C. gallery, located at 909 E Street, NW.  Exhibition hours and a complete illustrated catalogue are available at www.weschlers.com.