Modern funiture design in Vejle

An estimate of DKK 60,000 for a more than 40 years old daybed by Poul Kjærholm may seem high. Nonetheless a specimen of this stylistically pure “PK-80” daybed achieved a hammer price of DKK 240,000 at the recently concluded auction in Bredgade.

The condition of the specimen that is now offered in Vejle does not quite match the specimen sold in Copenhagen, but there is ample reason to expect that the estimate will be put to shame when the hammer comes down Tuesday May 2nd. It is important to point out that is mainly the early Kjærholm production, made at E. Kold Christensen, that is in high demand at the moment. A demand that is also likely to influence the hammer prices for the four “PK-9” chairs designed by the famous architect (estimate: DKK 50,000).

Also H.J. Wegner’s furniture is very much in the focus of international attention. At the auction in Vejle a most unusual set of seventeen specimens of the rare “Bull Chair” is offered. These teak chairs were designed in 1961 and they are now sold along with matching conference table (estimate: DKK 200,000). Wegner is also represented by other items, for example the carefully designed “Valet Chair” that has lately achieved impressive results (estimate: DKK 30,000).

Emile Gallé was a crucial figure in the Art Nouveau movement and the World’s Fair in Paris 1900 arguably signifies the high water-mark of the movement. The auction offers several ingenious furniture pieces by the famous designer: Among these is an extremely beautiful tea table with royal provenance from King Christian X (1870-1912-1947) and Queen Alexandrine (1879-1952). The table was a probably a gift from the French republic to the royal couple at their wedding in Cannes 1898. It was later presented to P.M. Jensen, Inspector at Marselisborg Castle (estimate: DKK 60,000).

If the tendencies from Copenhagen hold, there will most likely, as far as arts and crafts are concerned, be high demand for Carl Hallier’s lidded vases and Jais Nielsen’s enormous floor vase decorated with the coveted sang de boeuf glaze (the latter estimated at DKK 50,000 – 75,000).