The Signature Sale

The Signature Sale is an eclectic live auction in which a curated selection blends old and new, patterns and materials from different eras. The ambition is to offer a personal expression — to allow each individual to choose what they like best and create a unique home. Here, quality, a sense of form and sustainability coexist — objects selected to last and to function just as well in the modern home as in the homes of the future.

In the spring edition of The Signature Sale we are greeted by Märta Måås-Fjetterström’s classic flossa rug “Tusenskönan”, designed in 1933 and produced during the same decade — a promise of an eternal spring in its new home. One of the auction’s strongest artistic expressions may be Helena Blomqvist’s photographic work “Woman with Ravens” (from the series The Dark Planet), from 2005. The decadent undertone of the 17th-century painting “Humanity Awaits the Last Judgement”, after Dirck Barendsz, is unmistakable and reflects a theme that remains recurrently relevant even in our own time.

One of the pioneers of Swedish modernism is Otto G. Carlsund, whose memories from his art studies in 1920s Dresden resulted in an illustrated diary in the form of a deck of playing cards depicting friends and the city. The auction’s “The Heart of Dresden – Ace of Hearts”, “Jack of Hearts”, “Queen of Spades”, “Ace of Spades” and “King of Hearts” constitute five parts of this deck. Another pioneer of Swedish post-war modernism is Bengt Orup, represented here by a small collection of oil paintings with a refined geometric visual language in the new concretist style.

Among works by the Gothenburg Colourists and members of the Halmstad Group appears “Solglitter” or “Najad on Dolphin”, after Carl Milles’ famous bronze sculpture, in an edition produced in connection with the construction of the new art gallery at Millesgården in the late 1990s. Another widely beloved contemporary artist is Madeleine Pyk, represented here by a powerful depiction of her beloved tigers from 1986.

For those interested in interior design, there are ample opportunities to refresh the home ahead of the approaching Easter holiday. Who could resist Josef Frank’s “Liljevalchs sofa”? Designed as early as 1934, yet still a sought-after classic, here presented in an upholstered velvet version. A more contemporary classic for the year’s festivities is undoubtedly Gunnar Cyrén’s so-called “Devil’s Glass” from the Nobel series — perfect for Easter snaps.

From 19th-century England comes the magnificent hanging lamp that once formed part of the legendary Gianni Versace collection, auctioned as part of The Collection of Gianni Versace at Sotheby’s in New York in 2005. And for all admirers of Downton Abbey, there is now the opportunity to complement a dining room interior with a practical yet elegant serving table in the form of a sideboard by the firm Edwards & Roberts of London. With an air of the Victorian era, this piece of furniture could become the crowning touch in any home.