Rago presents Masterworks of Craft from Jane & Leonard Korman on Nov. 9.
The single-owner auction presents a remarkable offering of works by some of the foremost American makers of the 20th century, from studio furniture by Judy Kensley McKie and Wendell Castle to monumental ceramics by Toshiko Takaezu and Jun Kaneko to exquisite glass sculpture from Harvey Littleton, Richard Marquis, and Toots Zynsky.
The auction is accompanied by a print catalog, and highlights will be presented in a special preview exhibition, beginning today at Rago in Lambertville, N.J.
A fixture of the Philadelphia arts community, Jane Korman embodied the belief that art and life should be intertwined in harmonious coexistence—a thread that weaves elegantly through this inspired collection.
Korman lived her values not least through her participation in the Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she also served on the Modern and Contemporary Art Committee.
The auction is led by several works from prominent women makers and designers, including Judy Kensley McKie’s “Fish Bench” (est. $75,000-100,000) and “Table with Dogs” (est. $20,000-30,000), Toshiko Takaezu’s closed vessel form “Makaha Blue” (est. $40,000-50,000), Betty Woodman’s “His/Hers Vases, 4th of July” (est. $45,000-65,000), and Ingrid Donat’s pair of “Femme Girafe” floor lamps (est. $35,000-45,000).
Further highlights of the auction include studio furniture, as well as exemplary works of ceramic and glass.
The Kormans’ affinity for ceramics was far-reaching, and a wide variety of works are featured in their collection.
“This curated sale is but a brief glimpse of Ms. Korman’s eye,” says David Rago. “As a gallerist specializing in fine and decorative art she was at least as influential in building collections as she was in supporting important artists for decades...”
The full selection of works featured in Masterworks of Craft from Jane & Leonard Korman will be on view at Rago Nov. 2 to 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The live auction will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 9 and accommodates advanced bids, telephone bidding, and live online bidding. For information, reach out to press@ragoarts.com.
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