The New York “Design” auction by Christie’s saw soaring growth as it registered a sales figure of US$8,308,875 — with 95% sold by lot and 98% sold by value — boosted by active participation across all sales channels and registered bidders from Asia, the Americas, Europe, and United Kingdom.Held on June 20, the sale continued with Christie’s very successful spring season so far, and registered two new auction records. French architect and designer Pierre Chareau’s (1883-1950) circa 1923 “Religieuse” floor lamp, Model SN31 was sold for US$2,172,500, setting up a new auction record for the artist and the top lot in a “Design” auction this season; while a 1927-30 “Transat” chair designed by Eileen Gray (1879-1976) was sold for US $1,596,500 — reaching a record sale number for a “Transat” chair.Among other notable sold lots was the sale of a unique flatware service and canteen created for Madame Jeanne Tachard by French designer Pierre Legrain (1888–1929), which fetched US$828,500 — more than double of its initial estimate; and lots from the Property from the Collection of Brad Grey also achieved buoyant figures. A circa 1930 set of library steps by French designer Jean-Michel Frank (1895-1941) from the collection was sold for US$175,000, exceeding its lower estimate by 10 times; while a circa 2005 “Singe Avise” by Francois-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008) realized more than four times of its lower estimate, selling at US$444,500. High sale numbers were also achieved for vases by Jean Dunand (1877-1942), furniture by Pierre Chareau (1883-1950), and lamps by Marc du Plantier (1901-1975).Christie’s International Head of Design Sonja Ganne, and Beth Vilinsky, the Senior Specialist Design, remarked: “The strong results witnessed in today’s saleroom confirm the global appetite for masterpieces of French design and reaffirms our successful strategy of a tightly curated and focused sale. The appearance at auction of two collections such as these, comprised of works of the highest caliber, constituted an event of real significance. We were honored to present these works, from two notable collections, in a focused sale to showcase a comprehensive look at this important moment of design history.”Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the top sold lots. http://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder Louise Blouin  Read more