Cain Modern Auctions


1104 S Main Street Los Angeles, California
310-652-6045

About Auction House

Cain Modern is the source for the elegant and the classic. Our store is a result of a desire to give people with an eye for design the opportunity to purchase mid-century designer pieces that are usually reserved only for the design industry. We source the world for that unique piece which can’t help but evoke excitement. We are passionate about the timeless form and function of mid-century treasures by designers such as Robsjohn Gibbings, Vladamir Kagan, Paul Evans, Milo Baughman, Karl Springer, Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner, Dunbar, Widdicomb, Brown Saltman,Thayer Coggin, Paul McCobb, Paul Frankl...Read More
, Paul Laszlo, Fontana Arte, Van Keppel, Vinnini, Gio Ponti, Parzinger, and many others.Read Less

Auction Previews & News

13 Results
  • Auction Preview
    Elizabeth Catlett’s Faces of My People Leads Mexican & American Remarkable Collection by Cain Modern Auctions

    Elizabeth Catlett’s Faces of My People is a figural bronze sculpture leading the upcoming Mexican & American Remarkable Collection, offered by Cain Modern Auctions. The sale hosts work by multiple award-winning Mexican/American sculptor and graphic artist Elizabeth Catlett and many others. Catlett (1915 - 2012) was best known for her depictions of the Black American experience in the 20th century, which often focused on the experience of women. Both of her parents were the children of freed slaves, and her grandmother told her stories about the capture of their people in Africa and the hardships of plantation life. The sculpture depicts the many faces of Elizabeth Catlett’s ancestors, as well as the new ones she adopted when she moved to Mexico and became a naturalized Mexican citizen. Another noteworthy pick among sculptures is Tango Study III by Richard Macdonald. Jesus Tellosa (1936 - 2012) was a Mexican artist. His extra-large and rare mixed-media paintingwill be available in this upcoming event. This work depicts what appears to be a priest or higher being with three faces wearing ceremonial garb, a nude woman, and a black bird with multicolored feathers. The piece is filled with color and movement. The painting is signed “tellosa” in the lower right corner. A Lucite and nickel sculptural rocking chair by Charles Hollis Jones is notable among the furniture. View the Mexican & American Remarkable Collection, and find other online auctions by visiting Bidsquare. Check out Auction Daily for more auction previews and news. 

  • Auction Preview
    Native Canadian Art, Modern Furniture, and Asian Antiques Available at Cain Modern Auctions

    A wide selection of fine art, decorative art, and furniture will soon be available with Cain Modern Auctions. This includes a colored serigraph by native Canadian artist George Littlechild. Titled Peggy Bull, this piece comes with a white frame, is dated 1993, and is signed in pencil by the artist. George Littlechild stands out among First Nations artists in Canada for his rich cultural imagery and vivid color palette. Littlechild’s art aims to dispel prejudice and naivety among those who are unfamiliar with First Nations culture. Another notable fine artwork in the catalog is an acrylic on canvas by Australian artist Wendy Cohen, titled Connect the Dots. Cohen’s paintings explore the connection between natural and urban environments through shapes, colors, lines, and compositions.  The offered piece is painted on a stretched canvas with vibrant and varied colors. Collectors can consider several furniture items in this sale, including a pair of Simon lounge chairs made in Italy by Camerich. These generously-sized lounge chairs are designed with a minimalist look and a contemporary Scandinavian flair. Seat cushions are padded with down layers on a solid wood frame. Bidders can also consider a leather-embossed low coffee table by Fendi. This sleek coffee table is made from solid wood with a cream leather embossed frame. Visit Bidsquare to browse the full American Modernism, Furniture, Lighting & Art catalog and find other online auctions. Visit Auction Daily for more auction previews and news.

  • Auction Industry, Press Release
    Cain Modern Auctions’ May Sale Offers Colorful Aboriginal Australian Art, Mexican Modernism, and Contemporary Furniture

    The latest sale from Cain Modern Auctions presents a wide range of furniture, decorative art, and fine art from around the world. The Mexican Modernism, Art, Lighting and More event particularly spotlights Dreaming paintings by Aboriginal Australian artists. This live sale will begin on May 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM EDT. Online bidding options are available through Bidsquare.  Leading the fine art section of this catalog is a vivid watercolor painting by American artist Keith Finch (lot #44; estimate: USD 4,000 - $6,000). This piece is signed and dated 1987. Dominated by shades of pale blue and aquamarine, the composition is divided by sharp white lines that give geometric movement to the piece. A Colorado native, Finch was active in the Los Angeles area and was known for his large watercolor paintings.  Watercolor Painting by Colorado Artist Keith Finch (USA 1919-1993) 44 W x 35.50 H Aboriginal Australian artists are well-represented in this catalog, including Liza Walsh, Jaxon Gittens Barrindji, and James P. Simon. A large rectangular piece by Walsh is especially notable (lot #64; estimate: $4,000 - $6,000). This colorful painting embraces intense colors and swirling lines. Walsh lives and works in rural Western Australia and depicts the land through her art. Bidders can also consider Barrindji’s brown and white painting with snaking branch shapes (lot #65; estimate: $4,000 and $6,000) and a painting that features concentric circles from Simon (lot #61; estimate: $2,000 - $3,000).  Aboriginal Artwork by Liza Walsh, Australia 48W x 55H Among furniture lots, a tufted sectional sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia is available (lot #172; estimate: $6,000 - $8,000). It consists of five interconnected pieces upholstered in a gray material. The piece belongs to B&B Italia’s Tufty Time collection, which re-interprets the modular sofas of the 1960s and 70s. Urquiola is a Spanish architect and designer, considered among the most prominent female designers of today. She operates an independent design studio in addition to her collaborations with brands such as B&B Italia. Another key sofa in the catalog is a serpentine piece in the fluid style of American designer Vladimir Kagan (lot…

  • Auction Industry
    Modern Furniture and Custom Lighting to Sell at Cain Modern Auctions This May

    The latest sale from Cain Modern Auctions is a sweeping collection of 180 lots, ranging from fine artworks by Aboriginal Australian painters to both modern and contemporary furniture. Live bidding will begin on May 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM EDT. Before placing a bid, learn more about some of the top modern furniture and custom lighting items in the catalog.  A Saxhorn armchair by CLC France, 1940s. Image courtesy of Cain Modern Auctions.  Saxhorn Armchair by CLC France Leading this upcoming sale is a “Saxhorn” armchair by CLC France (lot #160; estimate: USD 2,000 - $3,000). Upholstered in white fabric, this chair features a tubular chrome frame defined by curved arms and ball feet. The auction house notes that this example dates back to the 1940s.  The post-war era in France was a period of rapid rebuilding and creative upheaval. Bombings during World War II had destroyed countless homes and cities; the end of the war buoyed demand for new household products. In response to this demand, French designers and companies increasingly turned to “modern” materials such as plastic, chrome, and foam. Up-and-coming designers such as Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Pierre Jeanneret transformed French furniture in the 1940s and beyond. Their work helped shift tastes toward comfort and functionality, qualities reflected in the available armchair.  A custom Sabine chandelier by Oly Studio. Image courtesy of Cain Modern Auctions.  Custom Sabine Chandelier by Oly Studio  Another key lot in this sale is a custom Sabine chandelier by Oly Studio (lot #158; estimate: $2,000 - $3,000). It is composed of a metal frame and fabric shades arranged in an inverted triangle shape. The three sections of the chandelier come to a curved, narrow point at the end. The piece measures 53 inches high from the top to the bottom of the shades.  Oly Studios is a collaboration between San Francisco Bay area designers Kate McIntyre and Brad Huntzinger. The pair have been crafting interiors together for over 20 years through both the design firm Ironies and mass production company Oly Studio. Their output focuses on bridging luxury design and affordability, often…

  • Auction Preview
    Cain Modern Auctions to Offer Aboriginal Paintings, Mexican Modernist Art, Furniture, and More

    This upcoming 180-lot sale from Cain Modern Auctions will include a range of fine art, decorative art, furniture items, and more. There is a particular focus on works of Mexican Modernism and Aboriginal art from the native people of Australia. Among the top lots is a large artwork by Eva Nelson Napaltjarri. A largely self-taught artist, Nelson grew up in Central Australia and learned the culture, oral traditions, and spiritual beliefs of Aboriginal Australians. She began painting in the early 2000s to express her dreaming and preserving her culture. The available piece measures 52 inches square and depicts the dreams of Nelson’s father and ancestors. Swirling dots in muted colors give the piece movement and visual interest. Work by other Aboriginal artists, including Jaxon Gittens Barrindji, Liza Walsh, and James P. Simon, can be considered in this sale.  Several Mexican artists are represented in the catalog, including Costa Rican-born Mexican artist Francisco Zúñiga. Known for his stylized depictions of women in both painting and sculpture, Zúñiga drew inspiration from both Auguste Rodin and pre-Columbian art. The upcoming sale highlights a collection of 20 lithographs from the artist. It is dated November 30, 1974 and belongs to an edition of 2,000. A bronze sculpture by Mexican artist Víctor Gutiérrez, depicting a seated woman stretching her leg, is also available. Key furniture and design lots in the catalog range from a custom Sabine chandelier from Oly Studio to a tufted gray sectional sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia. To browse the complete Mexican Modernism, Art, Lighting and More sale and find other online auctions, visit Bidsquare. 

  • Auction Preview
    Cain Modern Auctions to Offer Aboriginal Paintings, Mexican Modernist Art, Furniture, and More

    This upcoming 180-lot sale from Cain Modern Auctions will include a range of fine art, decorative art, furniture items, and more. There is a particular focus on works of Mexican Modernism and Aboriginal art from the native people of Australia. Among the top lots is a large artwork by Eva Nelson Napaltjarri. A largely self-taught artist, Nelson grew up in Central Australia and learned the culture, oral traditions, and spiritual beliefs of Aboriginal Australians. She began painting in the early 2000s to express her dreaming and preserving her culture. The available piece measures 52 inches square and depicts the dreams of Nelson’s father and ancestors. Swirling dots in muted colors give the piece movement and visual interest. Work by other Aboriginal artists, including Jaxon Gittens Barrindji, Liza Walsh, and James P. Simon, can be considered in this sale.  Several Mexican artists are represented in the catalog, including Costa Rican-born Mexican artist Francisco Zúñiga. Known for his stylized depictions of women in both painting and sculpture, Zúñiga drew inspiration from both Auguste Rodin and pre-Columbian art. The upcoming sale highlights a collection of 20 lithographs from the artist. It is dated November 30, 1974 and belongs to an edition of 2,000. A bronze sculpture by Mexican artist Víctor Gutiérrez, depicting a seated woman stretching her leg, is also available. Key furniture and design lots in the catalog range from a custom Sabine chandelier from Oly Studio to a tufted gray sectional sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia. To browse the complete Mexican Modernism, Art, Lighting and More sale and find other online auctions, visit Bidsquare. 

  • Auction Preview
    Paul Tuttle Arco Chairs and Jovan Obican Lithograph Available With Cain Modern Auctions

    Cain Modern Auctions’ latest Furniture, Lighting & Fashion, No Reserve event, scheduled for February 28, will particularly highlight striking pieces of furniture by the likes of Paul Tuttle and Dakota Jackson. Leading the sale is a pair of Arco chairs by American designer Paul Tuttle. With an emphasis on minimalism and sculpture, Tuttle's furniture pieces stand out for their simple lines, geometric shapes, and creative materials, often using innovative manufacturing techniques. The offered pair of Arco armchairs have a chrome-plated steel frame and are upholstered with vibrant pink fabric. Another notable piece of furniture in the catalog is a set of Cadette dining chairs by American furniture designer Dakota Jackson. A key component of the Art Furniture movement since the early 1970s, Jackson’s designs are distinguished by their craftsmanship, engineering, and design. The available dining chairs feature a doweled, corner-blocked frame made of kiln-dried hardwood.  Beyond furniture, bidders can consider a limited-edition lithograph by French artist Jovan Obican titled Yemenite Exodus. The paintings and lithographs of Jovan Obican are known for their playful, childlike representations of folklore and traditional costumes. The available work portrays a rabbi flying across Jerusalem on a magic carpet. A group of children are perched precariously on top of a flying carpet as they sit together under an Israeli flag. A handwritten signature appears along the bottom edge of this offset lithograph. Visit Bidsquare to view the complete Furniture, Lighting & Fashion, No Reserve catalog and register to bid in other online auctions. 

  • Auction Preview
    Dakota Jackson’s Cadette Dining Chairs & Jan Valentin Saether’s Painting Offered by Cain Modern Auctions

    A diptych oil painting by Jan Valentin Saether (1944 - 2018) takes center stage in an upcoming sale from Cain Modern Auctions. Saether, a Norwegian figurative painter, was one of the pioneers of the Neo-Figurative movement that emerged in Norway. He experimented with sculpture and different media besides classical figurative painting. The available untitled oil canvas depicts two open boxes, one empty and the other featuring a bearded man with curly hair. The composition reflects the artist’s fine attention to detail. Saether started art schools in Los Angeles and served as a professor of figurative painting at the National Academy of the Arts in Oslo for many years.  Another notable lot in this sale is a set of six Cadette dining chairs by designer and furniture maker Dakota Jackson. The chairs have solid mahogany frames with a veneered back and an espresso-stained finish. They have fully upholstered brown-colored seats of premium Italian calfskin leather. Other noteworthy furniture pieces in the catalog include a Ledletto queen bed by Cini Boeri, a French center table in brass and wrought iron with an octagonal slate top, and a 2007 circular swivel sofa by Antonio Citterio. The latter piece was designed by Citterio for the Maxalto collection for B&B, Italia. Visit Bidsquare to view the complete catalog for this April Auction, Furniture, Art, Lighting sale and other online auctions. 

  • Auction Preview
    Lucite & Chrome Chairs by Leon Rosen Leads the Way at Art Glass, Art, Lighting & Furniture Auction

    In 1960, Irving and Leon Rosen launched the Pace Collection with the aim to create high-quality furniture pieces that distinguished them from their peers such as Knoll and Herman Miller. The collection was characterized by its simplicity of materials, all fabricated and finished to perfection. It had a high-gloss finish and polished stainless-steel trim that reflected the unique Rosen style of desks, tables, and cabinets. A set of six Lucite and chrome chairs designed by Leon Rosen will be one of the highlights of the upcoming Art Glass, Art, Lighting & Furniture sale from Cain Modern Auctions. Created by the designer as part of the Pace Collection, the chairs feature chrome bases with a distressed rusted patina, displaying ragged yet sleek lines.  Also showcased is a lithograph titled Blue Wish by Harold Krisel. During his career as an artist, Krisel produced a wide range of work in many different mediums. His artwork is characterized by a division of space that uses a combination of geometric and organic shapes and lines. In addition to paper, clay, wood, and fabric, his work provides ideas for adapting to new media. Visit Bidsquare to view the Art Glass, Art, Lighting & Furniture Auction and browse other online auctions.

  • Auction Preview
    Ford Explorer Sport and Chandelier Designed for Sylvester Stallone Available With Cain Modern Auctions

    The upcoming sale of furniture, fine art, and lighting, offered by Cain Modern Auctions, features a fully loaded 2019 Ford Explorer Sport. This model includes all-wheel drive, an infotainment system, and all leather interior. The infotainment system features an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The all-leather interior has red stitching. Additional features include power-folding third-row seats, all power windows, and heating/cooling for the steering wheel and seats. Ford’s Explorer Sport has a 365-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine and EcoBoost when extra power is needed. EcoBoost engines deliver power while achieving about 30% better fuel efficiency and 15% fewer greenhouse gas emissions.  This auction will also feature a custom-made chandelier for Sylvester Stallone from his Beverly Park home. It was recently owned by Adele. The chandelier, designed by Paul Ferrante, was manufactured in Los Angeles. It was part of the feather collection, made from old iron with Dutch metal leaf interior finish. Other auction highlights include a circular Amoenus swivel sofa designed by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, a colored serigraph by George Littlechild titled Peggy Bull, and a selection of glass chandeliers from estate theaters. Visit Bidsquare to find the listed items and browse other online auctions.

  • Auction Preview
    Interesting Furniture Designs by Cini Boeri and Patricia Urquiola Lead Cain Modern Auctions’ Upcoming Sale

    Italian architect and designer Cini Boeri began practicing her craft at a time when the profession was deemed “too tough” for women. She worked for several companies, including the famous furniture company Arflex. A Ledletto queen bed designed by Boeri for Arflex is a key highlight of the upcoming Welcome 2023 sale from Cain Modern Auctions. Created by the designer in 2014 as part of the Ledletto Collection, the bed features a headboard in metal with polyurethane foam padding. Another striking piece of furniture is Patricia Urquiola Hidalgo’s sectional sofa for B&B Italia. Blending Minimalism with playfulness, the Spanish architect and designer mixes various styles and patterns in her creations.  Two notable sets of chairs also lead the catalog. One is a set of six float chairs by Buzzi Space from Ryan Seacrest Entertainment Studio in Beverly Hills. Designed to create an airy and spacious feel, the transparent chairs are upholstered with cushioned seats and backrests. The other set of Lucite and chrome chairs by Leon Rosen for Pace Collection is equally noteworthy. The chrome bases feature a distressed rusted patina, which exudes a ragged yet sleek look. Visit Bidsquare to view the complete catalog and other online auctions.

  • Auction Preview
    August Designer Auction Includes Furniture From Pierre Paulin

    French furniture and interior designer Pierre Paulin was well known for his work with manufacturers Thonet and Artifort. After enrolling in the École Camondo in Paris, Paulin participated in Marcel Gascoin’s workshop and was exposed to Scandinavian and Japanese design. The Ribbon chair, available in this August Designer Auction from Cain Modern Auctions, is a low-slung piece that is one of Pierre Paulin’s most iconic designs inspired by those minimalistic sources. The bold contoured design made from a metal frame with horizontal springs allow the user to adopt a number of positions while still receiving the essential support from the foam cover and stretch fabric, according to the lot essay.  Another piece available is ORG table designed by Fabio Novembre and manufactured by Cappellini. Fabio Novembre is an Italian architect and designer renowned for creating expressive furniture designs. The base of the offered lot is made of flexible polypropylene rope legs which have internal steel covered with black rope. The top is a transparent glass disc. Find various items and register to bid in this and other online auctions on Bidsquare.

  • Auction Preview
    Cain Modern Auctions to Present Francisco Zuniga’s 20 Dibujos Portfolio in Upcoming Auction

    In this upcoming sale, Cain Modern Auctions will present a portfolio by Francisco Zuniga (1912-1998). Zuniga was a highly recognized Costa Rica-born Mexican artist and an important figure in the Mexican art community. He created more than 35 public sculptures during his lifetime, including works dedicated to famous Mexican personalities such as poet Ramón López Velarde (1888-1921), two sculptures for Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park, Sendai’s collection of sculptures known as Tres Generaciones, and more. Available in this auction is Francisco Zuniga’s 20 Dibujos, which translates to English as “A Portfolio of Twenty Prints.” The 20 lithographs include a title page, an introduction by Alfonso de Neuvillate, a table of contents, and 14 prints. Contained in its original blue silk book, the portfolio is dated November 30, 1974 and is part of an unnumbered edition of 2,000. Edits are attributed to Galería Misrachi, while printing is credited to Litografos Unidos in Mexico City. A Norma Goldberg sculpture will also be available. Titled Love, this bronze sculpture depicts two nude men embracing. The piece has been signed and dated. Sitting on its wooden brace, this sculpture stands 19.5 inches tall, is 20 inches wide, and 18 inches deep. Visit Bidsquare to view the entire contents of this sale and browse more online auctions.

  • Auction Preview
    Pierre Paulin’s Ribbon Chair Available With Cain Modern Auctions

    In the 1960s and 70s, colorful and bold furniture was all the rage. Today, retro furniture is making a comeback. A Ribbon Chair and ottoman designed by Pierre Paulin in 1966 is available in Cain Modern Auctions’ upcoming sale of art, décor, and furniture. The Ribbon Chair available in this auction is a statement piece. Its contoured shape allows the sitter to assume a variety of positions while retaining the necessary support. The swirl upholstery in bright yellow and gray emphasizes the chair’s retro look. Decorative furniture and art seekers will find designer sofas, beds, chairs, 20th-century and Asian works of art, pop culture collectibles, and more in the upcoming auction.  Those seeking outdoor furniture items will find an iconic pair of pebble stools by 2Design Studio. The seating mimics the color and shape of naturally polished river pebbles, but they are surprisingly lightweight. Said to be 100% weatherproof, they require zero maintenance and can be recycled. This October sale offers more than 200 lots. Visit Bidsquare to view the full catalog and start bidding.

  • Auction Preview
    Cain Modern Auctions Brings Milo Baughman Furniture, Art, and Decor

    In 1953, Milo Baughman began his career-defining collaboration with Thayer Coggin, the North Carolina-based furniture manufacturers who continue to produce his furniture today. Together, they created classic pieces that married creativity and functionality. The upcoming Cain Modern Auctions sale highlights a vintage sectional sofa by Milo Baughman. Created for Thayer Coggin in the 1970s, the three-piece sectional sofa boasts a curved frame and a sleek brass base. It retains the original fabric, brass, and manufacturer label. In addition to some vintage furniture pieces, the auction includes a selection of fine art and collectibles. A Norma Goldberg bronze sculpture titled Love is notable. It depicts two nudes seated together and embracing. The statue rests on a wooden base. Marc Chagall's artwork titled After Winter, From Beyond the Mirror is also available. The original lithograph was published in 1972. Browse the entire catalog or register to place a bid on Bidsquare.