Billings Offers Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, Evelyn Ackerman Tapestry, and Other Rarities

Billings will present its 404-lot Winter Modern Art + Design Auction in mid-December. Among the top lots is a Serpentine Sofa by American furniture designer Vladimir Kagan. The German-born visionary created furniture with the perfect balance of sleek design and comfort. He infused biomorphic, inventive furniture with an element of pragmatism. This 1950 design features a curved shape flowing into a pouf, offering multiple seating possibilities. In Kagan’s opinion, standard sofas are too rigid to be used in a way suitable for entertaining guests. The Serpentine Sofa saved wall space while offering ample seating. Another notable lot in the catalog is a sectional sofa by American furniture maker, designer, and architect Roy McMakin. A multifaceted artist, McMakin creates works that straddle design, crafts, architecture, and curatorial work. The offered piece is a two-part sectional sofa made of walnut and fabric. Designed for the Domestic Furniture Co., USA, its label appears on each section.

A wide range of textile art will also be available in this auction. Leading this section of the sale is a tapestry by Evelyn Ackerman titled Two Birds and a Tree. In vivid green, orange, red, and yellow, Ackerman’s woven wool tapestry features two birds and an orange tree from the ERA collection. It comes in a white frame and is hung with a solid redwood textile hanger. A signature appears on the tapestry at its bottom. Bidders can also consider a monumental Amazonia XXXL vessel by Gaetano Pesce. To view the complete catalog and register to place a bid in the Winter Modern Art + Design Auction catalog, visit Billings’ website. Find additional auction previews and news on Auction Daily.