Ans Azura’ upcoming design auction Form & Function: Where Style Meets Substance brings together a carefully curated selection of 124 lots, weaving a compelling dialogue between mid-century design icons, contemporary pieces made by Romanian arists, collectible lighting, rare archive furniture, and modern and contemporary art.
At the heart of the sale are two exceptional Pierre Jeanneret armchairs, authentic pieces from the famous Chandigarh project in India. Designed in the 1950s for the utopian modernist city of Chandigarh, these rare chairs have become legendary in the design world. Since 2011, India’s Ministry of Culture has restricted the export of such historic furniture, making these examples both highly valuable and increasingly difficult to acquire.
In the design section, highlights include a superb chandelier “Calla” in Murano glass made by famous manufacturer Venini, a sculptural Nason for Mazzega-style lighting, the celebrated Shogun lamp by Mario Botta for Artemide, and a selection of rare sconces such as a set of two Foscarini Wassily wall lights – a geometric homage to Kandinsky, crafted from laminated Murano glass in bold colours.
Not to be missed are two superb desks: a timeless Mid-Century piece by Gio Ponti for Dassi, and a refined 1960s Wilhelm Renz teak desk, both showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship of their era.
Adding contemporary flair, pieces like the Bohemian Sofa by Patricia Urquiola and furniture from Paola Navone’s Gingerbread collection for Lando play with materiality, layering, and inventive reinterpretations of tradition.
The auction also features important contemporary work by artist Tessa Sakhi, whose side tables draw inspiration from the archaeological landscapes of Lebanon and the Mediterranean, combining superb marble meticulously hammered by hand with a powerful conceptual narrative.
Balancing the design selection is a dynamic art section, headlined by Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Tomato Beef Noodle’s Soup (1980) lithograph, alongside six works by Joan Miró, two rare lithographs by Pablo Picasso – The Donkey and Group of Naked Women — and pieces by Edvard Munch, Man Ray and Salvador Dalí. This collection offers a conversation between modern art masters and the language of 20th-century and contemporary design.
A special mention goes to works by Romanian contemporary artists, including a drawing by Dan Beudean, known for his meticulous technique and socially charged, historically reflective narratives.
Form & Function: Where Style Meets Substance goes live on May 27, at 19:00 CET+1.
Until then, we invite you to explore the full catalogue online, save your favorite lots, and get ready to bid on the pieces that speak to you.
