Ron Arad ‘Tel Aviv Opera’ art desk auctions with ‘$238,000’ valuation in Paris

This desk by an Israeli industrial designer is up for sale – will it continue the success of Middle East art?

Opera remains culturally vital to Israel's artistic dreams and freedoms. Now collectors will have a chance to own rare Israeli opera collectibles when they auction in Paris on March 7.

Various pieces are for sale including this spectacular desktop counter. The unique art deco piece was originally made for the Tel Aviv Opera in 1993.

Artist Ron Arad composed the desk from two lateral boxes, freeform patinated steel and cylindrical metal elements. Notable features of the desk include its metal plate cut into the shape of a kidney.

Ron Arad is an Israeli industrial designer, artist and architect whose projects have included designing the Design Museum Holon, the first museum in Israel dedicated to Design.

Arad originally made this desk for the Tel Aviv Opera, but later retained it for his own personal use while he produced a larger art deco piece for the event.

Labels on the desk's drawers are the remaining evidence of Arad's personal use of the piece. The desk's measurements are specified as Height 104cm, Width 227cm and Depth 108cm.

In addition, this piece boasts impeccable provenance having been acquired directly from the artist by the present owner. The desk is estimated at €120,000-180,000.

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Image: Tajan