Top-tier Scandinavian design, exceeded estimates, intense bidding wars – and no fewer than six powerful records.

Stockholms Auktionsverk’s first edition of The Design Collection launched with resounding success on Tuesday, setting a new standard for curated design auctions. The premier event brought together rare and iconic pieces from the early 20th century to the present day, capturing the attention of design enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Among the headline results was a unique, hand-painted floral cabinet by Erik Chambert that shattered records, selling for SEK 1,690,000. Wiwen Nilsson’s masterful silverwork reached unprecedented heights, while a rare Uno Åhrén armchair sparked fierce bidding and set a new Swedish record for the model at SEK 462,500.

“I’m incredibly pleased with the fantastic start of The Design Collection,” said Cecilia Gave, CEO of Stockholm Auction House. “It’s a show of strength for Scandinavian design and a testament to the expert curation and instincts of our outstanding specialists.”

“With our unmatched tradition and a new, market-attuned strategy, the world’s oldest auction house continues to thrive—even amid global uncertainty,” she added. “We’re proud to break records and attract passionate buyers across Sweden and every continent.”

Held at Nybrogatan 32 in Stockholm, the auction offered a journey through the evolution of Swedish and international design—spanning from early 1900s craftsmanship to cutting-edge contemporary creations. A total of 322 handpicked objects were sold in chronological order, emphasizing the bold narrative of modern design history. The innovative format was rewarded with aggressive bidding and six record-breaking final prices.

“Being able to guide buyers through different eras and style movements in this way builds substance and focus throughout the auction,” noted Ulrika Ruding, Head of Decorative Arts. “We saw multiple records for early 20th-century silver design, led by Wiwen Nilsson, and top-tier results for contemporary stars like Mats Theselius toward the end of the sale.”

The auction also featured a strong showing from Svenskt Tenn, with around 30 items achieving a combined total of SEK 2,822,880. Notable highlights included a 1960s chest of drawers by Josef Frank and a 1930s table with pewter top and engravings by Nils Fougstedt, which sold for SEK 375,000 and SEK 337,500 respectively.

In the Silver & Metal category, Wiwen Nilsson dominated with three record-breaking sales, led by a pair of hexagonal candlesticks that fetched SEK 163,800. Historical furniture also made waves, including two functionalist armchairs by Sven Markelius that sold for SEK 412,500.

The success of The Design Collection capped off a stellar week for Stockholms Auktionshus. Just days earlier, the Helsinki branch set a new sales record for a single design item when an extremely rare Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp—model 9018—fetched just under SEK 2 million at the Modern Art & Design auction.

Looking ahead, preparations are now underway for two of the season’s most anticipated sales. The Exclusive Collection will feature the 100 most prestigious objects of the spring. The exhibition opens May 7, with the auction scheduled for May 22. On May 23, the spotlight turns to The Watches & Jewellery Collection, a must-see for fine watch and jewelry collectors, also opening for viewing on May 7.