Christie's takes a front seat

Alvar Aalto, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Arne Jacobsen, Piero Fornasetti, Charles and Ray Eames, and Philippe Starcke the key players of 20th century decorative arts can all be found in Christie's modern design sale on June 5.

A surprising number of designers are best known for their innovative chairs. German de signer Michael Thonet set the agenda in 1859 when he pioneered the mass production of his unadorned, bentwood chairs.

Van der ...