Art & Culture

22 Extraordinary Objects at the 2023 Winter Show Selected by Top Designers

In an exclusive first look, Galerie asks Bunny Williams, Stephen Sills, Alex Papachristidis, and more to reveal the treasures that caught their eye

By Lucy Rees

January 19, 2023

Luxurious blue cabinet with gold accents and unique curved legs on a white background — Achile Salvagni silk and parchment cabinet, 2019 Photo: Courtesy of Maison Gerard

There may not be much to look forward to in the bleak depths of January in New York, but The Winter Show certainly remedies that. Now returning for its 69th edition, the renowned arts and antiquities fair sets up shop in the cavernous halls of the landmark Park Avenue Armory on the Upper East Side.

Open from January 20–29, this year’s edition features 68 international exhibitors presenting a delightful smorgasbord of art, antiques, jewelry, and design spanning the past 5,000 years. The show also includes curated presentations, special activations, and programming, as well as thematic displays in collaboration with this year’s notable Design Council Co-chairs. To mark the occasion, Galerie asked the Design Council Co-Chairs Bunny Williams, Stephen Sills, Alex Papachristidis, and Elizabeth Lawrence, as well as inaugural Design Council Rising Stars, Olivia Song, Darren Jett, and Delia Kenza, to share what caught their eye.

Illustration of a tricolored heron standing on a log with foliage in the background, from a vintage nature book. — James Payne, Audubon Louisiana Heron. Photo: Courtesy of Arader Galleries

1. James Payne, Audubon- Louisiana Heron at Arader Galleries

“I love animals in my interiors. I have always liked Audubons. They look beautiful in contemporary and traditional interiors.” —Alex Papachristidis

Elegant blue and gold sideboard with unique curved design and metallic accents against a white background. — Achile Salvagni silk and parchment cabinet, 2019 Photo: Courtesy of Maison Gerard

2. Achille Salvagni Parchment Cabinet at Maison Gerard

“I love Achille Salvagni’s work. His pieces are modern, timeless, and elegant.” —Alex Papachristidis

Blue and white ceramic vase with red and white tulips against a red background. — Blue and White Pyramidal Flower Vase Photo: Courtesy of Aronson Antiquaires

3. Blue and White Pyramidal Flower Vase at Aronson of Amsterdam

“I love Tullipiere, and I love blue and white.” —Alex Papachristidis

Red and gold antique writing desk with decorative Asian motifs and curved legs against a dark background. — George II Period Chinese Red Lacquer Bureau on Stand Photo: Courtesy of Ronald Phillips

4. George II Period Chinese Red Lacquer Bureau on Stand at Ronald Phillips

“I never tire of Chinese lacquer and use my secretary at home every day.” —Alex Papachristidis

Two stone dog statues sit on pedestals in a garden surrounded by lush green bushes and grass. — Pair of Limestone Springer Spaniels Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Israel Garden Antiques

5. Pair of Limestone Springer Spaniels at Barbara Israel Garden Antiques

“Who doesn’t want a pair of spaniels guarding their garden? These have great scale and beautiful carving.” —Bunny Williams

Antique wooden chair with armrests, intricate carvings, and orange cushioned seat against a gray background. — Early 19th century armchair. Photo: Courtesy of H. Blairman & Sons Ltd

6. Early-19th Century Armchair at Blairman & Sons Ltd.

“Every chair should have personality, and this one certainly does.” —Bunny Williams

Painting of various colorful wildflowers with green leaves against a textured, muted background. — Mary Elizabeth Price, Hollyhocks and Delphiniums Photo: Courtesy of Debra Force Fine Art

7. Mary Elizabeth Price, Hollyhocks and Delphiniums, at Debra Force Fine Art

“Mary Elizabeth Price’s interpretation of two of my favorite flowers.” —Bunny Williams

Glass top table with an intricately designed bronze base resembling intertwined branches. — Marc Bankowsky, Vent dans les Feuilles Side Table Photo: Courtesy of Maison Gerard

8. Marc Bankowsky’s Vent dans les Feuilles Side Table at Maison Gerard

“As an avid gardener, I’m always trying to bring the outdoor in.” —Bunny Williams

Ornate antique mirror with elaborate gold frame featuring intricate designs against a black background. — The Milton Abbey Vardy Mirror Photo: Courtesy of Ronald Phillips

9. Milton Abbey Vardy Mirror at Ronald Philips

“What’s not to love about this mirror? The delicacy of the carving is just amazing.” —Bunny Williams

Five blue and white ceramic vases with floral patterns displayed in a row against a neutral background. — Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Five-Piece Garniture; Kangxi period, AD 1662-1722. Photo: Courtesy of Ralph M. Chait

10. Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Five–Piece Garniture Set at Ralph M. Chait

“Who doesn’t love blue and white? These vases and beakers would be great in so many different places. Displayed on top of a large cabinet, mixed in with books on library bookshelves, set out on a console table. These are just classic.” —Elizabeth Lawrence

Ornate antique gold-framed mirror with intricate carvings and a decorative crest at the top. — Carved Gesso Belchier mirror. Photo: Courtesy of Clinton Howell Antiques

11. Carved Gesso Belchier Mirror at Clinton Howell Antiques

“This mirror is a great statement piece with its narrow shape and whimsical carvings. It would be elegant in an entry—a piece you would be delighted to see every time you walk in the door for years and years to come.” —Elizabeth Lawrence

Gold and garnet floral necklace with turquoise accents on a gold chain. — Necklace in yellow gold set with garnets and turquoises, circa 1880 from Véronique Bamps. Photo: Courtesy of Véronique Bamps

12. Circa-1880 Necklace at Véronique Bamps

“This piece is a showstopper and would make a statement whether you were wearing a white collared shirt and jeans or dressed to go out. It’s timeless—something I can see being passed down (and actually worn!) for generations.” —Elizabeth Lawrence

Ornate ceramic soup tureen with botanical and bird motifs, featuring a lid topped by a sculpted fruit knob. — “Service Rousseau”, Tureen Faience, French (Paris), 1866-75 designed by Félix Bracquemond for Eugène Rousseau. Photo: Courtesy of H. Blairman & Sons Ltd

13. “Service Rousseau” Tureen at H. Blairman & Sons Ltd

“This tureen would be equally gorgeous on a dining table, even when it’s not set, or as a functional serving piece at a dinner party. It has a sculptural quality to it, and the delicate birds and beetles make it a great conversation piece.” —Elizabeth Lawrence

Traditional Asian artwork of a person in a ceremonial headdress with an intricate gold phoenix design. — Set of Six Panels depicting The Imperial Royal Family, Japan, Meiji period, 2nd half of the 19th century, ca 1870. Photo: Courtesy of Galerie Steinitz

14. Six Circa-1870 Panels Depicting the Imperial Royal Family of Japan at Steinitz

“These portraits are so beautifully rendered. Japanese art is so much in connection with the French 18th-century period in design, originality, and quality.” —Stephen Sills

Antique chest on ornate stand with reflective vase, set in front of a classical painting depicting cherubs. — Lacquered Chest, Japan, early Edo era, 17th century, circa 1650-1690. Photo: Courtesy of Galerie Steinitz

15. An Early Edo Era Lacquered Chest at Steinitz

“I love this chest on a stand–the lacquer is so beautiful. I saw one recently in London, and the quality on these is unbelievable. They make great storage bins along with being amazing objects of art.” —Stephen Sills

Two vintage armchairs with red patterned upholstery on a neutral background. — André Groult, pair of fine and rare early Art Deco bergeres, France, circa 1914-15. Photo: Courtesy of Maison Gerard

16. A pair of Art Deco armchairs by André Groult at Maison Gerard

“This pair of André Groult armchairs has been on my wishlist for so long. The feminine curves and tapers, along with the suggestions of surrealism make for a whimsical and subdued statement.” —Darren Jett

Illustration of a peacock with an elaborate, colorful fan-like display on a folding screen with a white background. — Usumi Kihō, The Raven and the Peacock, Taisho era, 1920s, Japan. Photo: Courtesy of Thomsen

17. Folding Screens by Usumi Kihō at Thomsen

“I was drawn to The Raven and the Peacock screen because I can sense that it carries an intense narrative. It leads the viewer to create their own story. Perhaps the peacock, a symbol of beauty and pride, has dropped a feather that is later discovered by the plain raven who picks it up to parade or recognize his newfound beauty. One can only imagine the scene, but this abstract yet modern composition is undeniable.” —Darren Jett

Art Deco style jewelry piece with green jade center, surrounded by diamonds and geometric clear elements. — Emerald and Diamond Brooch at Macklowe Photo: Courtesy of Macklowe

18. Carved Emerald and Diamond Pendant at Macklowe

“I usually have a knee-jerk aversion to jade, having been exposed to so many unattractive examples in my youth. But this piece is beautifully proportioned and the carving is exquisitely done. I love the geometric art–deco motifs and a strong color palette.” —Olivia Song

White ceramic owl sculpture on a gray background with detailed feather texture and sharp eyes. — Chelsea White Owl. Photo: Courtesy of Beiny

19. Chelsea White Owl at Michele Beiny, Inc

“To me, the owl represents Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Athena was also the internal chat system at my college. It pre–dated text and instant messaging. Thanks to Athena, I can type blindfolded, including 1– thumbed on my phone’s touchscreen keyboard (which I don’t condone while driving).” —Olivia Song