Before Charles and Ray Eames there was Gilbert Rohde. He’s not a household name, but we think you’ll really like his work.

Rohde, who died in 1944, was an industrial designer and a key player in laying the groundwork for American Modernism. He was also an advisor to Herman Miller’s president DJ De Pree (see our Timeline for more).

What defined his work? A lovely organic line and a fascination with new materials. This month Rago, a New Jersey-based auction house, is holding a spectacular sale of modern furniture. It’s a strong collection and holds rare pieces of Rohde’s work including a very cool wall mirror framed in mahogany (above) and one of his rare time pieces (below).

For more on Rodhe check out Cooper Hewitt’s three part piece on the designer. And go to Herman Miller’s other blog - Discover – to read about Phyllis Ross’ recent book on the designer.  Want more? There is an excellent collection of Rohde’s work here.