David Rago

David Rago began dealing in American decorative ceramics at the age of sixteen, at a flea market in his home state of New Jersey. Today, he oversees the auction house that bears his name, sells privately in the field of 20th C. Design and publishes two quarterly magazines about 20th century decorative arts and furnishings. He is an author who lectures nationally and an expert appraiser for the hit PBS series, Antiques Roadshow, where he specializes in decorative ceramics and porcelain.

David Rago entered the world of auctions in 1984. His auction series was the first to introduce the famous Puck Building into the world of antiques, where it is now a showcase for various Manhattan auctioneers and show promoters.

David Rago Auctions, Inc. incorporated in 1995 and relocated to the Old Silk Hosiery Mill in Lambertville, New Jersey, midway between Philadelphia and New York City. Mr. Rago adapted the 1929 glass and girder structure, now known as the Rago Arts and Auction Center, to provide a modern setting for a design-conscious clientele and established a base for his Arts and Crafts and specialty American pottery sales.

In 1997, Mr. Rago has expanded into Modern art and design, developing record-breaking, multi-million dollar sales of post-war furniture, ceramics, lighting, and glass with partner John Sollo. With partners Jerry Cohen and Suzanne Perrault he has built Craftsman Auctions into the largest Arts & Crafts specialty auction in the country, featuring decorative arts, furnishings, art glass and art tile. With Miriam Tucker and partners, he established Rago Fine Art and Estate Auctions.

The Rago Arts and Auction Center hosts an average of twelve sales each year from September through June.