Visitors to the fourth edition of Metro Curates at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, which opens with a VIP preview on Jan. 21, will cast their collective eyes on a veritable treasure trove of the unusual and unexpected. Read on for a sampling of highlights—from a hand-carved table by James Callahan to a circa-1950 chest of drawers from Chicago—that make this four-day fair a must-see.

Whimsy Table with Quilt Top and Tiffany Made Presentation Battle Flag

Booth 310: Clifford A. Wallach

Must see-piece: Whimsy Table with Quilt Top. This piece of furniture is signed by creator Albert Adams and is embellished with 90 chains of acorns, incised doves and stars carved from single pieces of wood.

Booth 301: Jeff R. Bridgman American Antiques

Must-see piece: Tiffany-Made Presentation Battle Flag, 1861. Though best known for jewelry and silver, Tiffany once produced the very best battle flags, and this example showcases both the exceptional embroidery and fabric of the period.

Original Male-Female Table by James Callahan, Standing Couple and African-American Barbershop Chest of Drawers

Booth 314: Ames Gallery

Must-see piece: Original Male-Female Table by James Callahan circa-1978. This hand-carved table mimics the form of human legs, both male and female.

Booth 303: Douglas Dawson Gallery

Must-see piece: Standing Couple. This nine-inch-tall figure dates from the 19th century or earlier.

Booth 206: Carl Hammer Gallery

Must-see piece: African-American Barbershop Chest of Drawers circa-1950. This unique carved and notched chest demonstrates the vision and spirit of the art-making process during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s.

Sara Gilbane and Wendy Goodman

In addition to these highlights, designers and show-goers will be treated to a panel discussion featuring New York Magazine Interiors Editor Wendy Goodman in conversation with interior designers Antonio Buzzetta, Sara Gilbane and Patrick Mele. The group will discuss today's design industry and how to push its boundaries. The presentation begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Metro Curates takes place at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W 28th Street, NYC) through Sunday, Jan. 25. The VIP preview takes place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21 and is by invitation only. Tickets to the party (7 to 9 p.m.) are $75. Show hours are Thursday, Jan. 22 through Saturday, Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25 from noon to 5:30 p.m.