French auction house Tajan has been presenting 20th century decorative arts with all aspects for over 15 years. Their upcoming auction of Decorative Arts consists of an excellent selection featuring highlights such as an Emiles-Jacques Ruhlmann table and a rare Japonist vase by Daum Nancy. Whether you are a fan of modern design or turn-of-the-century romantics, take a look at the catalog and bid live here.
The highlight of the auction is an Emiles-Jacques Ruhlmann coffee table “Douze colonnettes” -meaning twelve pillars- made in circa 1920-22.
The exceptional piece is inlaid with amboyna wood veneer, double plate of the same diameter, connected by six pairs of twin columns forming obelisks, forming a rectangular base. The animated upper tray is decorated with square ivory inlays and the bases of the columns are highlighted with ivory headbands.
Another highlight is a rare Japonist vase by Daum Nancy made of dreamy translucent pink glass.
This vase has a flattened spherical body and modified contours with three cusps stretched open while the glass was still hot. It is decorated with a dragon on a starry background and frosted, glazed gold highlights, accentuated with floral decoration, and polychrome enamel. The dragon and overall style of the decoration makes this piece qualify as Japoniste. ‘Japonisme‘ refers to the infatuation of European Art with Japanese art, fashion and aesthetics in general, which mainly found expression in the fine arts from 1864.
The lots go on auction online on 25th of May here.
Photos courtesy of Tajan website.