A planter by Hector Guimard, a leading figure of Art Nouveau
Auction on Wednesday, November 19, 2025
We are pleased to announce the upcoming auction, as part of our next 20th Century Decorative Arts auction, of a previously unseen piece on the market: a large glazed earthenware planter designed by Hector Guimard (1867–1942), a leading figure of Art Nouveau in France. A visionary architect and designer, Guimard is best known for his iconic Paris Métro entrances, as well as for emblematic architectural achievements such as the Castel Béranger, the Hôtel Guimard, and the Maison Coilliot. He left a lasting mark on the history of decorative arts through his ambition to unify architecture and ornamentation, creating true total works of art.
In the 1890s, Guimard collaborated with several ceramics manufacturers to enrich his buildings with innovative decorative elements. Among them, the firm Gilardoni-Brault & Co., based in Choisy-le-Roi, held a prominent position. He notably worked with this manufacturer on the design of their stand for the 1897 Exhibition of Ceramics and the Fire Arts, and further intensified the collaboration during the construction of the Castel Béranger (1895–1898), the masterpiece that earned him international acclaim.
The planter to be featured in our upcoming auction on November 19 is a rare testament to this collaboration. Until now, only three examples have been recorded, two of which are held in museums in the United States. The piece we are offering bears the stamp of the Choisy-le-Roi manufactory and features a grey-green glaze with beige nuances, characteristic of the refinement found in Guimard’s creations.
This exceptional piece reflects the formal exploration and decorative innovation that made Hector Guimard a key figure of Art Nouveau. Constantly seeking collaborations that matched his artistic ambitions, he pursued unity and harmony in every aspect of his work.
INFORMATION
20th Century Decorative Arts & Design auction
Wednesday, November 19, 2pm
Tajan, 37 rue des Mathurins, 75008 Paris
CONTACTS
Marie-Cécile Michel – 20th Century Decorative Arts & Design Director
+33 1 53 30 30 58 – [email protected]
Ariane de Miramon – Press, Communication & Marketing Director
+33 1 53 30 30 68 – [email protected]