On sale March 19, 2025
A rare and previously unseen work by Jean Dunand, the undisputed master of Art Deco, will be sold at auction shortly. It is a lacquered fire screen depicting two silver and gold scottish terriers standing out against a black background, a unique piece that has remained in the same family since its creation. A gift from Jean Dunand himself to the family of the current owners, this lacquered wood fire screen testifies to the artist’s exceptional talent in the art of lacquering. The representation of little dogs on this fire screen perfectly illustrates Dunand’s ability to personalize all his creations.
Jean Dunand, a naturalized French Swiss artist, distinguished himself as a major figure of Art Deco, excelling in a variety of artistic disciplines. His interest in lacquer began in 1912, when he began studying the technique with Japanese craftsman Seizo Sugawara. Dunand quickly mastered this ancient art, applying it to a multitude of supports: vases, furniture, decorative panels and even jewellery. His technique involved a meticulous process, alternating the application of multiple layers of lacquer, each requiring an extremely long drying and polishing time.
The work up for auction represents a rare example of Jean Dunand’s work that remained in the private circle of those close to the artist. It illustrates the period when the artist extended his lacquer expertise to various decorative objects, creating unique pieces for a refined clientele or his circle of friends. Elisabeth Goulden, Jean Goulden’s eldest daughter, was a privileged witness to the remarkable artistic collaboration of the “Groupe Dunand” between the wars. Her father, Jean Goulden, along with Jean Dunand, Paul Jouve and François-Louis Schmied, formed a group of artists who regularly exhibited at the Galerie Georges Petit, the epicenter of the Art Deco style in Paris. This professional association naturally led to a close friendship between Jean Goulden and Jean Dunand. It was in this context that Jean Dunand met Elisabeth Goulden’s Scottish Terriers. Inspired by these dogs, he decided to create a firewall adorned with their portraits. The fire screen was given to Elisabeth in memory of her faithful companions, a gesture that testifies to Dunand’s affection for his friend’s family. This precious gift has remained in the Goulden family, handed down from generation to generation. Elisabeth kept it all her life, before bequeathing it to her heirs in her will. To this day, this unique work has never left the family circle, perpetuating the memory of the link between Jean Dunand and the Goulden family.
An old photograph of the two Scottish Terriers biegging around Elisabeth is still kept by the family, completing this artistic and sentimental legacy. This sale offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a historic piece of Art Deco, testifying to Jean Dunand’s creative genius and incomparable mastery of the art of lacquer.
Sale on March 19, 2025 at 2:30pm
“20th Century Decorative Arts & Design” Auction
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 2:30pm
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]