A Collection of Furniture by Gabriel Viardot, Master of Japanism


03/02/2021

A major figure in Japanism during the late 19th century, Gabriel Viardot designed to showcase and drawing-room furniture inhabited by dragons and bedecked with mother-of-pearl.



Carved, molded and patinated showcase cabinet in wood with two doors, one containing an openwork tsuba, and three drawers, Far-Eastern decoration of warriors, flowers, plants and openwork foliage, sides with unstructured shelves, a lively style base, pagoda cornice surmounted by two flying dragons, signed, 175 x 113 x 46 cm (68.9 x 44.5 x 18 in). Estimate: €1,000/1,500
Gabriel Viardot was one of the leading representatives of Japanese-style furniture much in vogue in the late 19th century. Today's collectors can appreciate this work in the sale of a selection of furniture typical of his art: over fifteen pieces at affordable prices ranging from €200 to €3,000. Viardot began his career as a woodcarver in 1849 before taking over the family cabinetmaking business in 1861 and guiding it in a new direction. Although he always kept to the principle of making small-scale drawing-room furniture, he literally revolutionized its style.

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