Style Japonism, Chinoiserie / Ref.13558
Gabriel VIARDOT (attributed to), Large Japonesque Mirror in the shape of a moon crescent with a dragon, second half of the 19th century
Dimensions
Width 49'' ¼ 125cm
Height 53'' ⅛ 135cm
Depth: 7'' ⅞ 20cm
Origin:
France
A talented woodcarver, Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906) founded the company "Viardot Frères" with his brother Louis-Gustave in 1853. In 1860, he established his own workshop on Rue du Grand-Chantier in Paris.
The craze for Japonisme during the 1867 Universal Exhibition prompted him to dedicate his work to Sino-Japanese style furniture. His original creations were highly successful, and the cabinetmaker received prestigious awards starting in the 1870s: a silver medal at the 1878 Universal Exhibition, followed by gold medals at the Antwerp International Exhibition in 1884 and the Paris Universal Exhibitions in 1889 and 1900.
This large mirror, encircled by a dragon, takes the poetic shape of a crescent moon. The creature's slender, muscular physique and its menacing posture clutching the mirror are recurring motifs in Gabriel Viardot's creations. This same ornamental language can be found across many of the artist's mirrors, whether rectangular or crescent-shaped.
The dragon is carved from fruitwood. Its fearsome appearance is emphasized by a spiked spine and an open mouth revealing its teeth and tongue. The carving demonstrates great finesse, particularly in the detailed treatment of the scales and claws. The sinuous and complex design of the figure adds a unique dynamic to the piece. The lower part of the mirror is delicately adorned with Japanese pine branches, completing the overall aesthetic.
Biography of Gabriel Viardot
Description of the Work
Informations
Price: on request
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