Jean Dunand

signed `Jean Dunand' lower right

Lebourgy collection
Sale: Ader-Picard-Tajan, Monte-Carlo, 1880-1930, 15-16 April 1978, lot 225
Acquired directly from the above

Félix Marcilhac, Jean Dunand his Life and Works, London, 1991, p. 215, cat. no. 123, this lot illustrated

Please note that the birds are a soft grey colour and the flowerheads and details on the birds' beaks and legs are coral and not yellow as they seem in the catalogue illustration. The gilding to the leaves adds a soft metallic quality which has not translated onto the printed page. A good screen from one of the masters of twentieth century lacquer. This was sold in 1978 as four panels and in subsequent years the hinges have been replaced to allow for use as a screen. The holes for the original hinges are still visible on the back of the screen. The inner edge of the screen has been cut to allow for the fixing of the new hinges and there are a few areas around the hinge which has been re-touched. The back of the screen is covered in a brown fabric which is randomly striated presumably from fixing glue. There are a few areas of water damage to the panels but this has not adversely affected the lacquer which is of a good thickness. In a raking light, it is possible to see the grain of the wood. A few knocks to some of the edges, commensurate with age.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."