Jean Royère

Galerie Jacques Lacoste, Paris
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 1999

René Chavance, "Les aménagements intérieurs de Jean Royère et les réflexions qu'ils inspirent," Mobilier et Décoration, November 1956, p. 20 (for a related wardrobe)
Mobilier et Décoration, May 1959, pp. 2-3 (for related models)
Jean Royère:  Décorateur à Paris, exh. cat., Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, 1999, pp. 70-71 (for a related model) and p. 160 (for the first straw marquetry piece presented at the Salon d'Automne, 1943)
Pierre-Emmanuel Martin-Vivier, Jean Royère, Paris, 2002, pp. 209-210 and 243 (for related models) and p. 217 (for the present lot illustrated)
Galerie Jacques Lacoste and Galerie Patrick Seguin, Jean Royère, Paris, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 31 and 164-165 (for related models) and vol. 2, pp. 72-73 (for related models)

Good overall condition. The surfaces of the straw marquetry with some minor surface scratches and minor abrasions, consistent with age and gentle use. The edges with some minor abrasions. The top presents with some discolorations from liquid and minor surface discolorations, consistent with gentle age and use. The doors with some minor areas of discoloration, minor lifting to the veneer, surface scratches and minor abrasions, consistent with age and gentle use. the marquetry areas adjacent to the key holes with some expected traces of wear, surface scratches and surface abrasions to. Some scattered areas of restorations, where the straw presents lighter in coloration, concentrated to the front of the cabinet, some of which are visible on catalogue illustration. The largest area of restoration to the proper right door and measuring approximately 9 ¼ in height. Another area to the proper left side, adjacent to the edge and measuring approximately 4 ¾ inches in width. With three original keys. The middle compartment of the cabinet with shelves fitted to the interior of the door. The lock to the proper right door is not properly functioning and the door is presently locked. An important piece in the artist's work, displaying his exceptional mastery of straw marquetry. A very rare opportunity to acquire a masterpiece by Jean Royere.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Sotheby's would like to thank Jacques Lacoste for his assistance with the cataloguing of this lot. 

IN CONTEXT:
I was immediately drawn to the scale of this sideboard.  With its powerful and pure form, it perfectly anchored the largest room at Uig Lodge. One of the first works bought for the collection, the acquisition of this piece signalled the beginning of a great assemblage. The sideboard resonates with earlier work executed by the French interior designer Jean-Michel Frank and is similarly masterful in its workmanship. Royère, like Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, had a sense of history, a command of materials and strong continuity in his work.