L'Ecole Des Beaux Arts De L'Indochine

Indochine Hebdomadaire (Indochina Weekly), Number 6, February 1941, Cover plus 5 page spread (number I to V) with the title Les Maîtres Laqueurs de Hanoi (The Masters Lacquers of Hanoi)

 

The work is in overall very good condition. The lacquer is free of chips or discoloration. Around the blue paint there are signs of the color fading, but this is largely due to the age of the piece. The animal carvings and gold lacquer remain very bright and intact. Un-framed and connected with metal hinges.
"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."

The present lot is a stately eight panel lacquer screen, which serves as a splendid demonstration of the mastery of the Vietnamese Coromandel lacquer technique, an art form that requires an extraordinary level of technical aptitude and training.  These wooden screens were treated in dark lacquer and chiseled with sharp tools. Subsequently, the decorative incisions were then painted with gold and other colors.

Spring Scene in the Forest with Deer, Pheasants and Birds portrays a vibrant mass of intricately rendered flora and verdure against a bright blue sky, permeated with orange clouds suspended lightly in space. The blue firmament merges with the water body in the foreground, which is skillfully depicted with calm, horizontal ripples. A variety of animal species dwell within this effervescent forest, each existing peacefully in an accordant ecosystem.

Coromandel lacquer screens were a typical form of Chinese export ware and they suited the representation of linear designs. The present lot is bordered with decorative patterns and charming pictures of houseware that was so typical during that era. 

Due to the influence of Professor and painter Joseph Inguimberty and the assistance of Victor Tardieu and Evariste Jonchère, the Vietnamese artists of the School of Fine Arts in Hanoi have produced noteworthy lacquer screens between 1925 and 1945. Eventually, they raised this decorative artistry to the lofty level of fine art.