Jean-Michel Frank, Christian Bérard et Margarita Classen-Smith

box in leather, ivory, sycamore maple and glass

Galerie Eric Philippe, Paris
Collection Jacques Grange, Paris

Boris Kochno, Christian Bérard, Paris, 1987, p. 237 for Christian Bérard watercolour
Pierre-Emmanuel Martin Vivier, Jean-Michel Frank, l'étrange luxe du rien, Paris, 2006, p. 214 for a screen with the same motif
Jean-Michel Frank, Un décorateur dans le Paris des années 30, exhibition catalogue, Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, October 2, 2009 - January 3, 2010, reproduced p. 128

EN : Good overall condition. Light traces of dirt on the leather and light swelling of the leather underneath the head. The glass top covering the leather with a few minute surface scratches and dirt. The joints at the corners of the ivory top and base are very slightly disjoined. Minutes chips on the ivory top proper back left corner and one minute chip on the ivory base proper right corner. A few scattered stains on the ivory and remnant of glue from an old label. //// FR : Bon état général. Légères traces de salissure sur le cuir et léger gonflement du cuir en-dessous de la tête. La plaque en verre couvrant le couvercle avec quelques rares et très légères rayures de surface et salissure. Les plaques d'ivoire sont légèrement disjointes aux angles. Infimes enfoncements sur l'ivoire du couvercle (angle gauche) et de la base (angle droit). Quelques petites tâches sur l'ivoire et des résidus de colle d'anciennes étiquettes.
"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."

Margarita Classen-Smith, of Norwegian descent, moved to France in the twenties and opened her embroidery on leather workshop in Vanves in 1923. She worked for famous fashion houses and under her own name for decorators and individuals.
In 1935, she began a collaboration with Jean-Michel Frank and Christian Bérard which lasted until Jean-Michel Frank passed away. She was responsible for accurately transcribing works that the painter created for Jean-Michel Frank onto fabric and leather.
Our box was made from a watercolour by Christian Bérard called "Les Bijoux".
This drawing can be found on another box, almost identical to ours, sold by Sotheby's Paris on November 24, 1015 (lot 53) as well as on a sycamore fireguard.