Pierre Chareau

Brazilian rosewood, ivory and iron ; drawers in sycamore

Collection Maurice and Hélène Farhi, Paris and thence by descent
Private collection, Paris
Private collection, France

Pierre Chareau architecte, un art intérieur, exhibition catalogue, Centre Pompidou, November 3, 1993 - January 17, 1994, illustrated p. 204
Pierre Chareau : Archives Louis Moret, exhibition catalogue, Fondation Louis Moret, Martigny, March 5 - April 24, 1994, illustrated p. 19

For related examples :
Edmond Fleg, « Nos décorateurs », Les Arts de la Maison, Autumn-Winter 1924, pp. 21 and 26 and pl. 11
Henry Van De Velde, Le Style Moderne, Paris, 1925, pl. LI
Pierre Olmer, Le Mobilier Français d'Aujourd'hui (1920-1925), Paris, 1926, pl. 32.A.
Nouveaux intérieurs français, Paris, 1933, pl. 15
Pierre Chareau architecte, un art intérieur, exhibition catalogue, Centre Pompidou, November 3, 1993-January 17, 1994, p. 18
Marc Vellay and Kenneth Frampton, Pierre Chareau, architecte-meublier, Paris, 1984, pp. 215 and 323
Pierre Chareau : Modern Architecture and Design, exhibition catalogue, The Jewish Museum, New York, November 4, 2016 - March 26, 2017, p. 63

The dimensions for the desk once unfold are : 76,5 x 264 x 90 cm ; 30 1/8 x 104 x 35 1/2 in. Good overall condition. Minor scattered surface scratches and minute dents on the rosewood, concentrated to the base and edges with a few more significant scratches on the back and one on the top. The drawers in sycamore with slightly more visible scratches and dent. Some small chips along the edges of the front of the desk. Some traces of previous minor to small restorations to the edges of the desk. Overall gentle discolouration of the wood, concentrated to the top and the back, due to the light. The wood of the back of the desk is slightly dry and presents with some humidity stains at the bottom. The desk has been re-varnished at a later stage.The keys are slightly oxidised.
"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."

In 1932, with the help of iron worker Louis Dalbet, Pierre Chareau designed the interior of Hélène and Maurice Farhi's new apartment on the Avenue Raphaël in Paris. He installed an adjustable metal screen across the room, which could move along a rail fixed to the ceiling, as well as a sliding glass and metal wall, creating a modular space which could either be used as a large living room or partitioned to create a dining room in the centre.
Pierre Chareau also provided the entire furnishings and drew upon his previous designs for inspiration. The present desk, executed after the first example designed in 1921 for Edmond Bernheim, is a more luxurious and sophisticated than the former.  It includes two drawer units whose interiors are created in sycamore, each opening with a large carved ivory handle set on an iron base. The overall shape of the desk is clearly inspired by architecture and perfectly illustrates the phrase "Architect of furniture" a term usually given to the designs of Pierre Chareau.