Jean Dunand

Herbert Fleishhacker, San Francisco, CA, ca. 1930
Thence by descent

Félix Marcilhac, Jean Dunand: His Life and Works, London, 1991, p. 210 (for a related four-panel hunt screen executed in 1930)

Very good overall condition. Some overall scattered craquelure throughout the lacquered surfaces as expected with the age and is typical of lacquer as a medium. Some edge and corner rubbing as expected with light use. The hinges have been replaced, feet re-mounted and there are plugged holes to the top and bottom edges as the panels were hung on a wall at some point in their history. There has been retouching and restoration notably to the edges and around the hinges. Some surface scratches and minor imperfections throughout as expected. There is a 1 ½ inch surface crack in the lacquer to the upper right corner of the extreme right panel, located 4 inches above the upper deer's head. The verso of this panel has a pattern of cracks below the lacquer surface and a large area of clouding which would suggest exposure to moisture. This does not detract as the back of the screen is undecorated.
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.

Herbert Fleischhacker was a member of the prominent Fleishhacker family of San Francisco, California, who were established patrons of the arts and benefactors to the local community.  Herbert was President of the London and Paris National Bank in San Francisco and was responsible for founding the San Francisco Zoo and for donating the monumental aquatic structure, the Fleishhacker Pool.  Herbert's brother, Mortimer, was president of the Great Western Power Company, and an important client of Charles Sumner and Henry Mather Greene.