Serge Mouille

Galerie Jousse Seguin, Paris
Alexander Von Vegesack, Germany
Phillips de Pury and Company, New York, December 8, 2005, lot 46
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Renée Jean-Claude, "Chez Paule Marrot Travail et Amitié," Art et Décoration, July-August 1960, p. 5 (for a related example)
Pierre Émile Pralus, Serge Mouille:  A French Classic, Paris, 2006, pp. 127, 160-161

Overall in good original condition. The present lot is a very good example of the five arm design, including the early circular central element. The circular element is presently mounted to a white-painted wooden base for easier mounting. Each of the shades show shallow surface scratches, and some evidence of white house paint residue. One of the shades show significant tan house paint speckling. One of the shades with a ¾ inch paint loss, which exposes the natural metal tone. Each of the brass pivoting hardware elements adjacent to the shade with minor discoloration consistent with the natural aging process of the material, and each moves with ease. The lamp is presently electrically stable and fitted with a US plug. Each of the arms is threaded at the ends and the screwed into the central circular element and the arms can the unscrewed for ease of shipment. A highly sculptural example of Mouille’s early lighting design.
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.