Jean Besnard, Vase

Galerie Anne-Sophie Duval, Paris

Karl Lagerfeld, Paris

Sotheby's Paris, Collection Karl Lagerfeld, May 15, 2003, lot 13

Acquired from the above by the present owner

The following selection of exceptional ceramics embodies the rich variety and wide ranging talents of Jean Besnard's production over the years. Whether abstract or figurative, glazed or unglazed, these forms illustrate the ceramist's great craftsmanship and true artistry, displaying great predilection for earthy textures, soft colors and balanced compositions. The great majority of these ceramics once graced the collection of famed fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, a notable provenance further attesting to their superior quality. Lagerfeld, an eminent collector of 20th century design, had an eye for quality and craftsmanship, and assembled a celebrated collection ranging from 18th century French decorative arts to Memphis Milano. The following lots with impeccable provenance thus provide collectors with the extraordinary opportunity to acquire museum-level pieces by one of the most talented ceramic artists of his generation.

Throughout his career, Jean Besnard strove to merge art and craft, creating unique pieces that combined form and function. His creations are characterized by organic shapes, geometric patterns, and a bold use of color. He experimented with different types of glazes and decorative techniques to achieve unique visual effects. In the 1920s and 1930s, Jean Besnard enjoyed great success as a designer of ceramics and glassware. He collaborated with major French luxury houses, such as the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres and the Daum crystal factory, to create prestigious pieces of various scales. His creations earned him numerous awards at international exhibitions, such as the Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes in Paris in 1925. In addition to his work in ceramics and glassware, Jean Besnard also designed furniture and decorative objects and was an active member of the Société des artistes décorateurs.

Jean Besnard's legacy as a designer is considerable, with his work being included in prestigious museums and private collections worldwide. His influential ceramic work specifically greatly influenced the development of 20th century European ceramics continues to inspire ceramists today.