Jean Dunand, “Fond Marin” Eight-Panel Screen

DeLorenzo Gallery, New York

Gary Wexler, New York

Kohn, Paris, June 16, 1999, lot 108

Ferrier Lullin Bank, Geneva

Acquired from the above by the present owner

Jean Dunand, exh. cat., Delorenzo Gallery, New York, 1985, p. 15 (for the present lot illustrated)

Felix Marcilhac, Jean Dunand: His Life and Works, London, 1991, pp. 214 no. 108 (for the present lot illustrated)

Félix and Amélie Marcilhac, Jean Dunand, Paris, 2020, p. 211, no. 161 (for the present lot illustrated)

Jean Dunand, Delorenzo Gallery, New York, 1985

A name synonymous with Art Deco, Jean Dunand's breadth of work showcases the fusion of Eastern and Western influences within the movement. A pioneering French artist and designer, Dunand is renowned for his exceptional contributions to Art Deco, particularly in the realm of lacquerwork and metal. The “Fond Marin” Eight-Panel Screen, one of his most striking works, is adorned with stylized fish, rays of light inlaid exquisitely with mother-of-pearl, and lacquered fauna on the seabed floor in shades of crimson, cream, and orange.  A true masterpiece, the present lot shows how brilliantly Dunand united various influences to create one striking work of art.

Art Deco is defined by its fusion of Eastern and Western influences, which brought together traditional motifs with modern design sensibilities. Eastern art, especially from Japan and China, inspired Art Deco through its use of lacquerwork, stylized nature motifs (like birds, fish, and flowers), and the emphasis on craftsmanship. Western design, influenced by industrialization and abstraction, brought geometric shapes, streamlined forms, and luxurious materials. This blend of exoticism with modernism gave Art Deco a cosmopolitan flair, seen in works by artists like Jean Dunand and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, where Eastern symbolism met Western innovation, creating a distinctive, global aesthetic.

Dunand's introduction to Japanese lacquer techniques began around 1912 when his studies with the renowned Japanese lacquerrer Seizo Sugawara commenced. Sugawara specialized in the ancient techniques of Urushi lacquer which is derived from the sap of two trees native to East Asia. The resulting lacquer has a natural glossy finish that brings a depth and richness to the surface that could not be achieved to the same degree with other techniques. Eastern influences continued beyond using Japanese lacquer; Dunand also looked to Japanese art to inspire the form of his stylized fish, a now iconic motif of Dunand’s. The stylized fish depicted on Dunand’s lacquer screen evoke the naturalistic depictions of goldfish commonly found in traditional Japanese art, which frequently symbolized good fortune and prosperity. The graceful, flowing forms of the fish are set against a dark lacquered background, their scales highlighted with abstract lines and curves. This combination of naturalistic imagery and abstract geometric patterns reveals Dunand's European influence. While the fish themselves represent an unmistakable nod to the Far East, the linear abstraction in the depiction of their scales and movement reflects the Art Deco fascination with geometry and streamlined form. The overall effect is one of harmony between two distinct traditions, blending the spiritual and symbolic resonance of Japanese art with the modern, forward-looking sensibilities of the European Avant-garde.

The use of mother-of-pearl inlay to further decorate the screen is another key detail that ties back to Dunand’s previous work with metal. Celebrated for his dinanderie vases which incorporate different metals and patination, Dunand is highly skilled in creating shimmering objects. The iridescent quality of the mother-of-pearl as it creates rays of light across the black lacquer, offering a visual depth and texture that recalls the finishes Dunand often employed in his earlier metalwork. Further, the mother-of-pearl inlays in their almost metallic quality recall his background in working with gold, silver, and other metals, showcasing his versatility and innovative approach to material and technique.

Dunand’s mastery of lacquerwork and his ability to blend Eastern and Western influences make him one of the most significant figures in the Art Deco movement. The “Fond Marin” Screen is a testament to Dunand’s innovative nature and mastery of techniques. His use of lacquer, exquisite materials like mother-of-pearl, and blend of spiritual fish with geometric lines prove Dunand to be a master of his craft and technique.