Japanist Furniture by Edouard Lièvre

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Who were the great French cabinetmakers of the mid-nineteenth century? Napoleon III furniture pieces are often anonymous. The "de style" furniture, which imitates those of the previous century, were not appealing to historians. Only a few names come to the surface, as Sormani and Grohé. It is just like nothing between the Empire and Art Nouveau. Linke is a contemporary of Gallé.

An exceptional auction information came and excited the collectors of furniture from this period. It was announced in December 2008 that a Japanist cabinet manufactured by Edouard Lièvre had exploded its estimate and exceeded 2 million pounds. I never saw a contradiction, but this lot is no longer quoted as sold in the archives of the concerned auction house. Furthermore, I realize now that this work was posthumous.

This does not detract from the merit of Lièvre, creator of fine furniture. A monumental showcase, 295 x 282 x 61 cm, will be auctioned at Lempertz in Cologne on November 20. This authentic furniture of the master was made around 1877 for the painter Detaille.

The curves of its profile anticipate Majorelle, and the original arrangement of shelves is a forerunner of Gallé. The Japanese-style decor is simple, unlike the more exuberant furniture mentioned here above. The estimate, 400 K €, seems ambitious.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This sale did not seem easy. It is successful: congratulations to the auction house. Result: 440 K € excl.