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Call us +1 212 935 9386 or email us hello@alexandersantiques.com
Call us +1 212 935 9386 or email us hello@alexandersantiques.com
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$11,800.00
An Incredible 19th Century French Hardwood Japanism Sofa, by Gabriel Viardot.
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An Incredible 19th Century French Hardwood Japanism Sofa, by Gabriel Viardot. The backrest of this exceptional sofa is adorned with a stunning display of carved open fret-work designs, masterfully intertwined with delicate scrolls and foliate motifs. Particularly noteworthy is the graceful asymmetry, where the upper section of the sofa gently descends on the right side, creating an enthralling focal point that entices the eye. This remarkable feature, complemented by the pagoda-style frame crowning the piece, bestows an undeniable allure upon it. Enhancing its already mesmerizing appeal, the skirt consists of geometric patterns, intricately crafted to form an enchanting wooden fretwork that leads the eye downwards towards the marvelous carved and bowed front legs with paw feet. Each element harmonizes effortlessly, culminating in a cohesive and captivating composition. The hand-carved dragons adorning the arms are absolutely stunning and their ethereal and awe-inspiring presence adds a touch of magic and splendor to the overall aesthetic. Gabriel Viardot, a celebrated wood carver, began his illustrious career by creating meticulously sculpted furniture adorned with naturalistic motifs and animals. Around 1870, Viardot embarked on a captivating journey, crafting furniture in the style of "Meubles genre Chinois et Japonais." This style catered to the well-established European fascination with exotic furniture, occasionally incorporating authentic Chinese or Japanese elements. The numerous accolades bestowed upon Viardot bear testament to his mastery of the craft. His talents were recognized with a silver medal at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in Paris, following his remarkable success with four medals at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867. Moreover, his unwavering commitment to excellence earned him gold medals at prestigious events such as the Universal Exhibitions in Antwerp (Belgium) in 1884, as well as Paris in 1889 and 1900.
