Style Japonism, Chinoiserie / Ref.03145

Gabriel VIARDOT, Chinese stool

This stool is a small “living room piece,” according to the definition that Gabriel Frederic Viardot gave to his production in 1878. Resting on four long clawed feet, this object is equipped with two shelves. The shelf placed as a support is surrounded by a latticed décor sculpted in wood. The shelves are perforated with Far Eastern influences and are also visible on the middle of this small furniture piece and are enriched by an ornamental bronze, also perforated. This middle adopts a lively shape and is decorated with ornaments. The completely wooden elements are engraved with small designs of scrolls, particularly on the four legs. The upper shelf, rectangular, is also engraved around its perimeter. The Far Eastern influence is quite evident in this stool, which leads us to compare it to the popularity of Japanese products, very noticeable in France in the years 1860 – 1870. This popularity saw an unprecedented development, in particular after the 1867 World Exposition where the Japanese were present. Here, it is indeed a French production as the signature of Gabriel Viardot is present on one of the legs.

“G. Viardot and Co.,” made up of Gabriel Viardot and his two children was created in 1890. Because of this, the trademark present on this stool, “G. Viardot,” indicates a period between 1860 and 1880 and we can place the date of production of this piece to around 1880 – 1890. At this time, Viardot’s production becomes less exuberant and marks a return towards symmetry and straight lines. This stool marks this return towards greater sensibility. It is entirely similar to a tea table with two shelves conserved by the Musee d’Orsay (OAO 1653), especially in the two identical legs and similar latticework. The bronze of this stool can be compared to those displayed in a showcase of Viardot, also conserved in the Musee d’Orsay (OAO 1652). Finally, this stool has the same arrangement as the lower part of the cabinet conserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum (W.17:1, 2-1971). This cabinet is signed “G. Viardot” and is dated from 1888, which reassures us in the dating of this stool.