Michel Zadounaisky

MICHEL ZADOUNAISKY (Odessa, on the shores of the Black Sea, 1903–1983).
Art Deco mirror, ca. 1930.
Features a central decoration in wrought iron with enamel.
Signed.
Measurements: 120 x 85 cm.

Art Deco mirror dating from the peak of Michel Zadounaisky’s creativity; he was a prominent master of wrought iron who worked in New York beginning in the late 1920s. The piece combines a large mirrored surface with geometric lines and an elaborate central panel worked in relief, featuring a pair of exotic birds perched on a branch. The stylization of their bodies and plumage, together with the geometric and botanical motifs, fully embodies the ornamental language of Art Deco. The metallic simplicity is enlivened by small enamel accents in red and yellow, which introduce chromatic hallmarks with great decorative effect.

Particularly interesting is the conception of the mirror as a true work of applied art: Zadounaisky does not merely design a frame, but rather transforms wrought iron into the central sculptural element, integrating the mirror, relief, color, and structure into a composition of striking verticality. The bird motif and the richness of the surfaces also reflect the Art Deco taste for exotic fauna and the combination of materials and textures.

The piece’s significance also lies in its authorship. Michel Zadounaisky was one of the leading exponents of ferronnerie d’art in the United States during the Art Deco period, creating furniture, screens, mirrors, consoles, and architectural elements characterized by exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship. The presence of the signature, the substantial dimensions, and, above all, the complexity of the figurative panel with enameled inlays make this mirror a particularly attractive piece for collectors of Art Deco design and decorative arts.