Gabriel Viardot

GABRIEL VIARDOT (France, 1830-1906).
Japanese Cabinet. France, late 19th century.
Walnut wood, mother-of-pearl inlay and bronze applications.
Signed on the skirt.
Measurements: 169 x 97,5 x 45 cm.

An outstanding piece in Gabriel Viardot's production, this japanese cabinet exemplifies the formal and decorative richness that made the French cabinetmaker famous in the second half of the 19th century. The piece of furniture presents an architectural structure of great dynamism, organized by means of open compartments, doors, drawers and shelves arranged asymmetrically.

Made of walnut wood, it is notable for its abundant mother-of-pearl marquetry with plant and bird motifs, as well as the bronze applications that reinforce its ornamental character. The geometric fretwork, the sculptural finials and the staggered composition are fully in keeping with the orientalist and japonist taste that marked much of Viardot's work.

The complexity of its structure, the quality of the materials and the presence of a signature on the skirt increase the collector's interest of this piece, representative of the decorative refinement of late 19th century French Japanese furniture.

Gabriel Viardot trained as a wood sculptor and turned his production towards Japanese furniture after the Universal Exposition of 1867. His works, characterized by carving, mother-of-pearl inlays, lacquered panels and bronzes designed by the artist himself, gained recognition at several international exhibitions, including the Universal Exhibitions of 1878, 1889 and 1900.