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Gabriel Argy-Rousseau Pâte de Verre "Chardon indien" Night Light
$19,500
The nightlight showcases the intricate portrayal of the fan-shaped serrated leaves of the Indian thistle, also known as Chardon indien. These gracefully curved leaves come together to create an elegant ogival pattern, a widely beloved design found in textiles across various cultures, including China, Mamluk Egypt, and the Ottoman Empire. This design eventually made its way to the Indian Kingdom of Amber, where it thrived and later spread to Western Europe during the British Raj era. The lower section of the nightlight is adorned with delicate fern fronds, each featuring a captivating ruby center.
- Product Details
- Curator's Notes
Item #: YEL-21252
Artist: Gabriel Argy-Rousseau
Country: France
Circa: 1927
Dimensions: 6.5" height, 2.75" diameter.
Materials: Pâte de verre, translucent glass, Wrought Iron
Signed: G. Argy-Rousseau
Literature: Janine Bloch-Dermant, G. Argy-Rousseau, Catalogue Raisonné, London 1990, no. 27.33
The shape of this nightlight was based on Egyptian head cones, perfumed cones of beeswax originally believed to slowly melt and perfume the hair of elite Egyptian women. Argy Rousseau was fascinated with ancient Egyptian aesthetics and the history of perfume. Early in his career, Argy Rousseau designed perfume bottles for Maison Franck. Additionally, he marketed many of his night lights as perfume-burning night lights. Combining historical references and florals epitomized the modernity of Art Deco design, pushing pastiche ornament into the realm of geometric abstraction.