Pierre BOBOT art deco lacquered wood panel
Pierre BOBOT (1902-1974)
View of Paris
Lacquered wood panel.
Signed to the back.
Circa 1930-1950
60.5cm 33cm 2.5cm
Pierre Bobot – Master Lacquer Artist and Educator (1902–1974)
Pierre Bobot, born in Paris on February 16, 1902, was one of France’s most distinguished lacquer artists of the 20th century. Trained at the École Bernard Palissy and later at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, Bobot began his career working in a restoration workshop specializing in Asian lacquerware. His early exposure to historical lacquer techniques laid the foundation for a career that would seamlessly blend tradition with innovation.
In 1923, Bobot established his own studio, where he quickly gained recognition not only as a creator of original lacquered works but also as a skilled restorer for French national museums and monuments. He collaborated with institutions such as the Musée Guimet and contributed to major decorative commissions, including interiors of iconic ocean liners like the France.
What set Bobot apart was his pioneering use of synthetic lacquers, a novel material in his time. These modern compounds allowed for richer color palettes and greater versatility, enabling effects that natural lacquer could not easily achieve. His techniques included gold and silver leaf inlays, egg shell mosaic, and harigaki (a fine line engraving into lacquered surfaces), resulting in highly detailed, luminous surfaces.
Departing from the traditional Asian motifs common in lacquer art, Bobot developed a unique visual language rooted in Western modernism. His compositions often featured stylized Parisian panoramas, natural scenes, and port views, rendered in a decorative yet restrained Art Deco vocabulary.
From 1934 to 1968, Bobot served as the sole professor of lacquer arts at the École des Arts Appliqués in Paris, where he mentored multiple generations of artists and restorers. His influence in the field of decorative arts education was substantial and enduring.
Today, Pierre Bobot's works — including lacquered panels, folding screens, and furniture — are highly sought after by collectors and institutions. He is remembered not only for his technical mastery and aesthetic vision but also for elevating lacquer work to new heights in France during the modern era.
A retrospective of his work was held at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris in 2002–2003, commemorating the centenary of his birth and reaffirming his place in the history of French decorative arts.
View of Paris
Lacquered wood panel.
Signed to the back.
Circa 1930-1950
60.5cm 33cm 2.5cm
Pierre Bobot – Master Lacquer Artist and Educator (1902–1974)
Pierre Bobot, born in Paris on February 16, 1902, was one of France’s most distinguished lacquer artists of the 20th century. Trained at the École Bernard Palissy and later at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, Bobot began his career working in a restoration workshop specializing in Asian lacquerware. His early exposure to historical lacquer techniques laid the foundation for a career that would seamlessly blend tradition with innovation.
In 1923, Bobot established his own studio, where he quickly gained recognition not only as a creator of original lacquered works but also as a skilled restorer for French national museums and monuments. He collaborated with institutions such as the Musée Guimet and contributed to major decorative commissions, including interiors of iconic ocean liners like the France.
What set Bobot apart was his pioneering use of synthetic lacquers, a novel material in his time. These modern compounds allowed for richer color palettes and greater versatility, enabling effects that natural lacquer could not easily achieve. His techniques included gold and silver leaf inlays, egg shell mosaic, and harigaki (a fine line engraving into lacquered surfaces), resulting in highly detailed, luminous surfaces.
Departing from the traditional Asian motifs common in lacquer art, Bobot developed a unique visual language rooted in Western modernism. His compositions often featured stylized Parisian panoramas, natural scenes, and port views, rendered in a decorative yet restrained Art Deco vocabulary.
From 1934 to 1968, Bobot served as the sole professor of lacquer arts at the École des Arts Appliqués in Paris, where he mentored multiple generations of artists and restorers. His influence in the field of decorative arts education was substantial and enduring.
Today, Pierre Bobot's works — including lacquered panels, folding screens, and furniture — are highly sought after by collectors and institutions. He is remembered not only for his technical mastery and aesthetic vision but also for elevating lacquer work to new heights in France during the modern era.
A retrospective of his work was held at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris in 2002–2003, commemorating the centenary of his birth and reaffirming his place in the history of French decorative arts.
REFERENCE: pb2407
