Cabinet in Lacquered Wood attributed to Paul Poiret for Atelier Martine, France, 1920s

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This very rare cabinet was produced in France in the early 1920s. The design is attributed to Paul Poiret for … Read more This very rare cabinet was produced in France in the early 1920s. The design is attributed to Paul Poiret for his own workshop, Atelier Martine. This piece presents a fascinating blend of influences, as it is infused with both Poiret’s admiration for the Wiener Werkstätte and his enduring fascination with Asian design traditions. These influences merge into a modernist piece that feels both refined and understated.

The form is spare and architectural: a rectilinear cabinet with subtly rounded edges, elevated on short, inward-cut legs that echo a restrained, almost vernacular chinoiserie silhouette. The cabinet is finished in a deep black, slightly glossy lacquer that has developed a beautiful patina over time. The clean, planar doors are accented by two tubular nickel-plated brass handles, set in an asymmetrical arrangement.

The piece is in completely original condition, with patinated lacquer and signs of wear consistent with age and use, including light scratches, small areas of color loss, minor dents, and a few tiny chips. Overall, the cabinet presents beautifully, its surface retaining an authentic patina that enhances its character. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less