FRANÇOIS ÉMILE DÉCORCHEMONT (Conches-en-Ouche, France, 1880-1971).
Ashtray, ca.1930.
In glass paste.
With stamp on one side.
Measurements: 3.5 x 15 x 10 cm.
Décorchemont was born into a family of artists. In 1902, he began experimenting with glass, inspired by the work in pâte de noche of the glass artist Albert Dammouse. In 1903 he made his debut at the Salon des Artistes Français with paintings and some pâte de nuit vases. He received an honorable mention for his vases. After that, he focused entirely on working with pâte de nuit. These first experiments were laborious, but he persevered and exhibited regularly at the Paris Salons, with great success, receiving several prizes and even a travel grant in 1908. On his return he settled in Conches-en-Ouches. He then also began to use the cire-perdue technique, (lost-wax technique) by which he attempted to achieve the brilliance of precious stones in the pâte de nuit.He showed his new work at the Salon des Artistes in 1911 and in 1912 at the Salon d'Automne and immediately received the gold medal. During the 1920s, Décorchemont's designs often became more stylized; he also began to use geometric patterns. Figures were often incorporated into his handles, such as chameleons, snakes, fish and caryatids. Décorchemont's fame rose quickly and he was awarded many honorable positions in the various Paris salons. His works became (and still are) very valuable. He also exhibited at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. His work can be seen in several pavilions, such as Jacques Ruhlmann's "Hotel d'un Collectioneur". He participated in important international special exhibitions, in Geneva, USA, Athens, Amsterdam and Barcelona.