Gourd-shaped repoussé cache-pot (decorative planter) with geometrical red and black lacquer decorations. The planter is made of oxidized copper and therefore its surface appears brown and matte; however, it is covered with vividly colored, precisely executed geometric patterns in red and black lacquer. The patterning emphasizes the planter’s nearly spherical form. The vertical ribs, similar to the meridians of a sphere, are hammered into relief and decorated with alternating geometric designs, with, either filled-out black triangles and empty red triangles, or red and black concentrically arranged circles and curves and alternating, cascading line segments. The maximum circumference of the planter is highlighted by horizontal black lines alternating with red vertical segments; the decorative elements are simpler below these lines and taper off towards the bottom of the vase. The circular rim and inside of the vase are red and shiny. The transition between the rim and ribs is given by a black stripe below the rim, and clusters of five equidistant vertical line segments above each rib. The sophisticated, beautifully executed patterns remind both of African motifs and modern art.

See more objects with the tag luxury, lacquer , vase, exoticism, Jean Dunand, african motifs.

Object Timeline

	We acquired this object.
1915	Work on this object began.
1925	Work on this object ended.
2017	We photographed this object. We exhibited this object.
2024	You found it!

Cache-pot, ca. 1920

This is a Cache-pot.

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from Stephen E. Kelly//Kelly Gallery, New York as part of The Jazz Age: American Style in the 1920s.

It is dated ca. 1920. Its medium is oxidized repoussé copper, colored lacquer.

Jean Dunand’s vase forms adorned with African decorative motifs—brilliantly executed in lacquer—were based on gourds, transforming inexpensive models into luxurious adaptations. Despite their humble inspiration, the vases were some of his most widely popular works among wealthy, fashionable collectors.

It is credited Stephen E. Kelly/Kelly Gallery, New York.