THIRTY-ONE ORIGINAL ART DECO GOUACHE AND WATERCOLOUR PACKAGING DESIGNS

A stunning collection of 31 original square and rectangular decorative commercial designs in gouache and watercolour by the artist and graphic designer R. Pichon and his Parisian studio Ateliers de Dessin & Lithographie R. Pichon. Each mounted on card inscribed with the design's model number, with original glassine. Ranging in size from 7x7cm to 35x29cm. They are in very good condition, the designs themselves very sharp and bright, though their card mounts are a little toned and spotted and a few are lightly rubbed and creased to the corners. One design's mount is more heavily creased to one edge than the others, and has sustained some closed tears (the design itself remains fully intact). All in all a unique, striking, and colourful collection of Art Deco designs.

The works are executed in a wonderfully characteristic Art Deco style, with a clear resemblance to the fashion illustrations and textile designs of the couturier Paul Poiret; showing a strong influence from the sweeping lines of Japanese art, as well as heavy use of gold and silver, and a mixture of abstract geometric and natural motifs. Many of the pieces incorporate floral designs such as roses, wisteria, and bluebells, and all employ a bold and striking use of colour. The majority of these graphic designs were likely intended for packaging design and advertising for toiletries and cosmetics such as soap and perfume, a mainstay of the R. Pichon Studio.