SIXTY-THREE ORIGINAL ART DECO GOUACHE AND WATERCOLOUR PACKAGING DESIGNS

A stunning collection of 63 original variously shaped 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. All mounted on card inscribed with the design's model number, and most with original glassine. Most of the pieces are designed for decorative boxes and so take a cross-like shape, though there is also a fan shaped, a triangular, and a diamond shaped design. Ranging in size from 16x16cm to 35x26cm. 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 (though the design remains fully intact), another has come away from its mount (though both mount and design remain intact), and two designs are missing their glassine guards. 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 ad 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. These graphic designs were likely intended for packaging design of toiletries and cosmetics such as soap and perfume, a mainstay of the R. Pichon Studio.