One of the most elegant and innovative 20th-century French furniture designers, Jacques Adnet created a simple, unadorned signature style that is both trim and vigorous. He began his career in the heyday of the Art Deco era, and in the 1950s, in association with Hermès, created chairs, lamps, desks and other pieces that employed slender metal frames clad in stitched saddle leather. With such furnishings, Adnet brought a fashion sensibility to design and decor that had not been seen since the 1920s prime of the great Paris couturier-decorator Paul Poiret.
Adnet was born in a provincial town in Burgundy, where he studied design before moving, along with his twin brother, Jean, to Paris to study at the École des Arts Décoratifs. After their graduation in the early 1920s, the brothers were hired to work in the decorative-arts atelier of the department store Galeries Lafayette, under the direction of Maurice Dufrêne, an Art Deco master who developed a singularly robust and opulent style. Both Adnets showed their work at the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes — the design fair from which the term Art Deco is derived.
In 1928, Jacques Adnet took charge of the struggling La Compagnie des Arts Français, a decorative-arts firm founded by Louis Süe and André Mare that created modern furnishings that bore traces of 18th-century styling. Adnet immediately took the company in a different direction. He developed a simple lithe and lean look that incorporated industrial materials such as metal and glass, along with exotic woods and finishes such as parchment and sharkskin.
Adnet’s furniture begs to be described in terms of personalities: charming faux-bamboo side tables, suave chrome lighting and urbane club chairs. His most noted pieces, which feature sleek metal frames wrapped in Hermès leather, have a character all their own — smooth, elegant and self-assured, they inhabit a room with the same wit and grace as Jean-Paul Belmondo and Catherine Deneuve.
Find vintage Jacques Adnet furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Letter Rack by Jacques Adnet
By Compagnie Des Arts Français, Jacques Adnet
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Jacques Adnet & the Compagnie des arts Français letter rack. Chromed metal consisting of a series of vertical blades of curved section resting on rectangul...
Silver Plate, Brass, Chrome
Jacques Adnet Modernist Desk Office Waste Paper Basket, circa 1930
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Jacques Adnet Art Deco Chrome Desk Waste Basket, France, circa 1930 An extraordinary artifact of French Art Deco design, this sculptural chrome desk accessory—meticulously craft...
Chrome
Jacques Adnet Art Deco Chrome Double Inkwell, France 1930s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Atlanta, GA
French designer Jacques Adnet (1901 - 1984) designed this elegant Art Deco modernist chromed metal heavy desk accessory. The piece features a minimalist geometric shape double inkwel...
Metal, Chrome
Desk Accessories, Letter Holder by Jacques Adnet and Letter Tray Paper Holder
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Handsome saddle leather letter holder by Jacques Adnet. Signature contrast stitching. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Paris...
Leather
Leather Horseshoe Wall Clock by Jacques Adnet, 1950s France
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add some intrigue to your home or office with this handsome wall clock in black saddle leather. Featuring brass hardware and contrast stitching quintessential to the refined style of...
Brass
1950's Pair of stitched Leather book end by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's Stitched leather book end by Jacques Adnet France
Leather, Oak
1950's Stitched Leather Desk Bin by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's stitched leather desk bin by Jacques Adnet France.
Metal
1950's Stitched Leather Desk Bin by Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's stitched leather desk bin by Jacques Adnet France.
Metal
Jacques Adnet Leather Wrapped Faux Bamboo Desk Organizer
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Stamford, CT
Jacques Adnet desk In/Out tray organizer of stitched leather over steel. France. Circa 1950. Possible to hang on wall or place on desk.
Leather
Desk Accessories, Letter Holder by Jacques Adnet, France, 1940
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Handsome saddle leather letter holder by Jacques Adnet. Signature contrast stitching. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Paris...
Leather
Crystal Inkwells and Pen Trays Desk Set by Jacques Adnet and Baccarat, France
By Baccarat, Jacques Adnet
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Art Déco crystal desk set of inkwells and pen Trays by Jacques Adnet manufactured by Baccarat, France By: Jacques Adnet, Baccarat Material: glass, crystal Techniq...
Crystal
$888Sale Price|20% Off
Jacques Adnet, Black Leather Pipes Displayer, French, circa 1950
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rare black leather pipes displayer has been made by famous French designer Jacques Adnet, circa 1950.
Leather
$837Sale Price|36% Off
Leather desk set Jacques Adnet.
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and elegant desk displayer is made of a black leather. This is a model by famous French designer Jacques Adnet. Circa 1950
Leather
Green Leather Documents Tray by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Green leather documents tray by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s.
Brass
Green Leather Desk Set by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rich brown leather desk set by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s.
Brass
Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome magazine rack by Jacques Adnet. Made of iron and brass. Excellent vintage condition. Star detail on both sides and closed fist on top. Great piece!
Brass, Iron
French Art Deco Palisander and Pewter Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Deco palisander and pewter inlaid inkwell with 2 crystal wells.
Crystal, Pewter
Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 2 by George Nelson, 1984
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare postmodern cream, brown, and navy checkerboard table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. Very few signs...
Aluminum
$775
H 1.13 in W 4.38 in D 6.38 in
Vintage 1980s Gucci Desk Set Accessories - Leather Pen + Paper Holder & Tray
By Gucci
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice 1980s Gucci - Italy designed leather desk accessories set, includes pen holder, note paper holder and small tray. The leather pieces have the classic green and red stripe, with ...
Ceramic, Leather, Suede
Jacques Adnet Art Deco Crystal Balls Table Lamp, France, 1930s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Jacques Adnet Art Deco crystal balls table lamp, France, 1930s. Stamped made in France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vi...
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage Brown Stitched Leather Covered Telephone by Contempra 1970s
By Ralph Lauren, Hermès, Jacques Adnet
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Northern Telecom Contempra Stitched Leather clad tone touch Telephone, Desk or Wall Mount.Vintage Northern Telecom Contempra telephone covered in stitched brown leather.Could...
Leather, Bakelite
Art Deco French Enameled Silver Desk Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This enameled silver desk clock is unsigned, so a specific maker cannot be identified, but the case was made in France, and the movement in Switzerland in the period and style of Art Deco. The silver content of the case has not been tested, but is believed to be Continental or .800 or just under .925 sterling, The front of the clock is ornately enameled with raised bright red flowers on each corner with contrasting black and red geometric panels with green accents, which are duplicated on the sides. The hinged back opens to gain access to the winding mechanism and the high grade Swiss movement has been professionally serviced and works well. Although barely visible, the clock is stamped on the bottom with a French...
Silver, Brass
$2,065Sale Price|30% Off
H 1.41 in W 2.99 in D 1.1 in
Movado1948 Calendermeto Triple Date & Moonphase Travel Purse Clock With Leather
By Movado, Movado
Located in Miami, FL
Rare calendermeto travel clock designed by Movado. Beautiful and very rare calendermeto travel purse clock, created in Switzerland by the Movado Clock Factories, back in the 1948-1954. Crafted in stainless steel and leather with the purpose to use in desks, travels, in the pocket or a purse. Patented Ermeto winding device by means of the sliding case, with all original parts. The Movado Ermeto watch...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,300
H 7.69 in W 13.38 in D 5.69 in
Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940
By Studio Art Deco
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exceptional French Art Deco Desk Accessory in Macassar, Chrome, and Lucite, circa 1940 A rare and refined embodiment of Art Deco modernism, this exquisite desk accessory was crafted ...
Metal, Chrome
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
H 2 in W 8.75 in D 2 in
Hermès Vintage Silver Plate Equestrian Horse Paper Holder or Desk Accessory
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful vintage Hermès paper holder or letter clip is on the rare side. It is signed Hermès Paris and is polished silver plate. It was desig...
Silver Plate
$456 / item
H 1.66 in W 3.15 in D 3.75 in
Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...
Brass
$1,300
H 5.69 in W 12.19 in D 7.88 in
Art Deco Macassar Wood and Chrome Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1930
By Travail Francais
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional Art Deco modernist desk accessory, meticulously crafted in France circa 1930, is a striking fusion of sophistication and utility. The stunning, bold geometric silhou...
Metal, Chrome
Jacques Adnet Hand-Stitched Red Leather and Brass Bookends
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Atlanta, GA
These lovely 1950s leather bookends were designed by French designer Jacques Adnet (1901-1984) and probably manufactured by ILG in Belgium. "L" shaped Adnet signature contrast hand-s...
Metal, Brass
Jacques Adnet Waste Basket
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Jacques Adnet attributed waste basket with bamboo and brass detailing and signature contrast stitching.
Leather, Bamboo
Sold
H 8.08 in W 7.49 in D 3.51 in
Jacques Adnet 1925 Crackled Ceramic Pair of White Peace Turtledove Sculptures
By Jacques Adnet
Located in London, GB
Jacques Adnet (Châtillon-Coligny, 1900 – Parigi, 1984) Jacques Adnet's career began to take off in 1925 when, together with his brother, he participated in the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, an event marking the birth of Art Deco. A supporter of a tradition that looks towards the future, his furnishings and objet are characterized by their simple shapes, elegant geometries and by the choice of precious materials. A wonderful Pair of Art Deco birds by Jacques Adnet, France. Made from an Iconic off-white colored crackle glaze ceramic or faience. The sculpture features a pair of turtledoves that were the same as a pair presented at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes Marked "Adnet" on front base. Reference: Similar piece pictured in the following books: - Jacques Adnet, by Alain-Rene Hardy and Gaelle Millet - Les Editions de l'Amateur - copyright 2009 - on page 32-33. - Craqueles - Les Animaux en Ceramique 1920 - 1940, by Patrick Malaureille - Editions Massin - copyright 1993 - on page 24. Pair of Ceramic Adnet Doves...
Ceramic, Faience
Jacques Adnet Leather and Molded Glass Ashtray Catchall Desk Tidy
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stylish 1950s, modernist leather, and molded glass ashtray, catchall or desk tidy designed by Jacques Adnet (1901-1984). Signature Adnet hand-stitched cognac leather belt around the ...
Leather, Glass
Jacques Adnet Style Green Leather Picture Frame
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic French leather picture frame in the style of Jacques Adnet. Green leather with signature Adnet contrast stitching. Very good vintage condition. Great patina and age to leathe...
Leather
Jacques Adnet Blue Leather Picture Frame
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic French leather picture frame by Jacques Adnet. Blue leather with signature Adnet contrast stitching. Very good vintage condition. Great patina and age to leather.
Leather
Jacques Adnet Leather Picture Frame
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic French leather picture frame by Jacques Adnet. Camel leather with signature Adnet contrast stitching. Very good vintage condition. Great patina and age to leather.
Leather
Jacques Adnet Leather and Plaid Desk Office Paper Waste Basket
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A functional 1950s modernist desk accessory, office waste-basket by French Designer Jacques Adnet, (1900-1984). Streamline shape with black hand-stitched ...
Leather, Fabric
Jacques Adnet Style Photo Frame
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Jacques Adnet style green leather with signature contrast stitching - photo frame. Matching smaller frame and desk set available in same hunter green.
Leather
Jacques Adnet Leather and Brass Waste Basket
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome leather and brass waste basket by French designer Jacques Adnet. Excellent condition and patina to leather and brass. Wood bottom. Very stu...
Brass
Jacques Adnet Hand-Stitched Leather Bookends
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Lovely leather bookends designed by French designer Jacques Adnet (1901-1984). Double horseshoe shape with Adnet signature contrast hand-stitched cognac leather. Measurements: 5.94 ...
Metal
Jacques Adnet Leather Picture Frame
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome French leather picture frame by Jacques Adnet. Red leather with signature Adnet contrast stitching. Very good vintage condition. Great patina and age to leather.
Leather