Jean Despres French Silver Metal Champagne and Ice Bucket

This stunning champagne bucket by Jean Després, crafted in France around 1950, is an exquisite example of his masterful silver-plating technique. The design features a cylindrical body with hammered detailing, a hallmark of Després' signature style, and is adorned with two scrolled handles that are accentuated by spherical accents. At the top of the bucket, you'll find a delicate Jean Després flat-link chain decoration, adding a refined touch. The piece is signed with "J.Després" etched under the base, verifying its authenticity and craftsmanship (see photo). A similar model can be found in the book Jean Després, Jeweler and Goldsmith Between Art Deco and Modernity by Melissa Gabardi, specifically on page 151, published by Editions Norma (refer to accompanying photos). Jean Després (1889-1980) was a renowned French goldsmith known for his distinctive approach to Art Deco jewelry and functional objects. His legacy includes creating innovative silver, gold, and pewter pieces, breaking away from traditional designs by using bold, geometric forms and hammered textures. Després' works were highly regarded in avant-garde circles, and he enjoyed a close friendship with notable artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. This champagne bucket is not only a stunning decorative object but also a symbol of Després' groundbreaking contributions to the Art Deco movement. Perfect for collectors and admirers of modernist French craftsmanship. Exhibitions 1925: Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, with Rose Adler and the painter Étienne Cournault 1925: International Exhibition of Decorative Arts 1926: Salon des indépendants 1928: Salon of the Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts 1928: Salon des Artistes-Decorateurs 1930: Union des Artistes Modernes, at the Pavillon de Marsan, he exhibits surrealist jewelry...

Unusual silver plate ice bucket of pail form with swing handle and incised vertical lines. There is an interior pierced drain plate to hold the ice above...