In modern techniques, lacquer means a range of clear or pigmented coatings that dry by solvent evaporation to produce a hard, durable finish. The finish can be of any sheen level from ultra matte to high gloss, and it can be further polished as required. Lacquer finishes are usually harder and more brittle than oil-based or latex paints, and are typically used on hard and smooth surfaces. Reference: Wikipedia
Black lacquer was especially popular during the Art Deco period and lacquered items ranged from clocks to desks.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco lacquer items including a lacquer and enamel desk clock and a French Art Deco screen.
Louis Vuitton Art Deco Torino Crocodile Skin Gentleman’s Dressing Case, Complete with all of the Original Fittings commissioned in 1934. The case and fittings are in remarkable condition, the brass rivets, lock and catches retain the original lacquer finish and the richly coloured, red crocodile skin is superb and untouched having been protected by it’s crocodile skin trimmed canvas foul weather cover. The internal fittings are extensive with eleven “Flacon Tof” silver topped bottles, a hip flask and numerous containers with London hallmarks, Vuitton’s stamp and import marks for 1928. There is also a silver travelling shaving brush and a soap stick.
Sold for 7,560 GBP at Sotheby’s in 2020
Lacquer, Iron, bronze and wood panels designed by Edgar Brandt in 1922. Created for a Selfridges lift cage in 1928
These elevator panels were made for the London department store, Selfridges. They demonstrate how public spaces like department stores gave ordinary people access to luxury styles, as well as luxury goods. Designed by Edgar Brandt, they are typical of his work in uniting flat, stylised and geometric patterns, with organic references. The three storks (the cicognes of the title) circle around a sun, as beams of light radiate outwards. The incorporation of birds associates the panels with flight and elevation, while the shimmering, bronzed colours adds a sense of glamour.
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
AN ART DECO LACQUER AND ENAMEL DESK CLOCK, BY CARTIER, CIRCA 1930 The square black lacquer case on a stepped plinth, the silver coloured square dial with enamelled Roman numerals and hands, in a shaped frame of geometric design applied with red lacquer decoration, dial signed Cartier, movement signed European Watch & Clock Co. Inc., 16.7cm x 16.0cm x 8.8cm, fitted maker’s case
Sold for £ 10,687 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
AN ART DECO LACQUERED DESK CIRCA 1930 The side cupboard with spherical chromium-plated pull enclosing four drawers 29¾ in. (75.2 cm.) high; 58¾ in. (149.4 cm.) wide; 27½ in. (69.9 cm.) deep
Sold for GBP 3,750 at Christie’s in 2013
French Art Deco Gilt and Black Lacquered and Gilt Metal Four-Panel Screen 1940s Each panel comprised of three tablets, each of the twelve depicting an attribute of the arts, unsigned. Height of each panel 6 feet 9 inches, width 19 1/4 inches.
Sold for $10,000 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2020
An Art Deco lacquer, mother of shell and 18K gold powder box by CARTIER (14K gold inside). Signed.
Sold for €15,000 at Tajan in 2020
