Art Deco Vitrine Cabinet by Ateliers Gauthier Poinsignon, France, Signed

This exquisite French antique Art Deco wood and glass showcase or vitrine display cabinet by Ateliers Gauthier Poinsignon was made in Nancy, France circa 1920-1930. This exceptional cabinet displays the new, more geometric Art Deco style with strong reference to the atelier’s Art Nouveau roots. It is expertly crafted from solid wood, mahogany and walnut wood veneer with stunning inlaid work and gorgeous grain patterning. This unique cabinet features a setback middle section with center mirror and two black metal-trimmed glass side doors with decorative organic accents at top opening on pale green, silk-lined display cases with one removable glass shelf on each side. Two spacious dovetailed doors at lower center and two full-length side doors open on three adjustable and removable wooden shelves. Two original small keys for glass doors and two original keys for locking side doors and drawers. This collectible cabinet and showpiece is both beautiful and functional and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a display cabinet, bar cabinet, china cabinet, bookcase, etc. Signed at bottom right - Ateliers Gauthier Poinsignon Nancy.

École de Nancy
The École de Nancy, or Nancy School, was a group of Art Nouveau artisans and designers working in Nancy, France between 1890 and 1914. Major figures included the furniture designer Louis Majorelle and glass and furniture designer Émile Gallé. Their work was largely inspired by floral and vegetal forms found in the region and the goal of the group was to produce ordinary objects, such as furniture, glassware, and pottery made with fine craftsmanship in original forms made widely accessible to the average person.

Ateliers Gauthier Poinsignon
Camille Gauthier (1870-1963) was a furniture designer and member of the Nancy school. He founded his own company in 1900 after leaving his post at Majorelle. In 1904, he joined forces with Paul Eugène Désiré Poinsignon (1872-1916) and produced pieces in the Art Nouveau style. The firm obtained several awards at furniture competitions organized from 1904 to 1907 by the Central Union of Decorative Arts and shifted into the Art Deco style at the beginning of the 1920s. By offering the possibility of acquiring Art Nouveau/Art Deco style furniture to modest households, Camille Gauthier adopted and practiced the principal of “art for all” promoted by the École de Nancy.

CONDITION
Excellent vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. Four original keys.

DIMENSIONS
W 59” x D 17.75” x H 55”