Jean Després Very Rare Lighter

JEAN DESPRÉS (1989-1980) Very rare lighter, sheathed in the lower part of a silver case with hammered flame decoration. Incised signature "J.Desprès", master's marks and title mark. H 3.2 x L 6.2 x D 1.2 CM • H 1 1/4 x W 2 1/2 x D 1/2 IN. An innovative goldsmith and jewelry designer in the 1920s and 1930s, Jean Després aspired to infuse his work with the aesthetic modernity of his time. Trained by a Parisian goldsmith, he drew his inspiration from this city then in full industrial boom, but was also inspired by themes from the avant-garde of the 1920s such as cubism and modernism. From 1928, he exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, the Salon d'Automne and the Salon des Tuileries, and also participated in numerous exhibitions abroad. In his works with simple or bold shapes, harmonious volumes, and sober ornamentation, he worked mainly with silver, silver-plated metal, and hammered pewter. The only independent goldsmith to have the reputation of the great houses such as Puiforcat or Têtard, he participated in the renewal of the forms of goldsmithing by ridding his creations of classical ornaments.