Puiforcat Art Deco Sterling Silver "Coupe" or Beaker, Mexico, 1942-45

This rare beaker or "coupe" is a stunning example of art deco silver by Jean Puiforcat. The cylindrical shape tapers slightly outward towards the top and around the base. Ten reeded horizontal lines decorate the bottom section along with four applied demi-circular devices with pierced holes.  This decoration derives from pre-conquest pottery.

Jean Puiforcat was the undisputed master of the Art Deco period in French silver.  His stunning geometric designs can be found in many important museum collections.  During the Second World War, he set up shop in Mexico City at Parque Melchor Ocampo 64.  He was deeply influenced by Mexican art and design - as can be seen in this magnificent beaker.  His work from this period is rarely seen on the market.    

This stunning art deco beaker is marked underneath with the mark he used in Mexico along with 'JEAN PUIFORCAT/ STERLING/ MADE IN MEXICO'. It measures 5.25 inches high, weighs 9.20 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition. 

An identical beaker was owned by Andy Warhol. (1) 

Literature: For more information on his work, see Jean Puiforcat by Francoise De Bonneville.
         This model is also pictured in Jean Puiforcat Orfèvre Sculpteur by Ernest Flammarion, 1951.

Endnote:

1. Sotheby's, The Andy Warhol Collection - Art Nouveau and Art Deco - vol. 1, Sale 6000, April 23, 1988, lot  46.