Rating and value of Jean Dunand's vases
Key takeaways
- A 1962 "stretched shell" vase by Jean Dunand sold for €180,000, more than three times its initial estimate of €50,000–80,000.
- Vases are the artist’s most sought-after works, with values ranging from €580 to €180,000 depending on form and quality.
- Jean Dunand has been a master of Oriental lacquer since 1912, a technique that became essential and characteristic of his innovative style in the decorative arts.
If you own a work by or based on the artist Jean Dunand and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will be happy to advise you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Artist's rating and value
By his success at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, Jean Dunand established himself as a sure value on the art market from his lifetime. In recent years, the artist's reputation has continued to grow. Very much in evidence on the French and American markets, Jean Dunand's vases are among his most sought-after works. A vase signed by Jean Dunand can fetch thousands of euros at auction, as demonstrated by his stretched shell ovoid vase from 1962, which fetched €180,000 whereas it was estimated at between €50,000 and €80,000, more than three times the low estimate.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Type of vase | Result |
|---|---|
Ball-shaped vase | From 580 to 77,750 |
Vase with tubular body | From €9,560 to €136,505 |
Extended shell or ovoid vase | From €1,600 to €180,000 |
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The artist's works and style
Throughout his career, Jean Dunand's artistic output was prolific and varied. From paintings to vases, the artist produced in many different media. His works stand out for their innovative use of lacquer, diversity of form, sense of composition and meticulous execution. They reflect a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, and testify to his status as an outstanding artist in the decorative arts.
Jean Dunand, famous 20th-century coppersmith
Jean Dunand was born in Switzerland in 1877. Quickly noticing her son's artistic talent, his mother enrolled him at the École des Arts Industriels in Geneva. A promising pupil, the young boy flourished and won several prizes.
Already attracting attention, Dunand completed commissions for the city of Geneva.
In 1897, Jean Dunand won a scholarship to continue his apprenticeship in Paris. Lodging with one of his relatives, he was hired by a modeling company as an apprentice chiseler. This position gave him the opportunity to work on major projects such as the Alexandre III bridge. After a spell at the Arts-Décoratifs, Dunand and two of his friends founded the "Association des artistes suisses à Paris".
At the beginning of the 20th century, Jean Dunand's career underwent a notable acceleration. He takes part in numerous exhibitions and collaborates with Jean Dampt on various projects. After the great success of his dinanderies, Dunant decided to specialize in the decorative arts. In the early 1910s, his bronze vases with a variety of motifs were the ransom of his success.
Always on the lookout for new experiments, in 1912 Jean Dunant met Japanese master lacquerer Seizo Sugawara. Already an amateur practitioner of the technique, Sugawara trained him entirely in the art of Oriental lacquer. From then on, lacquer became an essential feature of his creations, influencing his style and his work. Dunand thus expanded his range of objects using lacquer, from large decorative panels to lacquer portraits of personalities, including those from the fashion industry.
Jean Dunand died in 1942, leaving behind him a significant mark on the history of the decorative arts.
Jean Dunand's imprint on his period
Jean Dunand left a considerable imprint on his era. Excelling in the decorative arts and coppersmithing, he was a role model for generations of artists after him. His works are highly prized on the auction market, particularly for his vases, which sublimate an interior; they are always highly prized and their value soars.
His signature
Not all of Jean Dunand's works are signed.
Although there are variations, here is a first example of his signature:
Expertise your property
If you own a work by Jean Dunand, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your Dunand-signed work.
If you're considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each object.
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Other vases sold at auction
Estimated 800 € - 1 500 €
André THURET (1898-1965) Thick hot-worked glass vase with undulating decoration and red powdered inlay.
Estimated 40 € - 60 €
A baluster-shaped ceramic vase with fishes in black and green on a white background.
Estimated 500 - 800 €
Emile GALLE (1846-1904), Small vase, acid-etched glass proof.
Estimated Between €3,000 and €5,000
Camille Fauré, enamelled vase with "Cascade" geometric design
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is Jean Dunand, and what is his role in the decorative arts?Jean Dunand (1877–1942) was a Swiss-French artist recognized as one of the leading figures in 20th-century copperwork and the decorative arts. After training in Geneva and Paris, he specialized in bronze vases, before revolutionizing his work upon meeting the Japanese master lacquer artist Seizo Sugawara in 1912. The incorporation of Oriental lacquer into his work became his distinctive signature and left a lasting mark on his era.
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What is the estimated price of Jean Dunand's vases at auction?Jean Dunand's vases vary widely in value depending on their shape and rarity. Ball-shaped vases range from €580 to €77,750, tubular vases from €9,560 to €136,505, and elongated or ovoid vases from €1,600 to €180,000. These prices reflect a trend of steady appreciation over the past few years, particularly in the French and American markets.
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How can you authenticate and appraise a vase by Jean Dunand?To authenticate and appraise a Jean Dunand vase, we recommend that you request a free, no-obligation appraisal from our state-certified experts and auctioneers. Simply fill out our online form: a specialist will contact you and provide you with an accurate estimate of your piece’s market value within 48 hours.
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Is this a good time to sell a Jean Dunand vase?Yes, this is an excellent time to sell a Jean Dunand vase. Over the past few years, the artist’s market value has been on the rise, and his vases are among his most sought-after works on the market. Auction results regularly exceed estimates, reflecting sustained demand and growing interest among collectors.
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How does the sale of a work of art work at Auctie's?At Auctie's, we guide you through every step of the process, from appraisal to the final sale of your artwork. After a free appraisal by our specialists, we help you choose the best sales approach, taking into account market trends and the unique characteristics of your item. Our licensed auctioneers then manage every step of the process to secure the best possible price for you.
