λ MARIA PERGAY (FRENCH, 1930-2023), CABINET, CIRCA 1970

λ MARIA PERGAY (FRENCH, 1930-2023) CABINET, CIRCA 1970 Black lacquered wood, chrome-plated steel 147cm high, 120cm wide, 45cm deep Literature: Suzanne Demisch and Stephane Danant, Maria Pergay; Complete Works 1957-2010, Damiani Editore, Italy, p.97, for similar cabinet dated 1967. Maria Pergay's work developed within the changing landscape of French design in the post-war period, when traditional forms and materials were increasingly being reconsidered in response to new ideas about modern living. Working from Paris, Pergay initially produced decorative objects and furniture before developing a practice characterised by a careful juxtaposition of industrial and luxurious materials. Her designs combine the clean geometry associated with modernism with a more decorative and sculptural sensibility, often relying on the inherent qualities of materials rather than elaborate ornament. The present cabinet illustrates this approach particularly well. The substantial black lacquered wooden case is elevated on a base of chrome-plated steel, creating a strong contrast between the dark, monumental body and the lighter, reflective structure beneath. The doors are enlivened by a geometric motif, arranged symmetrically across the central division, which gives the otherwise severe façade a distinctly graphic character. The combination of lacquered wood, polished metal and geometric form demonstrates Pergay's interest in balancing the functional requirements of furniture with the more sculptural conception of object. The cabinet also belongs to an important period in Pergay's development, when her experiments with metal were becoming increasingly central to her practice. In the late 1960s she began working extensively with stainless steel following her association with the French steel manufacturer Ugine-Gueugnon. Rather than treating the material simply as an industrial medium, Pergay explored its reflective surface, strength and precision, using it to create furniture of considerable formal clarity. This marked an important stage in her career and led to some of her best-known designs, including the Flying Carpet daybed and Ring Chair. Her work during this period attracted several significant commissions, including projects for Pierre Cardin and the fashion houses Christian Dior, Givenchy and Hermès among other notable people. Condition Report: A striking piece, it presents well and is in good condition overall. There are multiple splits to the lacquer to the top, out of view. There is one split to the left side panel, which is very fine and hard to spot, otherwise very clean. There is a split to the right side panel, which is further down the panel, but a little larger. There is a small knock/loss to the top edge of one door. There is some tarnish and wear to the surface of the foot/frame, particularly to the lower top edge, the internal sides retain (or show gilt over) silvered tones. The interior is in good clean condition with three shelves in place. There is a touch of white residue around the decorative emblem. Please see the additional images provided Condition Report Disclaimer, λ, λ MARIA PERGAY (FRENCH, 1930-2023) CABINET, CIRCA 1970 Black lacquered wood, chrome-plated steel 147cm high, 120cm wide, 45cm deep Literature: Suzanne Demisch and Stephane Danant, Maria Pergay; Complete Works 1957-2010, Damiani Editore, Italy, p.97, for similar cabinet dated 1967. Maria Pergay's work developed within the changing landscape of French design in the post-war period, when traditional forms and materials were increasingly being reconsidered in response to new ideas about modern living. Working from Paris, Pergay initially produced decorative objects and furniture before developing a practice characterised by a careful juxtaposition of industrial and luxurious materials. Her designs combine the clean geometry associated with modernism with a more decorative and sculptural sensibility, often relying on the inherent qualities of materials rather than elaborate ornament. The present cabinet illustrates this approach particularly well. The substantial black lacquered wooden case is elevated on a base of chrome-plated steel, creating a strong contrast between the dark, monumental body and the lighter, reflective structure beneath. The doors are enlivened by a geometric motif, arranged symmetrically across the central division, which gives the otherwise severe façade a distinctly graphic character. The combination of lacquered wood, polished metal and geometric form demonstrates Pergay's interest in balancing the functional requirements of furniture with the more sculptural conception of object. The cabinet also belongs to an important period in Pergay's development, when her experiments with metal were becoming increasingly central to her practice. In the late 1960s she began working extensively with stainless steel following her association with the French steel manufacturer Ugine-Gueugnon. Rather than treating the material simply as an industrial medium, Pergay explored its reflective surface, strength and precision, using it to create furniture of considerable formal clarity. This marked an important stage in her career and led to some of her best-known designs, including the Flying Carpet daybed and Ring Chair. Her work during this period attracted several significant commissions, including projects for Pierre Cardin and the fashion houses Christian Dior, Givenchy and Hermès among other notable people. MARIA PERGAY (FRENCH, 1930-2023), Literature:, Maria Pergay; Complete Works 1957-2010, Condition Report:, A striking piece, it presents well and is in good condition overall. There are multiple splits to the lacquer to the top, out of view. There is one split to the left side panel, which is very fine and hard to spot, otherwise very clean. There is a split to the right side panel, which is further down the panel, but a little larger. There is a small knock/loss to the top edge of one door. There is some tarnish and wear to the surface of the foot/frame, particularly to the lower top edge, the internal sides retain (or show gilt over) silvered tones. The interior is in good clean condition with three shelves in place. There is a touch of white residue around the decorative emblem. Please see the additional images provided, Condition Report Disclaimer

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