Jean Pascaud Rare Pair of Lounge Chairs in Rosewood and Taupe Velvet

Jean Pascaud, pair of lounge chairs, velvet fabric, rosewood, France, circa 1932

These armchairs, designed by the acclaimed French designer and interior decorator Jean Pascaud around 1932, showcase a refined elegance with their robust form, rounded lines, and meticulous woodwork. The backrest’s gently curved top creates a smooth, arching silhouette that seamlessly transitions into the rounded arms, giving the chairs a graceful yet substantial presence. Its signature element are the legs. Extending vertically from the base to the armrests, they establish a strong visual framework that contrasts with the soft, rounded upholstery. The architecturally inspired woodwork is distinguished by a fluted vertical face, consisting of a series of shallow, parallel grooves that run the full height of the element. At the base, the legs transition into a stepped, tiered construction, reminiscent of classical architectural plinths or Art Deco motifs. Pascaud meticulously designed these chairs to be both functional and exquisitely refined, embodying his signature blend of luxury and simplicity.
Jean Pascaud (1903–1996) was a celebrated French designer and decorator, recognized for his luxurious, bespoke furniture and interior designs. As a designer, Pascaud belonged to the Ruhlmann tradition, emphasizing opulence, fine craftsmanship, and the use of high-quality materials. A graduate of the prestigious École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures in 1924, Pascaud shifted from engineering to applied arts, inspired by the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris. Influenced by the rise of Art Deco, he shifted his focus to furniture design, producing his first pieces in 1927.

Pascaud’s work adhered to the tradition of luxury craftsmanship, creating pieces for specific rooms, clients, or architectural settings. His designs were known for their clean lines and exquisite finishes. He used a variety of rare and exotic materials, including Macassar ebony, ivory, sycamore, and black lacquer. He was particularly drawn to showcasing the natural beauty of wood grain, and his meticulous craftsmanship often included marquetry in metals like bronze or silver, as well as the use of parchment and sharkskin.

By the 1930s, Pascaud's reputation grew, leading to prestigious commissions, including the interior design of luxury ocean liners The Normandy and The Pasteur, and major projects for the French Ministry of Education. He earned the Grand Prix at the 1937 International Exposition in Paris, cementing his status as a master of luxury design.

Pascaud's designs were in high demand during the 1940s and beyond. He worked on prestigious projects for both private clients and governmental bodies, including the French embassies in Czechoslovakia, Sweden, and Mexico. He also contributed to monumental works such as the Place de Landhaus in Innsbruck and the Col de l'Arlberg in 1948 and 1949, respectively.

Jean Pascaud’s work stands alongside that of his contemporaries, Jacques Adnet (1900-1984) and André Arbus (1903-1969), as emblematic of French Art Deco. His furniture, known for its purity of form and restrained elegance, was often adorned with ornamental gilded bronze motifs. He frequently collaborated with other artists to create pieces that were not only functional but also deeply artistic.

Although Pascaud’s works were highly sought after during his lifetime, many of his pieces, despite being signed, are difficult to identify today. His career, spanning over five decades, is a testament to the enduring allure of French Art Deco and his mastery of creating furniture that was both timeless and luxurious. Jean Pascaud passed away in 1996.

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