Jean Després French Art Deco Hammered Sterling Silver Taste-vin
Hollowware (Wine Tasting Cup/Sommelier Dish) · Jean Després (1889-1980), a premier French Art Deco jeweler and silversmith. He is legendary for his 'bijoux-moteurs' (motor jewelry) and his machine-age aesthetic that revolutionized French silver.
Pattern: Signature Martelé (Hammered) Surface with typical 'Després' beaded or rope borders. Introduced c. 1930s-1940s, highly sought-after by modernist collectors.
Type
Hollowware (Wine Tasting Cup/Sommelier Dish)
Maker
Jean Després (1889-1980), a premier French Art Deco jeweler and silversmith. He is legendary for his 'bijoux-moteurs' (motor jewelry) and his machine-age aesthetic that revolutionized French silver.
Material
French 1er Titre Sterling Silver (.950 purity standard). Features a hand-hammered finish with no mixed materials, characterized by a heavy gauge of silver relative to its size.
Dimensions
Diameter: approx. 8-9 cm. Weight: 97 grams (as noted in the display label). This is a substantial weight for a small tasting vessel.
Description
This exquisite silver taste-vin by Jean Després is a masterpiece of early 20th-century functionalism. Known for translating the aesthetics of machinery into luxury items, Després utilizes a distinct hammered finish that eliminates the mirror-like glare of mass-produced silver. The piece sits low and wide, featuring a central boss and surrounding dimples that serve both an aesthetic and a technical purpose for wine professionals. It is a rugged yet sophisticated object that exemplifies the 'malleable beauty' of hand-wrought silver.
Key Features
Heavy hand-hammered (martelé) texture; High-purity .950 silver content; Signature Després minimalist silhouette; Functional sommelier design with 'cupules'.
Material & Composition
French 1er Titre Sterling Silver (.950 purity standard). Features a hand-hammered finish with no mixed materials, characterized by a heavy gauge of silver relative to its size.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered 'martelé' surface which creates a soft light-diffusing effect. The decoration is minimalist Art Deco, featuring a classic scalloped edge and a central 'godron de vin' (wine bubble) used to judge the color and clarity of wine.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Minerva Head 1st standard (indicates .950 silver). Maker's mark 'J. Després' in a lozenge-shaped stamp, often accompanied by his full signature in script on the side or base.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet of silver. The dimples (cupules) are hand-hammered into the base to reflect light through the wine. The handle (if visible) or rim is hand-soldered.
Functional Features
Convex bottom with raised bubbles (points of light) designed to examine the transparency and hue of red wine in low-light cellars. The small finger ring handle allows for a stable grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Features a classic flat or ring-shaped thumb grip. The grip is integrated into the body with heavy silver solder, designed for ergonomic sommelier use.
Craftsmanship Details
Strictly hand-wrought. The irregularities in the hammering are intentional artist marks, signifying a departure from industrial perfection in favor of artisanal character.
Authentication Indicators
Clear presence of the Minerva head hallmark and the specific 'J. Després' maker's mark. The weight (97g) is appropriate for his heavy-gauge style. The surface shows hand-hammering rather than machine-stamping.
Origin & Manufacturing
Avallon, France. Després worked primarily in the Burgundy region, making his wine-related silver particularly authentic to the local viticulture traditions.
Era & Period
Art Deco / Machine Age (c. 1930-1950). Reflects the industrial beauty and 'return to order' movement typical of French design during the interwar and post-WWII period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1950. Based on the label's attribution and the refinement of the hammered technique typical of his mid-career work.
Cultural Significance
The taste-vin is the quintessential tool of the French sommelier. Després' interpretation elevates this folk tool into the realm of high modernist art, representing the fusion of French culinary tradition and avant-garde design.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The piece shows a light, even patina consistent with age. No visible thinning of the silver or significant dents. The 'Jean Després' signature remains clear.
Value Estimate
€1,200 - €2,500 ($1,300 - $2,700 USD). Prices fluctuate based on the legibility of the signature and the intensity of the hammering.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap and warm water. Polish only occasionally with a very fine silver cream to maintain the hammered highlights; avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the desirable oxidation in the recesses.
Similar Pieces
Commercial taste-vins by Christofle or Puiforcat. While Puiforcat is also high-end, Després' work is distinguished by its unique hand-hammered 'brutalist' texture compared to the smoother finishes of his rivals.
Interesting Facts
Jean Després was a technician for aircraft engines during WWI, which profoundly influenced his 'mechanical' design language. His work was favored by celebrities like Josephine Baker and Andy Warhol.