Paul Louis Mergier. Master Piece Vase. Showpiece.

Paul Louis Mergier (1891-1986)

An impressive art deco dinanderie vase.
Signed to the base.
38cm diameter. 28cm high.
Excellent condition.
Circa 1920.


A Unique Showpiece in Dinandier Metalwork

Possessing an incomparable physical presence, this monumental vase by Louis Mergier stands as a unique "showpiece." With a 38 cm diameter and 28 cm height, it far exceeds the standard dimensions of traditional metalwork, elevating it to the status of a true metal sculpture.

The work is distinguished by the profusion and richness of its narrative decor, which unfolds across a full 360-degree view. Set against a deeply textured turquoise blue patina, Mergier has crafted a sequence of reclining female nudes whose silvered silhouettes brilliantly capture the light. The sheer complexity of the composition—blending maritime scrolls, elegant passementerie drapery on the neck, and integrated still-life details—ensures that every angle offers a new discovery.

Designed to be the focal point of an exceptional interior, this piece commands attention through its impressive volume and sophisticated chromatic contrasts between warm browns and vibrant blues. It remains a rare testament to Mergier’s artisan mastery, firmly establishing his legacy as a major artist of the medium.

Who is Louis Mergier ?

Paul-Louis Mergier was an aeronautical engineer who pivoted from technical design to the mastery of metalwork. During the interwar period, he became a pivotal figure in the revival of French dinanderie, bringing a unique, structural precision to the Art Deco movement.

He treated the surfaces of copper and brass not merely as functional objects, but as canvases for narrative art. Through expert hammering and the application of complex chemical patinas, he rendered mythological hunters, stylized animals, and geometric compositions with remarkable clarity. While he is frequently associated with the "Évolution" line of decorative editions, his true artistry flourished in his bespoke pieces, where he integrated enamel and metal inlays.

A versatile creator, Mergier balanced the rigor of a technician with the sensitivity of a decorator. His legacy remains defined by this fusion: an elegant, sober aesthetic that elevated industrial materials to the height of decorative luxury.