PRETTY WHITE BIRD...

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

See the unusual, pretty white bird? "La Poule Blanche". It's now in the collection of Singaporean fashion designer Andrew Gn, displayed with other white ceramics on his Brutalist console. It has quite a history. It was made by renowned French ceramicist Georges Jouve in 1949.

Read an article that Andrew Gn joined the bidding frenzy for La Poule when it came up for auction recently. He was quoted as saying he couldn't sleep before bidding on it. Knew it would cost him, but HAD to have it...

(Ha. Have you or do you, feel that way about anything in your home? I fully understand it. It's not too fashionable now to be a driven collector-- we'd rather purge instead. And I do that too. But I remember what it feels like to join the thrill of the hunt.)

Galerie Magazine showed the triumphant Gn among some of this treasures, and you can tell he has an interesting eye. That pottery is gorgeous--

So I looked up his various iterations of Paris apartments, and his fashion salon.

His shop or "studio", or salon, ( atelier? whatever you call it!) in Paris is dreamy--

Andrew-Gn-0050_T (1).jpg

That one-shouldered dress has drama!

Another of his fanciful designs, with beautiful drape--

WuJinyan wearing Andrew gn AW18, 24th Hua Ding Awards, 10th November 2018 - 4.jpeg

At least two of his Paris apartments have been widely published, but I think I like his first one best. The guy creates great little vignettes, and is obviously a devoted collector. These images are from his earlier apartment--

Sweet kitchen corner--

Everything creamy here, with that wonderful chest, stone lamps, and one shot of brilliant Chinese yellow--

This one, a study in black and white, with just the blast of red flowers. The all-black china is Wedgwood's famous Black Basalt--

Another superb scatter of treasures on an old chest...

I think that white bird will make a nice addition to his collections. He called it a dove, although, funnily enough, I think "poule" in French technically means hen. But it does look like a dove. Makes sense. Back in 1949 post-War, when Georges Jouve (seen below) designed it, the dove of peace was literally 'in the air'. People craved peace, and doves symbolized that. I just love the sculptural shape that Jouve came up with.

D Kay · ‎04-20-2010

Not so pretty.

vermint · ‎04-05-2010

@Oznell It makes me think of those very pretty "fan tail" doves...I think that's what they are called. Anyway, an abstract version of that.

Gn seems to be an interesting man!

Happy2BHere · ‎10-22-2019

@Oznell you always have the most interesting, informative posts!

I love the little white bird/hen in that vignette, and also the black and white with the blast of red flowers.

I know what he means about really wanting to buy something that strikes you. I have been to quite a few auctions for different small items, but I also know the feeling of wanting (having!) to have the high bid on something I really wanted. Though I know what I wanted was considerably less (not even in the same universe!) to the $$$ I'm sure he paid, that holding-your-breath until the auction gavel drops feeling is the same no matter what you pay!

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@Oznell Yes, I have had that same passion about a few acquired treasured items.

Years ago every time my husband and I shopped at costco there was a large locked glass case and one of the items was a huge lalique satin crystal of circling fish:

Lalique Crystal Double Fish Sculpture , 05.18.07, Sold: $1495

I would always pause and comment on this mesmerizing crystal. We would laugh when we went to Costco saying we were visiting my fish. After months of seeing "my fish" on our shopping trips one day it was no longer on the shelf. I had that same passion about my fish as Andrew did about his bird.. I'm not easily drawn to objects de arte, but this resonated with me and symbolically reminded me of the alchemical ouroboros and the symbol of infinity and rebirth as well as a heart felt aesthetic appreciation. I had a sense of loss that surprised me, little did I know what was in store a few days later for my birthday we would be reunited again as a gift from my loving husband. To this day, I still find joy in this stunning art.

@Oznell wrote:
Read an article that Andrew Gn joined the bidding frenzy for La Poule when it came up for auction recently. He was quoted as saying he couldn't sleep before bidding on it. Knew it would cost him, but HAD to have it...

(Ha. Have you or do you, feel that way about anything in your home? I fully understand it. It's not too fashionable now to be a driven collector-- we'd rather purge instead. And I do that too.

DSD2 · ‎01-09-2016

@phoenixbrd wrote:
@Oznell Yes, I have had that same passion about a few acquired treasured items.

Years ago every time my husband and I shopped at costco there was a large locked glass case and one of the items was a huge lalique satin crystal of circling fish:

I would always pause and comment on this mesmerizing crystal. We would laugh when we went to Costco saying we were visiting my fish. After months of seeing "my fish" on our shopping trips one day it was no longer on the shelf. I had that same passion about my fish as Andrew did about his bird.. I'm not easily drawn to objects de arte, but this resonated with me and symbolically reminded me of the alchemical ouroboros and the symbol of infinity and rebirth as well as a heart felt aesthetic appreciation. I had a sense of loss that surprised me, little did I know what was in store a few days later for my birthday we would be reunited again as a gift from my loving husband. To this day, I still find joy in this stunning art.

@Oznell wrote:
Read an article that Andrew Gn joined the bidding frenzy for La Poule when it came up for auction recently. He was quoted as saying he couldn't sleep before bidding on it. Knew it would cost him, but HAD to have it...

(Ha. Have you or do you, feel that way about anything in your home? I fully understand it. It's not too fashionable now to be a driven collector-- we'd rather purge instead. And I do that too.

@phoenixbrd I felt my eyes misting a bit reading your story. The piece is beautiful and your husband buying it for you, knowing how much you liked it proves that love and romance is alive and well. I wish you both (and your fish!) many happy years to come. A lovely story, thank you for sharing.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@DSD2 I just read your kind comment to my husband....thank you! 😘

DSD2 · ‎01-09-2016

@Oznell another fascinating, wonderful post.

I find the bird quite lovely...We all crave peace don't we? A prized but not always realized blessing.

The fashion studio and the couture are gorgeous.

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

@vermint , @Happy2BHere , @phoenixbrd , @DSD2 --

I just had a feeling this bird might bring out a few choice, revealing and perceptive comments, thank you!

@vermint , you hit it! The word that applies to the hen/dove-- "abstract". It reminded me of the artist Ben Shahn's abstract dove sketches, very midcentury modern, yet imperfect and rustic. An added bonus is that it looks to be something you could use-- seems to be a vase?

@Happy2BHere , exactly. I don't think I've even ever bought anything at auction. But at my 'poor woman's' level, when I've been haunting resale and antique stores, and found something great, resisted it, but then go back, hoping and hoping it's still there-- I totally relate to his excitement!

@phoenixbrd , chiming in with @DSD2 , your fish are stunning, and even more beautiful, your husband's gift of thoughtfulness. What a great story!

@DSD2 , so well put as usual, peace is THE desirable commodity.

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

As a retired antiques dealer I resold a few Lalique pieces in my career, very modest ones. The Fish is outstanding. I am so happy for @phoenixbrd. What a wonderful husband.