Argy-Rousseau's near-unique ability to gracefully soften the starkness of Art Deco design without ever sacrificing the strength of the design is on full display in this remarkable, petite masterpiece. His Fleurs Tropicales design combines the ruby petals of a Japanese pompom chrysanthemum and the cascading pistils of a hibiscus. The background is composed of a warm amber streaked with purple powdered glass. The shade sits in a conforming dish and is raised on a tall stemmed wrought iron stand, creating the illusion of a blossoming flower emerging from the soil. The base's lower section is intricately adorned with radiating patterns, evoking the image of roots breaking through the earth's surface. In the Edo period, the chrysanthemum was one of the most popular motifs for porcelains exported to Europe. Coinciding with the fall of the Qing dynasty, both Chinese and Japanese flower motifs trickled into Art Deco Design, most prominently appearing in the haute couture dresses of Paul Poiret.
