Skip to product information
Petit Chinois by Erté
Petit Chinois by Erté
Petit Chinois by Erté
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Petit Chinois by Erté

  • Erté designed this costume for a 1921 performance at L'Apollo Théâtre, a Parisian music hall
  • The character’s attire is a vivid tapestry of traditional Chinese attire
  • Known as the "Father of Art Deco," Erté left a lasting impact on art and design
  • This design showcases Erté‘s skill and love for blending Art Deco and Orientalist motifs
  • Get complete item description here
$14,850
Item No. 31-7570

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Erté (Romain de Tirtoff)
1892-1990 | Russian-French

Petit Chinois

Signed “Erté”(lower right)
Inscribed "No. 19" (en verso)
Gouache on paper

This costume was designed for a character from Don Juan for a performance at L'Apollo Théâtre, a historic music hall that was located at 20 rue de Clinchy in Paris’ 9th arrondissement. The play Don Juan, penned by Molière in 1665, is a five-act comedy that draws upon the Spanish legend of. . .
Read More
Erté (Romain de Tirtoff)
1892-1990 | Russian-French

Petit Chinois

Signed “Erté”(lower right)
Inscribed "No. 19" (en verso)
Gouache on paper

This costume was designed for a character from Don Juan for a performance at L'Apollo Théâtre, a historic music hall that was located at 20 rue de Clinchy in Paris’ 9th arrondissement. The play Don Juan, penned by Molière in 1665, is a five-act comedy that draws upon the Spanish legend of Don Juan in Tenorio. The central character, Don Juan, is a libertine who seduces women purely for the thrill of romantic conquest, only to abandon them without a second thought. Adding complexity to his character is his atheism, a theme that gains importance at the end of the play when Don Juan feigns a spiritual awakening, only to die with shame. 

Adorned in resplendent traditional Chinese garments, the character is a striking figure. His trousers, a vivid shade of fuchsia, are complemented by an intricately designed coat featuring a palette of black, fuchsia, yellow, and grey, embellished with elaborate floral motifs. In one hand, he holds aloft a yellow fan or placard, a hue that harmonizes with the sash encircling his waist. His visage is further distinguished by a lengthy, braided beard and an ornate hairpiece.

The artist, Russian-French visionary Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990), popularly known as Erté, began his artistic journey in the culturally rich city of St. Petersburg, where he developed an early fondness for ballet and theatrical performances. He moved to Paris in 1912 to study architecture, and quickly found his creative niche in crafting fantastical costumes for the city’s bustling nightlife. Erté‘s expertise, refined under the guidance of the famed Paul Poiret, captured the attention of Harper’s Bazaar, marking the beginning of a significant partnership that spanned from 1915 to 1936. The artist also designed sets for notable cinematic masterpieces including Ben Hur and La Bohème, and created sets and costumes for cabarets, operas and other performances at the Folies-Bergères, Bal Tabarin, the Théâtre du Bataclan and Le Casino de Paris. Often remembered as the “Father of Art Deco,” Erté was a trailblazer whose colorful creations shaped the groundbreaking Art Deco era more than any other, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art and design. His artworks reside in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 

Painted 1921

Paper: 11 1/4“ high x 5 wide
Frame: 17 1/2“ high x 11 1/2” wide x 5/8" deep

Exhibitions:
M.S. Rau, New Orleans, Erté and the Era of Art Deco, October 14, 2023 - January 3, 2024

Provenance:
Private collection, Paris
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Petit Chinois by Erté
Maker: Erté
Period: 1919-Present
Origin: France
Type: Paintings
Style: Art Deco
Depth: 0.63 in. (1.59 cm)
Width: 11.5 in. (29.21 cm)
Height: 17.5 in. (44.45 cm)
Canvas Width: 5.000 in. (12.7 cm)
Canvas Height: 11.250 in. (28.58 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Recently Viewed


The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.