JEAN DESPRÉS (1889-1980) Cocktail Shaker 1920ssilverplate, with impressed Poincon stamp to base height 11 1/2in (29cm); diameter of base 3 1/2in (9cm)JEAN DESPRÉS (1889-1980)Cocktail Shaker 1920ssilverplate, with impressed Poincon stamp to base height 11 1/2in (29cm); diameter of base 3 1/2in (9cm)ProvenanceBonhams, New York, The Gentleman's Library, 16 November 2011, lot 2488Important Private Collection of Cocktail Shakers and Barware, New York (acquired from the above)Jean Després was a French Art Deco designer who captured the streamlined, modern aesthetic of the age of the machine and transformed it into objects of great beauty.As a young man, Després became acquainted with avant-garde artists in Paris, including Modigliani, de Chirico, and Braque, and, after the outbreak of War in 1914, he worked on the industrial design of airplanes. He later transferred this experience and inspiration to his family's jewelry business, where he became known for his innovative geometric patterns. He also created a wide range of tableware and decorative objects in gold, silver, and pewter, whose bold, industrial looks were uncompromisingly modern, yet graceful and refined.