Divan Japonais Value Guide

The 1893 Divan Japonais is a cornerstone of Art Nouveau graphic design, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec to advertise the Parisian cafe-concert at 75 rue des Martyrs. It is highly collectible for its innovative composition, famously depicting singer Yvette Guilbert with her head cropped to focus on the audience members Jane Avril and Édouard Dujardin.

What Is Divan Japonais Worth?

The typical price range for Divan Japonais is $5,000 - $5,500 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the paper, specifically the presence of foxing, tears, or fading from UV exposure.
• The quality of the framing, particularly if archival materials were used to preserve the 19th-century ink.
• Provenance and documentation linking the piece to early French lithographic collections.
• The vibrancy of the original ink colors, as the yellow and green pigments are prone to fading over time.

How to Identify Divan Japonais?

• Verify the presence of the artist's signature monogram 'HTL' integrated into the lithographic stone.
• Check for the distinctive cropping of Yvette Guilbert, identifiable by her signature long black gloves.
• Examine the paper for signs of age-appropriate oxidation and the specific color palette of yellow, black, and olive green typical of the 1893 printing.
• Look for the printer's mark, usually 'Imp. Edw. Ancourt, Paris', which is found on original period runs.

History of Divan Japonais

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec created 'Divan Japonais' in 1893 to promote the famous Parisian cafe-concert located at 75 rue des Martyrs. This poster, with its bold lines and vibrant colors, captures the essence of Montmartre's nightlife during the Belle Époque. The design features Jane Avril, a well-known can-can dancer, in the audience with critic Édouard Dujardin, watching the legendary singer Yvette Guilbert whose head is famously cropped by the stage. It is an iconic example of Art Nouveau poster art and a testament to Lautrec's masterful ability to portray the Parisian entertainment scene.