Henri Rapin

Henri Rapin (24 February 1873 – 30 June 1939) was a French painter, illustrator and designer known for his Art Deco inspired contributions in various media including porcelain, leather goods, lighting and interior furnishings.

Born in Paris in 1873, Rapin studied under neoclassical artists Jean-Léon Gérôme and Joseph Blanc at the École des Beaux-Arts.

Rapin's work at the exposition and cooperative relationship with artists such at René Lalique, Max Ingrand, and Raymond Subes, also directly led to a commission to lead the interior design of a new private residence in Tokyo for Prince Yasuhiko Asaka.

At the 1925, International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts, Rapin's design for a red Morocco leather trunk, was awarded the “Diplôme d'Honneur” and contributed to Moynat's reputation as the leading luxury luggage producer of the era.

Ceramic blanks for lighting fixtures proved commercially successful, enabling in 1927 Sèvres to reduce its financial dependence on the French state.

Applique light fixture produced for Sèvres