Cover image: Barbara Chase-Riboud's Zanzibar Gold in the Salon des Lacques
© Entrée to Black Paris

As ETBP reported a few weeks ago, Barbara Chase-Riboud is enjoying an honor never before bestowed upon a living artist - a simultaneous exhibition of her work in eight major Paris museums.

The Musée National de l'Histoire de l'Immigration (National Museum of the History of Immigration) at the Palais de la Porte Dorée is one of those museums.

Palais de la Porte Dorée
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Two magnificent Chase-Riboud sculptures grace the upper and lower levels of the Salon des Laques (The Lacquer Room), which is located on the upper level past the entrance to the museum's permanent display.

Stairway up to permanent collection
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Permanent collection
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Entrance to the Salon des Lacques
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This room is emblematic of the Art Deco style of interior design.  The upper level is designed for sitting, reading, and conversing, while the lower level is seemingly reserved for observing the displays.

On both levels, the walls are graced by works by master lacquer artist, Jean Dunand. 

Lacquer art by Jean Dunand
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The furniture, made from Madagascar rosewood, was created for the Colonial Museum that supported the 1931 Colonial Exhibition through which France sought to glorify its empire.  Meticulously restored in 2023, it is historically classified.

To the left of the room, in the center of the landing leading to the lower level, Chase-Riboud's regal Zanzibar Gold stands on a jet black platform.

Zanzibar Gold
1970 Barbara Chase-Riboud
Bronze and silk
© Entrée to Black Paris

Descending the stairs, you will find Zanzibar #3, Red Element standing in front of a wooden cabinet that separates it from Zanzibar Gold.

Zanzibar #3, Red Element
1974-1975 Barbara Chase-Riboud
Bronze with black patina, silk, wool, and synthetics
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To the right of Zanzibar #3, a display cabinet contains three books authored by Chase-Riboud: her memoir, I Always Knew (2022); her latest historical novel, The Great Mrs. Elias (2022); and the book of poetry for which her exhibition is named, Everytime a Knot Is Undone, A God Is Released (2014).

Les Sénégalais au pilon by Jean Dunand
and display case
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Publications by Barbara Chase-Riboud
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Along the wall adjacent to this display case, you can read Chase-Riboud's poignant poem, "Why Did We Leave Zanzibar," in French and in English.

"Why Did We Leave Zanzibar?"
by Barbara Chase-Riboud
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Farther into the room, large information sheets folded into eight sections present the eight museums in which Chase-Riboud's works are being shown and the names of the works displayed at each museum.

Information sheets
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The display cases that flank Zanzibar Gold contain postcards from the 1931 Colonial Exhibition.  

Zanzibar Gold and display of 1931 Colonial Exhibition postcards
© Entrée to Black Paris

In addition to Chase-Riboud's books, the cases in the lower level contain lacquered pottery, photos of Jean Dunand, and information about and photos of Seizo Sugawara, the Japanese laquer artisan who taught Dunand how to work with this medium.

For those who have not encountered Chase-Riboud's work before, the Salle des Lacques provides an excellent opportunity to experience her brilliance as a sculptor and a poet.