Marius-Ernest Sabino (1831-1961) was a sculptor who experimented with glass and by 1925 had created his own chemical formula for opalescent designs. He began making chandeliers of monumental proportions and in 1927 created special lighting for luxury liner the Isle de France, and a lighted fountain column for the Grand Salon of Normandy in 1935. A factory set up in Sabino’s name is still in production today.

A popular movement in the 1920s and 30s, promoted by Ruhlmann and other great Paris furniture manufacturers, and the big department stores. The style was influenced by Aztec and Egyptian design, the Ballets Russes, Hollywood musicals and the new ocean-going liners. It featured stepped and geometric designs, sunrays and chevrons.