The wooden panel from the 1930s, which measures 2ft 10in x 5ft 8in (87cm x 1.75m) including the original frame, is decorated in brown and blue lacquer on a gold ground and is signed Jean Dunand lower left. It had been authenticated by Amélie Marcilhac, a specialist on the artist.
Big cats, along with other exotic wild animals, were a favourite subject of Dunand. He used a technique known as lacque arrachée which he regularly employed, applying the lacquer layers with the aid of a spatula to give texture.
Offered with an estimate of €60,000-80,000 on December 17, the panel sold for €340,000 (£293,105).