Modernist Art Ceramic Majolica Plate attributed to Jerome Massier, Vallauris, France, 1960s

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Measurements:
height: 34 cm; width: 33.5 cm; depth: 8.5 cm; weight: 2.385 kg

a refined, heavy majolica display plate, entirely … Read more Measurements:
height: 34 cm; width: 33.5 cm; depth: 8.5 cm; weight: 2.385 kg

a refined, heavy majolica display plate, entirely hand-shaped and decorated in the renowned vallauris district of southern france during the mid-20th century. This piece is distinguished by an elaborate manufacturing technique that combines sculptural sculpture with the masterful use of thick glazes. The rim of the plate features a shaded "under-glaze" glaze that elegantly transitions from white to turquoise green, enhanced by a dense, deep craquelure effect achieved through controlled thermal shock. At the center of the composition is a three-dimensional, high-relief decorative pattern: a radial structure composed of four cylindrical elements shaped like small vases or miniature rustic buckets, finished with a glossy, shiny brown glaze. Beneath them, the sculptural and stylized figure of a bird (a bird, a hen, or a rooster) stands out, coated in a metallic, iridescent midnight blue glaze with fascinating volcanic hues. The back of the object reveals the authenticity of its manufacture through the light-colored, unfired clay, the two original holes drilled before firing to allow for suspension, and a visible brown firing mark that testifies to the piece's craftsmanship. The back features a calligraphic signature drawn with a brush in flowing dark pigment. The work is entirely attributable to the artistic production of the historic dynasty and workshop of jérôme massier in vallauris. The reasons for this attribution lie in the cursive monogram on the back, where the slender letters faithfully reproduce the graphic union of the initials "j" and "m." the execution style perfectly reflects the massier repertoire: the iconography of the bird juxtaposed with small vases recalls the famous naturalistic themed series "le puits aux oiseaux" (the birds' well), while the combination of the intense, crackled aqua green ground and the dark, protruding sculptural elements reflects the manufacturer's shift toward post-world war ii modernist and avant-garde tastes, making this plate a visually striking collector's item.
this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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