Mid-Century Ceramic Bowl by Grandjean-Jourdan for Vallauris, France, 1950s

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Hand-painted ceramic imitation olive wood (faux bois) with typical African motifs of the period in black, hand-signed on the decoration

… Read more Hand-painted ceramic imitation olive wood (faux bois) with typical African motifs of the period in black, hand-signed on the decoration

The French town of Vallauris, located on the coast in the Alpes-Maritimes department, has maintained a ceramics tradition for centuries. Until the 19th century, mainly simpler, fire-resistant pieces for culinary use were produced. At the beginning of the 20th century, the style evolved and in the middle of the 20th century, with the arrival of ceramic artists in the area (including Pablo Picasso), Vallauris ceramics experienced its heyday.

Sébastien Grandjean (1883-1957) started the business in the early 20th century. His son Eugène Grandjean (1920-1996) learned the trade from his father and succeeded him. The imitation olive wood "Faux bois" represents the most recognized style of Grandjean-Jourdan.

In 1981, the factory closed and in 1987, the town of Vallauris became the owner. A cultural center called Cour Sébastien GRANDJEAN has been created on the premises in honor of its founder, which houses, among other things, a School of Fine Arts where, naturally, ceramics classes are taught. This piece has an attribution mark,
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