Mid-Century Modern French Faux Bois Earthenware Pitcher, 1950

Details

Description

French mid-century faux bois earthenware pitcher by the Faïencerie de Saint-Jean-du-Désert, Marseille, circa 1950 — a trompe l'oeil wood-grain glossy … Read more French mid-century faux bois earthenware pitcher by the Faïencerie de Saint-Jean-du-Désert, Marseille, circa 1950 — a trompe l'oeil wood-grain glossy glaze over a boldly sculptural, organic modern form.

The form is strongly organic: a broad, rounded body that swells through the midsection and tapers to a narrow footing, with a loop handle that echoes the body's curved character and a spout that sweeps upward to a narrow angled point. The glossy faux bois glaze covers the entire surface in a convincing portrayal of wood grain — warm amber and honey tones streaked with deep espresso brown, following the contours of the body in swirling, naturalistic patterns. A prominent wood knot is centered on the front, rendered with spiraling growth rings that are entirely convincing on a ceramic surface. The high-gloss finish intensifies the warmth of the tones until the piece reads more like polished wood than fired clay. The handle is glazed in a smooth caramel tone that reads as a carved wooden grip — the deception of the medium is part of its appeal.
Stamped on the base with the factory's circular mark. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less