Charles Lemanceau, Crackled Earthenware Elephant, 1930, Earthenware

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After graduating from the École des Arts appliqués et des Arts Décoratifs in 1923, Charles Lemanceau began his career working … Read more After graduating from the École des Arts appliqués et des Arts Décoratifs in 1923, Charles Lemanceau began his career working for the Printemps Primavera workshops and the Saint-Clément factory, where he became the leading designer.

In 1925, he exhibited at the Salon d’Automne alongside Mallet-Stevens, Le Corbusier and Matisse. His collection of crackled-glaze animal figures — stylised forms that blend monumentality with simplicity — is featured in Patrick Malaureille’s reference work, *Craquelés: les animaux en céramique 1920–1940* (Massin, 1993).

The elephant is one of his most frequently produced and recognisable subjects: a compact mass, a synthetic treatment of volume, and an ivory-coloured crackled glaze that accentuates the tension of the form. It is similar in spirit to Rembrandt Bugatti’s animal bronzes or Édouard Cazaux’s ceramics, but in a more accessible and decidedly decorative style. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
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