Crackled Earthenware Elephant from Charles Lemanceau, 1930s

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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 for 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 the animal bronzes of Rembrandt Bugatti or the ceramics of Édouard Cazaux, but in a more accessible and decidedly decorative style. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
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