Art Deco Saint-Clément Blue Crackle Spherical Vase Model 712, C. 1930

Details

Description

At Maisons Rares, every piece is personally curated: beautiful historical objects from famous French designers and manufacturers, and art from … Read more At Maisons Rares, every piece is personally curated: beautiful historical objects from famous French designers and manufacturers, and art from the world over.

This vase is far more than a decorative object; it is a superb and rare example of the ceramic innovations of the 1930s. The juxtaposition of its strict, architectural "melon rib" design with the unpredictable alchemy of a dual-texture glaze makes this a highly desirable centrepiece for any serious collector of the Art Deco period.

History & Craftsmanship: The Legacy of Saint-Clément

Founded in 1758 in Lorraine, Saint-Clément is one of the oldest and most prestigious faience makers in France. From 1763, under Richard Mique, architect to Queen Marie-Antoinette, it supplied fine faience to the court of Versailles.
Yet it was truly during the Art Deco period (1920s-1930s) that the manufacture underwent a spectacular avant-garde renaissance, introducing radical geometric forms and highly innovative glazes to rival the legendary studios of Longwy and Primavera.

Design & Glaze Alchemy

This spherical vase (officially referenced as Model 712 in the manufacture's archives) is a quintessential archetype of 1930s modernist design. Its bulbous body is rhythmically structured by an elegant network of lobed ribs, a classic Art Deco motif often referred to as "côtes de melon" (melon ribs).
The true exceptionalism of this piece lies in its complex chromatic treatment. The lower body is bathed in a deep, smooth, midnight-blue glaze, while the shoulder and neck are crowned with a spectacular, highly retracted white glaze. This deliberate, honeycomb-like crackle network (reminiscent of reptile skin or mosaic work) reveals the dark earthenware beneath. This creates a breathtaking visual and tactile contrast, showcasing the era's most advanced ceramic research.

Condition & Authenticity

The piece is in remarkable vintage condition for a century-old faience.
Expert Note on Firing Anomaly: There is a minuscule glaze irregularity on the lip of the neck. It is crucial to note that this is absolutely not a chip, crack, or wear defect, but rather an original glaze retraction that occurred inside the kiln during firing. For purists and seasoned collectors, these original firing anomalies are the object's "birthmarks" - a beautiful testament to its manual craftsmanship and the organic nature of antique reactive glazes.
Fully authenticated and signed in intaglio under the base: "712 / ST CLEMENT - FRANCE / 00".
Like all pieces from our collection, this item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by Maisons Rares.

Design Context

This vase possesses a highly sculptural, gallery-like aura. Its hypnotic two-tone graphic presence requires space to breathe. We highly recommend staging it as a solitary statement piece on a minimalist brushed-metal console or atop the light marble surface of a classical commode, creating a striking bridge between classical and modernist eras.

Technical Specifications

Creator / Manufacturer: Faïencerie de Saint-Clément
Period: Circa 1930 (Art Deco Period)
Origin: Lorraine, France
Material: Enamelled faience, dual-tone (Deep Blue and Retracted Crackle White)
Dimensions: Height: 17 cm (6.7 in) Max Diameter: 17 cm (6.7 in)
Style: Art Deco / Modernist
Condition: Perfect Vintage Condition (Original minor glaze irregularity on the collar, as made)
Authenticity: Original maker's mark under the base. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by Maisons Rares. See less