Mid-Century French Decorative Ceramic Bowl by Albert Thiry (Circa 1960s)

Mid-century decorative ceramic bowl (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry (1932 - 2009). A yellowish-beige glazed central sphere at the base of the inner bowl is encircled by deeply engraved leaves. The leaf motif is repeated on the lip of the dish making this piece not only visually attractive but very tactile as well. The outer bowl is layered in subtle colours: green, beige and mustard over a dark brown base with intertwined reeds in the centre. There is a firing fault in the form of a small crack on the base which probably occurred during the first bisque firing, potentially because the clay was not fully dry. It appears the fault must have been seen by Thiry and he continued to glaze it as there seems to be a firing fault that has also been glazed on the side of the bowl. This does not detract from the beauty of the bowl. On the contrary, the fault makes it all the more rustic and gives insight into Thiry's personality. In very good vintage condition commensurate with its age. Signed: 'Thiry'. 

About the Artist: Albert Thiry was born in Nice, France (1932 - 2009). His family moved to Vallauris where he spent most of the school holidays in the potteries; in 1956 he was taken on as an assistant decorator with an opportunity to make his own pieces. In 1961 Albert and his wife Pyot set up their own pottery. Their standard production, in Vallauris clay with added grog to emphasise rusticity resulted in delightful pieces both highly elaborate or utilitarian. The utilitarian pieces which are very recognisable are not signed. (Source: French Pottery of the 50s by Pierre Staudenmeyer).

Dimensions:

H  13 cm

Dia  28.5 cm