Ceramic Candle Holder / 'Pottery Porter' Sculpture by Jacques Pouchain - Atelier Dieulefit (circa 1960s-70s)

Glazed 'pottery porter' ceramic sculpture (circa 1960s-70s) by Jacques Pouchain. This is a delightful, whimsical candle holder inspired by the women in his pottery who ported the pieces from the kiln to the shelves. This figure has a conical wheel thrown body, simplified yet expressive facial features, and a smooth milky-white enamel glaze with a few oatmeal accents. She is carrying pieces which resemble some of Pouchain's most prized ceramics. Dieulefit is inscribed to base, which is the town in which the artist's studio was located in the South of France. In good overall condition notwithstanding a very minor chip at the clay coloured base (see photos). Stamped: 'L'Atelier Dieulefit' also inscribed along with initials 'JP'. Upon request a video of the piece will be provided.

About the Artist: Jacques Pouchain (1925-2005) left Paris and gave up his architectural training in the 1950s for the South of France to devote himself to art and his pottery studio at Dieulefit in the South of France. He produced highly personal work and more commercial pieces as well. His habit of applying a white over-glaze to decoration engraved in manganese oxide revealed a modern approach to pottery. In the early days, familiar animals were recurrent themes in his work. He began making large, abstract pieces in the 1960s before developing the themes of femininity and fertility in the 1970s (ref: 'French Pottery of the 50s' by Pierre Staudenmeyer). His pieces are engraved or stamped "Atelier Dieulefit." More personal pieces also bear the initials 'JP'. He is an institutionally recognized painter, sculptor, and ceramicist and has been featured in many major art museums including the Museum of Modern Art of Paris. 

Dimensions:

H 30 cm / 11.8"

W 20 cm / 7.9"

D 11 cm / 4.3"