Mid-Century French Ceramic Bowl by Jean Rivier (circa 1960s)

Mid-century French ceramic bowl by Jean Rivier (circa 1960s). A stunning, modern design earthenware bowl in off-white with chocolate brown zoomorphic shapes. The figures are reminiscent of prehistoric African art and surround the exterior of the bowl. The interior has one large figure at its base similarly coloured and surrounded with brown spotting. The piece is immediately inviting and breathtaking visually. Signature on underside: 'Jean Rivier' in his trademark handwriting. In good vintage condition commensurate with age. Please view all accompanying photos to best appreciate the aesthetics and condition of the piece. Upon request a short video clip will be provided.

About the Artist: Jean Rivier (1915 - 2017), trained as a professional potter under Emilie Decanis in Aix-en-Provence. He moved to Vallauris in 1952 where he set up his own pottery while also teaching at the Centre d'Art Méditerranée. He worked with his second wife, Claudie Rivier from 1961. He engraved decoration by hand in raw slip on biscuit-ware, which he then fired in a clear-burning flame. These highly graphic motifs often relate to Amerindian art, prehistoric N. African cave art, or the graffiti made fashionable by Art Brut. He took part in numerous international exhibitions throughout his career including with Picasso and Pignon. Rivier left Vallauris in 1968 to take up a teaching post at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Tours, where he continued to teach until 1974. He later devoted his time to painting and illustration and passed away in 2017 at the age of 102. (Ref: 'French Pottery of the 50s' by Pierre Staudenmeyer). 

Dimensions:

Dia 20.3 cm / 8.0"

H 11.9 cm / 4.7"