Abstract Ceramic Bird Vide-Poche by Jean Derval (circa 1950s)

Abstract ceramic bird vide-poche by Jean Derval (circa 1950s). A skilful work of ceramic sculpture, Derval's bird is masterfully executed demonstrating why his works continue to increase in value with every year. The breadth of his body of work runs the gamut from small, elegant individual pieces to architectural-sized sculptures. Truly beautiful and inspiring, this lovely avian ceramic will surely be a conversation piece and a focal point of interest in your home or work space. In fair vintage condition with evident repairs at the neck and the two 'wing' ends. Our gallery speculates this wonderful piece had been dropped in its past as evidenced by the presence of these professional, subtle repair marks. Please carefully view the accompanying photos to ascertain the beauty and condition of the ceramic. The work has been priced accordingly. Upon request a video of the piece will be provided as well. Signed on the interior: 'JD'. 

About the Artist: Jean Derval (1925 - 2010) went to Vallauris, France in 1947 where he worked initially with Roger Capron and Robert Picault. Jean Derval met Picasso in 1949 in the famous Madoura workshop Madoura where he trained with the master for two years. He set up his own pottery in 1951 but occasionally worked for other potters including his brother-in-law, Gustave Reynaud (founder of Le Mûrier pottery). Derval was awarded a major prize by the Cannes International Academy of Ceramics in 1955 and other prestigious medals for his exhibitions in Europe. His work was also shown in New York and Chicago between 1956 - 1960. Derval won awards at several Vallauris Biennales and in 1998, he was the subject of a film made by Pierre Rémy. His skills as a graphic artist are evident in the bowls, vases and figurines he designed in the early 1950s, which often relate to religious work and to Romanesque art. Yet he was receptive to the lessons of Cubism as is illustrated by the mutations of classic forms in many of his pieces. Far from ignoring the lessons of Abstraction, the decoration Derval used for vases, pitchers and bowls retained a warm friendliness sometimes mixed with highly stylised figurative motifs. His pieces are nearly always marked. They may bear the initials "JD" or the signature "Jean Derval" on one or two lines, or "Derval", painted under the glaze on the back. The signature "Jean Derval" on two lines in a square cartouche stamped in the clay and overglazed is not uncommon. Only a very few pieces are unsigned - some may bear the Le Mûrier Pottery mark (mulberry leaf). (Ref: French Pottery of the 50s by Pierre Staudenmeyer). 

Dimensions:

H 18 cm / 7.1"

W 18 cm / 7.1"

L 10.5 cm / 4.1"