Decorative French Ceramic Platter by Jacques Pouchain for Poët-Laval (circa 1950s)

Poët-Laval decorative ceramic platter by Jacques Pouchain (circa 1950s). This rather rare platter incorporates an image of a cubist wine pitcher and a bunch of stylised grapes on a rustic table, certainly inspired by a still life painting by Picasso. Beyond the image, is a luminescent green glaze which gently slopes upwards towards the decorative outer edge. This piece is one of Pouchain's highly personal works created in Poët-Laval rather than in the town next door, Dieulefit, where his later, more commercial pieces were produced. The maker's mark on the bottom reflects this differentiation. In fair overall condition with a few characterful blemishes not affecting the overall impression of the piece. There is some slight fading of the glazing particularly at the edges. This is a rare collector's piece from the personal repertoire of the master ceramicist, Jacques Pouchain. Please enjoy the many images accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided.

Dimensions:

W  31.5 cm / 12.4"

D  22 cm / 8.7"

H  2.5 cm / 1"

About the Artist: Jacques Pouchain (1927-2015) studied architecture before training at the Académie de la Grande-Chaumière in Paris — the celebrated free academy whose alumni had included Giacometti, Miró and Foujita. In 1951 he left Paris for the southern Drôme, initially intending to become an abstract painter, and was drawn instead into ceramics at the Faïencerie Coursange in Poët-Laval. As head of its decoration and modelling workshop until 1957, he defined the shapes and colours of the factory's production, introducing bright-coloured ceramics decorated with stylised patterns reminiscent of nature — birds, fruits and suns. There he was also able to produce highly personal work revealing a modern approach to pottery. In 1959 he established his own Atelier in nearby Dieulefit, where he worked until 1982. At the beginning of the 1990s he took advantage of his role as first deputy in charge of culture in Dieulefit to found the Maison de la Terre with Serge Emiliani — an exhibition space quickly accompanied by a training space called the Maison de la Céramique, approved by the National Commission for Professional Certification. His work is held in the collections of the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Musée de Valence, the Musée Cantini in Marseille, and Boston University.