French Ceramic Vase with African Mask Motif Attributed to Jacqueline Lerat (circa 1960s)

Vintage French ceramic vase with African mask motif attributed to Jacqueline Lerat (circa 1960s). This sculptural, asymmetric piece presents a tribal mask motif whose faces are made, collage-like, with geometric incisions on the piece's front and back. It is both visually and texturally compelling. The piece has many of the same qualities of other pieces by Lerat when one scrutinises the breadth of her work. Although some have full signatures as their mark, others had a simple monogram which appears somewhat as an 'H', but may also be visually resolved as 'J L'.  This gallery feels the prevalence of indications points to Lerat for this piece. Whatever the case, the ceramic is stunning and would be a welcome addition to anyone's collection or home decor. Like Lerat, many other artists were inspired by African mask motifs and incorporated them in their works. Pablo Picasso, Jean Derval and Robert Deblander are a few who made ceramics and other works with this theme. The piece is in good overall condition. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. Upon request a video will be provided.

About the Artist: Jacqueline Lerat (1920-2009) worked alongside her husband Jean Lerat (1913-1992) for forty-seven years. Initially they set up a studio in La Borne in 1943, revitalising the area’s wood-fired ceramic traditions and producing functional pieces. In 1955 they moved to Bourges, building a new wood-firing kiln and beginning to create more sculptural and abstracted works.

Their collaboration in ceramics is considered to be among the most important in post-war France. Their teaching at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Bourges has influenced new generations of potters.

Jacqueline continued to live and work in their studio in Bourges, France after Jean died in 1992 until her own death in February 2009.

Dimensions:

H 18 cm / 7.1"

W 12 cm / 4.7"

D 5 cm / 2"