Mid-Century French Conical Shaped Ceramic Table Lamp by Jean Rivier (circa 1960s)

Mid-century French ceramic table lamp by Jean Rivier (circa 1960s). A conically shaped lamp of earthenware with a subtle molten green glaze over the brown matt surface. The clay was layered in coils to form the conical shape and the surface is textured and raw and very appealing as a result. At the top of the base near the light fitting is the pure molten green glaze surround. The lamp has been rewired for use in the UK. Signature on underside: 'Jean Rivier' in his trademark childish handwriting. Lampshade is for display only and not included in the sale. Upon request a short video clip of the piece may be provided. In good vintage condition commensurate with age.

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:

H 30 cm (11.8")

W (at base) 9.5 cm (3.7")