Mid-Century French Dish / Vide-Poche by Jean Rivier (circa 1960s)

Mid-century French ceramic dish / vide-poche by Jean Rivier (circa 1960s). A softened-edge triangular shaped dish / vide-poche of enamel with a modern linear decoration reminiscent of a labyrinth or graffiti. It may also remind one of Keith Haring's work that came later in the 20th century. The faded green backdrop colour contrasts with the chalk-white surround of the curved edges and the brown / aubergine exterior. The piece is filled with character and charm. Signature on underside: 'Jean Rivier' in his trademark handwriting along with the childlike bird logo. In good vintage condition commensurate with age. Please view all accompanying photos to best appreciate the beauty and condition of the piece. Upon request a short video clip of the ceramic can 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:

L 28.6 cm / 11.3"

W 14.6 cm / 5.7"

H 3 cm / 1.2"