Set of Four Ceramic Serving Dishes with Handles by Jean & Juliette Rivier (circa 1960s)

Set of four Mid-Century French small ceramic serving dishes by Jean & Juliette Rivier (circa 1960s). The bases of the dishes are decorated with colourful modern linear designs reminiscent of a labyrinth or graffiti. They may also be somewhat reminiscent of Keith Haring's work that came later in the 20th century. The muted colours contrasts with the chalk-white backdrop of the base and the brown almost aubergine exterior. The pieces are filled with character and Mid-Century allure. Signature on underside: 'J & J Rivier Vallauris' in his trademark handwriting. In good overall condition commensurate with age. Please view all accompanying photos to best appreciate the beauty of the set. Upon request a video may 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:

H 3 cm / 1.2"

W 16 cm / 6.3"

D 12.5 cm / 4.9"