Vintage French Ceramic Figure by Jacques Pouchain (circa 1960s-70s)

Glazed ceramic figure / vase (circa 1960s-70s) by Jacques Pouchain (1925–2015). A characterful and whimsical anthropomorphic single flower vase modelled as a standing female figure with a conical, wheel-thrown body, elongated neck, and a single arching arm doubling as the piece's handle sweeping from shoulder to head. She holds a boldly stylised flower at her waist, its petals rendered in low relief. The figure has simplified yet expressive facial features incised into the clay in Pouchain's inimitable style. Glazed throughout in his signature milky white enamel with warm manganese brown tones, the lower body is decorated with finely incised horizontal lines evoking the folds of a skirt. This is one of the ceramicist's more personal pieces and is thus marked 'JP' at the underside base. In very good overall condition. A video of the piece is available upon request.

About the Artist: Jacques Pouchain (1925-2015) left Paris and gave up his architectural training in the 1950s for the South of France to devote himself to art and his pottery studio at Dieulefit. He produced highly personal work and more commercial pieces as well. His habit of applying a white over-glaze to decoration engraved in manganese oxide revealed a modern approach to pottery. In the early days, familiar animals were recurrent themes in his work. He began making large, abstract pieces in the 1960s before developing the themes of femininity and fertility in the 1970s (ref: 'French Pottery of the 50s' by Pierre Staudenmeyer). His pieces are often engraved or stamped "Atelier Dieulefit." More personal pieces also bear the initials 'JP'. He is an institutionally recognized painter, sculptor, and ceramicist and has been featured in many major art museums including the Museum of Modern Art of Paris. 

Dimensions:

H 19.5 cm / 7.7"

Dia. of base 6 cm / 2.4"