{"product_id":"vintage-french-ceramic-pitcher-by-alexandre-kostanda-circa-1960s","title":"Vintage French Ceramic Pitcher by Alexandre Kostanda (circa 1960s)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrench vintage ceramic pitcher by Alexandre Kostanda, Vallauris, France (circa 1960s). In his trademark natural clay and rustic style, Kostanda created beautifully original vessels, such as vases, pitchers and pots which were both utilitarian and stunning works of art. Tactile and visually alluring, these pieces are collected internationally by devotees of Kostanda, one of the founders of the Accolay workshops. This piece is a hand-thrown pitcher (or vase) which demonstrates his synthesis of rustic Mediterranean craft and modernist sensibility. The globular body is divided into panels, each bearing a different incised motif. There is crosshatching, angular labyrinths, and stylised plant forms all rendered with his confident hand. A rich iron-brown glaze saturates the tall neck and shoulder, giving way to a pale cream-white slip on the body that allows the deeply carved decoration to read with clarity and depth. In very good overall condition. Signed on the underside: 'A. Kostanda, Vallauris'. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eH 23 cm \/ 9.1\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eW 12.5 cm \/ 4.9\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eD 11.5 cm \/ 4.5\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eAbout the Artist:\u003c\/span\u003e Alexandre Kostanda (1924-2007) was an apprentice to Louis Giraud in Vallauris, France, on the French Riviera. Kostanda later became head of the studio from 1949 to 1953 where his \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emother, Irene, had also worked for Giraud as a decorator. In 1953 Kostanda founded his own studio. He brought Cluny sandstone clay with him which supported higher cooking temperatures, mixing it with the soil from Vallauris. When others migrated towards bright, shimmering colours, Kostanda preferred to create with colours that retained the natural elements of the clay. His ceramics' rustic appearance surprises with its finesse and balance revealing an exceptional technical mastery of his art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bureau of Interior Affairs (BIA London)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56758388490620,"sku":"SKU 2747","price":840.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1764\/8437\/files\/IMG_8309.jpg?v=1778496169","url":"https:\/\/bialondon.com\/products\/vintage-french-ceramic-pitcher-by-alexandre-kostanda-circa-1960s","provider":"Bureau of Interior Affairs (BIA London)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}