Clément Massier, an accomplished ceramist born into a multi-generational family of potters working in Vallauris, France in the second half of the 19th century, transcended his family’s metier. Rather than creating utilitarian objects as a means unto themselves, he used the ceramic medium as an aesthetic platform to make art.
Among the many international awards earned during his lifetime, Massier was awarded a gold medal at the world’s fair, Exposition Universelle held in Paris in 1889. At the Exposition, it was Massier’s ceramic glazing techniques, using turquoise metallic luster, which captured the world’s attention.
Massier’s metallic luster glazes produce the dual properties of reflectivity and transparency to create iridescence. To achieve this, Massier fired his ceramics in a three-tiered process at increasingly lower temperatures. He applied the final glaze created from a metallic clay compound with a brush. When the blackened vessels had fully cooled, they were buffed until shiny to reveal his iridescent inspirations of nature. Each piece produced was a unique object revealing not only the hand of the artist but also the variable effects of temperature, natural elements and their interactive relationships. His glazes are illusory interpretations fused into fired earthenware. Conversely, the ceramic object’s solidity belies its ephemeral nature which constantly changes in light. This duality naturally inherent to this art medium is a theme that Massier echoes in his subject matter.
Find Clément Massier vases and other decorative objects on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Galerie Fledermaus)
Clement Massier, Art Nouveau Flower Spike, Vallauris, circa 1900
By Clement Massier, Vallauris
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Clement Massier, art nouveau flower spike, Vallauris circa 1900.
Ceramic
Rare Majolica Butterfly Wall Pocket Clement Massier, circa 1900
By Clement Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica butterfly wall pocket signed Clement Massier, Golfe Juan Circa 1900. H / 7 inches. W / 9 inches.
Ceramic, Faience
$5,200
H 5.5 in W 3.25 in D 3.25 in
Iridescent Art Nouveau Spiderwebs & Berries Vase by Dhurmer for Clement Massier
By Lucien Levy-Dhurmer, Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Attributed to Lucien Levy Dhurmer for Clement Massier. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling....
Earthenware
$4,800
H 8.5 in W 4.75 in D 4.75 in
Iridescent Art Nouveau Foliage Vase w/Silver Mount by Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Silver
Iridescent Art Nouveau Serpent Tendrils Vase by Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Earthenware
Iridescent Tomato Art Nouveau Vase by Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An encounter with Massier’s luster-glazed ceramics is an embarkation on an acid-colored trip, the sort of exploration which inspires deep reflection and requires transparency. Clemen...
Earthenware
Spectral Seed Iridescent Art Nouveau Bowl by Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An encounter with Massier’s luster-glazed ceramics is an embarkation on an acid-colored trip, the sort of exploration which inspires deep reflection and requires transparency. Clemen...
Earthenware
Monumental Pierre Clement Massier Iridescent Vase
By Clement Massier
Located in Dallas, TX
A monumental ceramic vase with iridescent glaze in an elongated bulbous shape by the legendary French ceramist Pierre Clement Massier (1845-1917). Massier is widely considered as...
Pottery
$16,000
H 9.5 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in
Iridescent Art Nouveau Flower Vase by Lucien Levy-Dhurmer for Clement Massier
By Clement Massier, Lucien Levy-Dhurmer
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Attributed to Lucien Levy Dhurmer for Clement Massier. An encounter with Massier’s luster-glazed ceramics is an embarkation on an acid-colored trip, the sort of exploration which in...
Earthenware
$3,900
H 5.5 in W 3.25 in D 3.25 in
Iridescent Art Nouveau Spider Mum Floral Motif Vase by Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Earthenware
Iridescent Art Nouveau Golden Bees Vase by Delphin Massier
By Clement Massier, Delphin Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Earthenware
Iridescent Iris Art Nouveau Colorful Cachepot by Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Earthenware
$19,800
H 12.75 in W 8.25 in D 8.25 in
Iridescent Art Nouveau Vase with Crabs and Seaweed by Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Stoneware
Clément Massier and L. Levy : Set of 3 glazed ceramic vases C.1900
By Clement Massier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Clément MASSIER (1891-1969) and Lucien LEVY DHURMER (1865-1953) Set of 3 vases Glazed earthenware, gold decoration on a blue background of floral motifs, thistles and butterfly, h...
Ceramic