Georges Jouve was a modern-era ceramicist with a tirelessly creative spirit. He began his career creating vases and other utilitarian vessels but soon renounced anything produced on a pottery wheel in favor of modeling and sculpture techniques. Forms found in nature inspired him to create unusual pieces — large cups that rolled up like vast seashells, curiously stylized birds — all springing from an alert imagination. He left an indelible mark as an unconventional ceramist.
Jouve was born in France, in 1910, to a family of decorators. At 17, he enrolled in the Ecole Boulle in Paris, where he studied sculpture. After graduation in 1930, he became a theater-set designer to help support his new wife and family. He only dabbled in ceramics when he had time — and that time did not present very often.
During World War II, Jouve was interned in a German forced-labor camp for his political views. He eventually escaped and hid at his stepparent’s home in southern France — where he indulged in his passion for ceramics to pass the time. In 1944, after the Germans left Paris, he returned to the city and pursued his dream of opening a ceramics studio.
Jouve’s work caught the eye of furniture designer Jacques Adnet, who asked him to participate in the Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition, which was hosted by a decorating and publishing house founded by architect Louis Süe and painter André Mare. His work was warmly received, and his pieces began to sell.
From there, Jouve started to participate in numerous exhibitions. At the 1947 Urban Planning Exhibition in Paris, he won a silver medal for a wall covering. His work was then displayed at several international traveling exhibitions presented by the French Ministry of National Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from 1947 to 1950.
In 1954, Jouve left Paris to set up workshops in southern France, where he concentrated on ceramics research and new techniques. His experimentation resulted in breathtaking pieces that other artists have attempted to copy for decades.
On 1stDibs, find Georges Jouve serveware, ceramics, pitchers and more.
French Mid Century Black Banana Bowl by Georges Jouve for Steph Simon, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare French mid century stoneware bowl in black enameled ceramic by Georges Jouve produced for Steph Simon Paris, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. D...
Ceramic
Georges Jouve and Mathieu Matégot Style Ceramic Standing Vide-Poche
By Mathieu Matégot, Georges Jouve
Located in North Miami, FL
Sculptural green and black ceramic catchall likely designed by Matégot and Georges Jouve. Iron frame with circular base, zig zag body and circular top. Green and black glazed ceramic...
Metal
Ceramic "apple" vase by Georges Jouve, France, 1950's
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Black ceramic vase by Georges Jouve, signed, France, 1950's
Ceramic
$7,500
Georges Jouve Crucifix
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
Georges Jouve Crucifix in Black glazed earthenware Inscribed to top 'INRI'. Incised signature and artist's cipher to verso ‘Jouve’.
Earthenware
Georges Jouve French Ceramic Artist White Ceramic Cylinder Vase
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
Georges Jouve cylindriacl white glazed vase France c 1950"s. Matte white exterior exhibiting the most desirable subtle texture with a shiny turquoise and dark green interior glazes....
Ceramic
Early French Mid Century Green Stonware Ashtray by Georges Jouve, 1940s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early French mid century sculptural stoneware ashtray / bowl with dark green glaze by Georges Jouve produced in 1940s. In good original condition and signed with the iconic ...
Stoneware
Georges Jouve and Marcel Asselbur Ceramic and Brass Wall Mounted Hat Coat Rack
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
Wall-mounted coat or hat rack by Georges Jouve, produced by Marcel Asselbur, France, circa 1950. Glazed matte black stoneware forms, with a brass frame. Four abstract Jouve ceramic...
Brass
Georges Jouve Soleil Bowl
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
Georges Jouve Soleil Bowl, Black glazed earthenware. Incised artist's cipher to the underside. France, c. 1950 It can hang on the wall.
Earthenware
$4,167Sale Price|30% Off
Ceramic vide-poche by Georges Jouve, France, 1950's
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Blue ceramic vide-poche by Georges Jouve, signed
Ceramic
Ceramic Ashtray/Bowl "Galet" by Georges Jouve, France, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Ashtray/Bowl "Galet" by Georges Jouve, France, 1950s
Ceramic
Georges Jouve French Ceramic Artist Ceramic Cendrier or Vide Poche With Raisins
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
French master ceramic artist Georges Jouve ceramic cendrier ashtray or vide poche with image grapes or raisins. Excellent condition, vibrant greens and beautiful complex white glaze ...
Ceramic
French Mid Century White Cylinder Vase by Georges Jouve for Steph Simon, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare white French mid century ceramic vase by Georges Jouve for Steph Simon Paris, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H: 29 cm / 11.40" Diamete...
Ceramic
Georges Jouve Ceramic Dish, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Georges Jouve's Ceramic cup or vide-poches "La Figue" signed with apollon mark Measures: 15 x 15 cm.
Ceramic
French Mid Century White Cylinder Ceramic Vase by Georges Jouve, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Stockholm, SE
A ver rare French mid century white cylinder bowl vase on a sculptural foot by Georges Jouve for Steph Simon Paris in France 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the arti...
Ceramic
Georges Jouve French Ceramic Polychrome Dish
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
French ceramic by Georges Jouve, polychrome decoration on white background. Signed with cypher and name. Excellent condition, no chips or restorations.
Ceramic
Georges Jouve French Ceramic Artist Dish With Pink and Green Interior
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
Georges Jouve French ceramic artist small dish with pink and green interior glaze. Black brushstroke on the rim. Signed with Jouve cypher. Excellent co...
Ceramic
Early French Mid Century Painted White Stoneware Bowl by Georges Jouve, 1940s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early French mid century hand painted stoneware bowl in white, pink and green by Georges Jouve produced in France, 1940s. In good original condition with beautiful crac...
Stoneware
Georges Jouve Ceramic vide poches "Feuille de chêne", 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Georges Jouve's Ceramic cup or vide-poches " Feuille " signed with apollon mark on back Red/brown cracked enamel Measures: 18 cm x 11 cm.
Ceramic
Georges Jouve Ceramic "Apple" Dish, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Georges Jouve's Ceramic cup or vide-poches " La pomme " signed Jouve & apollon mark on back in deep enamel. White cracked enamel with a turquoise/green/pink apple Measures: 17 cm ...
Ceramic
French Mid Century White Cylinder Vase by Georges Jouve for Steph Simon, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early French mid century white cylinder vase by Georges Jouve produced for Steph Simon Paris, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: ...
Ceramic
Large Georges Jouve Style Black Matte Cylinder Vase, France, c. 1950's
By Georges Jouve
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rich Matte Black Glaze, minimal perfect black.
Ceramic
Midcentury Wood Crucifix
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice midcentury wood crucifix with a brass Jesus on the cross, circa 1970s. Nice detail and patina. #1285.
Brass
Georges Jouve Ceramic "Apple" Dish, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Georges Jouve's Ceramic cup or vide-poches " La pomme " signed Jouve & apollon mark on back in deep enamel. White cracked enamel with a turquoise/green/pink apple Measures: 17 cm ...
Ceramic
$636Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.25 in W 8 in D 7.75 in
1950s French Biomorphic Volcanic Stoneware Bowl Ashtray Vallarius Picasso Jouve
By Georges Jouve
Located in Hyattsville, MD
An organic form with volcanic lava black and white glaze and a high-gloss red center.
Ceramic
Vintage French Ceramic Vessel, in the Manner of Georges Jouve, 1960s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A beautiful vintage ceramic vessel, produced in France c. 1960s. In good vintage condition consistent with age and use.
Ceramic
Georges Jouve and Mathieu Matégot Style Ceramic Standing Ashtray
By Mathieu Matégot, Georges Jouve
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural catchall in the style of Matégot and Georges Jouve. Iron frame with circular base and circular top. Yellow and green ceramic dish sits in...
Iron
$716Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.25 in Dm 6.5 in
Set 1950s Metal Mesh Wire Planter Baskets French Mathieu Matégot Style
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Hard to find, wonderful American made french inspired planter baskets, set of three included.
Steel
$1,081
H 4.73 in W 9.85 in D 3.15 in
French Ceramic Vide Poche circa 1960s, Vallauris, in the style of Georges Jouve
By Georges Jouve, Francis Crociani
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French ceramic white Vide Poche circa 1960s - in the style of Georges Jouve, Ruelland Black ceramic chandelier by Francis Crociani, crafted i...
Enamel
Ceramic Red + Burgundy Cigar Ashtray Dish Bowl Table Decor as Jouve
By Georges Jouve
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful deep dark red biomorphic table bowl, or Cigar ashtray, at times in low light it looks almost black. No markers markings, so artist is unknown. Normal uses, and showing so...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Murano Glass Bowl by Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1950s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Winter Park, FL
A Mid Century Murano small glass bowl by Barovier & Toso. Clear hand-blown glass with real gold leaf inclusions using cordonato d'oro (ropes of gold) technique. Circa 1950s. Dimensio...
Blown Glass
Isak Isaksson Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
By Isak Isaksson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 18.5 cm (7.4") tall and about 5 cm (2") wide and it is in excellent condition. This is a unique vase ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Brass Crucifix
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM brass crucifix with Jesus on the cross, circa 1970s. Nice weight and detail; made in Germany. #3511
Brass
Georges Jouve (1910-1964) large ceramic scroll vase. signed
By Georges Jouve
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Georges Jouve (1910-1964) large ceramic scroll vase. Alpha signature Very good condition
Ceramic
Sold
H 7.88 in Dm 2.56 in
French Mid Century Yellow Cylinder Vase by Georges Jouve for Steph Simon, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare French mid century cylinder ceramic vase by Georges Jouve in one of his iconic yellow glaze produced by Ateliers Georges Jouve for Steph Simon Paris France, 1950s. In good origi...
Ceramic
Georges Jouve Yellow Mid Century Ceramic Cylinder Produced in France, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare mid century yellow ceramic cylinder by Georges Jouve produced in France 1950s. In good original condition. Signed. Dimensions: H: 18 cm / 7" Diameter: 13.5 cm / 5.35" The...
Ceramic
Sold
H 8.08 in Dm 2.37 in
Georges Jouve, Cylinder Vase, Cerulean Blue Enamelled Stoneware, 1950s, signed
By Georges Jouve
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Georges Jouve (1910-1964) Cylinder Vase (Vase Rouleau), circa 1955 blue enamelled stoneware with black enamelled interior 20.5cm high, 6cm diameter incised signature and artist's mon...
Stoneware
Ceramic "apple" vase by Georges Jouve, France, 1950's
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Black ceramic vase by Georges Jouve, signed, France, 1950's
Ceramic
Green Georges Jouve crucifix
By Georges Jouve
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Georges Jouve's Crucifix in green glazed earthenware is adorned with an inscription at the top, bearing the letters 'INRI'. The artist left his mark on the piece through an incised ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 20 in W 4.5 in D 18 in
Georges Jouve and Marcel Asselbur Ceramic and Brass Wall Mounted Hat Coat Rack
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
Wall-mounted coat or hat rack by Georges Jouve, produced by Marcel Asselbur, France, circa 1950. Black matte glazed ceramic with brass frame. Excellent condition with no chips or re...
Brass
Glazed Ceramic Dish by Georges Jouve, France
By Georges Jouve
Located in Uccle, BE
Large glazed ceramic bowl in the shape of a "squircle" (square with rounded corners) with abstract decoration. The cup is covered with white enamel, a cross in a black circle is dra...
Ceramic
Georges Jouve Ceramic Chalice Vase, France, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Ceramic chalice vase by Georges Jouve. Signed. Outstanding glaze. Literature: "Georges Jouve" Jousse Entreprise, page 102, similar model.
Ceramic
Georges Jouve, Vase 'Cylindre' White
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Enameled ceramic vase from the year circa 1955. Measures: 20 cm x 5.5 cm.
Celadon
Georges Jouve, 'Vase “Cylindre” Black'
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Enameled ceramics vase from 1955. Measures: 20 x 5.5 cm Signed.
Ceramic
Sold
H 2 in W 7.75 in D 7.5 in
Georges Jouve French Ceramic Artist Ceramic Cendrier or Vide Poche with Pear
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
French master ceramic artist Georges Jouve ceramic cendrier ashtray or vide poche with image of a pear. Excellent condition, vibrant greens and beautiful complex white glaze with to...
Ceramic