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
Ceramic vide-poche "Figue" by Georges Jouve, France, 1950's
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Blue ceramic vide-poche by Georges Jouve, signed
Ceramic
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 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
$4,254Sale 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
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 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
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
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
Georges Jouve Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Dish, Polychrome Glaze
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
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 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
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
Decorative Ceramic Vide-Poche by Pol Chambost, circa 1950s
By Pol Chambost
Located in London, GB
Decorative ceramic vide-poche by Pol Chambost (circa 1950s). Small yet elegant seashell-shaped form with white base and dark, grape-purple outline and lip. Outside of the centre, the...
Ceramic
$414
H 0.99 in W 10.04 in D 3.71 in
Decorative Handmade Organic Studio Pottery Glazed Ceramic Dish or Vide-Poche
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A beautiful handmade ceramic dish or vide-poche by unknown studio potter / maker with an organic oval form and hand painted glaze of cream and dark grey / blue color (color). Would be perfect for serving nuts or other little bar snacks...
Ceramic, Pottery
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
Georges Jouve and Mathieu Matégot Style Ceramic Standing Ashtray
By Georges Jouve, Mathieu Matégot
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
French Mid-Century Ceramic Stoneware Bowl by Ciboure, France, 1950s
By Ciboure
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Elegant French Mid-Century stoneware bowl by the Poterie de Ciboure, created in the French Basque Country circa 1950. This large two-handled bowl features a finely hand-painted Neo-B...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Carved Ebony Vide Poche, France 1950's
By Alexandre Noll
Located in New York, NY
A heavy carved Ebony vide poche in the style of Alexandre Noll, great use of the wood organic shape and wonderful patina.
Ebony
$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
Black Ceramic Galet Vide-Poche, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Black Ceramic Galet Vide-Poche, France, c. 1950
Ceramic
$772Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.99 in W 9.06 in D 5.32 in
Byzantine-Inspired Ceramic Vide-Poche by Édouard Cazaux (circa 1950s)
By Edouard Cazaux
Located in London, GB
Decorative ceramic dish by Édouard Cazaux (circa 1950s). Master ceramicist, Édouard Cazaux, was inspired by antiquities, religion and animal life in his creations. This beautifully d...
Ceramic
$821
H 12.21 in W 12.21 in D 1.97 in
Vintage Georges Pelletier Ceramic Vide-Poche or Decorative Wall Plate - 1970
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mid Century - Vintage - Ceramic Measures : 31x31cm H:5cm Material : Ceramic Decorative plate or trinket dish by the ceramist Georges Pelletier, France. Handcrafted ceramic with a re...
Ceramic
$1,895
H 5.91 in W 6.11 in D 22.64 in
Large Roger Capron Decorative Vide Poche, Vallauris, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Roger Capron (1922-2006) decorative dish with bamboo handle Signed Capron, Vallauris, 1950s. Roger Capron was born in Vincennes, France on September 4, 1922. Interested in drawing, he studied Applied Arts in Paris from 1939 to 1943 and worked as an art teacher in 1945. He died on November 8, 2006 leaving behind a considerable body of work that is recognized worldwide. In 1946, Roger Capron moved to Vallauris, where he founded a ceramics workshop known as 'l`Atelier Callis', contributing to the renaissance of ceramics in Vallauris. In 1952, Roger Capron purchased an abandoned pottery in Vallauris and opened a small ceramics...
Ceramic
$627
H 4.34 in W 7.49 in D 6.7 in
French Ceramic Vide Poche circa 1960s, in the style of Georges Jouve
By Georges Jouve
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French ceramic white Vide Poche circa 1960s - in the style of Georges Jouve, Ruelland Large hand-shaped pocket organizer. Mid-century plaster enameled with glossy white enamel circa...
Enamel
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
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
Sold
H 2 in W 6 in D 6 in
Georges Jouve French Ceramic Artist Ceramic Cendrier or Vide Poche Fig Motif
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
French master ceramic artist Georges Jouve ceramic cendrier ashtray or vide poche with image of a fig. Part of a series of fig, pear, apple and pomegranite. Signed Jouve and with hi...
Ceramic
Sold
H 2 in W 6 in D 6 in
Georges Jouve French Ceramic Artist Ceramic Cendrier or Vide Poche Fig Motif
By Georges Jouve
Located in Chicago, IL
French master ceramic artist Georges Jouve ceramic cendrier ashtray or vide poche with image of a fig. Part of a series of fig, pear, apple and pomegranite. Signed Jouve and with h...
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. Signed Jouve and with his famous monogram. Excellent condition, vibrant gree...
Ceramic
Georges Jouve Ceramic Dish, 1950s
By Georges Jouve
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic cup / dish or "vide poche" signed Jouve & appolon mark Nice condition Measures: Diameter 17 cm.
Ceramic