Those familiar with the work of Belgian ceramic artist Georges Pelletier know there is much more to his unique floor lamps and table lamps than meets the eye. From his stately, intricately detailed Totem floor lamp to his sculptural Owl table lamp, Pelletier’s talent for marrying ceramics with a simple light source to create complex shadow play will transform any interior into an illuminated work of art.
Born in Brussels in 1938, Pelletier developed a passion for ceramics in his youth. At merely 15 years old, Pelletier moved to Paris to study at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers (now called Arts et Métiers ParisTech) before he went on to train in ceramics at the Pioulier School in Vence, France. Among his early instructors were ceramist Raphael Giarrusso and artist Fernand Léger. However, it was while working alongside a collective of potters in Accolay, Burgundy — a studio called Accolay Pottery, established by apprentices to well-known ceramicist Alexandre Kostanda — that he was likely inspired to experiment with cutouts and other carving techniques.
In 1961, Pelletier opened his first workshop in Paris, selling his ceramic lamps at the Saint-Ouen flea market. His works caught the eye of furniture design and manufacturing company Roche Bobois for which he created a series of lighting collections from 1961 to 1973.
In later years, Pelletier’s designs attracted the attention of Mathieu Tournaire, son of Philippe Tournaire, the founder of jewelry manufacturer Maison Tournaire. Charmed by Pelletier’s ceramic works and the playful light shows his fixtures would create in a space, Mathieu proposed a collaboration to develop a series of luminaires that would merge Maison Tournaire’s use of precious metals, such as silver and gold, with Pelletier’s distinct ceramics artistry. The partnership yielded a six-piece collection — three “Sun” luminaires, two floor lamps and a totem pole. Only three copies of each work exist.
In 1973, Pelletier opened a new workshop in Cannes, where he continues to work to this day. His ceramic lighting sculptures are coveted by art collectors worldwide.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Georges Pelletier lighting, decorative objects and mirrors.
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
French Gilt + Crimson Ceramic Tray by Georges Pelletier, 1970s
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s French ceramic tray by Georges Pelletier. The square form is richly worked in deep crimson glaze, its surface accented with concentric gilt motifs that radiate outward like a...
Ceramic
$331Sale Price|40% Off
H 1.19 in W 11.62 in D 4.34 in
French Ceramic Decorative Dish with Flower Motif by Albert Thiry (circa 1970s)
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
French ceramic decorative dish with flower motif (circa 1970s) by Albert Thiry. An oblong-shaped ceramic dish has a chalk-white glaze surface. Within the dish's recess, a thistle flo...
Ceramic
$418
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
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
$1,780 / set
H 5.91 in W 17.33 in D 10.24 in
Set of Two Ceramic Centerpieces by Gabbianelli, Italy, 1970s
By Gabbianelli
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two huge ceramic centerpieces by Gabbianelli. Oversized handles and pure sculptural shape.
Ceramic
$1,256Sale Price|30% Off
H 0.79 in W 6.3 in D 7.88 in
Guido Gambone Ceramic Decorative Cup Vide-Poches or wall decoration 1950's
By Guido Gambone
Located in Paris, FR
Guido Gambone (1909-1969) Hand enameled geometric decor on grey glazed ceramic. Can be used as vide-poche or wall decor Signed Gambone, Italy with donkey mark. Nice condition Guido G...
Ceramic
Carved Limestone Decorative Bowl - Stone Vide Poche - France 1970s
By Albert Tormos
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Carved Limestone Decorative Bowl - Stone Vide Poche - France 1970s Hand-carved limestone bowl / decorative dish. Sculptural texture on the sides due to the carving technique. Idea...
Stone, Limestone, Sandstone
$483Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 1.19 in W 7.29 in D 3.94 in
Pair of Small Vintage French Decorative Trays by Albert Thiry 'circa 1970s'
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
A pair of French ceramic decorative dishes with fish motif (circa 1970s) by Albert Thiry. Two oval-shaped ceramic dishes have a chalk-white glazed surface. Within the dishes' recesse...
Ceramic
$3,589
H 1.19 in W 10.63 in D 7.88 in
Guido Gambone Large Ceramic Decorative Cup or Vide-Poches 1950's
By Guido Gambone
Located in Paris, FR
Guido Gambone (1909-1969) Hand enameled with geometric decor characters on glazed ceramic. Can be used as vide-poche or wall decor Signed Gambone, Italy with donkey mark. Nice origin...
Ceramic
Granjean Jordan French Valarius 1960s Ceramic Tray
By Grandjean Jourdan
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful ceramic tray made to mimic wood by French Velarius artist, Granjean Jordan.
Ceramic
$646
H 3.94 in W 11.03 in D 13 in
French Riviera Rattan and Brass Centerpiece or Catchall Tray, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century organic centerpiece or tray entirely made of curved rattan, hand-woven wicker, and brass. This stylish French Riviera–style tray was produced in Italy during th...
Metal, Brass
Mid-century modern ceramic bowl, France 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century modern ceramic bowl France 1970s Marked under the base H 9 cm - 34 cm diam Conditions: excellent, no defects.
Ceramic
Italian Provincial Art Deruta Ceramic Wall Plate Vide-Poche
By Deruta
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage Italian multi-colored ceramic wall plate / vide-poche dish signed and numbered under base: Art Deruta Italy 564/15. Golden scalloped edges and hand-painted floral decor in tu...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
Sold
H 1.78 in W 8.47 in D 7.88 in
French Vintage Decorative Vide-Poche by Georges Pelletier (circa 1970s)
By Georges Pelletier
Located in London, GB
French vide-poche / decorative dish by Georges Pelletier (circa 1970s). Handmade, ceramic with pink highlights and gold-lustre craquelure make for a stunning piece. The recessed base of the dish presents a concentric square pattern with gold coloured trim and circles with dusty pink or light magenta accents. On the reverse side there is a hanging fitting if a wall is chosen for display. The work is in good overall condition considering a restoration to the underside of the piece. This is highlighted in one of the many photos accompanying the listing. Signed on the reverse: 'Pelletier'. Upon request a video of the piece will be provided. About the Artist: Georges Pelletier (1938-2024) was born in Brussels, Belgium in 1938. He started his training at the Academy Charpentier in Paris (School of Arts and Crafts) in the building which is now the Picasso Museum. After that period, Pelletier worked at the Atelier Claude Pantzer, the renowned Accolay pottery. In 1961 the artist opened his own studio in Paris where he created his first unique pieces. His work was noted by the Bobois furniture house for his evident creativity and talent and was subsequently asked to supply Roche Bobois with their lighting collections between 1961 and 1973. In 1973 Pelletier followed the sun to the South of France in the city of Cannes where he set up a new workshop where he was active until he died in February 2024. La Roue studios, with which he was often associated, opened in 1962 and was run by Alexandre (1935-2018) and Betty Fadas. La Roue was an outlet which sold ceramics...
Ceramic
Sold
H 0.63 in W 4.61 in D 3.94 in
Georges Pelletier Decorative Pin Dish Jewelry Tray Gold Lustre Details France
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Decorative ceramic pin dish or jewelry tray by ceramicist Georges Pelletier, France. Handmade red glossy glazed ceramic bowl, with a dotted design an rim in gold-lustre finish. Sign...
Ceramic
Sold
H 1.11 in W 7.72 in D 7.72 in
Georges Pelletier Decorative Dish or Vide-Poche with Gold Lustre Details France
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Decorative ceramic dish or vide-poche by ceramicist Georges Pelletier, France. Handmade ceramic bowl, with an attractive design in shades of blue with black lines and gold-lustre de...
Ceramic
Ceramic Decorative Dishes by Georges Pelletier, France 1960s
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Decorative Dishes by Georges Pelletier, France 1960s
Ceramic
Sold
H 9.06 in Dm 9.85 in
French Vintage Pink Decorative Fruit Bowl by Georges Pelletier 'circa 1970s'
By Georges Pelletier
Located in London, GB
French vintage decorative fruit bowl by ceramicist Georges Pelletier (circa 1970s). Hand painted, the piece has brushed, rose-coloured highlights and gold-lustre edging sitting atop ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.3 in W 7.09 in D 1.19 in
French Ceramic Vide-Poche or Decorative Plate by Georges Pelletier, 1970s
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French Ceramic Vide-Poche or decorative plate by Georges Pelletier, 1970s The ceramics feature red circles on a black and gold background. The crackled finish has a beautiful shine....
Enamel
Sold
H 8.67 in W 7.88 in D 1.78 in
Decorative Plate or Vide Poche by Georges Pelletier, French Ceramic, 1970s
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Decorative Plate or Vide Poche by Georges Pelletier, French Ceramic, 1970s This ceramic has an attractive design - typical of Georges Pelletier work - in deep shades of blue and s...
Ceramic
Sold
H 1.78 in W 11.03 in D 11.23 in
French Vintage Decorative Tray by Georges Pelletier 'circa 1970s', Large
By Georges Pelletier
Located in London, GB
French vintage decorative tray / vide-poche by ceramicist Georges Pelletier (circa 1970s). Hand painted, fairly large ceramic tray also suitabl...
Ceramic
Sold
H 1.78 in W 11.42 in D 11.03 in
French Vintage Decorative Tray by Georges Pelletier 'circa 1970s', Large
By Georges Pelletier
Located in London, GB
French vintage decorative tray / vide-poche by ceramicist Georges Pelletier (circa 1970s). Hand painted, large ceramic tray also suitable for w...
Ceramic
Sold
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 1.19 in
French Ceramic Vide-Poche or Decorative Plate by Georges Pelletier, 1970s
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French ceramic vide-poche or decorative plate by Georges Pelletier, 1970s The ceramic proposed here has an attractive design in deep shades of gold and red on a creamy white backg...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.3 in W 7.09 in D 1.19 in
French Ceramic Vide-Poche or Decorative Plate by Georges Pelletier, 1970s
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French ceramic Vide-Poche or decorative plate by Georges Pelletier, 1970s The ceramics show silver circles on an orange background surrounded by a gold border. The crackled gold f...
Ceramic
Sold
H 5.91 in W 6.7 in D 1.38 in
French Ceramic Vide-Poche or Decorative Plate by Georges Pelletier, 1970s
By Georges Pelletier
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
French Ceramic Vide-Poche or decorative plate by Georges Pelletier, 1970s The ceramic has bluish and golden circles on a grey-blue background surrounded by a golden border. The cr...
Ceramic