Marie-Thérèse Espelt, known better as Mithé Espelt, was a dominant force in mid-20th-century ceramics in France. Mithé is remembered for her modern ceramic wall mirrors, gilded and enameled ashtrays and other ornate objects and boxes, often featuring birds and lively colors. She preferred not to sign her pieces and, as a consequence, much of her work has been misattributed, including to French ceramist François Lembo.
Mithé grew up in the Camargue region of France. Her father’s extensive network included 1904 Nobel Prize winner Frédéric Mistral and Parisian painter and decorator Jean Hugo. Mithé’s early introduction to a community of artists inspired her to study sculpture and drawing at the Beaux-Arts School in Montpellier in 1939.
Mithé’s early work caught the attention of French ceramist Emilie Decanis and jewelry distributor Charles Démery. Mithé set up a ceramics workshop in the Hôtel de Bernis in Lunel, where she quickly garnered a reputation for her ceramic work and accessories, including mirrors, jewelry boxes and buttons. Démery founded the Souleiado boutique, which began distributing Mithé’s work, thus attracting a worldwide audience.
French author Antoine Candau wrote a retrospective book on Mithé’s career titled Mithé Espelt, the Discreet Luxury of the Every Day, which contributed to bringing her legacy to the forefront while shedding light on her anonymity. While Mithé was respected within her inner circle, the general public is only now beginning to understand the immense talent behind her over five-decade-long career.
Find Mithé Espelt mirrors, decorative objects, wall decorations and more for sale on 1stDibs.
A square ceramic box, by Mithé Espelt. France, 1970
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Square ceramic lid box, model " Jupiter" by Mithé Espelt Embossed and glazed earthenware in green and crackle gold. Black painted wood box, Green felt lining. Including 23 patche...
Ceramic, Felt, Glass, Wood
Mithé Espelt Ceramic Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern, France, 1950s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Mid-Century Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt — Lunel, France, 1950s. A stunning mid-century ceramic jewelry box crafted by renowned French artist Mithé Espelt in Lunel, France, d...
Ceramic, Wood
$2,896Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ceramic Wall Mirror by Mithé Espelt (circa 1970s)
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Ceramic wall mirror with birds and flowers (circa 1970s) by Mithé Espelt. A delightful decorative piece topped with two pairs of whimsical ename...
Ceramic, Mirror
Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic jewelry box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s Stamped clay, enamels in shades of green, gold, blackened wood box Date of creation: around 1955-1960 Bibliography: " Mithé Espelt,...
Ceramic
Vintage Owl Wall Mirror by Mithé Espelt, Polychrome Ceramic, France, 1965
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This charming French "Chevêche" owl motif ceramic wall mirror was designed in the 1960s by Mithé Espelt (1923-2020 ). The owl has a chocolate brown body with dimensional plumage fin...
Ceramic, Mirror
Rare glazed ceramic mirror " Pétales" Mithé Espelt, circa 1990.
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Rare ceramic mirror model: " Pétales", embossed ceramic, decorated with stretched gold in different finishes: matt or glossy, smooth or crackled. Mithé Espelt ( 1923-2020) ref: "M...
Earthenware
Ceramic mirror "Engrenages" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
Ceramic
$2,339Sale Price|20% Off
Jewellery Box with Decorative Ceramic Lid by Mithé Espelt (circa 1960s)
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Jewellery box with decorative ceramic lid by Mithé Espelt (circa 1960s). A series of yellow and green imperfect circles appear on the cover of the box like stepping stones in a garde...
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror "Engrenages" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
Ceramic
Mithé Espelt Glazed Ceramic and Wood Box with Stylized Floral Motif
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Elegant decorative box designed by Mithé Espelt, France, circa 1960s. The piece features a hand-glazed ceramic lid resting on a simple stained wood base, exemplifying Espelt’s distin...
Ceramic, Wood
Mesange and Flowers Mithé Espelt Ceramic Mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
An oval-shaped mirror crafted by Mithé Espelt, made from glazed ceramic, features a charming design of a Mesange (tit) surrounded by flowers in various shades of pink and red. Bibli...
Ceramic
$1,670Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage French Ceramic Hand Mirror by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Ceramic circular hand mirror by Mithé Espelt (circa 1970s). A charming piece of decorative art featuring golden borders with delightful enamel beads in hues of green in between. This...
Ceramic, Mirror
Mithe Espelt 'Ouvea' mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An unique mirror Mithe Espelt model Ouvea
Ceramic
$2,179
Jewelry box “Owl”
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Rectangular jewelry box “Owl”, ceramic lid with polychrome enamels highlighted with gold on a crackled background. Original green felt lining. On this box, Mithé Espelt makes gold a...
Ceramic, Wood
Mithé Espelt Square Ceramic Box
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Decorative square box by Mithé Espelt, stained wood box covered with a ceramic lid showing a single white and blue flower framed with gold glaze....
Ceramic
$2,179
Colombes
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Colombes Ceramic H x W x D : 6.50 cm. x 26.50 cm. x 9.50 cm. 2.56 in. x 10.43 in. x 3.74 in. Very good condition This wooden box is topped by a stamped earthenware lid decorated wi...
Gold Leaf
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Mid Century Gold and Blue Ceramic Box with Birds by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Toronto, ON
An exceptional mid century glazed ceramic box with liquid gold border and blue & white birds by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in...
Ceramic, Wood
White and Pink Fowers Ceramic Box by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Rectangular wooden box topped with a ceramic lid by Mithé Espelt. The ceramic showcases a cream glaze background and flower motifs in molten pink glass with crackled gold lining. Bi...
Ceramic
Ceramic Vide-Poche / Ashtray by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic vide-poche / ashtray by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s.
Ceramic
1940s Mithé Espelt Small Wall Mirror in Gilded Ceramic
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Small mirror, an early work designed by one of the greatest French ceramists, Mithé Espelt (1923-2020). Gilded ceramic with fine gadroons... Back covered with green felt. Original mi...
Gold
$1,837Sale Price|20% Off
Decorative French Vintage Ceramic Thermometer and Casing by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Decorative, French vintage ceramic thermometer and casing by Mithé Espect (circa 1960s). A delightful piece with stylised bird and flower blossoms....
Ceramic
MITHE ESPELT, Unique sculpted ceramic panel, bird & sun decor, France c. 1960s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in leucate, FR
Unique and large sculpted ceramic wall plaque made by the French ceramic artist Mithé Espelt (1923 - 2000). Matte black background, enameled decor with rooster and sun in turquoise,...
Ceramic
Ceramic and crystallized glass mirror by Mithé Espelt, Lunel, mid 1950'
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Ceramic and glass wall mirror by Mithé Espelt. This "Pâte de Verre long" mirror is made with a sophisticated technique combining crackled gold glazed ceramic and crystalized glass. ...
Glass, Ceramic
Mithé Espelt Glazed Ceramic and Wood Box with Repeating Floral Pattern
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Decorative lidded box designed by Mithé Espelt, France, circa 1960s. This example features a hand-glazed ceramic lid mounted on a minimalist stained wood base, showcasing Espelt’s re...
Ceramic, Wood
Gilt ceramic mirror " Oblong " Mithé Espelt 1950's.
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Rare glazed ceramic wall mirror. Embossed ceramic entirely decorated with finely crackled gold glaze. "Oblong " model created 1949. Mithé Espelt, 1923-2020. Lunel, South of Franc...
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror "pate de verre" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, pate de verre decor, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror "Engrenages" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
Ceramic
Mid Modern Century Mirror by atelier Mithe Espelt
By Mithé Espelt, Marion de Crécy
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Important sunburst mirror from French atelier of Mithe Espelt. It’s made with enameled ceramic representing stylised moon sun and star. Made and designed by Marion de Crecy...
Ceramic, Mirror
Round Mithe Espelt Ceramic Mirror with Flower Decors
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Round ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt with debossed flower motifs in pink, green and white glaze. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) Born in the town of Lunel, near...
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror "Mérida" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, Mérida decor, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror "Ouvea" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, Ouvea decor, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror "Owl" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
Ceramic
Embossed Ceramic Box, Model "Flowers" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
A rectangular chest with three flowers glazed in green, blue and white. Crackled gold frame. Wooden base with green felt at the back. France, Circa 1970 Dimensions : Height ...
Earthenware
Mithé Espelt “Fleur” hand mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Small mid century Mithé Espelt “Fleur” pocket mirror c. 1960, embossed earthenware in shades of blue brown and green.(bead and brass chain missing) Born in 1923, Mithé Espelt was a ...
Ceramic
$2,421
Trésor
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Trésor Ceramic, 1953 Catalog : [Candau p.75] H x W x D : 7.50 cm. x 10.00 cm. x 14.50 cm. 2.95 in. x 3.94 in. x 5.71 in. Stamped clay with geometric patterns, enamels and gold ...
Gold Leaf
Mid Century Gold and Purple Ceramic Box with Flower by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Toronto, ON
An exceptional mid century glazed ceramic box with liquid gold border and purple flower by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in 1923...
Ceramic, Wood
Ceramic mirror "Ameli" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror Ameli by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Mithe Espelt Blue Ceramic and Birds Decor Mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall piece made by Mithé Espelt, it is made of a round mirror incased in ceramic with peacock decors and beautiful blue and gold glaze. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1...
Ceramic
Mithe Espelt Ceramic Wall Mounted Keys Holder
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Surprising object by Mithe Espelt, this wall mounted key holder in ceramic with brass hooks. Enameled bird and plants decors.
Ceramic
Ceramic Jewelry Box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic jewelry box by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960s Stamped clay, enamels in shades of green, gold, blackened wood box Date of creation: around 1955-1960 Bibliography: " Mithé Espelt,...
Ceramic
Hand-Held Moineau Mirror by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
A hand-held mirror crafted from ceramic by the French artist Mithé Espelt, this piece showcases her signature Moineau design, adorned with an array of leaves and decorative elements....
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, Ouvea decor, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Mid Century Pink and Purple Ceramic Box with Flowers by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Toronto, ON
An exceptional mid century glazed ceramic box with purple and pink with flowers by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in 1923, Mithé ...
Ceramic, Wood
Ceramic Mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970s
Ceramic
$1,816
Flowers Jewellery box
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Glazed ceramic jewellery box with flowers and blackened wooden base. This beautiful jewelry box is topped with a stamped earthenware lid and decorated with a floral enamel motif fea...
Ceramic, Wood
$3,478Sale Price|30% Off
Ceramic Constructivist mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's, Constructivist model
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Round Mithe Espelt Ceramic Mirror with Blue Flower Decors
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Round ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt with debossed flower motifs in blue, teal, green and white glaze. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) Born in the town of Lunel...
Ceramic, Mirror
$4,600
Espelt Mythé Mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Charmes, FR
Mithé Espelten ceramic mirror in very good condition, rare color
Ceramic
Square ceramic mirror Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Square ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt The broad glazed ceramic frame is decorated with white and yellow daisies and foliage on a light brow background. This type of design is rare...
Ceramic
$1,816
Box Birds
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
This wooden box is topped by a stamped earthenware lid decorated with bluish, green and white polychrome enamels. For Mithé Espelt, the object is an essential element of the boudoir....
Ceramic, Wood
Ceramic mirror "Pétales" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, gold leafs decor, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Mithe Espelt Purple Ceramic and Bird Decor Mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall mirror made by Mithé Espelt, this piece is made of a rectangular mirror overlooked by a bird made of molten glass and glazed ceramic Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (19...
Ceramic, Glass, Mirror
Mid Century Vivid Blue Ceramic Box with Golden Sun by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Toronto, ON
An exceptional large mid century vivd blue glazed ceramic box with golden sun by famed artist, Mithé Espelt. The box lid is ceramic with a blackened wood base. Born in 1923, Mithé Es...
Ceramic, Wood
Small Thermometer in Ceramic By Mithe Espelt with Bird decor
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Charming ceramic wall thermometer by Mithé Espelt, adorned with floral designs and a prominent bird, all showcased in various shades of blue glaze. A small decorative thermometer ma...
Ceramic
Gold Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelte
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful wall thermometer in ceramic by Mithé Espelt. Abstract decors with gold glaze and pockets of molten glass Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) Born in...
Ceramic
Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelte with Flower Motif
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall thermometer in ceramic by Mithé Espelt. Typical flower decor with the numeral indication of the temperature. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) Born in the...
Ceramic
Ceramic Wall Mirror, " Piques" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1962
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Ceramic mirror "Piques". Decorated with "piques" or leaves in 2 shades of blue and gold on a black background. Embossed and glazed earthenware. Gilded rims. Ref : CANDAU Antoine, M...
Ceramic
Earthenware mirror by Mithé Espelt, model "Cuzco" created in 1974
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Gold enameld earthenware mirror by Mithé Espelt, Cuzco Model created in 1974
Ceramic