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.
Mithé Espelt Pair of Pyramide Lamp, Crackled Gold, France, circa 1990
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
A rare and elegant pair of “Pyramides” table lamps by Mithé Espelt, designed circa 1990 and produced in very limited quantities under the supervision of the artist. This sculptural d...
Gold
Mithé Espelt Pyramide Lamp, Crackled Gold, France, circa 1990
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
A rare pair of "Pyramides" table lamps by Mithé Espelt (1923–2020), created circa 1990 and produced by the artist’s workshop under her direct supervision. Handcrafted in stamped ear...
Gold
Mithé Espelt Pyramide Lamp, Crackled Gold, France, circa 1990
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
A rare “Pyramide” table lamp by Mithé Espelt, designed circa 1990 and produced in a highly limited edition under the supervision of the artist. This sculptural piece perfectly illust...
Gold
Pair of 1970's crackled glass Table lamps
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of 1970's crackled glass Table lamps.Great details and color.
Pair of Fish Lamps Gilt Metal. France, 1990s
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Pair of table or bedside fish lamps in gilt gilding metal, bronze style. In the mood of Fondica, Mathias, Stéphane Galerneau, Pierre Casenove, Garouste et Bonetti, Giacometti, Claude...
Metal
A Pair of Dark Crackle Drip Glazed Bulbous Pottery Lamps
By Tarquin Bilgen Antiques
Located in London, GB
+VAT. England, Made to order. Lead time: 4-6 weeks. A pair of dark art pottery lamps of swollen form, decorated with dripping treacle and white craquelure glazes throughout. Heigh...
Ceramic
Pair of Tall 'Pyramide' Console or Floor Lamps by Design Frères
By Design Frères, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of tall 'Pyramide' patinated brass console or floor lamps by Design Frères. The light source is concealed inside the pyramid base, illuminating the surface behind. Unique design...
Brass
Bronze Table Lamp by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, circa 1990, France
By Pierre Casenove
Located in Brussels, BE
Sculptural table lamp by Pierre Casenove for Fondica, circa 1990, France. Gilt bronze, new fabric shade. Rewired. One E27 bulb of 60 W. Dimensions: total height 68cm, diameter of the...
Bronze
Pol Chambost, Ivory Crackle Ceramic Lamp, France, c. 1930
By Pol Chambost
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pol Chambost, Ivory Crackle Ceramic Lamp, France, c. 1930 Custom hand Made parchment shade
Ceramic
Pair of Cerulean Blue crackle Glazed Ceramic Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of ceramic lamps with a Cerulean blue crackle glazed finish by Paul Hanson. The lamps have been Newly rewired with adjustable polished brass double clusters and silk ra...
Brass
$4,800 / set
H 26.5 in Dm 12 in
Striking Pair of French Art Deco Turquoise Crackle-Glazed Urns Now Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
A striking and robust pair of French Art Deco turquoise crackle-glazed urns now mounted as lamps; each large-scaled urn with sweeping flared neck tapering to a flared foot; now drill...
1970s Crackled Glass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Large pair of 1970s crackled glass table lamps with brass hardware. Height to light socket 22".
Brass
Crackled black and white glazed ceramic table lamp, circa 1930.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Crackled black and white glazed ceramic table lamp. Circa 1930. H : 16.9 x 8.7 inches (with electrical system). H : 13.4 x 8.7 inches (ceramic only). Sold with a European electrical ...
Ceramic
Crackled Ceramic Ringed Table Lamp, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Large ceramic table lamp with a crackled glaze and a series of rings, on a tulip base 38x22 Base Only 22x11 Shade Not Included
Ceramic
Pair Of Chinese White Crackle Glaze Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Each Globular form with a cream color crackle surface.. Two light with wood bases and includes shades.
Brass