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 “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
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
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 Cylindrical Wooden Table Lamps, France, 1990s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
The lampshade is not included ! Pair of French table lamps dating from the 1990s, featuring tall turned wooden bases with a warm brown finish. Each lamp displays a sculptural cylind...
Wood
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
$2,781
H 21.26 in Dm 19.69 in
A NEOCLASSICAL NEO-BAROCCO Ceramic TABLE LAMP in MITHE ESPELT style, France 1990
By Mithé Espelt, Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in PARIS, FR
Crackle-Glazed and Gilt Ceramic Table Lamp — In the Spirit of Mithe Espelt and Garouste & Bonetti, 1990s An elegant table lamp in cream crackle-glazed ceramic with gilt decorati...
Wood
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 Tall 'Pyramide' Console or Floor Lamps by Design Frères
By Mathieu Matégot, Design Frères
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
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
$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...
Vintage crackle glaze ceramic table lamp. France, 1970s
Located in Bristol, GB
Lamp base only - Shade not supplied. 1970s French crackle glaze ceramic table lamp in off-white Good size, really nice shape, well proportioned. Fully functional. Excellent vintag...
Ceramic
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
$4,680 / set
H 17 in Dm 13 in
Pair of 'Pyramide' White Ceramic Table Lamps with Rattan Shades by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Pyramide' white ceramic table lamps with rattan shades by Design Frères. Handmade by our skilled artisans in France. Wired with high-end twist cords and 3-way switches (on...
Ceramic, Rattan
Pair of French Midcentury Crackled Porcelain Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1950s French midcentury sunset orange and yellow crackle-glazed porcelain table lamps with original patina. Measurements: Height of body 16" Diameter 5.5".
Porcelain