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.
Rare blue and gilt glazed ceramic mirror, " Amélie" 1949 Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Rare " Amélie" mirror, blue glazed earthenware enhanced with crackled gold. One of Mithé Espelt's early production created in 1949. Bibliographie; Mithé Espelt, Le luxe discret du...
Earthenware, Felt, Mirror
$2,860Sale 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
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
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
$1,650Sale 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
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
$1,644Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage French Ceramic Hand Mirror by Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Ceramic Hand Mirror with enamel bead motif by Mithé Espelt (circa 1970s). An elegant piece of decorative art consisting of a lustrous gold border. Between the gold is dark chocolate-...
Ceramic, Mirror
Mithe Espelt 'Ouvea' mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An unique mirror Mithe Espelt model Ouvea
Ceramic
Glazed Earthenware Mirror 'Mérida' by Mithé Espelt, France, 1955
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Glazed and embossed earthenware mirror " Mérida" Glazed and crackled gold oval frame with 24 crystallized glass cabochons. Mithé Espelt. France, Circa 1955 Green felt lining. .Bib...
Ceramic, Mirror, Felt
Paradisiers mirror by Mithé Espelt, ceramic, France, 1970
By Mithé Espelt
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Birds of paradise mirror by mithé espelt. Decorated with two pink and purple birds surrounded by golden leaves and pink flowers on a sable background. Glazed embossed earthenware in ...
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 "Engrenages" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
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 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 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 by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
Ceramic
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
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
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960'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
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
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 "Owl" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
Ceramic
$3,453Sale 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 "Engrenages" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
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 "Ameli" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror Ameli by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970's
Ceramic
$3,366
Square mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Square mirror Ceramic, 1965 H x W x D : 31.00 cm. x 31.00 cm. x 2.00 cm. 12.2 in. x 12.2 in. x 0.79 in. Very good condition This square mirror reflects the elegance and refinemen...
Ceramic, Felt, Mirror
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
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
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
Mithe Espelt Cage Mirror in Beige and Brown Shades
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Charming ceramic wall mirror by French artist Mithé Espelt, executed in her signature hand-glazed earthenware with gilded detailing. The frame features a whimsical composition of two...
Ceramic
Mirror Model Pique De Mithé Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Charmes, FR
Round ceramic mirror, "Pique" model by Mithé Espelt, in very good condition, unusual color
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror Fernande Massart , France, Vallauris, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Ceramic Mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970s
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970s
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
Embossed and glazed ceramic mirror, Mithé Espelt, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Embossed and partly glazed earthenware mirror. The ceramic is glazed in shades of bright yellow and green, crackled gold frame around the mirror and on the external edge. The upper ...
Earthenware, Felt, Mirror
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1970's
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
$4,568
Espelt Mythé Mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Charmes, FR
Mithé Espelten ceramic mirror in very good condition, rare color
Ceramic
$2,644
Square Mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
A singular object, faithful to the artist's sunny, luxurious universe. Mithé Espelt creates the border of this mirror in stamped and enameled clay. The beautifully glazed enamels fea...
Ceramic, Mirror
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
Gold rectangular mirror by Mithé Espelt/ François Lembo
By François Lembo, Mithé Espelt
Located in PAU, FR
Rectangular ceramic mirror by Francois Lembo/ Mithe espelt Perfect condition Signed behind
Ceramic
$1,081
Mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
To embellish women's everyday lives, the French ceramist imagines rare objects such as this small-format mirror, ideal for carrying in your handbag. A red ceramic pearl hangs from th...
Ceramic, Mirror
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
Ceramic mirror "Omega" by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, Oméga decor, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, France, 1960's
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, Mérida decor, France, 1970's
Ceramic
Round gilt and glazed ceramic mirror by Mithé Espelt, circa 1970
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Ceramic framed round mirror. Embossed and glazed earthenware: Gilt frame with crackled finish, partly covered with bird, grapes and leaves decoration glazed in shades of pink, w...
Ceramic, Mirror
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
$2,043
Gilded mirror
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Paris, FR
Gilded mirror Ceramic Catalog : Antoine Candau p.65 H x W x D : 21.00 cm. x 11.00 cm. x 1.00 cm. 8.27 in. x 4.33 in. x 0.39 in. Good condition ‘Oblong’ hand mirror, stamped clay a...
Gold Leaf
Hand held Mirror With Ceramic Frame by Mithe Espelt
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Handheld mirror featuring a ceramic frame adorned with a decorative pink bird, designed by Mithé Espelt. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) Born in the town of Lun...
Ceramic, Mirror
Mithé Espelt Ceramic Hand Mirror Model "Quadrille" circa 1952
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Rare hand-faced mirror designed by one of the greatest French ceramists Mithé Espelt (1923-2020) “Quadrille” model circa 1952. Gold enameled terracotta with cracked green cabochons. ...
Gold