Manhattan - Ceramics

FAPG 20247D John Bennett (1840-1907), New York Plaque with pink and blue phlox, circa 1881-1882 Earthenware, painted and glazed Measures: 14 7/8 in. diameter, 1 13/16 in. high Signed and inscribed (on the back): J B[monogram] ENNETT / E 24 NY. / MC [or] CM If the Herter Brothers was the most distinguished and successful cabinet making and decorating firm in New York in the 1870s-1880s, the transplanted Englishman John Bennett was probably the most gifted ceramicist working in New York in the Aesthetic period. (Bennett was included in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s landmark exhibition, In pursuit of beauty: Americans and the Aesthetic Movement, in 1986–87, and Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen’s chapter, “Aesthetic Forms in Ceramics and Glass,” pp. 216–19, significantly informs this essay). Born in England, the son of a potter who worked in the Staffordshire district, Bennett came under the influence of John Sparkes, head of London’s Lambeth School of Art. Soon thereafter, he was hired by Henry Doulton of the eponymous firm to teach artisans there the new art of underglaze faience decoration, which was part of a revival of the sixteenth-century interest in hand-painted ceramics. A number of Bennett’s works for Doulton were shown in the Doulton display at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, and the considerable success enjoyed by Bennett and Doulton from an American audience undoubtedly played an important role in Bennett’s decision to leave Doulton and England and set up shop in New York in 1877. By the next year, he had already established a studio in New York, where he produced his own pottery in the tradition of the Arts & Crafts innovators, William Morris and William De Morgan, and also taught classes at the new Society of Decorative Art to the growing band of women who had taken up china painting, both professionally and avocationally. Bennett’s pottery developed a very serious following among students and collectors, and was offered for sale at such leading retail establishments as Tiffany & Company in New York. Typically, his work was brilliantly colored, with carefully drawn naturalistic flowers against a monochromatic background. Bennett’s fully developed American work, particularly pieces of larger scale, is exceedingly rare, as he worked in New York only from 1877 to 1883, in which year he withdrew to a farm in rural West Orange, New Jersey, where his production continued on a limited basis. He remained listed as a ceramicist there until 1889. While in New York City, Bennett maintained a studio at 412 East 24th Street. The present charger, boldly featuring pink and blue phlox, is signed by Bennett, and is inscribed “E 24 NY,” indicating its manufacture during Bennett’s time in New York. Although it is not dated, this piece is closely related stylistically to various dated pieces from 1881–82, which would place its production toward the end of Bennett’s New York years. Although we do not know whether Bennett worked out of this 24th Street studio from the outset, he was indeed working there by 1879 when he made (and signed, inscribed, and dated) a charger with white and red flowers now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, which specifically points to “412 East 24 / NY” (acc. no. 1998.317). Additionally, the U.S. Census of 1880 lists Bennett as a ceramicist located at that same address, married to Mary Bennett with whom he had had six children. There are several other examples from Bennett’s time in New York City, which also give his studio address on East 24th Street, including a covered jar in cadmium yellow with indigo and green flowers made in 1881; an undated footed vase with lilac...

This stunning Art Deco vase was created by hand in Czechoslovakia (what is now the Czech Republic)- a region renowned for producing some of the finest glass and ceramic ware of the p...

Created by the Swedish ceramist Arthur Andersson in the middle of the 20th century, these voluminous vases are noteworthy for their formal symmetry and their banded designs, which of...

Large, rare Italian reticulated, hand painted Rococo style floral motif centerpiece by the Nove factory. Designed as an oval reticulated footed basket with masses of hand sculpted fl...

French contemporary sculpted ceramic bowl, cream glaze. Signed: Vissiere.

Stoneware. Bottle and stopper decorated with beige background. Yellow and brown interlocking motif throughout. Similar bottle available with a green geometric pattern.

One of a set of beautiful ceramics from Ciboure Pottery, this urn style vase is inspired by antiquity—evident in its form, its spare coloring, and its stylized depiction of animals.

White ceramic platter with hand-painted scene from Shakespeare's play, A Mid-Summer Night's Dream." By Bjorn Wiinblad for Nymolle. Denmark ...

The engraved and brush painted ceramic plate, Visage Gris (Grey Face) is one the most iconic pieces created by Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973) at the Madoura workshop in Vallauris, France. It is said "all portraits are self portraits". In this work, we see Picasso's wistfulness, vulnerability and humor set within a beautiful image representing both the sun and the moon, the masculine and the feminine. Picasso mastery of form, image, composition and subtle color is evident in a work that resonates transcendence. Created in 1953, Pablo Picasso ceramic Visage Gris (Grey Face), 1953 A.R. 206 is a Madoura white earthenware clay, knife engraved under partial brushed glaze with decoration in engobes (green, black, white) from the edition of 500. This work is stamped with the 'Madoura PLEIN FEU' and ‘EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO’ pottery stamps on the reverse. Dimensions: 12 3/8 x 15 1/8 x 1 5/8in (31.4 x 38.3 x 4.1cm). Madoura was an artisan workshop created by Georges and Suzanne Ramie which collaborated with Picasso in the fabrication and hand painting of the works. Pablo Picasso designed 633 different ceramic editions between 1947 and 1971 at the Madoura workshop, with a number of variants and unique pieces resulting from these initial works. He began by creating simple, utilitarian objects such as plates and bowls, but later produced more complex forms, including pitchers and vases — their handles occasionally shaped to form facial features, or anatomical parts of his animal subjects. Picasso remains one of the highest-grossing artists at auction today, and the range of his ceramics means it's possible to find both a good investment and a beautiful object. Visage Gris is among the most important. A Short Biography follows: Pablo Picasso revolutionized the art world and to many is THE artist of the 20th century. He is famous for his role in pioneering Cubism with Georges Braque and for his melancholy Blue Period pieces. Original signed Picasso lithographs and prints are a sure investment. Madoura Picasso ceramics are highly collectible in their own right. As one of the most influential Modern artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso is renowned as a legendary artistic master to this day. Born on October 25, 1881 in Malaga, Spain, Pablo Picasso was a child prodigy who was recognized as such by his art-teacher father, who ably led him along. The small Museo de Picasso in Barcelona is devoted primarily to his early works, which include strikingly realistic renderings of casts of ancient sculpture. Picasso was a rebel from the start and, as a teenager, began to frequent the Barcelona cafes where intellectuals gathered. He soon went to Paris, the capital of art, and soaked up the works of Edouard Manet, Gustave Courbet, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose sketchy style impressed him greatly. Then it was back to Spain, a return to France, and again back to Spain – all in the years 1899 to 1904. Before he struck upon Cubism, Picasso went through a prodigious number of styles – realism, caricature, the Blue Period, and the Rose Period. These distinguished styles are apparent in the unique original works as well as Picasso ceramics, lithographs, linocuts, and etchings that he created later in his life. The Blue Period dates from 1901 to 1904 and is characterized by a predominantly blue palette and focuses on outcasts, beggars, and prostitutes. This was when he also produced his first sculptures. The most poignant work of the style, La Vie (1903), currently located in Cleveland’s Museum of Art, was created in memory of his childhood friend, the Spanish poet Carlos Casagemas, who had committed suicide. The painting started as a self-portrait, but Picasso’s features became those of his lost friend. The composition is stilted, the space compressed, the gestures stiff, and the tones predominantly blue. The Rose Period began around 1904 when Picasso’s palette brightened and is dominated by pinks and beiges, light blues, and roses. His subjects are saltimbanques (circus people), harlequins, and clowns, all of whom seem to be mute and strangely inactive. One of the premier works of this period is Family of Saltimbanques (1905), currently in Washington, D.C. at the National Gallery, which portrays a group of circus workers who appear alienated and incapable of communicating with each other, set in a one-dimensional space. In 1905, Picasso went briefly to Holland, and on his return to Paris, his works took on a classical aura with large male and female figures seen frontally or in distinct profile, as in early Greek art. One of the best examples of this style is in the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo, NY, La Toilette (1906). Several pieces in this new, classical style were purchased by Gertrude Stein (the art patron and writer) and her brother, Leo Stein. With his groundbreaking 1907 painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon...

Trish DeMasi Lamella Bowl, 2022 Metallic glazed and speckled ceramic 16 x 17 x 7.25 in.

Blue vase by ES Keramik, the variation of blue and white in the matte lava glaze makes for a stunning vase. Measurements: H 8.5", W 5", D 3.5"

Bruno Gambone light black glazed ceramic bottle or vase with a flattened circular body and elongated tapering neck, Italy 1970s. The body is incise...

Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch and American ceramic artist Peter Voulkos' Altar Bowl with Weapon is raku-fired, hand built and hand sculptured. It was fired in P...

Signed in ink: Ch. Catteau Marked in ink: D.1009 (design number) Incised: Grès Kéramis and 898 (shape number) Stamped: Boch F es La Louvière made in Belgium This vase displays Catte...

Whimsical ceramic vase with a two tone glaze, gunmetal grey for the body and a glossy yellow for the indents on its surface and the interior.

A large ceramic free-throw vessel on a solid oak base in the Usonian style.

An antique German porcelain figure seated crossed-leg, "Nodder", dressed in an elaborately hand-painted robe, with his head, hands, and tongue moving, German porcelain by Dresden. Ve...

The glazed terracotta pots of Françoise Blondeau and AÏt Lhaj Hassan possess a symmetry and balance that pits their natural, earthy medium against an elegant beauty specific to man-m...

This vase is ribbed and richly glazed in blue. Signed AB.

Frank Schillo. “Ausschnitte,” 2008. Impressed artist’s signature to underside. Dated. Each part ca. 21.8 in. h x 11.2 in. w x 4.2 in. d

Charming pair of of ceramic miniatures by Eva Jancke-Björk for Bo Fajans, Sweden. They are part of a collection miniature objects that Eva Jancke-Björk crea...

A delightlful Austrian or German Art Deco glazed ceramic bowl in green. Two white glazed mouse figures are perched at the bowl's opening. Diameter: 4.5", Height: 2.75". Marked by mak...

Stoneware. Bottle and stopper decorated with beige background. Green and brown linear decoration throughout. Similar bottle available with a yellow geometric pattern.

Trish DeMasi. Lilie bowl, 2022. Metallic glazed and speckled ceramic. Measures: 10.5 x 10.75 x 3.5 in.

Large-scale sculpture by Rosanne Sniderman. High-fired earthenware sculpture with matte glaze in sand tones. Artist signed on underside.

Contemporary American ceramic artist Giselle Hicks' glazed white stoneware vase is part of her Vessel Series. Each form is built by hand using a coil and pinch technique. They are fo...

Manufactured by Schramberger Majolika-Fabrik. Printed maker's mark, impressed model number "3366". The pattern is called "Gobelin 8" designed by Eva Zeisel. Literature: Pat M...

Large scale stoneware bottle form sculpture/vase with incised line decoration to front and back faces. Off-white matte glaze with brown lip. Artist signed at base.

Oval ceramic dish featuring stylized fishes mirrored against a heavily textured background. With a green-black patina and an irregular structure, this cera...

This large bowl is ribbed and richly glazed in green. Signed and numbered 129.

Very large French Mid-Century Modern rectangular, red ceramic serving platter or tray handmade by Voltz, Vallauris. Signed on reverse, Voltz, Vallauris, France. A large oval red c...

This footed coupe is glazed in black and a brilliant, craquelure turquoise green. Stamped: CAB Numbered: 41

From Thom Lussier's Oxidized Copper Collection - a series of ceramic vessels that stand out for their brilliant palette and rich textures. This bowl ...

Small Portuguese Palissy plate or charger with green grasses, coiled snake and moths. Signed: Jose A. Cunha, Caldas, Rainha, Portugal.

A Pair of 19th century French Majolica/Fiance Models of Lions Perched on stands. Each is wonderfully hand painted in vibrant purple and blue colorways. The bases are green and each i...

French ceramist Eric Astoul (b. 1954, Morocco) infuses his sculptures with the essence of ancient and modern earthenware he has encountered along his travels in France, England, Japa...

Trish DeMasi Botanica vessel II, 2021 Glazed ceramic Measures: 14.75 x 11 x 10.5 in.

Trish DeMasi Lamella Vessel, 2021 Glazed ceramic Measure: 10 x 10 x 20.5 in.

In 1917, Gustavsberg hired Kåge to make its dinnerware and other everyday products more beautiful—he would serve as the company's Artistic Director until 1948. During this fruitful p...

This small vase is ribbed and richly glazed in light brown. Signed and numbered 128.

Tea Pot “Columbina Superba” Designed for Alessio Sarri, Sesto Fiorentino Printed to underside “MTH 020”. Object # 3174 Literature: Barbara Radice, Memphis, Munich, 1988, p. 165 (...

Victorian Minton Majolica pigeon pie tureen with wickerwork design. Supported by three realistically modelled grey fantailed pigeons roosting...

This organic centerpiece is created as a piece of Art by Italian artist and designer. Realised using recycled fiberglass and resin with the concept...

A large and impressive Theodore Deck Earthenware bottle form vase in the Islamic/Iznik Taste, Impressed "TD" 1870 on the bottom. The narrow circular neck is decorated with dark blue,...

A beautiful ceramic from Ciboure Pottery, this piece was executed by Garcia de Diego, and features a arabesque pattern in brown and black glazes on a c...

An artist working in the Art Nouveau style, Majorelle made a splash at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris and was one of the founders of the E´cole de Nancy. This intricately p...

French ceramist Eric Astoul (b. 1954, Morocco) infuses his sculptures with the essence of ancient and modern earthenware he has encountered along his travels in France, England, Japa...

Contemporary American ceramic artist Giselle Hicks' glazed white stoneware vase is part of her Vessel Series. Each form is built by hand using a coil and pinch technique. They are fo...

French ceramist Eric Astoul (b. 1954, Morocco) infuses his sculptures with the essence of ancient and modern earthenware he has encountered along his travels in France, England, Japa...

Bruno Gambone large glazed ceramic horse sculpture with flattened hollow body, Italy, 1970s. This regal stoneware horse has an off-white matte gla...

Italian artist Marcello Fantoni ceramic bottle vase is glazed stoneware made circa 1970s. This piece was acquired directly from the artist by the seller, who was a personal friend of...

This small vase is ribbed and richly glazed in ivory. Signed and numbered 117.

Trish DeMasi Botanica Vessel, 2022 Glazed ceramic 6.5 x 6.5 x 14.5 in.

Valentine Schlegel rare biomorphic glazed ceramic vase beautifully contoured, sensual and organic in form, France, 1955. Incised 'V. Schlegel' to underside. Valentine Schlegel (French, b. 1926) was one of the most important modernist ceramicists of the 1950s whose abstract, unique style was evident in her varied oeuvre consisting of sculpture and ceramics to leatherworking and interior architecture. She was born in the coastal town of Séte and studied at l’École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Montpellier where she began developing her interest in the medium of drawing. Schlegel worked for the first Avignon festivals as an assistant costume designer, prop specialist, and eventually chief stage manager. In 1945 Schlegel moved to Paris and discovered ceramics with Frédérique Bourguet and later with her sister Andrée Vilar...

Brown blue glazed vase by Desire Stenj, interesting striated details on the faces with a recessed square opening. Signed and marked.

Contemporary American ceramic artist Giselle Hicks' glazed white stoneware vase is part of her Vessel Series. Each form is built by hand using a coil and pinch technique. They are fo...

A French Art Nouveau covered porcelain jar designed by Georges De Feure and manufactured by Dufraisseix & Abbot, Limoges, for Art Nouveau Bing. In the...

Chintz pattern painted with panels of three variant frizes colores, one with variant diaper cartouches entwined with gilt and berried laurel, the second with entwined rose vines rese...

A beautifully glazed mid-century vase executed by Carl-Henry Stalhane for the venerable Swedish based ceramics firm Rorstrand. Signed.

Italian artist Marcello Fantoni cylindrical ceramic bottle vase is glazed stoneware made circa 1960s. This piece was acquired directly from the artist by the seller, who was a person...