Sauceboat, fondue pot signed Gustave Tiffoche, Saint-Nazaire, 1975

Here is a charming casserole with a typical pyrite glazing from the work of Gustave Tiffoche. The fluted shape with a spout is lovely. This casserole has several markings underneath: M.R.I.F.E.N (a retirement mutual for teachers), the year '75, the location "St-Nazaire, " and finally the signature "Tiffoche." This indicates that it was a commissioned piece for a special occasion in 1975 by this mutual from the ceramist Gustave Tiffoche, which, in my opinion, rules out the possibility of the signature being fake (which apparently is often the case) and allows for precise dating of this ceramic. Gustave Tiffoche (1930-2011) initially worked with Norbert Pierlot, then at La Borne, before setting up his workshop in Guérande, where he produced unique pieces and larger series of utilitarian items, and trained many young ceramists. I thought this casserole was in perfect condition, but I notice that the handle has been reattached (the repair is masked by "stains" the colour of the pyritised areas); I have partially removed this coloured "addition, " and the repair underneath is very neat, almost invisible. This casserole remains a lovely work by Tiffoche for a fan of this ceramist or for a collector of 1970s ceramics. It measures 18 cm in width including the handle, 14 cm in maximum diameter, and 7 cm in height.