Robert and Jean Cloutier, anthropomorphic vase with a female face, circa 1958–1965.

Robert CLOUTIER (1930–2008) and Jean CLOUTIER (1930–2015) Anthropomorphic vase with a female face, circa 1958–1965. Of baluster shape with a swollen body resting on a slightly flared base, this glazed ceramic vase is flanked by two side handles in volutes. The cylindrical neck is treated as a stylised bust, forming a female face with delicately modelled features, almond-shaped eyes, a slightly raised nose, and an open mouth, highlighted with touches of green glaze on the cheeks. On the reverse, a radiating decoration in slight relief, centred by a circular cabochon, evokes a stylised bun. The whole is covered in a nuanced glaze with deep tones of blue and green, contrasting with the rosy complexion of the face. From the mid-1950s, Jean and Robert Cloutier developed an original ceramic oeuvre where usual forms are transformed into stylised figures. Anthropomorphic vases, such as the present model, are among their most emblematic creations. The frontal treatment of the face, combined with a relief decoration and a palette of nuanced glazes, illustrates their desire to imbue the object with an almost sculptural presence. Bibliography: Patrick Favardin, Les frères Cloutier. Céramistes et sculpteurs, Éditions Norma, Paris, 2014 (reissued 2017) Pierre Staudenmeyer, La céramique française des années 50, Éditions Norma, Paris, 2004.