Colette Gueden Primavera Soup Tureen, Monuments of Paris, 1930s

This tureen is an extremely rare piece. The artist who designed this piece truly deserves attention. Colette Gueden, born in 1905, is one of those who shaped the look of French design in the 20th century. She grew up in an environment where the applied arts held a prominent place, allowing her to benefit from a solid education. Very early on, she showed a strong affinity for combining forms and materials. In 1930, she joined the Primavera workshop, the artistic arm of the Printemps department stores, and quickly rose to become its director. In a still very male-dominated field, she managed to establish a personal aesthetic, blending clean lines, modernity, sensitivity, and elegant decoration. Ceramics occupy a central place in her work, and several of her creations have become true icons. During the 1930s, she turned her attention to the art of dining: her earthenware services, decorated with Parisian monuments and French landscapes, transformed tableware into a true celebration of heritage. The tureen shown here, now impossible to find, was presented to members of parliament upon taking office. At that time, the National Assembly was still called the Chamber of Deputies. It features depictions of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Vendôme Column, and a blue, white, and red cockade. The tureen is in excellent condition and has clearly never been used. There are two small chips in the glaze (see photos), but they are extremely discreet. It bears the Colette Gueden stamp and the Primavera engraving under the base. Height: 13 cm. Diameter: 24 cm. Weight: 1.8 kg.