Art Deco vase by Charles Catteau for Boch Frères, decor D.1197, Belgium 32cm

Large elongated ovoid vase with a slightly flared neck, decoration D.1197 designed by Charles Catteau for the Boch Frères factory in La Louvière. On a finely crackled cream background, a cascade of stylised flowers descends from a black band at the neck. Golden yellow and orange corollas with concentric centres overlap with bright green and blue foliage. Each motif is outlined with a black line. Two small green dots, like fallen petals, complete the composition towards the base and give the decoration a true lightness. This is Catteau at his most joyful and graphic. The pure colours and simplified shapes already herald the modernism of the 1930s. Due to its size and brilliance, this piece stands alone beautifully on a console, a fireplace, or a sideboard. Marking. Round stamp Boch Frères La Louvière under the base. Decor number "D.1197" painted. Shape number in relief. Painter's number "6". Dimensions. Height: 32 cm – Diameter: 16 cm. Condition. Very good condition. No visible chips, cracks, or restorations. Fine crackling of the cream glaze, typical of the technique and age. A few light stains and colour spots under the base, either original or due to time. Characteristics. Designer: Charles Catteau. Manufacturer: Boch Frères Keramis (La Louvière, Belgium) Period: circa 1923–1925. Material: glazed earthenware, hand-painted decoration. Colours: cream, yellow, orange, green, blue, black. Style: Art Deco.