Grandjean-Jourdan 'Faux Bois' ceramic table centrepiece Vallauris 1960s

Grandjean-Jourdan ceramic table centrepiece 'Faux Bois', Vallauris, France, 1960s. A magnificent ceramic centrepiece created by the potter Eugène Grandjean for his family business Grandjean-Jourdan in the French pottery village of Vallauris. Grandjean was passionate about the idea of creating pottery that mimicked real olive wood. He experimented with various techniques to create realistic wood textures, thus developing his unique style. He used a special type of clay for the base shape and then applied glazes and dyes to give a realistic wood grain effect. This centrepiece is one of his finest, with a very pronounced appearance. Vallauris is a small town in the south of France known for its long tradition of pottery, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. These pottery pieces are handmade from local clay mixed with other minerals to produce different colours and patterns, often glazed for a shiny finish. These pieces are highly valued by locals and tourists alike, symbolising a preserved traditional craftsmanship with remarkable designs and colours.