Kostanda vase, Vallauris, vintage, 1960s

An elegant small vase or candlestick in glazed ceramic from Vallauris, attributed to Alexandre Kostanda or a workshop contemporary with his work (1950s–1960s). This piece, with its raw, modernist style, features a low, flared shape, accentuated by two small, stylized handles in relief, lending it an almost archaic and sculptural appearance. The glaze displays a magnificent interplay of textures and colors, blending shades of ash gray, charcoal black, and terracotta red, typical of Kostanda's and the Vallauris ceramists' explorations of high-temperature firing and the effects of fire. The surface treatment, both organic and mineral, evokes the volcanic landscapes and nature that the artist cherished. This piece belongs to the golden age of French post-war ceramic art, when Vallauris was home to the workshops of Capron, Rami, Madoura, and Kostanda, each exploring a balance between function and the poetry of the material. Excellent condition, beautiful patina, no chips or cracks. An exceptional piece for collectors or enthusiasts of 1950s French ceramics, perfect for a mid-century or contemporary interior.