Jean Gerbino (1876-1966) — Pique-fleurs Sphere in Terres Mêlées, Vallauris, circa 1950-1960

A Sicilian-born master ceramicist established in Vallauris, Jean Gerbino developed in 1930, after fifteen years of research, his unique terres mêlées technique: several oxide-coloured clays are assembled into blocks, turned together and subjected to a double firing under a transparent glaze. The process was awarded the Grand Prix at the Concours Lépine in 1931.

This pique-fleurs sphere is distinguished by the exceptional quality of its execution. The palette is particularly rich and luminous — iron-red terracotta, soft celadon, slate blue, cream ivory, warm ochre and manganese brown — with a brilliant glaze that enlivens each colour and lends the whole an almost mineral depth. The upper body presents the polychrome diagonal chequerboard characteristic of the workshop, while the lower register is treated in sgraffito with Hispano-Moorish motifs — star-rosette medallions on a cream ground, framed by green foliate scrolls. Nine apertures at the top. Remarkable precision and mastery.

'Gerbino Vallauris' signature incised beneath the base.France, circa 1950-1960

France, circa 1950-1960