Jean Gerbino (1876-1966) — Terres Mêlées Flower-Frog Sphere, Vallauris circa 1950-1960

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

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

Signature “Gerbino Vallauris” incised beneath the base.

France, circa 1950-1960