Jean Gerbino (1876-1966) — Flower-holder Sphere in terres mêlées, Vallauris circa 1950-1960

A master ceramist of Sicilian origin established at 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 on the wheel, then subjected to a double firing beneath a transparent glaze. The process was awarded the Grand Prix at the Concours Lépine in 1931.

This flower-holder 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 displays the polychrome diagonal chequerboard 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 scrolling foliage. Nine apertures at the summit. Remarkable precision and mastery.

Signature “Gerbino Vallauris” incised beneath the base. France, circa 1950-1960

France, circa 1950-1960