Jean Gerbino (1876-1966) — Polychrome Mixed-Clay Vase with Two Handles — France, 20th Century

A baluster-form vase in polychrome mixed-clay with two triangular handles, signed Gerbino Vallauris beneath the base. It displays the mosaic decoration distinctive of Jean Gerbino's workshop, the master ceramicist established in Vallauris (France), known for his original "mosaic of coloured clays" technique, developed in the 1930s. The piece offers a fine harmony of warm and cool tones, alternating stylised floral motifs, geometric scrolls and interlacings of coloured clays. The contrasts between blue, green, powder pink and browns bring a decorative richness characteristic of the Gerbino savoir-faire. The vase adopts a bellied form with constricted everted neck, flanked by two rectangular handles giving it a both traditional and Modernist appearance.