Description
Art Deco lid vase – Maurice Dufrène for Boch Frères Keramis
Are you looking for a unique, historical masterpiece with a rare and expressive story? This monumental Art Deco serving bowl is a rare collectible from the early interior design of the twentieth century. The vase was designed in 1922 by the leading French artist Maurice Dufrène (1876–1955). He created this avant-garde animal decoration specifically for La Maîtrise. This was the famous art studio of the large Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette.
The actual production of the vase was in the hands of the legendary Belgian faience factory Boch Frères Keramis. This factory was located in La Louvière. At Hi(s)story Antiques we select each object personally. We pay close attention to authenticity, historical value and superior craftsmanship. As a result, you get this Art Deco serving bowl a museum-worthy eye-catcher in the home.
The Expressive Iconography and Characteristics of the Panther Decoration
Within the early Art Deco art movement, the stylization of nature was a key focus. This octagonal Art Deco serving bowl is decorated with the extremely rare animal decoration with the code D727. The centerpiece on the vase’s belly is a powerful, stylized blue panther (or cheetah). This panther is adorned with characteristic black spots and an extended red tongue. Furthermore, a dynamic herd of hares and rabbits runs around this predator in expressive leaps.
The figures are painted in deep shades of cobalt blue, ochre and bright green. These colors stand out beautifully against the soft, white crackle enamel of the vase. The contours are precise and hand-painted with black edging lines. This is a characteristic technique that Boch Keramis used frequently during this period.
Furthermore, the vase’s shoulder is decorated with abstract, undulating cloud and spiral motifs. This pattern elegantly extends onto the rim of the lid. The lid knob is shaped like a massive, intensely cobalt-blue Foo dog. This Chinese temple lion adds a beautiful oriental and eclectic element to the European design.
History of the Design and the Studio La Maîtrise
In order to preserve the historical value of these Art Deco serving bowl To fully understand this, we must look at the history of French design. Maurice Dufrène was one of the most important founders of French Art Deco. In 1921, he was appointed artistic director of the decorative studio of Galeries Lafayette. This forward-thinking studio was named La Maîtrise. The goal of the studio was to offer affordable, yet high-quality designed art objects to the general public. Dufrène designed furniture, textiles, and also exclusive ceramics for this purpose.
Since the studio itself did not own its own ovens, Dufrène sought collaboration with renowned ceramic manufacturers. The choice quickly fell on the Belgian factory Boch Frères Keramis due to their superior glaze techniques. This resulted in a series of iconic vases. These objects are today sought after by collectors worldwide. In short, these specific Art Deco serving bowl The panther motif is one of the absolute masterpieces of this collaboration.
Technical casting quality and the fine, crackly texture of Boch
When you use this Art Deco serving bowl With its monumental size and heavy quality immediately striking. With a height of no less than 48 centimeters and a width of 24 centimeters the vase weighs a substantial amount 4.2 kg. The underside reveals the unmistakable origin characteristics for the antiquarian. Here is the hand-written black label B.F.K. with the decoration designation underneath D 727. In addition, a blind stamp was pressed into the clay in the foot with the model form.
The inside of the vase and the bottom of the lid show a beautiful even, unglazed interior. This testifies to the early and careful manual firing. Additionally, the glaze on the entire surface exhibits a beautiful, finely-meshed crackle network. This network is inherent to the age of over one hundred years old. This underlines the historical authenticity of the object. The vase is in excellent, original condition without any restorations or notable defects. This is exceptionally rare for pottery from this early period.
A Monumental Collection Piece in the Restored Interior
Thanks to its impressive size, this Art Deco serving bowl an ideal Statement piece for high-end interior designs. Within an eclectic, classic or modern interior, the vase with its vibrant colors immediately brings depth and character. The object lends itself perfectly to a prominent placement on a solid wooden sideboard. It also looks stunning on a central hall table or in a illuminated display cabinet. The active animal decor invites you to study it. After all, it is guaranteed to serve as a fantastic conversation piece in your home.
Our Services and Fully Insured Transport
At Hi(s)story Antiques, we understand that the purchase of a fragile, hundred-year-old Art Deco serving bowl We ask for absolute certainty. Therefore, we package this vase and its matching lid separately from each other. We use multiple thick layers of bubble wrap and shock-absorbing buffers in this process. We bear the full transport risk. Your purchase is always 100% insured and sent registered via PostNL.
For more historical background on the history of this design style, you can find the general information about the style in the article "Design style: the history of the Bauhaus". Art Deco movement on Wikipedia Consult. Do you have any additional questions about the condition? Or would you like to admire this vase in person? dan Feel free to contact us via info@hisstoryantiques.nl or by phone at +31 6 18897225.
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