1920s Art Déco Ceramic Green Hedgehog Toothpick Holder by Édouard-Marcel Sandoz Manufactured by Theodore Haviland, France

Description

1920s Art Déco ceramic green hedgehog toothpick holder by Édouard-Marcel Sandoz manufactured by Theodore Haviland, France

By: Édouard-Marcel Sandoz, Theodore … more 1920s Art Déco ceramic green hedgehog toothpick holder by Édouard-Marcel Sandoz manufactured by Theodore Haviland, France

By: Édouard-Marcel Sandoz, Theodore Haviland
Material: ceramic, paint
Technique: pressed, molded, painted, hand-painted, hand-crafted
Dimensions: 3 in x 5.5 in x 2.5 in
Date: early 20th century, circa 1920
Style: Art Déco
Place of origin: France

In the early 1920s, Swiss sculptor Édouard-Marcel Sandoz collaborated with French porcelain manufacturer Theodore Haviland to create this delightful Art Déco ceramic hedgehog toothpick holder. The piece exemplifies Sandoz's whimsical approach to animal sculpture, translating his renowned bronze work into functional ceramics. This charming hedgehog features a soft green glaze with white facial details and a pink nose, its stylized form capturing the essence of the animal rather than aiming for realism. The creature's back is cleverly punctuated with holes to hold toothpicks, seamlessly integrating function with artistic form. The hollow interior bears both Sandoz's and Haviland's maker's marks, affirming its authenticity.

This design emerged during a period when Sandoz, facing material shortages after World War I, returned to his early passion for ceramics. This toothpick holder represents a playful departure in Sandoz's oeuvre, demonstrating his versatility across mediums and his ability to infuse everyday objects with artistic flair. It embodies the Art Déco movement's emphasis on merging art with daily life, creating functional pieces that double as small sculptures, bringing beauty to the mundane. less