Vallauris Pair of French Mid-Century Ceramic Vases, Manner of Charles Cart

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Mid-Century Masterpieces: Fat Lava Vases in the Style of Charles Cart

This striking pair of mid-20th century ceramic vases embodies … Read more Mid-Century Masterpieces: Fat Lava Vases in the Style of Charles Cart

This striking pair of mid-20th century ceramic vases embodies the iconic "fat lava" style, a popular glazing technique that flourished in Vallauris, France during the 1950s and 60s. While not by Charles Cart himself, the design elements pay homage to his work, making them a wonderful addition for collectors and design enthusiasts alike.

A Volcanic Eruption of Style:

The vases showcase a captivating textural glaze, reminiscent of molten lava. This rich, multi-layered glaze creates a visually dynamic effect, with a bold color palette that adds a touch of mid-century flair to any space.

Measuring
5 inches in diameter and 7 ¾ inches high, these vases are the perfect size for displaying floral arrangements or standing alone as sculptural pieces.

A Legacy of French Ceramics:

The "fat lava" style emerged from the long history of Vallauris pottery, a tradition dating back to Roman times. The town experienced a resurgence in the 20th century, particularly after Picasso settled there, attracting other artists like Charles Cart. These vases are a testament to this artistic heritage and the innovative use of glazes that defined the mid-century era.

History of Vallauris pottery:

Vallauris Golfe Juan is a tourist town of the French Riviera near Antibes known as the "city of 100 potters". Its name (Valauria in Provencal) means "the golden valley". It is divided into two parts: the upper town is the old center, and the other part, the seaside from the port along the coast, towards Antibes.

The pottery of Vallauris is originally traditional culinary ceramics that was probably born at the time of the Roman occupation thanks to clay deposits nearby.

From the 16th century, Italian families from Genoa come to repopulate the city after a deadly epidemic. This is the beginning of a pottery activity of individual craftsmen.

In the seventeenth century, the craft activity develops and becomes major in the city. The tradition is born.

In the 19th century, the advent of the railway helped the potters to structure themselves. They work in larger factories that export their production, also by sea. Utensils and kitchen containers become the specialty of Vallauris. It is a terracotta pottery enamelled with a clear glaze.

Then the twentieth century brings its modernization and the activity of the artisanal pottery in the city declines. After the war, Picasso gives a new impetus to the pottery of Vallauris by settling in the city. This drains the arrival of artists like Jean Marais and many others.

Vallauris became fashionable in the years 1950-60, and developed ceramics as art, already initiated by the family Massier in the years 1920. Since, the craft continues but overall with decorative ceramics and tableware. See less