Polychrome stoneware, circa 1930.
Made for a business in Arles.
Odetta (1925 - 1936):
The Odetta period draws its inspiration from the primitivism that infiltrates all artistic fields in the 1920s. The Celtic origins of the Bretons have always been evident in their art through decorative signs whose geometry is reminiscent of that found in African and Oceanic art. HB chose stoneware for Odetta, which it skillfully glazed with dark gray and blue colors, contrasting with the softness of celadon greens, ivory whites, or the luminous brilliance of gold. To differentiate these works from conventional production, they were produced from 1925 under the brand ODETTA (Ateliers de l'ODET). Many earthenware factories then resorted to using related brands to avoid shocking a conservative clientele that could be shocked by the novelty of abstract decorations. They called on artists, some of whom were already well-known. Among them, we can mention Georges Brisson, Alphonse Chanteau, Louis Garin, René Olichon, Georges Renaud, Paul Fouillen, Abadie Landel... The Toulouse-born René Beauclair seems to be ODETTA's most prolific decorator. This artist was already known for his characteristic Art Nouveau wallpapers, for his creations of jewelry, furniture, wrought iron, and paintings.