Clement Massier (1844-1917), Large Vase Decorated With Umbels, Glazed Ceramic, Golf Juan, Signed

Clément Massier Golf-Juan, large zoomorphic vase in turquoise glazed ceramic with a decoration of umbels treated in gold and polychrome. Height 42 cm. Signed with the Clément Massier Golf Juan stamp under the base. Magnificent work from the early 20th century, with very fine gilding on the decoration of the umbelliferous flowers. Interior in turquoise glazed ceramic. Very good condition. Clément Massier: Clément Massier is considered the founder of the modern ceramic industry in Vallauris at the beginning of the 20th century. Naturally creative, Clément Massier (1844 Vallauris – 1917 Golfe-Juan) first worked as a laborer from 1856 for his father Jacques (1801-1871). He was introduced to pottery by Gaetano Gandolfi, an Italian master potter hired by his father. Gandolfi would go on to introduce several techniques, including glazed earthenware, which would bring renown to the Massier company. From then on, production would be distinguished by its originality, abandoning utilitarian pottery in favor of exclusively artistic creation. Thanks to his chemical work, he established himself as one of the leading creators of iridescent ceramics, producing a highly diverse body of work. The three Massier companies, run by brothers Clément and Delphin and their cousin Jérôme, would soon become one of the major producers in Vallauris.