Robert Cloutier And Jean Cloutier, Anthropomorphic Vase With Female Face

Robert CLOUTIER (1930-2008) and Jean CLOUTIER (1930-2015)
Anthropomorphic vase with female face, circa 1958-1965

Polychrome glazed ceramic
Signed under the base: "Cloutier France"

Dimensions: H 20.5 x D 22 cm

Baluster-shaped with a swollen body resting on a slightly flared base, this glazed ceramic vase is flanked by two scrolled side handles.

The cylindrical neck is treated as a stylized bust, forming a female face with delicately modeled features, almond-shaped eyes, nose in slight relief, half-open mouth, enhanced with touches of green enamel on the cheeks.

On the reverse, a radiating decoration in slight relief, centered by a circular cabochon, evokes a stylized chignon.

The whole is covered with a nuanced enamel in deep shades of blue and green, contrasting with the pinkish complexion of the face.

From the mid-1950s, Jean and Robert Cloutier developed an original ceramic body of work in which common forms are transformed into stylized figures. Anthropomorphic vases, such as the present model, are among their most emblematic creations.

The frontal treatment of the face, combined with relief decoration and a palette of nuanced glazes, illustrates their desire to infuse the object with an almost sculptural presence.

Bibliography:

Patrick Favardin, Les frères Cloutier. Céramistes et sculpteurs, Éditions Norma, Paris, 2014 (reissued. 2017)