François Carrazé – Large Anthropomorphic Vase With Two Faces, Black Ceramic, Saint-maximin, Cir

A large black terracotta vase with two handles, signed “Carrazé – St Maximin” on the base and bearing the studio’s stamp. This remarkable ceramic piece is decorated with two anthropomorphic faces sculpted in relief, each occupying one side of the vase. The two depictions, similar but not identical, are rendered in a highly personal style, featuring large almond-shaped eyes, expressive modeling, and a pattern of incised lines that accentuate the facial features. The sides are adorned with broad panels of incised geometric motifs—alternating herringbone patterns, diamonds, and broken lines—which reinforce the piece’s archaic inspiration. The silhouette, featuring two handles, evokes ancient amphorae, while the reduction firing gives the clay this beautiful matte black hue. The interior is entirely coated with a deep blue glaze, allowing it to be used as a vase. This work is characteristic of the oeuvre of François Carrazé, a ceramicist based in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, whose creations from the 1950s to the 1970s draw inspiration from ancient Mediterranean civilizations, primitive arts, and archaeological forms. Passionate about archaeology, he developed an immediately recognizable artistic language that blends sculpture and ceramics. Dimensions: Height: 23 cm; Maximum diameter: approximately 20 cm. Condition:
In very good condition. No cracks, chips, or restoration. A high-quality, expressive piece of French ceramic art,expressive and decorative, representative of François Carrazé’s most original work. For any questions, call +33778337598