Robert Picault Vallauris Ceramic Vide-poche Or Trinket Dish, France, Circa 1960

A charming mid-century French ceramic vide-poche by Robert Picault, produced in Vallauris on the French Riviera, circa 1960. This small rectangular dish is characteristic of Picault’s distinctive and highly recognizable decorative language, combining strong geometric forms with a lively Mediterranean palette.

The interior is entirely hand-painted with a structured composition in turquoise green, cobalt blue, warm ochre brown, black and white. Three large spiral motifs animate the central grid, surrounded by stylized starburst forms and bold intersecting lines. The sides are decorated with alternating blue and green zigzag patterns, while the broad rim features a rhythmic succession of ochre and dark accents.

Its slightly irregular rectangular form and visible variations in the hand-painted decoration give the piece the appealing individuality associated with artisan ceramics from Vallauris during the post-war period.

The underside bears Robert Picault’s painted “RP” monogram. A particularly decorative example of his work, ideal as a vide-poche, small serving dish or simply as a collectible piece of French mid-century ceramic art.

Dimensions : H 4 cm W 16 cm D 13.5 cm