Pierre Paulus, Rare “antilope” Wall Plaque In Africanist Art Deco Stoneware, Bouff Stoneware

Important Art Deco African-inspired wall plaque in high-fire salt-glazed stoneware, created in 1937 by Baron Pierre Paulus de Châtelet in Bouffioulx; a one-of-a-kind piece.
Signed on the underside; listed in several books (see photos of the vase and platter).
In perfect condition; note a few spots and imperfections in the decoration and on the underside of the piece, which were intentional and accepted by the artist.
Provenance: Private collection of Baron Pierre Paulus de Châtelet.

On the international market, Art Deco-period ceramics (1925 to 1940) featuring African-inspired motifs are rare; notable examples include works by René Buthaud, Charles Catteau, Eugène, and Pierre Paulus... Between 100 and 200 pieces by the artist are currently known and cataloged.

• Artist:Baron Pierre Paulus de Châtelet (1881–1959)
• Signature:Signed “P.PAULUS” - 1937
• Period:20th Century / 1937
• Country of Origin:Belgium
• Dimensions (H x W):5 x 45 cm
• Weight:3 kg
• Condition:Excellent
• Style:Art Deco / Africanism
• Material:Ceramic / High-Fired Salt-Glazed Stoneware

Biography:
Pierre Paulus (Châtelet 1881 – Brussels 1959) was, above all, a great Belgian Expressionist painter known as Baron Pierre Paulus de Châtelet. Upon the death of his brother, the ceramicist Eugène, he designed and painted vases featuring Art Deco motifs and forms inspired by African art, but he did not work the wheel himself, leaving that task to the exceptional potters of Bouffioulx, such as Edgard Aubry, “the king of potters.” He also produced works in the kilns of the Bischoffsheim School in Brussels, where he taught painting, drawing, and ceramics.
He participated in numerous exhibitions and, at the 1937 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, received the Grand Prix de l’Exposition for his ceramics.
In 1939, he exhibited in the United States, and in 1948 at the Exhibition of Contemporary Belgian Ceramics.
Rare works are found in private and family collections, as well as in certain Belgian museums.