French Woven Ceramic Bowl Attributed to Émile Tessier, 1950s
A French ceramic bowl attributed to Émile Tessier, created in the 1950s, where everyday form is transformed through rhythm, texture, and illusion.
Finished in a soft ivory glaze, the bowl is constructed to resemble a woven basket, though every interlaced strand is cast in ceramic. Thick looping bands wrap around the vessel, weaving over and under a series of upright supports to create a composition that feels both structured and playful. The glossy surface highlights the subtle irregularities of the hand-finished ceramic, allowing light to trace each curve and reveal the craftsmanship behind the illusion.
Rather than imitating traditional basketry, it reinterprets it through clay, celebrating the material's ability to mimic softness while retaining its permanence.
Émile Tessier (1887–1971) was a celebrated French ceramist from Malicorne, Sarthe, a historic center of pottery in northern France. Raised among potters and ceramic artisans, Tessier established his own atelier and became known for his pure white earthenware pieces inspired by ancient pottery traditions. His sculptural works feature intricate relief decoration, including twisted motifs, fleur-de-lis patterns, and naturalistic imagery of animals, flowers, and foliage, reflecting a refined approach to craftsmanship and ornament.
DIMENSIONS: 10.5"W x 10.5"D x 4.25"H
ORIGIN: France
PERIOD: 1950s
MATERIALS: Ceramic
CONDITION:
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