Large French Ceramic Vase with Iridescent Glaze by Clement Massier

A large ceramic stoneware vase with striking iridescent glaze by the legendary French ceramist Pierre Clement Massier (1845-1917). Massier is widely considered as the founder the modern ceramic industry of Vallauris, Southern France, and one of the key creators of modern lusterware using iridescent glaze. A master ceramist and glazer, Massier set up his own factory in 1883 in Golfe-Juan outside Vallauris, where he developed his famous iridescent glaze. His work had many influences and input from Near and Far East cultures and went on to win many international awards.
The vase on offer was made in 1900s with a classic Art Nouveau style, thickly potted with thick walls and covered in a radiant luster glaze of mottled red, gold, orange and purple hues. The simple form was accentuated with groups of cutout stripes toward the base. This geometrical feature makes the piece appear more modern than the period. The base was marked "Clement Massier Golfe-Juan (am)'' which is partially glazed over but mostly discernible. It also retains a paper tag with catalog number purportedly from a galley in Paris.