Art Deco Stoneware Vase with Crystallization – Fourmaintraux Delassus Desvres

Fourmaintraux Delassus, Desvres, 1920–1930

Octagonal Art Deco stoneware vase with crystallization, bearing the original mark and number. Production attributed to the Fourmaintraux Delassus workshops, active in Desvres and renowned for their Art Deco period stoneware pieces. This model illustrates the formal research of the 1920–1930s, characterized by geometric lines and sober volumes.

Crystallization Glaze

The vase’s surface features a crystallized glaze in brown and blue tones, achieved through controlled firing allowing for crystal formation on the surface. The irregular and naturally distributed patterns recall contemporary productions from the Pierrefonds and Rambervillers factories, known for their research into crystallization effects.

The Crystallization Technique

Crystallization in ceramics relies on a precise firing process. Crystals form on the glaze surface when certain minerals are subjected to very high temperatures, then cooled according to specific cycles. The result yields irregular patterns, often star-shaped or circular, impossible to reproduce identically. Each vase thus becomes a unique piece. On this example, the crystals contrast slightly with the colored background, creating a luminous and natural decor. This type of glaze demonstrates the technical expertise of the Desvres potters, known for their mastery of stoneware and surface effects.

Characteristics and Condition

Dimensions: height 21 cm, width 16 cm. Fourmaintraux Delassus pottery stamp and model number under the base. Very good overall condition, with no visible restoration. The glaze retains its nuances and luster. The object presents perfect stability and good balance of lines.

Provenance and Interest

This octagonal vase constitutes a representative example of Desvres stoneware production during the interwar period. The combination of a geometric form and controlled crystallization makes it a sought-after piece by collectors of Art Deco ceramics. A model suitable for display in a showcase or contemporary interior.