Lucien Levy-Dhurmer 'Papillon' Vase
Regular price
$25,000
This “papillon” ceramic depicts a flight of butterflies against a background of stippled metallic glaze that follows the rhythm of its twisted, fluted form. The shimmering metallic glaze surface recalls maki-e—literally “sprinkled pictures”—a Japanese lacquer technique developed over 1,200 years ago. In maki-e, designs are painted with lacquer and then dusted with gold powder before the surface hardens, creating luminous, refined decoration.
Item #: C-22253
Artist: Lucien Levy-Dhurmer for Clément Massier
Country: France
Circa: 1895
Dimensions: 13.5" height, 9" diameter.
Materials: Glazed Earthenware
Signed: painted mark 'Clement Massier GolFe.JUAN.AM L. Lévy'
Item #: C-22253
Artist: Lucien Levy-Dhurmer for Clément Massier
Country: France
Circa: 1895
Dimensions: 13.5" height, 9" diameter.
Materials: Glazed Earthenware
Signed: painted mark 'Clement Massier GolFe.JUAN.AM L. Lévy'
Clément Massier’s studio was in Golfe-Juan, a small community just outside of Cannes, on the southern coast of France. Massier’s pottery is known for its iridescent glazes which he called “reflets métalliques.” The process involved several steps: first, a piece was bisque-fired; next, it was glazed and re-fired; and then, it was covered in clay slip that contained metallic compounds. A final firing in a reduction kiln created the thin metal film that produced the object’s iridescent appearance. Contemporary accounts mentioned that it could take up to five firings to get the layers of iridescence needed for the desired look.
Clément Massier’s studio was in Golfe-Juan, a small community just outside of Cannes, on the southern coast of France. Massier’s pottery is known for its iridescent glazes which he called “reflets métalliques.” The process involved several steps: first, a piece was bisque-fired; next, it was glazed and re-fired; and then, it was covered in clay slip that contained metallic compounds. A final firing in a reduction kiln created the thin metal film that produced the object’s iridescent appearance. Contemporary accounts mentioned that it could take up to five firings to get the layers of iridescence needed for the desired look.
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