Enamel sandstone planter by Clément Massier

Clement massier (1844-1917) Multi-color enamelled sandstone planter decorated with foliage. H 18, 26x39 cm. The massier (jérôme, clément, delphin, cédric) are a dynasty of ceramicists that goes back beyond the french revolution and played a key role in the rebirth of vallauris ceramics. Clément massier is considered the founder at the beginning of the 20th century of the modern ceramic industry of vallauris. Clément massier was first a worker in 1856 with his father jacques (1801-1871). He was introduced to pottery by gaetano gandolfi, an italian master potter hired by his father. Gandolfi initiated several techniques, including enamelled earthenware, which made massier famous. From then on, the production will be distinguished by its originality, abandoning utilitarian pottery in favour of an exclusively artistic creation. The three massier companies, led by brothers clément and delphin and cousin jérôme, will soon form one of vallauris' major productions. After his father's death, clément first teamed up with his brother delphin massier to finally set up his own factory in 1883 outside vallauris. Its location in golfe-juan, on the road linking monaco, nice and cannes, will allow it to reach out to wealthy and cosmopolitan tourism and benefit from the proximity of the railway to ship its manufactured products. A year later, his company already employs 120 workers. A real network of commerce is set up thanks to the distribution of detailed catalogues in france and abroad that offer many models of very different inspirations, with varied color palettes and enamelling techniques ( monochrome, polychrome, jaspé.). Clément massier became a real entrepreneur by opening outlets in his own region, but also in the capital and as far away as germany. Many competitions and exhibitions.

Ref. : UAH47WB3