Late 19th and early 20th century ceramics by Delphin, Clement & Jerome Massier (France)

The Massier family is a dynasty of potters dating back to before the French Revolution. They played a key role in the revival of pottery in Vallauris, France, in the early 20th century. The founder of the modern Massier pottery business is Clément Massier (1844-1917). He began working with his father, Jacques, in 1856 and learned the craft of pottery from Gaetano Gandolfi, an Italian master potter who was hired by his father. Gandolfi inspired Clément Massier to experiment with new techniques, including iridescent lustre glazed pottery. This type of pottery, which is characterized by its shimmering, metallic sheen, became the hallmark of the Massier family business.

Clément Massier's two brothers, Delphin and Jérôme, also became potters. Together, the three brothers formed the core of the pottery industry in Vallauris. Clément Massier was a highly skilled potter and a gifted artist. He experimented with a wide range of more... shapes, colors, and glazes, and his work was influenced by a variety of artistic styles, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Orientalism. Massier pottery was highly sought-after by collectors and decorators during the early 20th century. His work was featured in major exhibitions, including the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900.

After Clément Massier's death in 1917, his sons Jacques and Marcel continued the family business. They continued to produce high-quality pottery in a variety of styles, and their work helped to maintain the reputation of Vallauris as a center of pottery production. The Massier family pottery business remains in operation today and is now run by the sixth generation of Massiers. The family continues to produce pottery in a variety of styles, including traditional Massier lustre glazed pottery, as well as more contemporary designs. less...