Grand-Jean Jourdan
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This striking table lamp by Grandjean-Jourdan is a rare and sculptural example of Vallauris ceramic artistry, crafted in the distinctive faux-bois style that mimics natural wood grain with remarkable realism. Dating from the 1950s, the lamp’s base features an expressive pair of intertwined forms rising like limbs from a single trunk, supporting a double satin pleated shade in pale yellow. The result is both organic and surreal, evoking a poetic interplay between nature and design.
Created in Vallauris — a town in the South of France renowned for its rich ceramic heritage — this piece is part of a storied tradition revitalized in the postwar era by the arrival of Pablo Picasso. His presence brought new life and international attention to the region’s ceramics scene, inspiring local workshops like Grandjean-Jourdan to explore bolder, more sculptural forms.
This lamp is a highly collectible example of mid-century French ceramics, notable for its imaginative form and excellent preservation. Pieces like this are increasingly rare, particularly in this condition and scale.
Origin: Vallauris, France
Period: 1950s
Materials: Glazed ceramic, satin shade
Dimensions: Upon request
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; original shade shows gentle signs of age
Provenance: Private collection, France