Jacques Sagan — Sculptural vase on a pedestal in openwork ceramic

The spirit of Vallauris in the 1950s

A masterpiece in its stature and design, this flared pedestal vase is an emblematic work by Jacques Sagan. A former music-hall artist turned ceramist, Sagan imbued his creations with a raw theatricality that stood out within the Vallauris production of the 1950s. This model is distinguished by intricate openwork at the neck, creating a play of light and shadow that highlights the modernity of its silhouette. 

A solar and archaic design

The decor unfolds a bold geometric composition, typical of the artist's "instinctive" style: a vibrant contrast between an intense solar yellow, a textured gray, and deep black accents, while a frieze of diamonds and points, punctuated by stylized plant motifs, recalls the influences of Tribal Arts and Mediterranean antiquity, with the entirely yellow-glazed interior capturing the light and radiating through the cutouts of the neck, offering a radiant, sunny presence to the object. 

Features

• Designer: Jacques Sagan (signed under the base)
  
• Origin: Vallauris, France
  
• Period: Circa 1955
  
• Materials: Enameled ceramic with openwork decoration
  
• Dimensions: Height 34 cm

Condition

This piece is in beautiful vintage condition, retaining all its decorative power. True to our commitment to transparency, we note a few signs of age that are part of its history: Slight enamel chips and nibbles are visible on the openwork collar. Small chips are present on the base of the pedestal. The enamel shows a beautiful authentic patina with some natural crazing. These minor imperfections are inherent to the firing technique and the age of the piece; they do not alter the structural integrity or the sunny aesthetic of this exceptional vase. 

The Studio Cinquante Perspective

 "This vase is a piece with character. Its height of 34 cm and its openwork decoration make it a 'totem' object that structures the space. We particularly like the joyful luminosity of its enamel, which brings a fresh touch to the room it occupies."

Decorating Tip: The Art of Contrast

To enhance this vase, opt for a minimalist environment. On a teak sideboard or a stone console, its silhouette and yellow interior will capture the slightest ray of sunshine. Let it express itself empty like a sculpture, or adorn it with a few graphic branches to emphasize its vertical elegance.