Clément Massier - Clément Massier (1844-1917) - Vase - Ceramic

Clément Massier, ceramic vase. Marked at the base. In perfect condition, without defects or restorations.
Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the Massier family was at the origin of an important transformation in ceramic practice in Vallauris. They innovated by launching into the production of artistic ceramics. Clément Massier (1844-1917), his brother Delphin (1836-1907), and Jérôme Massier fils (1850-1916) were the pioneers of new decoration techniques: glazed terracotta and metallic luster. All three led the major artistic terracotta factories located in Vallauris. Their production was abundant and as diverse as it was original: vases, flowerpots, and monochromatic glazed terracottas, jaspée or glossy decorations, slippery animal shapes. They also surrounded themselves with artists, painters, and sculptors eager to associate a contemporary production with the concept of creativity (novelties in sets, research on colors). In the context of the times, the expansion of the Massier workshops went hand in hand with the establishment of what would be called the French Riviera and the development of cosmopolitan tourism, a new clientele that the Massier family would win over.

Massier will quickly perceive the stakes of the Universal Expositions, places of comparison and exchange among different nations. Enthusiasts conduct relentless research on enamels. The discovery of metallic luster was around 1886/1887 for Clemente. He was awarded a gold medal at the 1889 World's Fair for his research.

Therefore, despite these efforts and adaptations to new trends, the war of 1914-1918 led to the decline of artistic ceramics in Vallauris, which continued with culinary ceramics, but the Massier workshop still played its role as a school, leaving its mark on new local artists.