Gustave Dubois – Miniature Art Deco Pitcher Les Grès d’Art de Bouffioulx This charming miniature pitcher is a refined example of Belgian Art Deco stoneware by Gustave Dubois, a ceramicist affiliated with the celebrated Les Grès d’Art de Bouffioulx collective. Known for their masterful high-temperature glazes and innovative forms, this group of artisans—including figures like Roger Guérin—defined Belgian studio ceramics in the early to mid-20th century. While Dubois is often noted for his larger decorative vessels, his miniature pieces are especially prized among collectors. Their scarcity, combined with the same level of glaze experimentation and form precision seen in larger works, makes them highly desirable. This particular piece showcases a richly variegated crystalline glaze in soft blue, green, and earthy brown tones, with a high-gloss black handle that contrasts elegantly with the soft, organic surface. The bulbous form is accentuated by hand-thrown horizontal bands and a pinched spout—hallmarks of Dubois’ tactile approach to functional design. Marked “Dubois” and numbered “500” on the base, this piece is not only a fine example of Belgian Art Deco but also a miniature masterpiece, reflecting the depth and diversity of Bouffioulx’s ceramic tradition. The Golden Age of Artistic Pottery in Bouffioulx and Châtelet In the 19th century, pottery in Bouffioulx and Châtelet, like in many other parts of Europe, was mainly about practical production. Skilled potters worked with a few assistants to create simple, everyday items. However, by the end of the century, a change was coming. Artists and craftsmen started to oppose industrialization and looked back to older, more artistic traditions. Inspired by movements in England and France, potters rediscovered the beauty of handmade ceramics. They wanted to bring creativity back into pottery, moving away from mass production. In Belgium, influential figures like Octave Maus and architect Henry Van de Velde played key roles in promoting ceramics as an art form. Soon, Bouffioulx and Châtelet became important centers for artistic pottery. Workshops focused on unique, handcrafted pieces that combined traditional skills with new artistic ideas. A new generation of potters experimented with techniques such as wheel throwing, glazing, and high-temperature firing. They created beautiful vases, sculptures, and decorative objects that gained attention in exhibitions across Belgium and beyond. Schools and pottery courses were established, helping to train future artists and keep the craft alive. This period, known as the “Golden Age” of pottery in the region, lasted for more than fifty years. Today, it is remembered as a time of creativity and innovation, where potters combined tradition with artistry to create timeless works. The vase will be well packaged, protected and insured