Gilbert Méténier – Art Nouveau Twin-Handled Stoneware Vase – Bleu de Gannat – France, circa 1920–1935 An impressive and beautifully preserved French Art Nouveau-inspired art pottery vase by Gilbert Méténier (1876–after 1940), featuring his celebrated flowing glaze technique and a striking combination of deep cobalt blue, warm ochre, amber and earthy brown tones. This elegant vase has a tall, gently tapering body, a rounded opening and two distinctive angular handles. The sculptural handles create a wonderful architectural contrast with the organic movement of the glaze, reflecting the transition from Art Nouveau to early Art Deco design. Exceptional glaze decoration The upper section is covered in a magnificent deep cobalt-blue glaze, which flows down the body in irregular, elongated streams. These rich blue cascades reveal a warm ochre-brown background with subtle crystalline and fern-like patterns. The interplay of colours, textures and flowing lines creates a fascinating decorative effect, giving the vase its individual character. This type of decoration is closely associated with the famous "Bleu de Gannat", the distinctive blue glaze developed by the Méténier pottery. The artist and his workshop Gilbert Méténier was a French ceramic artist and the son of Louis Méténier, founder of the family pottery in Gannat, in the Allier region of central France. Gilbert continued the family tradition, taking over the workshop around 1920 and developing its reputation for decorative stoneware, experimental glazes and original sculptural forms. The Méténier workshop became particularly celebrated for its richly coloured flowing glazes, which combined technical expertise with the artistic freedom characteristic of French art pottery. Production continued until approximately 1940, when the workshop ceased operating. Today, original Méténier ceramics are appreciated by collectors of French Art Nouveau and Art Deco decorative arts. Signature and condition Hand-signed G. Méténier underneath the base. The vase is in good antique condition, with minor traces of age and use consistent with its period. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Dimensions Height: approximately 27.5 cm Overall width including handles: approximately 21 cm Body diameter: approximately 13 cm Weight: approximately 1.6 kg Material: glazed stoneware (grès émaillé) Origin: Gannat, France Period: circa 1920–1935 A beautiful and authentic example of French decorative ceramics, combining remarkable glaze effects with an elegant sculptural silhouette. An attractive collector's piece and a striking decorative accent for both classical and contemporary interiors. Catawiki smart shipping services including insurance. #Exclusiveselection