GEORGES JOUVE

Georges Jouve, born March 27, 1910 in Fontenay-sous-Bois, is a French ceramist considered one of the masters of 20th-century ceramics. A prolific artist, his unique style is distinguished by bold forms and an innovative sense of color, which profoundly marked post-war ceramics. After studying at the École Boulle in Paris, where he trained in sculpture techniques and studied art history, Jouve turned to ceramics, inspired by Provençal traditions and motifs. During the Second World War, Jouve was taken prisoner by German forces but managed to escape. He then took refuge in the pottery village of Dieulefit, in the south of France, where he discovered the art of local pottery and refined his own style. After the war, he returned to Paris, where he opened his own studio in 1944 and quickly became known for his sculptural forms and innovative glazing techniques. Jouve experimented with pieces featuring clean lines and sophisticated surfaces, incorporating intense colors such as deep black, bright red, and metallic tones, which became emblematic of his work. His works, which included vases, bowls, and figurines, were frequently exhibited at prestigious fairs, such as the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs in Paris, and met with international success. Jouve also collaborated with renowned designers and decorators, and his creations were highly sought after for their modern yet timeless aesthetic, which combined classical influences with abstraction. Georges Jouve died in 1964, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of ceramics. His pieces, emblematic of the post-war period, continue to be prized for their boldness and originality, making him a key figure in French ceramics.