The Massieu dynasty of ceramicists has been known in the south of France since the beginning of the 18th century, when Pierre Massieu (1707-1748) opened the first pottery workshop for the production of utilitarian dishes in Vallauris. And by the end of the 19th century, there were already three ceramic factories in this region, which were managed by Pierre’s great-grandchildren: Delphin, Clement and their second cousin Jacques.
Earthenware vase with iridescent glaze, height 16 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, circa 1900.
The most famous ceramicist at the turn of the century was Clement, thanks to his passion for inventing his own recipes for unusual iridescent glazes with a metallic sheen. Clement’s experiments brought him worldwide fame and a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889.
Art Nouveau vase with ‘metallic’ glaze, height 44, Delphin Massier Vallauris, circa 1900.
Clement Massieu’s older brother, Delphin Massieu (1836-1907), inherited his share in the family ceramics business after the death of their father Jacques in 1871. The Delphin Massieu factory’s range was more traditional. It specialized in the production of polychrome enameled faience for home and garden. In my opinion, the garden ceramics of this factory are especially interesting. Flowerpots, jardinieres, vases and garden figurines from the Delphin Massieu factory were in great demand among gardeners on the French Riviera.
Pair of iridescent glazed vases, greater height 19.5 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, circa 1900.
During the heyday of the Art Nouveau style, Delphin Massier’s factory began to produce ceramics with typical Art Nouveau motifs. The factory’s craftsmen mastered the production of items with “metallized” glazes created by Clement Massier. Many of these items with a metallic sheen are unusually good.
Earthenware vase Lily Pond with iridescent glaze, which has been compared to the paintings of Claude Monet, height 22 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, circa 1900.Art Nouveau style flowerpot on stand, height 100 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, circa 1900.Two flowerpots on stands, height 117 cm, late 19th century.Swan flowerpot, length 38 cm, Massier, circa 1900.Pair of faience vases in the form of irises, Delphine and Jerome Massieu, early 20th century.Large ceramic vase in the form of a Cymbidium orchid, height 42 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, circa 1900.Pair of faience vases with irises, height 52 cm, Delphine and Jerome Massieu, circa 1900Iris watch, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Flowerpot Orchids, height 22 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Flowerpot on stand, height 60 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, circa 1900.Art Nouveau style flowerpot on a stand, height 138 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Garden sculpture Wishing Well, height 50 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Garden figurine Rooster, height 59 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Figurine of a parrot, height 35.5 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Flowerpot on a stand, height 132 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Bird drinker on a stand, height 141.5 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, early 20th century.Flowerpot on a stand, height 117 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Large vase with birds, height 48 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Flowerpot on a stand in the form of a peacock, height 118 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Floor vase with peacocks, height 84 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Jardiniere in the form of a cart with a donkey and birds, length 36 cm, Delphin Massier Vallauris, late 19th century.Garden sculpture in the form of a well with frog musicians, height 50 cm, Delphin Massieu Vallauris, late 19th century.Pair of flowerpots on stands, height 118 cm, Delphin Massieu Vallauris, circa 1890.Flowerpot on a stand in oriental style, height 174 cm, Delphin Massieu Vallauris, circa 1880.Jardiniere in the shape of an elephant, height 77.5 cm, Delphin Massieu Vallauris, circa 1880.
