Pitcher with face ornament - Émile Tessier

A pretty ceramic pitcher from the 1950s by Émile Tessier. Textured vertical stripes alternate with little abstract flowers, finished with a mask motif on the collar.

Émile Tessier (1887-1971) was a well-known ceramist from Malicorne, Sarthe, in the North of France. He lived through two world wars and the German occupation. He was raised surrounded by potters and ceramists and eventually established his own atelier. He was inspired by ancient pottery and became well known for pure white pieces with decoration in relief, including twisted motifs, the Fleur de Lys, animals, flowers, and foliage. Some wear - refer to photos.