Vintage Sculptural Vase in Stoneware by Roger Guerin, 1960s

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Description

Measurements:
height: 26.5 cm; width: 10 cm; depth: 9 cm; weight: 0.847 kg

item :
a superb and rare sculptural … Read more Measurements:
height: 26.5 cm; width: 10 cm; depth: 9 cm; weight: 0.847 kg

item :
a superb and rare sculptural art vase in flamed stoneware, entirely hand-crafted on a lathe and decorated entirely by hand, enriched with geometric/abstract relief decorations and a high-quality metallic lustre finish, a superb example of 20th-century european ceramics. This exceptional sculptural vase is distinguished by its pronounced verticality and a tapered geometric structure with a square cross-section, which gradually widens towards the shoulder before converging into a slender neck. Beneath the base of the work, within the natural recess of the square foot, the capital letters "r" and "s" are freehand engraved. This marking, combined with the stylistic and chemical characteristics of the lustre glazes, allows us to trace the work back to the studio production of roger guérin (1896–1974), the celebrated master of belgian flamed stoneware, or to the close circle of collaborators in his renowned artistic district of bouffioulx. The period of its creation can be dated between the end of the jugendstil era and the subsequent sculptural evolution of the mid-twentieth century, a phase in which organic inspiration merged with the first brutalist tendencies, specifically between 1960 and 1975. The work is entirely fashioned and modeled freehand in high-temperature stoneware, as evidenced by the vase's high level of technical skill. The surface is embellished with a primitivist-inspired decorative motif, consisting of sinuous ceramic cords applied to the fresh clay, reminiscent of esoteric symbols and art nouveau stylistic features. The real highlight lies in the extraordinary high-fired enameling with a metallic luster finish: a volcanic texture blending gold, purple, and violet hues, against which the glossy turquoise blue of the reliefs stands out, creating a shimmering, iridescent effect that mimics ancient oxidized metals.

useful information for appraising the item:
at major international decorative art auctions, roger guérin's masterpieces, characterized by iridescent enameling and monumental or sculptural forms, regularly fetch prices between €1,500 and €3,500, prices to which a 25-30% buyer's premium is always added. On elite antiques platforms such as pamono or 1stdibs, his rarest pieces firmly maintain this market position. For vases with stylistic similarities, relief workmanship, and similar dimensions to those of this lot, the current estimate lies between €300 and €600, confirming the high collector interest in this specific material genre of european ceramics. Given the exceptional aesthetic, harmonious proportions, and rare color combination, this particular piece deserves to be placed at the top end of the indicated estimate range.

information on the artist and/or manufacturer:
roger guérin was one of the preeminent and most innovative figures in 20th-century belgian ceramics. Active in bouffioulx, a district renowned since the middle ages for its stoneware production, guérin successfully brought this ancient artisanal tradition into the realms of the artistic avant-garde. Throughout his distinguished career, he developed in-depth technical research into high-temperature firing (around 1300°c) and the use of salts and metal oxides, becoming renowned throughout europe for his iconic flamed and iridescent effects. He collaborated actively with leading sculptors and designers of his time, successfully exhibiting at renowned international events, including the 1925 exposition internationale des arts décoratifs in paris, where he won a silver medal. His stylistic transition from art nouveau to more geometric and material forms profoundly impacted the history of continental studio pottery, making his works unique pieces admired for their sculptural power and now held in important public and private collections. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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