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The Art Deco Ceramics of Primavera

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Primavera, founded in 1912 by René Guilleré and André Mare, the French design studio affiliated with the prestigious Parisian department store Au Printemps, was a cornerstone in the evolution of French decorative arts. Situated at the cusp of tradition and modernism, the company thrived by integrating established French decorative techniques with avant-garde forms and motifs, encapsulating the spirit of the early 1920s and 1930s artistic revolutions. Operating out of their Paris workshop, Primavera’s artisans crafted a diverse array of products including furniture, lighting fixtures, textiles, ceramics, and glassware. In this feature we take a look at some of the Art Deco Ceramics of Primavera, along with some realised prices at auction..

An Art Deco Primavera earthenware moon flask c1930
An Art Deco Primavera earthenware moon flask, c1930, 29cm h, printed shield and dotted circle PRIMAVERA LONGWY FRANCE mark. Sold for £450 at Mellors & Kirk, November 2023.

The designs often exhibited bold, abstract shapes alongside brightly colored geometric patterns, drawing inspiration from contemporary avant-garde artists. This innovative approach not only distinguished their creations but also aligned perfectly with the emerging Art Deco movement, which sought to blend art with industrial design in functional yet stylish ways. The most valuable wares are those hand-made and hand decorated.

A French Art Deco Primavera vase 1930s decorated with leaping deer and fallen deer
A French Art Deco Primavera vase, 1930s, of baluster form, decorated with leaping deer to one side, and a fallen deer to the other, impressed marks to the base, 28cm high. Sold for £550 at Sworders, January 2024.

Primavera’s influence peaked during the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a pivotal event that is widely regarded as the launchpad for the Art Deco style. At this exposition, Primavera showcased its mastery of modernist aesthetics, reinforcing its status as a leader in the decorative arts.

A fine pair of Longwy Primavera Pottery Baigneuses vases enamelled with bathers before geometric flowers and foliage
A fine pair of Longwy Primavera Pottery Baigneuses vases enamelled with bathers before geometric flowers and foliage, , in shades of blue and black on crackled blue ground printed factory marks, 29cm. high. Sold for £4,500 at Woolley & Wallis, March 2012.

Despite its success and critical acclaim, the outbreak of World War II marked a challenging period for Primavera. The German occupation of Paris forced the closure of the company, ending an era of prolific creativity and innovation. Nevertheless, the legacy of Primavera endures, with its pieces continuing to be celebrated in collections around the world for their historical significance and enduring beauty. The studio’s bold experimentation and commitment to craftsmanship remain influential, underscoring the lasting impact of Primavera on the world of decorative arts.

A Primavera pot faience blue decoration four reserves Nude female figures
A Primavera pot faience blue decoration four reserves Nude female figures. Sold for 1,800 Euros at Cabral Moncada Leilões, September 2023.

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