Spectacular lidded ceramic vessel created by artist Claire Roger using the mixed-clay, or neriage, technique.
Elegant and elongated in form, the vessel features an ovoid body resting on a broad circular pedestal foot. It is closed by a flat lid surmounted by an imposing fluted, dome-shaped finial. Its long radiating elements, alternating between deep brown and polychrome decoration, cascade around the lid like the petals of a flower, a parasol or an architectural canopy.
The entire surface is enlivened by an extraordinary polychrome decoration combining deep brown, black, creamy white, turquoise blue, grey, ochre yellow and orange. The motifs are arranged in a succession of superimposed registers comprising abstract friezes, symmetrical compositions, landscape-like scenes, stylised foliage, interlacing patterns, latticework and richly marbled effects.
The body of the vessel is further embellished with numerous relief ornaments. Braided orange and brown bands, white filaments arranged in scrolling patterns, vegetal motifs and applied elements create a veritable embroidery of clay. In places, the composition evokes fantastical architecture, an ancient mosaic or a sumptuous Oriental textile.
One side displays a broad vertical panel decorated with pale blue, cream and black motifs, whose symmetrical repetitions recall the patterns of a kaleidoscope. Other faces reveal more narrative scenes, resembling mysterious nocturnal landscapes populated with vegetal forms and imaginary silhouettes. Each viewing angle therefore offers a different interpretation of the work.
The glossy glaze enhances the depth of the colours and accentuates the contrasts between the smooth surfaces, marbled decoration and applied relief elements.
Dimensions : Height: 9.65 in (24.5 cm) – Diameter: 4.92 in (12.5 cm),
Mark : Incised “C. Roger” on the underside,
Condition : PERFECT CONDITION.
The entire decoration is built up in layers, with pronounced modelling and relief work that give the surface an almost sculptural quality.
This unique piece, highly characteristic of Claire Roger’s work, perfectly illustrates her ability to combine ornamental richness, graphic experimentation and mastery of form. Through this creation, Claire Roger develops a distinctive decorative language in which ceramics become both a sculptural medium and a field for visual experimentation.
What immediately captures the eye is the density and richness of the composition. Each face presents its own decorative world, alternating between stylised vegetal motifs, geometric rhythms and organic effects.
Claire Roger specialises in neriage, a demanding ceramic technique in which clay is coloured throughout its body before being cut into small fragments. These pieces are then assembled with extraordinary precision, creating unique patterns and sculptural forms.
In her studio, she handles and juxtaposes differently coloured clays to create graphic compositions of remarkable subtlety. In her hands, the material comes alive: clay becomes both pigment and texture, transforming into vibrant sculpture.
Jewellery boxes, perfume vessels, secret urns and ceramic panels—the artist’s creations form a veritable choreography of shapes and colours that mingle, intertwine and separate, only to come together again as true works of art.
With her ceramics of a thousand nuances, Claire Roger invites us on a sensory journey in which emotions and dreams merge into a poetic visual language. Her works evoke imaginary inner landscapes in which the mind may wander freely, guided by imagination.
Crédit Agricole
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