A magnificent circular casket in stoneware coated with terra sigillata, this unique work by Alexandra Courty embodies a refined dialogue between the purity of geometric form and the richness of materials and symbolic references.
The perfectly cylindrical body is covered with terra sigillata in warm ochre-orange tones, delicately enlivened by fine dark speckles that animate the surface. This treatment gives the ceramic a velvety, almost mineral quality, whose remarkable depth is further enhanced by the subtle tonal variations created during the firing and smoke-firing processes. The interior is fully glazed, producing a refined contrast between the soft matte exterior and the smooth satin finish within.
The perfectly fitted lid is crowned with a striking patinated bronze finial, enhanced by a magnificent pair of springbok horns whose elegant sweeping curves lend the composition both dynamism and sculptural presence. Evoking the strength of the animal world as well as the noble aesthetic of tribal and ancestral arts, this remarkable element transforms the casket into a true work of sculpture. Cast using the traditional lost-wax process, the bronze harmoniously complements the organic beauty of the horns, creating a subtle balance between strength, refinement and poetry.
The front is adorned with a suspended bronze medallion depicting a Japanese Mon (Kamon), the traditional heraldic emblem of Japanese families, comparable to Western coats of arms. Symbolising lineage, protection and transmission, this timeless motif lends the work a profound cultural and spiritual dimension while reflecting Alexandra Courty's enduring fascination with Japanese aesthetics and iconography.
Through this remarkable creation, the artist masterfully brings together contemporary ceramics, fine art bronze, natural materials and Japanese inspiration. More than a functional casket, the piece becomes a precious repository—equally suited to safeguarding treasured objects or being appreciated as an autonomous sculptural work of art.
The disciplined purity of its cylindrical silhouette, the nobility of its materials and the evocative power of its ornamentation perfectly illustrate Alexandra Courty's artistic vision, where imaginary archaeology, tribal art, traditional Japanese culture and the philosophy of wabi-sabi converge in a harmonious and deeply poetic expression.
Dimensions : Height: 24 cm – Diameter: 21 cm
Signature : Marked COURTY Alexandra.
Condition : Perfect condition.
Period : Contemporary.
Remarks : Unique work.
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