Octopus Sculpture

A major source of inspiration for Ernest Chaplet’s ceramic work was the animal world, birds and sea creatures in particular. Best known for his functional objects, Chaplet’s decorative sculpture of an octopus remains an anomaly in his career. The sculpture’s flamed and bicolor enamels complement the octopus’ complex body, which requires from its sculptor a high level of technical mastery. The interlacing tentacles of varying sizes and thickness form a triangle supporting the creature’s head. The glaze and porcelain themselves give the sculpture unique radiance, echoing its subject matter.