Volcanic Gourd

One of Doat’s iconic vessel forms, this stoppered bottle resembles a gourd water jug with basket weave handles. The seemingly canted shape conveys the organic nature of such an object, as do warty glaze droplets on the rotund body. Semi-microcrystalline glazes in russet and black run down and echo the sinuous neck. Elegantly contoured, the bottle’s silhouette is at once imposing and delicate. Made at Doat’s personal studio in Sèvres, this superb example shows the master of grand feu glazes working at the peak of his powers.

Marks: Impressed artist's name within rectangle.