"Marquesas Islands' Calabash Ceramic Cup, Signed & Dated 1958"
Curiosity, ceramic with strong Primitive Art influenceCeramic cup directly inspired by Oceanic Art engraved calabasses from Marquesas Islands (Pacific). Many artists have since the beginning of the century been passionate about primitive Art of this area, the most famous of which is obviously late 19th century the French post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin (please have a look on last photo, up in center with yellow dot !, for a wooden cup that would have been carved by the painter in 1891).
The piece is rare -maybe unique to my knowledge in ceramics. I ve found any information about its signature "HILI" but the piece is clearly dated 1958 (the discreet 2 intaglio inscriptions on the cup's bottom ). - Reading of this signature may omit another initial letter before the name, difficult to read...
Aesthetic clearly takes up geometric and intertwined spiral deign characteristic of Marquesas Islands archipelago Art (French Polynesia) and faces with large globular eyes of the famous TIKI (please check last photo with some original calbasses from this area)
The ceramic is technically very interesting, with an outside glossy copper-brown enamel, the hollow parts treated in gray / white to increase the relief effect, while inside enamel is with great contrast in matt pearlescent black.
Perfect condition
Dimensions: about 16cm diameter and 9cm height
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