"Mr. & Mrs." Pair of Figural Stoneware Cups by Julie Desert Armanville - 4¾"

Hand-built in glazed stoneware, this charming pair of cups evokes a whimsical “Mr. & Mrs.” duo, each vessel taking the form of a stylized human head raised on a small pedestal foot. One character is distinguished by a neatly modeled moustache, while the other features a more elongated face with delicately rendered features. Almond-shaped eyes, prominent noses, and applied ears emerge from the rounded forms, their expressive simplicity enlivened by subtle asymmetries and the visible trace of the maker’s hand.

Particularly striking is the richly textured stoneware body, whose coarse surface has an almost sandy quality, lending warmth and tactile appeal. Olive-green glaze accents define the hair and moustache, providing a subtle contrast to the warm buff-toned clay. Stamped JDA to the base. Very good condition, with natural glaze variations and minor firing specks consistent with the artist’s hand-built process.

Julie Désert Armanville’s ceramics are rooted in the artistic legacy of Vallauris, where postwar experimentation fostered a distinctive language of expressive figuration. Having worked in Roger Capron’s atelier from 1972 to 1982, she developed an approach characterized by simplified forms, tactile surfaces, and an enduring sensitivity to the material qualities of clay. These cups draw upon the long tradition of anthropomorphic vessels, reinterpreted through the playful figuration and earthy textures associated with Vallauris. Their understated features and sculptural presence exemplify the poetic individuality and handcrafted authenticity that define her work.

Equally appealing as functional vessels or decorative objects, the cups bring warmth and personality to everyday rituals. Displayed together on an open shelf, bedside table, or desk, they read as a quiet conversation between two characters. Their earthy palette and artisanal charm complement contemporary, rustic, and Mediterranean-inspired interiors alike.