Spectacular Émile Tessier water fountain - fish with clam shell

A spectacular ceramic water 'fountain' and basin from the 1950s. The fountain can be plumbed into the wall and there is a small tap. The basin is in the shape of a large clam shell.

Émile Tessier (1887-1971) was a well known ceramist from Malicorne, Sarthe in the North of France. He lived through two world wars and the German occupation. He was raised surrounded by potters and ceramists and eventually established his own atelier. He was inspired by ancient pottery and became well known for pure white pieces with decoration in relief including twisted motifs, the fleur de Lys, animals, flowers and foliage.