Tall Anthropomorphic Stoneware Vase by Julie Desert Armanville - 9½"

Hand-modeled in glazed stoneware, this tall anthropomorphic vase transforms a cylindrical vessel into a stylized human visage. Almond-shaped eyes, a sharply angular nose, and a sculptural mouth emerge in relief, while finely applied strands of clay create a richly textured coiffure that envelops the form. Touches of deep red glaze beneath the hairline and brows enliven the warm buff-toned surface, lending depth and visual rhythm to the composition. The piece seamlessly merges function and sculpture, a defining characteristic of contemporary ceramic artisit Julie Désert Armanville’s work. Stamped JDA to the base.

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 and tactile surfaces. This vase draws on the long Mediterranean tradition of anthropomorphic vessels, reinterpreted through the playful forms and textured modeling associated with Vallauris. The boldly rendered features and rhythmic treatment of the hair reflect this lineage while retaining the poetic individuality and handcrafted authenticity that define her work.

Whether displayed as a sculptural object or used to hold a few carefully chosen stems, the vase brings warmth and personality to an interior. Its earthy palette and artisanal vitality sit naturally within contemporary, rustic, and Mediterranean-inspired settings. Place it on a console, pedestal, or open shelf where its sculptural silhouette can be appreciated from every angle.

Explore our collection of Julie Desert Armanville ceramics.