361 - Jean Cocteau

Jean Cocteau Cylindrical vase decorated with facing faces Porcelain with black-glazed figures Possibly produced by Fried Frères, Paris France (Limoges?), circa 1989 H 26.4, D 10.9 cm Glazed signature, no mark on the base An elegant cylindrical porcelain vase, adorned with a striking black-line design inspired by the work of the famous French artist, poet, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau. The composition depicts two stylized faces in profile, facing each other and blending into a symmetrical, almost abstract arrangement. Executed with the fluid, refined lines characteristic of Cocteau, the design reflects his fascination with the human face, mythology, and the relationship between drawing and form. The white porcelain body, with its great simplicity, offers a refined contrast to the expressive black design, making the drawing the central element of the object. This vase is closely related to a series of porcelain objects produced in Limoges for Fried Frères (Paris) in 1989, which feature designs by Jean Cocteau. A comparable cylindrical vase, featuring a different motif by Cocteau, has been cataloged as part of this edition. Although the base of this example bears no markings, its shape and the execution of its decoration suggest a possible connection to this late 20th-century production.