Joseph-Théodore Deck (1823-1891), born in Guebwiller, Alsace, was apprenticed to a traditional stove-making firm in Strasbourg, learning his trade there and then in other centres in Germany and Austria. He moved to Paris in about 1851 as overseer for the Dumas stove and tile firm, and in 1855 opened his own studio and, later his own retail shop, with his brother Xavier. Deck specialised in researching glazes and colours inspired by the ceramics of the Middle and Far East and he made earthenware in many of these styles including Persian and Chinese as well as imitations of cloisonné enamels and 'Rhodian-ware'. In 1887, only three years before his death, he became Director of the National Manufactory at Sèvres.
Physical description
Vase in the form of a waisted Mamluk mosque lamp, white earthenware with moulded decoration of flowers, bands of scrolling foliage and medallions, infilled with orange-red pigment under a clear glaze.
Place of Origin
Paris, France (made)
Date
ca. 1867 (made)
Artist/maker
Deck, Joseph-Théodore, born 1823 - died 1891 (designer and maker)
Materials and Techniques
Thrown white earthenware, moulded with floral decoration in a piece-mould and infilled with orange-red pigment under a clear glaze
Marks and inscriptions
'THD' in monogram
Dimensions
Height: 36 cm
Object history note
Purchased from Deck and shown in the Paris international exhibition of 1867
Descriptive line
Vase in the form of a mosque lamp, earthenware, moulded, with underglaze pigment, designed and made by Joseph-Théodore Deck, Paris, France, 1867
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Paris: <-u>Reports on the Paris Universal Exhibition 1867, vol.ii, London, 1868, p.398 Aslin, E.A: <-u> French Exhibition Pieces 1844-78 VAM, 1973, pl. 25 Collinot E & Adalbert de Beaumont: <-u>Recueil de dessins pour l'Art et 'Industrie Graves par E Collinot & Adalbert de Beaumont, 1859, pl.58, 73 See Ceramics & Glass Section Object Information file
'we recommend an inspection of the faience of Mr Deck because it forms the leading feature of the French faience'
Exhibition History
Owen Jones: Islamic Design, Discovery and Vision. (UAE 21 March 2012-15 July 2012)
Owen Jones: Islamic Design, Discovery and Vision. (Real de la Alhambra, Granada 21 October 2011-28 February 2012)
Owen Jones: Islamic Design, Discovery and Vision. (National Museum, Oslo 22/01/2011-25/04/2011)
Labels and date
VASE
705-1869
'American and European Art and Design 1800-1900'
Deck began as an apprentice in a Strasbourg ceramic stove factory. From the 1850s he applied his knowledge of earthenware techniques to producing decorative pieces in Paris. From the 1860s, like glassmakers such as Brocard, his designs were influenced by Islamic art. This vase, bought from the maker, has the form of a Mamluk mosque lamp of the 1300s, but the decoration resembles Persian textiles of the1500s. Deck was made a Chevalier of the Lègion d'Honneur for his display at the Paris exhibition, where this piece was shown. [1987-2006]
Materials
Earthenware
Categories
Ceramics; Art Pottery
Collection code
CER
