Ceramic Sculptures

Lorna Simpson (b. 1960) III (Wish #1, Wish #2, Wish #3), 1994 Medium: Complete set of three ceramic, rubber and bronze wishbones within molded felt printed with waterless lithography...

Waylande Gregory (American, 1905-1971) Polo Player, c. 1930s Ceramic Inscribed signature on bottom 11 x 8.5 inches Waylande Gregory was considered a major American sculptor during the 1930's, although he worked in ceramics, rather than in the more traditional bronze or marble. Exhibiting his ceramic works at such significant American venues for sculpture as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and at the venerable Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, he also showed his ceramic sculptures at leading New York City galleries. Gregory was the first modern ceramist to create large scale ceramic sculptures, some measuring more than 70 inches in height. Similar to the technique developed by the ancient Etruscans, he fired his monumental ceramic sculptures only once. Gregory was born in 1905 in Baxter Springs, Kansas and was something of a prodigy. Growing up on a ranch near a Cherokee reservation, Gregory first became interested in ceramics as a child during a native American burial that he had witnessed. He was also musically inclined. In fact, his mother had been a concert pianist and had given her son lessons. At eleven, he was enrolled as a student at the Kansas State Teacher's College, where he studied carpentry and crafts, including ceramics. Gregory's early development as a sculptor was shaped by the encouragement and instruction of Lorado Taft, who was considered both a major American sculptor as well as a leading American sculpture instructor. In fact, Taft's earlier students included such significant sculptors as Bessie Potter Vonnoh and Janet Scudder. But, Taft and his students had primarily worked in bronze or stone, not in clay; and, Gregory's earliest sculptural works were also not in ceramics. In 1924, Gregory moved to Chicago where he caught the attention of Taft. Gregory was invited by Taft to study with him privately for 18 months and to live and work with him at his famed "Midway Studios." The elegant studio was a complex of 13 rooms that overlooked a courtyard. Taft may have been responsible for getting the young man interested in creating large scale sculpture. However, by the 1920's, Taft's brand of academic sculpture was no longer considered progressive. Instead, Gregory was attracted to the latest trends appearing in the United States and Europe. In 1928 he visited Europe with Taft and other students. "Kid Gregory," as he was called, was soon hired by Guy Cowan, the founder of the Cowan Pottery in Cleveland, Ohio, to become the company's only full time employee. From 1928 to 1932, Gregory served as the chief designer and sculptor at the Cowan Pottery. Just as Gregory learned about the process of creating sculpture from Taft, he literally learned about ceramics from Cowan. Cowan was one of the first graduates of Alfred, the New York School of Clayworking and Ceramics. Alfred had one of the first programs in production pottery. Cowan may have known about pottery production, but he had limited sculptural skills, as he was lacking training in sculpture. The focus of the Cowan Pottery would be on limited edition, table top or mantle sculptures. Two of the most successful of these were Gregory's "Nautch Dancer," (fig. 1) and his "Burlesque Dancer," (fig. 2). He based both sculptures on the dancing of Gilda Gray, a Ziegfield Follies girl. Gilda Gray was of Polish origin and came to the United States as a child. By 1922, she would become one of the most popular stars in the Follies. After losing her assets in the stock market crash of 1929, she accepted other bookings outside of New York, including Cleveland, which was where Gregory first saw her onstage. She allowed Gregory to make sketches of her performances from the wings of the theatre. She explained to Gregory, "I'm too restless to pose." Gray became noted for her nautch dance, an East Indian folk dance. A nautch is a tight, fitted dress that would curl at the bottom and act like a hoop. This sculpture does not focus on Gray's face at all, but is more of a portrait of her nautch dance. It is very curvilinear, really made of a series of arches that connect in a most feminine way. Gregory created his "Burlesque Dancer" at about the same time as "Nautch Dancer." As with the "Nautch Dancer," he focused on the movements of the body rather than on a facial portrait of Gray. Although Gregory never revealed the identity of his model for "Burlesque Dancer," a clue to her identity is revealed in the sculpture's earlier title, "Shimmy Dance." The dancer who was credited for creating the shimmy dance was also Gilda Gray. According to dance legend, Gray introduced the shimmy when she sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and forgot some of the lyrics, so, in her embarrassment, started shaking her shoulders and hips but she did not move her legs. Such movement seems to relate to the "Burlesque Dancer" sculpture, where repeated triangular forms extend from the upper torso and hips. This rapid movement suggests the influence of Italian Futurism, as well as the planar motion of Alexander Archipenko, a sculptor whom Gregory much admired. The Cowan Pottery was a victim of the great depression, and in 1932, Gregory changed careers as a sculptor in the ceramics industry to that of an instructor at the Cranbrook Academy in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Cranbrook was perhaps the most prestigious place to study modern design in America. Its faculty included the architect Eliel Saarinen and sculptor Carl Milles. Although Gregory was only at Cranbrook for one and one half years, he created some of his finest works there, including his "Kansas Madonna" (fig. 3). But, after arriving at Cranbrook, the Gregory's had to face emerging financial pressures. Although Gregory and his wife were provided with complimentary lodgings, all other income had to stem from the sale of artworks and tuition from students that he, himself, had to solicit. Gregory had many people assisting him with production methods at the Cowan Pottery, but now worked largely by himself. And although he still used molds, especially in creating porcelain works, many of his major new sculptures would be unique and sculpted by hand, as is true of "Kansas Madonna." The scale of Gregory's works were getting notably larger at Cranbrook than at Cowan. Gregory left the surface of "Kansas Madonna" totally unglazed. Although some might object to using a religious title to depict a horse nursing its colt, it was considered one of Gregory's most successful works. In fact, it had a whole color page illustration in an article about ceramic sculpture titled, "The Art with the Inferiority Complex," Fortune Magazine, December, 1937. The article notes the sculpture was romantic and expressive and the sculpture was priced at $1,500.00; the most expensive sculpture in the article. Gregory was from Kansas, and "Kansas Madonna" should be considered a major sculptural document of Regionalism. Gregory and his wife Yolande moved to New Jersey in the summer of 1933. And the artist began construction on his new home in the Watchung Mountains of Bound Brook (Warren today) in 1938. His enormous, custom kiln was probably constructed at the start of 1938. Gregory's new sculptures were the largest ceramic sculptures in western art, in modern times. To create these works of ceramic virtuosity, the artist developed a "honeycomb" technique, in which an infrastructure of compartments was covered by a ceramic "skin." Science and atomic energy were a theme in Gregory's most significant work, the "Fountain of the Atom" (fig. 4), at the 1939 New York's World Fair. This major work included twelve monumental ceramic figures at the fairground entrance from the newly constructed railway entrance, giving the work great visibility and prominence. The framework of the fountain itself was of steel and glass bricks. It consisted of a bluish green pool which was sixty five feet in diameter. Above it were two concentric circular tiers, or terraces, as Gregory called them; the first wider than the second. On the first terrace were eight "Electrons," comprised of four male and four female terra cotta figures, each approximately 48 inches high. These relate to the valance shell of the atom. Above them on a narrower terrace, were the much larger and heavier terra cotta figures depicting the four elements, each averaging about 78 inches in height and weighing about a ton and a half. Of the four, "Water" and "Air" were male, while "Earth" and "Fire" were female. This terrace represents the nucleus of the atom. In the center of the fountain, above the "Elements," was a central shaft comprised of sixteen glass tubes from which water tumbled down from tier to tier. At the top, a colorful flame burned constantly. The glass block tiers were lit from within, the whole creating a glowing and gurgling effect. Since the fair was temporary, the figures could be removed after its closing. But the credit for the design of the structure of the fountain belongs to collaborator Nembhard Culin, who was responsible for several other structures on the fair grounds as well. Although Gregory created a figure of "Fire" for the "Fountain of the Atom," he also executed a second, slightly smaller but more defined version which he exhibited at various locations (including Cranbrook, Baltimore Museum, etc.) in 1940-1941, during the second year of the fair (fig.5). Measuring 61 inches in height, "Fire" may be a metaphor for sexual energy, as well as atomic energy. Gregory stated, "Fire is represented by an aquiline female figure being consumed in endless arabesques of flame." Portraiture was also a significant focus of Gregory's sculpture. Gregory produced many commissioned portraits of local people as well as celebrities. He created Albert Einstein's portrait from life (fig. 6, ca. 1940) after Einstein had seen Gregory's "Fountain of the Atom." He also sculpted some of the leading figures in entertainment, including 2 sculptures of Henry Fonda, who became a personal friend. Gregory also sculpted a series of idealized female heads, both in terra cotta and in porcelain. These include "Girl with Olive" (ca. 1932) and "Cretan Girl;"(ca. 1937) both are very reductive and almost abstract works that call to mind Constantine Brancusi's "Mademoiselle Pogany" (1912, Philadelphia Museum of Art). But perhaps one of his most original female heads is "Head of a Child" (fig. 7, ca. 1933), a sensitive white glazed terra cotta portrayal with elaborately crafted braded hair, was originally created as one of a pair. Gregory also produced sculptural works for the Works Progress Administration. The WPA was a work relief project that greatly helped artists during the great depression. Founded by the Federal Government in 1935, an estimated 2500 murals were produced. Among these public works were the iconic post office murals. But, among the painted murals were also sculptural relief murals including Gregory's "R.F.D.," 1938, for the Columbus, Kansas Post Office. But, Gregory's largest WPA relief...

Jean Cocteau (1889 -1963 ) " le dernier regard d'Orphée " signed and titled Jean Cocteau . marked and numbered Edition originale de jean Cocteau Atelier Madeline -Jolly in an edit...

Pichet Gothique aux feuilles, Picasso, Pitcher, Ceramic, Design, Deco, Leaves Pichet Gothique aux feuilles Ed. 76/100 pcs 1952 White earthenware with cut engobed decoration in blue,...

Hand made wall sculpture He is represented by Krause Gallery in NYC Steve Casino resides in Kentucky, but as he quips the small town atmosphere doesn't mean he isn't a world class ...

This sculpture from Linda Stein’s Knights of Protection series functions both as a defender in battle and a symbol of pacifism, and is made of ceramic. Stein's works are in more tha...

"On the Surface in the Shallows" by Heather Binder is a contemporary wood fired ceramic sculpture depicting the serene motion of leaves and waves as interpreted by the artist. This 2...

Gautam Das - Home Within Stoneware 9 x 9 inches, 2023 (Delivered) This sculpture presents a captivating architectural abstraction, crafted with precision and poetic balance. Made fr...

"Lipse" is a standout piece from Elizabeth Art Candy’s Fake Gum’s series, where her signature 3D mosaic technique transforms one of her most iconic subjects—the lips—into a playful, ...

Girl with bird ceramic by artist Howard Pierce. The bird is H2.75 inches, W 1.75 inches wide, D 2.75 inches. Not signed or dated.

Contemporary Porcelain Sculpture, Traditional Korean Vessel Form, Deconstructed Steven Young Lee is the Resident Artist Director of the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. A...

French Mid 20th Century ceramic figure of a man in Sang de Boeuf, oxblood red, glaze presented on a metal 'tige' and marble base. The sculpture is not signed but was purchased from ...

PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) Visage de femme (A. R. 220) Terre de faïence dish, 1953, from the edition of 400, inscribed 'Edition Picasso' and 'Madoura', glazed and painted, with the ...

Luis Miguel Valdes (Cuba, 1949) "Ceramic #14", 2017 Ceramic plate in Uriarte's Talavera 45 x 45 x 4.5 cm. (17.75 x 17.75 x 1.75 in.) Hand-signed by author ___________________________...

Terracotta sculpture - Venus. Italy, 18th century. 27 x 22 x 45 cm. Made entirely of terracotta. Depicting a bathing Venus (small crack on the foot). - This item is sold with a c...

“Eyes that are..” Eyes that are at once too sharp and too wild. Seeing everything crystal clear makes the whole world blind. Makes me fill my head with clouds, Pretending these smoke...

**Diogenes.** **Terracotta sculpture, 1939, Giorgio Rossi (1894-1981): Tuscan Sculptor.** **Material:** Hand-modeled terracotta by the artist. **Unique piece.** **Dimensions...

Dirk Staschke is best known for his exploration of Dutch Vanitas still life themes in the medium of ceramics. His current body of work explores the space in between sculpture and pai...

"Fuzzy Memories" is an original, painted ceramic sculpture by John Oliver Lewis measuring 7.5”h x 5”w x 3.5”d. ABOUT // Originally from Wisconsin, John Oliver Lewis currently lives ...

“Contemplation” is an abstract clay sculpture of a female. The figure has both arms and legs extended, but the dignified pose suggests an intimate rather than a sexual moment. The sculpture is delicately rendered, but monumental in pose and clean composition reminiscent of the English artist Henry Moore. The surface is warm and slightly rough to the touch. This sculpture is in the round and beautifully balanced geometrically with the hands clasped behind the head forming a slightly flattened polygon shape that is echoed in the positioning of the legs and draped fabric of a presumed dress. The figure draws the viewer into her contemplation, peace and confidence. An exceptional piece by Midener. Walter Midener...

Chope Visage, Picasso, Pitcher, Edition, 1950's, Design, earthenware, Figurative Chope Visage Ed. 300 pcs 1959 Earthenware clay, decoration in engobes, g...

Created in 1965, this terre de faïence sculpture with white slip is inscribed on the sculptural base with the atelier stamps ‘EDITION PICASSO’ and ‘MADOURA...

Impressed with artist’s seal Porcelain, radiating inlaid lines, manganese bands to rim and foot, with kiln splits 5 x 11 1/2 inches

"Aragosta" is a striking three-dimensional mosaic from Elizabeth Art Candy’s Fake Gum’s series, where vibrant color and texture merge to create an extraordinary sculptural compositio...

This piece is an A.R. turned pitcher created by Pablo Picasso in 1955. It is made with white earthenware clay, decoration in engobes in red and black with glaze inside. It bears the ...

Pablo Picasso Tall Dish witth Goat Head, 1952 Original ceramic of Pablo Picasso, white faience earth and enamel Stamp on the Back : Empreinte originale Picasso - Madoura Plein Feu L...

The sculpture is signed below, inside Tomasz Bielak born in Lublin in 1967. He graduated of The Academy of Fine Arts, Painting and Graphics Design Department in Gdańsk, in 1994....

"Pink Ranger" is an original piece by Jeff Rubio made from stoneware, glaze, epoxy clay, 22k gold. This pieces measures 6"h x 8.5"w x 11"d and comes with a signed Certificate of Auth...

6 x bone china plates with lustre rim 21 cm diameter Grayson Perry hallmark on the back of each. These decorative plates are inspired by the artwork The Great Beauty, 2024. The orig...

White Banana & Apple Ceramic Totem Sculpture For Indoor - Contemporary Art This masterwork is currently on display at the Zimmerman Gallery in Carmel, CA -- "My natural flow with c...

Balloon Animals, Collector's Set, Jeff Koons, 21st Century, Contemporary, Porcelain, Sculpture, Decor, Limited Edition, Art The six iconic Balloon Animals by Jeff Koons, offered in ...

Signed and numbered (signature and edition number are fired onto the backside of the plate). Edition of 2300. Sculpture is in excellent condition. Original box and COA included.

Hand-pitched chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture vessel by Jessamyn Go. Jessamyn Go's work is deeply rooted in the visceral, meditative experience of working with clay. Drawn t...

"Remains (Stack of Cups)" is an original ceramic sculpture by Yoonmi Nam made from directly slip casting the negative space of precariously stacked to-go cups in a tray and wood firi...

The unique contemporary figurative sculptures of William Hung often express the human condition and are imbued with emotion. This striking piece, cast in ...

This piece is a turned vase by Pablo Picasso, created in 1953. It is made with chamotted red eathenware clay, decoration in pastels using white, green, ye...

Louise Bourgeois Limited Edition Ceramic Plate depicting Malloreddus alla Sarda, Dallas Texas, 1998 Ceramic Plate 10 in diameter Edition 457/1000 (read description; the edition was not completed) Unframed (Stand shown is not included) Makes a memorable gift! This striking, rare limited edition, signed and numbered bowl/plate was handmade in southern Italy by master artisans near Vietri sul Mare. It was designed by renowned American artist Louise Bourgeois. From the late 1990s through the millenium, Buon Ricordo...

Giorgio de Chirico, Italian (1888 - 1978) - Man on Horse, Year: 1950, Medium: Terracotta Sculpture, signature inscribed on base, Size: 15 x 14.5 x 5 in. (38.1 x 36.83 x 12.7 cm)

David Shrigley I Must Rest My Rampage Is Over, 2022 Ceramic 8 1/2 × 6 1/2 × 7 9/10 in 21.6 × 16.5 × 20.1 cm Edition of 75 Published by DDT Signed and numbered on the COA The seller...

Pablo Picasso A.R. 520 Fluffy-Haired Woman 1964 13” x 10” Edition of 100 Red earthenware clay, printed with engobe pad Ramie 520 is a Madoura ceramic that one rarely sees come on the market. The photo you see here is the actual piece that you will receive. Most sellers online post using stock photos that don’t necessarily match exactly to the piece you receive. This particular piece is pristine: there are no nicks, bruises or scratches of any kind. Be careful when buying from others – the pieces sometimes have nicks or scratches. The Certificate of Authenticity comes with this piece. We have sold over 3300 pieces with all positive reviews. The "Fluffy-Haired Woman" (Tête de femme, Cheveux bouclés) is a ceramic plate designed by Pablo Picasso and produced at the Madoura Pottery studio. This piece is part of Picasso's extensive work in ceramics during the mid-20th century, where he explored new forms of artistic expression beyond his renowned paintings and sculptures. Here are some key details about this particular piece: Title: Tête de femme, Cheveux bouclés (Fluffy-Haired Woman) Date: 1969 Edition: Ramie 520 Medium: Ceramic plate Dimensions: Approximately 26 cm (10.2 inches) in diameter Edition Size: Limited edition, often part of a numbered series The Madoura Pottery studio in Vallauris, France, where this piece was produced, was a significant place for Picasso's ceramic work. He collaborated closely with the owners, Suzanne and Georges Ramié, to create a wide range of ceramics, including plates, vases, and pitchers, all featuring his distinctive artistic style. The "Fluffy-Haired Woman" plate is a representation of Picasso's playful and innovative approach to ceramics, combining his mastery of line and form with the unique qualities of the ceramic medium. Collectors and art enthusiasts highly value these pieces for their artistic significance and the insight they provide into Picasso's creative process. We are located in the USA. When you buy from a foreign seller on 1stdibs, you have to consider the problems of getting the piece through Customs. There are often delays and considerable fees to pay in order to import the item. When purchasing from us, we ship the same day and you receive it via FedEx the next day, no problems or hassles. When you purchase from an auction house, you pay a buyer’s premium of anywhere from 23% to 28% over the “hammer price”. So when you “win” an auction for $20,000, the actual price paid is more like $25,000. By contrast, when purchasing from us, the price agreed to is the price paid by the buyer, no hidden fees. When you purchase from an auction house, you pay the packing and shipping fees, which are usually exorbitant. By contrast, when purchasing from us, the price includes packing and shipping. When you purchase from an auction house, the sale is final. If you receive the piece and are not 100% satisfied with it, there is nothing you can do about it. You are stuck with it. By contrast, when purchasing from us, the buyer can determine if they want to keep it. If not, the buyer returns to piece to us for full refund, and we pay the shipping both ways! The prices of Picasso Madoura Ceramics have been on fire lately (no pun intended). The major auction houses – Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips – have now been regularly holding Picasso Madoura Ceramic auctions...

Contemporary Porcelain Sculpture, Traditional Korean Vessel Form, Deconstructed Steven Young Lee is the Resident Artist Director of the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. A...

This distinctive wall sculpture by master ceramicist Steven Heinemann was inspired by the natural world. Hive’s organic form is enhanced by its creamy white palette. Heinemann sanded...

After Philippe-Laurent Roland (French, 1746-1816) Bust of a Young Man, 1772 Terra cotta set on painted wood pedestal Signed and dated at back 16.5 x 11 x 8 inches Philippe-Laurent R...

Heather Allen Hietala’s mixed media art is designed to tell a story. The American artist uses the vessel as a metaphor for life’s journey. Hietala hand-builds ceramic canoe-like shap...

Grayson Perry Piggy Bank, 2017 White ceramic piggy bank painted in blue and glazed, with a rubber stopper, contained in the original cardboard box.
 9 × 21 × 9 cm
 Grayson Perry is ...

Pichet Têtes, by Picasso, Pitcher, 1950's, Edition, Black and white, Design Pichet Têtes Ed. 500 pcs 1956 White earthenware, decoration with oxidized par...

In this new series of wall plaques, titled "Behind Closed Doors," the artist reimagines original images from a book titled In Praise of the Backside. The book's collection features w...

Created in 1952, Pablo Picasso Tete de chevre de profil (Goats head in Profile) Unique color Variant, 1952, A.R. 154 is an original white earthe...

Painter and sculpture Artist Natalie Krainin creates artworks using the innovative method of Fabric Texture Art. This technique, which resonates deeply with her professional roots, a...

Faune aux marottes, Picasso, 1950's, Earthenware, Unique work, 1950's, Design Faune aux marottes Unique work 1.12.1956 Earthenware, decoration with engobes and metallic oxides 15.1 ...

Tête de Faune, Picasso, Unique work, 1960's, Terracotta, Tiles, Design, Sculptur Tête de faune Unique work 14.03.1961 Painted and glazed terracotta tile...

Sculpted of earthenware paper clay, this dynamic work by Canadian artist Susan Collett is multi-fired to achieve complex surfaces. The work is rich with craquelure in hues of blue, p...

This sculpture from Linda Stein’s Knights of Protection series functions both as a defender in battle and a symbol of pacifism. Stein's works are in mor...

Genesis V is a unique ceramic sculpture by contemporary artist Tien Wen, dimensions are 50 × 15 × 15 cm (19.7 × 5.9 × 5.9 in). The sculpture is signed and comes with a certificate o...

I was inspired to create this series by the film “The secret garden “ from the director Marc Munden. Оf course, the garden is only a metaphor . In a world overloaded with informatio...

Golf (Wall Plaque) Polychromed ceramic, c. 1930-1 Signed with the artist's initials: VS recto Very rare, only a few produced prior to the closure of Cowan Pottery Format: Round ceramic plate, 11 1/4 inches Designed by the artist while working for Cowan Pottery in 1930. One of Cowan's clients, an interior designer, requested plates decorated with different outdoor activities. Others in the series included "Swimming," "Tennis," "Polo," and "The Hunt." According to Henry Adams, the number of examples created was very limited due to the closing of Cowan Pottery in 1931. Very rare Condition: Good, with the usual craquelure of the glazes used. Note: Industrial design democratizes high style, and Mr. Schreckengost was widely considered among the most democratic industrial designers. He made, quite literally, the stuff of life — things found routinely in homes, backyards and garages in this country and around the world. He designed bicycles for Sears and everyday china for American Limoges...

Duo (2022) by Bethany Krull. Porcelain, glaze, aluminum.

Heather Binder's "Long Pond" is a contemporary wood fired ceramic sculpture depicting the artists interpretation of gentle ripples reflected on the surface of Long Pond in New Hampsh...

Susan Hable is inspired by the work of David Hockney, Milton Avery, Henri Matisse, Alex Katz, Howard Hodgkins, Hilma af Klint, Georgia O'Keeffe, Barbara Hepworth and Constantin Brâncuși. With humor and a bit of mischief, Susan Hable’s “Don't Pick The Flowers!” is a body of work that is at once a refuge and a playground. Inspired by her sumptuous garden just outside of her Athens studio, Susan flows from one medium to the next from painting to collage to sculpture. Susan sees her garden as a place for adventure and daydreaming, challenging her perceptions of what her Art can be. Even a weedy ground cover has caught Susan’s eye, an overlooked invasive is seen in a new light becoming a dreamlike fairytale path. Her work asks us to engage in life, go for a walk and play. Susan Hable Smith is the artist and designer behind the boldly colored and hand drawn patterns of Hable Construction...

This ceramic head sculpture from the Testas series, titled Testa Nº12, is an expressionist exploration of the human face in refractory stoneware fired in reduction. The sculpture pre...