Wonderful matching pair of vintage ceramic Pierrot bookends, finished in a striking ivory-white craquelé glaze.
Each bookend features a reclining Pierrot figure leaning against an upright book support. The wonderfully modeled figures have expressive faces, soft caps, ruffled collars, loose theatrical costumes and oversized shoes. They are made as an opposing pair, creating a terrific display on either side of a collection of books.
The finish is particularly beautiful. Fine gray craquelure extends throughout the glossy creamy-white glaze, emphasizing the sculptural details and giving the pair their distinctive vintage character.
Pierrot was a popular subject in European decorative arts during the Art Deco era, and similar white craquelé ceramic figures and bookends were produced by French potteries during this period.
Research & Mark
One bookend bears a small impressed capital “D” on the underside.
Research into this pair has suggested a possible connection to the Orchies/Moulin des Loups pottery tradition in France, which produced Pierrot subjects and white craquelé ceramics. However, I have not located documentation connecting this exact model or the impressed “D” mark conclusively to Orchies.
For that reason, no specific maker or country of manufacture is being claimed. The pair is being offered as vintage Art Deco-style Pierrot bookends, with photographs of the impressed mark included for collectors to examine.
Measurements — each bookend
4 3/4\" long × 2 1/2\" wide4 5/8\" tall at the upright book supportApproximately 4 1/2\" tall at the top of the Pierrot\'s head
Condition
These are in exceptional vintage condition. I find no chips, cracks or repairs. There are some slight cracks throughout the are not part of the gray crackling finish that may or may not be from original manufacture. You can see them in the picture of the ends that face the books.
The extensive fine crackle pattern throughout both pieces is an intentional characteristic of the decorative craquelé glaze and is not damage. There may be very minor variations in coloration associated with age.
Green felt protective pads have been added to the undersides of both bookends to protect furniture and shelving. Some of these added pieces are coming loose and would require regluing. Please see photographs of the bases, including the small impressed “D” mark.
Sold as the matching pair.
A distinctive find for a collector of Pierrot memorabilia, vintage figural bookends, theatrical décor, craquelé ceramics or Art Deco-inspired decorative objects.
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