Pol Chambost (1906-1983), Corolle vase

Pol CHAMBOST (1906–1983),
“Corolle” vase, model no. 1056, circa 1955

Two-tone glazed earthenware, signed “Poterie Pol Chambost, Made in France” and numbered 1056 on the base.


Glazed earthenware vase resting on a slightly flared circular pedestal, designed with an asymmetrical silhouette featuring a wide, undulating opening reminiscent of a floral corolla.

The exterior is entirely coated with a satin-finish black glaze with deep iridescence, contrasting with an interior covered in a remarkable matte chartreuse-yellow glaze. The interplay between the two finishes highlights the continuous movement of the rim and accentuates the sculptural character of the composition.

The reverse bears the incised signature “Poterie Pol Chambost,” the inscription “Made in France,” and the model number 1056.


Analysis and commentary :

Created around 1955, Model 1056 ranks among the most iconic creations of Pol CHAMBOST, one of the leading figures in the postwar revival of French ceramics. Trained at the École des Arts appliqués in Paris, the artist began developing an original artistic language in the 1940s that broke with traditional forms in favor of free, biomorphic, and deeply sculptural silhouettes.

With this piece, CHAMBOST transcends the vase’s mere utilitarian function to create a true work of sculpture. The composition is built around a subtle balance between asymmetry and fluidity, where each curve seems to naturally extend from the one before it. The wide-open mouth evokes the movement of a blooming flower without ever veering into naturalistic representation.

The contrast between the satin-black exterior and the chartreuse-yellow interior is one of the most striking hallmarks of CHAMBOST’s work in the mid-1950s. Far from being a mere decorative effect, this chromatic contrast plays a key role in shaping the perception of volume: the dark enamel reinforces the power of the silhouette, while the luminous hue reveals the inner lines of the corolla and captures the light.

Model 1056 holds a special place in Pol CHAMBOST’s body of work. Regularly featured in major publications dedicated to the artist, it is now considered one of the most iconic forms in his repertoire. This recognition is also reflected on the international market, where fine examples of this model rank among the artist’s most sought-after creations.


Bibliography :

Philippe Chambost and Émilie Bonaventure, Pol Chambost. Sculptor-Ceramist (1906–1983), Somogy Éditions d’Art, Paris, 2006;

Philippe Chambost, Pol Chambost. From Small Series to One-of-a-Kind Pieces, Les Livres de l’Îlot, Paris, 2018;

Philippe Chambost, Pierre Marziano, and Alain Serpollet, 1947–2017. 70 Years of French Ceramic Art, Les Livres de l’Îlot, Paris, 2020.


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