1960s Ceramic Soup Tureen By Robert Picault - 11¾"

Vibrant and full of mid-century character, this lidded soup tureen by Robert Picault is a joyful example of Vallauris ceramic artistry from the 1960s. Its rhythmic pattern of hand-painted blue crosses and hatched circles framed in emerald green stands out boldly against the soft white background and is notably original within the decorative styles of the period, which often favored more subdued, beige-toned palettes.

Picault (1919 - 2000), a close contemporary and collaborator of Picasso in Vallauris, developed a distinctive decorative language rooted in geometric repetition and saturated color. This piece, signed under the base with a large "RP", displays his characteristic clarity and balance, with crisp brushwork and a form that is both utilitarian and sculptural. The lively palette and confident design reflect a modernist spirit infused with Mediterranean warmth.

Whether used as a functional table piece or displayed on open shelving, this tureen adds an expressive accent to any kitchen, dining space, or collection of mid-century ceramics. Its form and surface together embody the energy and inventiveness of the Vallauris renaissance.